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empreinte. 

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dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
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symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 

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et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

DOCUMENTS 


Rn.ATivK  TO  Tin; 


COLONIAL  HISTORY 


OP    THE 


STATE  OF  NEW-YORK; 


I'ROrutlRD    IV 


HOLLAND,  ENGLAND  AND  FRANCE, 


By 


JOHN  imiVM  BRODHKAD,  ESQ, 

ACKNT, 

llt'H.im.    .  v„  TRANSCRIBE  r.OC.r«KNT8  IN  EfROPK  UKI.AT.VK  TO 


AN  ACT  TO  APPOINT  AN  AfiKNT  TO 
ATIVK  TO  TIIR  COLONIAL  HISTORY 
•H-  THE  STATE,"  PASSED  MAY  2,  IslO. 


TiltllK.lf,       PtSSKI.  APIlll,    li,   IWlll.  IKrBlTIO> 


"IIINO  HP 
NTr- 


EIMTKII    IIT 


v..  n.  OTALLAGHAN,  M.  1).,  LL.  I). 


VOL.  VIIL 


ALBANY: 

Vrr.KD,    PARSO\rt    AND    <'OM!'ANY,    PIUNn:i!S. 
1•'^^)T. 


Volumes  III.,  IV.,  V.,  VI.,  VII.  and  IX.  of  this  work  were  published  under  the  direction  of  the  Governor, 
Secretaky  of  State  and  Comptroller  of  the  State  of  New- York ,  and  the  publicalion  has  been  completed 
under  the  authority  of  the  Ueoknts  of  the  University,  in  virtue  of  the  Act  of  the  Legislature  to  that  efl'ect, 
passed  April  12,  1856. 

The  Documents  in  Dutch  and  French  were  t-anslated  by  E.  B.  O'Oallaoiian,  M.  D.,  LL.  D.,  who  w.is 
employed  for  that  purpose,  and  to  superintend  the  publication  generally. 


TKANSCRIPTS  OF  DOCUMENTS 


QUEEN'S  STATE   PAPER  OFFICE;  IN  THE  OFFICE  OP  THE  PRIVY  COUNCIL,   IN  THE  BRITISH   MUSEUM- 
AND  IN  THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CANTERBURY  AT  LiMBEfH    if^NDON  ' 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI-XLVIL 


1768-1782. 


CONTENTS. 


17C8. 
•|M.u«ry       3.  Utter  of  .i„v,.r„„r  Mo.,r«  t«  ,he  Karl  of  Shelburne-l.ill,  of  cre.iit,  Jtu  ^*°' 

Ja.um,.y        6.  he.ter  of  ,he  Knri  of  Sl.ell.u.no  to  Sir  Willi,.,,,  Jol,„.,„--l„.lia„  Unuuhn  ". ' 

January      .,.  Lett,    of    „eute„„„l.,;ovo,.„„r  Cohio  to  the  liarl  of  Shelbur„e-di,Heulti,.  „„d  e,„b..rras-,  ct    1 

siMijei'teil  to, ^  "c  13 

January  23.  Lett,  of^the  KaH  of  uiNsboro.igh ;„  the «;;;;  "^        A," ;h;^";„  ;:i;'3p,;v,„;„;  ,,••;;; •,;,    * 

.)....,.ury     2fi.  Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the'  EaVl  of  SMburne-NewYork'acU, I 

J«.,..»,y      27.  Letter  of  Govei nor  Moore  to  the  Knrl  of  ^,|,elbun,e_,„iliti,.  r^gulntio,,," ! 

February    25.  Letter  of  the  Karl  of  l.ill,boro„,h  to  Governor  Moore-,:„;;,;i'  ^tnu;,;;;;;;  V^o^i^.^: \l 

el.nary   20.   .e.ter  of  Gove.nor  Moo.e  to  the  Lo.ds  of  T,„dc-aeU  of  the  A.s.u.bly.  *e  " 

March  5.  Letter  of  Governor  Moo,,  to  the  Ka.l  of  Shelburne-dimeulty  arUiog  out  of  claim"  o"f 'the  ■co."ma;d« 

of  the  I'orces  to  piecedence  on  all  occasions,  Ac    . .  '""naer 

Maich  7.  Letter  of  the  l-cd.  of  Trade  to  the  Koil  of  lliiW.oron^h " 

J.a,eh  7.  Ue,„.esent,uio„  of  the  Lords  of  Tra.ie  to  the  King,  up.n  the  geaeraV ;;.;«' ;f'lndia„'  affa'i.'.'.Va  U.         '" 

establishment  of  po.st^,  ic,  with  a  tnnp  . 

March         26.  Extract  fro,n  a  tr.aty  ,uade  at  .Mobile,  in  We,t  Florida,  with  the  Chiekasaws  and  Choctaw,,  settling  . 

boundary  line  between  them  nn.l  the  Knijli.h  ** 

Novem.,er  ,..  Extract  fron,  a  treaty  ,nade  at  Pieolata  i„  East  Florid.w;.^;  'ii,:  U^;;  CreJk  n.Uon.';:gui;,;ng  Z         " 

bo,.udary  bctweou  them  and  the  English  ..  6  b 

iiM.  ■ sa 

November  10.  Extract  from  a  treaty  n.ade  at  .Vugusta,  Georgia,  with  certain  Indian  tribes  regulating  the  boundary  l.na 
bitweeu  them  and  the  English..      ..                                                                =           o                       j  "uo 
1766.  84 

Uelober      19.  Extract  fioni  the  cesfiou  of  lands  by  the  Cherokces  to  South  w'arolino, 

1766.  84 

May  10.  Extract   of    a   letter    fro,u    Alexander    Cameron,    CommlMary   for   Injiau    Affair^  to   J.hn    Stuart 

Superintendent,  relative  to  the  line  between  the  Clierokees  and  North  Carolina 

1767.  ' "• 

''"l766        ^^    "^^'"^  "^  '  ''""  '"""  °°''""°''  '^'^"'^  '"  ^''«  ^"■•'*»  "'  T'-''J«  °"  "'«  I''Ji»n  boundary  line 34 

February      1.  Extract  of  a  letter  from  John  Stuart.  Superintendent  of  Indian  Atfair,  for  th«  .oulhern  district,  to 
the  Headman  of  the  Cherokees  informing  him  of  the  settlement  of  the  boundary  line  betweeu 
^,^^  Indiana  an't  English,  all  arouu.l  the  two  Florida*  and  Georgia, 

March         12,  Letter  of  the  Eail  of  Ilillsboionu'h  to  Governor  Moore-Canada  boundary  line-Lieutenant-Governor 

Coldeu's  pamphlet— New- York  iron  works 

Mareh         1 2,   Letter  of  the  Karl  of  llilisborongh  to  Sir  William  John.,on-Inai8ii  boundary! 35 

March         '■»•  Letter  of  sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Euil  of  Shelburue— Indian  alluii*...    . 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


1768. 

March 

12. 

BInreh 

14. 

April 

15. 

April 

15. 

April 

15. 

AprU 

21. 

April 

22. 

April 

25. 

Miy 

7. 

Mtty 

7. 

May 

7. 

May 

9. 

May 

12. 

May 

12. 

May 

U. 

May 

14. 

Jane 

11. 

Jnne 

16. 

Jane 

20. 

June 

21. 

Jnne 

22. 

Jnly 

4. 

July 

6. 

Jnly 

7. 

Jnly 

». 

July 


Angnst 
August 


11. 


July  20. 

August  1 3. 

August  1 2. 

August  12. 


Angnst 
August 
Augnst 
September  2. 
Oetober     12. 


PlSB. 

Proceedings  of  a  General  Cuugre»8  of  llio  t*ix  Nations,  Ac,  and  of  the  nations  of  Canada,  and  the 

Deputies  of  the  Cherokees,  before  Sir  William  Johnson 88 

letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  I.orils  of  Trade — Indian  affairs,  Ac 6» 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  llillshoroiigh  to  Governor  Moore — Assembly  of  New- York — militia,  act,  Ac, ....  66 
Letter  of  the  Earl  of  llilUhorough  to  tho  American  Governors — plan  for  the  management  of  Indian 

affairs, 65 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  HiUsborongh  to  Sir  William  Johnson— management  of  Indian  affairs,  Ac, t)7 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  the  Governors,  inclosing  copy  of  the  Massachusetts  letter  to  the 
different  Provinces,  and  instructing  him  to  prevail  on  the  Assembly  of  New-York  to  lake  no  notice 

of  it,  Ac, 68 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Lords  of  Trade — Conncil  vacancies, 69 

licUer  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Oolden  to  the  F.url  of  Uillsiiorougli— factions  in  New-York,  Ac 60 

Representation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  King,  upon  New-York  acts  respecting  qnartering  the 

regular  troops "S 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  tho  Fnrl  of  Hillsborough — state  of  the  Province 66 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough — nninnfaeturi'?,  Ac 66 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough— Lieuten     t-Governor  Coldcn's  case,   68 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough— seditiousund  inflammatory  associalionein  New- 
York,  Ac, fiS 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough — Indian  affairs, ■•••  69 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Eari  of  Hillsborough— paper  currency  in  New-York 73 

Letter  of  the  Enrl  of  Hillsborough  to  Governor  Moore— diffioulty  between   the  Governor  and    the 
Commander  of  the  Troops  on  the  score  of  precedence — his  Mnjeaty  has  no  intention  to  introduce  a 

military  government  into  the  Provinces,  Ac 73 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Sir  William  Johnson,  approving  his  conduct,  Ac 74 

Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Enrl  of  Hillsborough— factions  in  New- York— hardship  of 

his  case,  Ac 74 

Letter  of  Guy  .lohnson  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough — Sir  William  Johnson's  ill  health — Indian  transactions,  76 
Letter  from  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  the  Governors  in  America,  on  the  subject  of  alterations  in  their 

instructions,  Ac 17 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  the  Lords  of  Trade— mode  of  proceedh;gs  on  business 78 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough— Indian  affairs,  Ac, 78 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough — subdivision  of  Albany  county 79 

Letter  of  Governnr  Mome  to  the  Earl  of  Ilillsborongh — Miuwachusctts  litter,  Ac, 80 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Governor  Moore — new  county — Lieutenant-Governor  Coldcn's 

case — inflammatory  publications  in  tlie  Province — Indian  affairs,  Ac 81 

Letter  from  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  the  Governors— intelligence  from  the  Colonies  received  often- 
times by  private  persons  in  London,  long  before  it  is  by  Government, 82 

Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Karl  of  Hillsborough— reforms  in  the  Indian  department,  Ac,  . .  82 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Governor  ^.ocre 87 

Order  in  Conncil  confirming  the  boundary  line  between  New- York  and  tbs  Province  of  yuebcc 88 

Order  in  Council  approving  the  report  upon  a  representation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  of  7th  May  last, 

upon  the  New-York  act  of  6th  June,  17ii7,  Ac, 89 

Irfttcr  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  ti  Sir  William  Johnson— grant  of  mine^  Ac 91 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Eari  of  Uillsborongli- Kayaderosseras  patent— Indian  affairs— Fort 

Stanwix,  Ac 92 

Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Enri  of  Hillsborough— western  Indians— intrigues  of  the  French- 
boundary  line,  Ac, 93 

letter  of  Oovernor  Moore  to  the  Eari  of  HillsboronRh — ilisorders  to  be  apprehended  from  the  Home 

Oovemment  directing  the  Collector  at  .New- York  not  to  receive  anything  for  the  duties  but  silver, .  96 
Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Eari  of  Hillsborough — dispute  between  General  Gage  and  himself 

respecting  the  precedency  of  the  military  over  the  civil  power,  Ac, 97 

Letter  of  the  Eari  of  Ilillsborongh  to  the  Governors— letters  from  the  Secretaries  of  State  to  them  not 

to  be  communicated,  Ac, 100 

Letter  from  the  Eari  of  HilNborough  to  Governor  Moore- Indian  affairs— representation  of  the  new 

•uunty  •  privilege  to  be  derive-I  from  the  Royal  grace  and  favor,  Ao. 100 


CONTENTS.  ^,jj 

1768. 
October     12.  Letter  of  tl,e  Earl  of  nill.borough  to  Sir  Willmm  Johr,.on-Indi»n  cxpen.es-bound.ry  line-po.t..  4e        m 
October      19.  Utter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  HilUboro.igb-boundary  Initween  New-York  and  Canada,  103 

October      23.  Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  U.  .b«  Earl  of  Hillslmrough-mocting  with  the  Indians  at  Fort  Stan- 

wix — procee>lings,  Ac , 

November    -,.  Lotter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  HillfboronglV-lcanadVan  boundary,  il,'. '.'.'.["".". 107 

November  16.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Governor  Moore-Parliamentary  addre8»-Aaent  of  New-York 

at  Lundon,  Ac, 

November  15.  Letter  of  the  Ea.l  of  Ilill.boronglV.o  si;  Viin;™'  ■johnVo"n-F;enVh  in'tnguea'wiu;  'th^  indkn,;  .■.■.■.■;.■       1^9 
November  18.  Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  „o 

November    6.  I-roeeeding,  at  a  tr.aty  held  by  Sir  William  Johnson  with'theSix  NaUotiJ,  ando"ther'lndVan  trVl-^'at 

tort  btanw.x,  in  the  months  of  October  and  November,  to  settle  a  boundary  line  1 1 1 

November   8.  Deed  executed  at  Fort  Stanwix.  this  day.  by  the  Indians,  deter.nining  the  boundary  line' between  them 

and  the  English,     

Map  of  the  frontier  of  the  Northern  Colonies,  with  the  bou'ndar'y  line"  Mtabliihed  bet'w'een  them  "and 

the  Indians,  at  the  treaty  held  at  Fort  Stanwix,  November,  1708  ...  107 

November  22.  Report  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Committee  of  Privy  Council,  on  New" York  "aeis  '.'."". ,38 

December  lU.  Letter  of  the  Eail  of  HilUborough  to  Governor  Moore-Canada  boundary   Ac    .  133 

December  16.  Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  llillsborougli-military  poeu  on    the  northern  frontie"rll 

communications,  ilc 

December  23.  Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  "the"  E"a"ri  ■o"f"iiiil"sb"orough"-l'eopp"er"  mi'„"ea"on"L.ke"sup„"ior-effect  "o'f      "" 

grant*,  Ac, 

1769.  140 

January        4.  Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  F.«rl  of  Hillsborough-dissolution  of  the  As,embly-f«itiou.  conduct- 

"  Sons  of  Liberty."  <tc..   

January        4.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Sir  Wilii"am"johnl^n-"the"King"ii  sorry "he"h"a"sno"t"«"dl",e're'd  "to 

his  instructions  as  to  the  Indian  boundary,  which  now  gives  too  much  territory  to  the  English  Ac         144 
January        7.  Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough-Governor  Moore's  conduct-fac- 
tions in  New-Vork.  Ac. 

January      20.  Letter  of  Governor  .Moore  to  the  Earl  of  ilillsborongh-proceedings  of  the  last  Assembly"  &c HJ 

Januni-j-      21.  Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsl.orough-Mr.  James  Delancey's  refusal  to  serve  as  a 

lULMiibur  of  Council— Mr.  Liviugt.wi  recciinmeulij ,^g 

January      27.  Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  E.ul  of  iniUborough-i;,«nts  of  lan.I  wil'biii"  new"  "bo'u'mlary". "ic I4.J 

February     15.   Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Karl  of  llillsborough-Indian  expenses-boundary  line-plan  of 

the  Lords  of  Trade.  Ac 

February    25.  UHt.r  of --ir  William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Ilillshorough-Freach  intrigues^ 'ie., !!!!.. .' 15^ 

March  I.   l...tier  ot  the  E^rl  of  Hillsborough  to  Governor  Moore-condiiot  of  the"  As^mbly-l^town  at  Crowa 

I 'flint,  tit*  proposed,  Ao 

March  1.  L,.tt.r  of  the  Lord,  of  Trade  to  Governor  Moore-Jay's  elaim  to  lands  in  New-Vork,  a1 155 

March         24.  Letter  of  the  i:«rl  of  HilUborough  to  Governor  Moore-conduct  of  the  Asserably-thl  Kingdisap'p"ro"Teii 

thiir  petition  as  inconsistent  with  the  Constitution,  Ac ,., 

March         30.  U-tter  of  (Jovernor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  HiHsborough-AssemUy "o"f".\e*.Yor"k"-Ageni"i„"Ei",giand" Ac'       157 
Apnl  '»•  ''^■"'"•"f'iuvernor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Ilil|8t,orouah— conduct  of  the  Assembly  '       '      j.- 

Apiil  2.5.  liepiesentatiou  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  King,  upon  Sir  William  Johnson's  Jreaty  wi'tl"i"t"he"  indiaus' 

at  Fort  Stanwix 

'  jKg 

May  II-  Letter  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Commiitee  of  I'rivy  Council ,,,. 

May  13.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  the  Governors  in  America-the  present  Administratioa'have'no 

intentiui  of  taxing  America,  hut  on  the  contrary  they  propose  to  take  oH'  certain  dutiea,  Ac 164 

May  l.t.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Governor  Moore— granls  of  Indian  1-nds,  Ac .' *  la 

May  Lt.  LetUrof  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Sir  William  Johnsou-the  King'.inetructions'upon  the  lato  bound- 

ary  treaty,  Ae ^^^ 

May  20.  Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  IlilUborou-h— bills  passed  at  the  late  session,.'.'!  ."„'.'.'..".. .  16« 

May  29.   Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsboiough-bilis  rejected  at  the  late  session 169 

June  3.  Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  llillsborough-resolulious  of  the  Assembly-publication  of 

letters  from  England— their  incendiary  U'ndency,  Ac j^g 

Jnno  7.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Go>ernor  Moore— Agent  in  England,  Ac 171 

June  26.  Utter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough-snrrender  of  the'  additional'  Indian  ces". 

sion— reasons  for  his  conduct- French  at  Detroit,  Ac 17 j 


viii 


CONTENTS. 


1769. 

May  11. 

July  J). 

July  11. 


Julv 


J  5. 


July  1 ;). 

August.        10. 
August        21. 

August       'iC. 

Septemlicr  11. 
September  IS. 

October  4. 

November  4. 

December  4. 

December  4. 

December     9. 

December  IG. 

December  21. 

December  28. 

1770. 

Jnmnry  4. 

Januflry  fi. 

Jauuiiry  6. 

.Tnnimrv      18. 


February 

8. 

February 

10. 

February 

17. 

February 

21. 

Afri! 

11. 

April 

14. 

April 

14. 

April 

25. 

MftV 

Irt. 

June 

12. 

July 

July 

.T.ilv 


10. 
11. 


Paot. 

Draft  of  adilitional  instructions  to  the  tJovernora  in  America  resiiecting  lotteried, 171 

Atblitional  instructions  to  (iovernor  .Moore,  respecting  lands  near  Luke  Cbamptain, 176 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  tbo  Karl  of  Hillsborough — resolves  of  the  Virginia  Assembly — Boston^ 

fcareity  of  money,  A'C. 175 

Letter  of  the  KnrI  of  Hillsborough  to  Governor  Moore — the  King's  regret  at  llic  course  of  the  New- 
York  Assembly — t^overnor  Jloorc's  coniluot  not  approved,  Ae 176 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Karl  of  llillsborougli — King's  speech — its  etl'ect,  Ac. 177 

Letter  of  Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Ilillsborongh — lanils  on  the  l^^onnectieut,  Ac 178 

Letter  of  Sir  William  .lolmson  to  ilie  Earl  of  llillsborougli — further  e.Yplnnation  of  his  conduct  at  the 

Fort  Stanwix  Congress, 179 

Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough — account  of  his  transactions  among  the  Six 

Nations,  in  June — French  intrigues — Detroit,  Ac. 183 

Letter  of  I'hilip  Livingston,  ,!r.,  to  the  l-^arl  of  IIillsl)orough — death  of  Governor  Moore  this  day,  Ac.,.  187 
Letti'l'  of  Lieuteunnt-Governor  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough — lias  assumed  the  administjntion  of 

government  in  consequence  of  Governor  Moore's  death,  Ac., 188 

Let'er  of  LieuteiinntGovernor  Golden  to  the  I'.url  of  Hill.-boi'on<;li — paper  currency  bdl,  Ac IHSt 

Letter  of  the  F.ail  of  llillsboroUi;h  to  Lieutenant  Governor  Golden — bills  of  credit,  Ae HHI 

Letter  of  Lientenant-tToVernor  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough — temper  of  the  people,  Ac Ittl 

Letter  of  JuiIltc  Uobert  II.   Livingston  to  the  Earl   of  Ilillsliorough — vote  of  the  Asfcuibly  declaring 

judges  incapable  of  serving  in  their  Louse,  Ac 102 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  LientenaiitGoveriior  Golden — bills  of   credit — Lord  Dunmore 

appointe.l  Governor  of  New-York,  Ac, 193 

Letter  of   Lieutenant-Governor   Golden  to  the  iCar'  of  Hillsborough— disposition  of  the  members  of 

Assembly,  Ae 1 U8 

Uepiesentation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  King,  on  the  non-importation  resolutions  of  the  Assembly 

of  New-York  of  the  lOlb  of  April  last lut 

Kepresentnlion  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the   Committee  of  the  Privy  Council,  upon  the  New- York 

paper  currency  bill,  Ac lO,-, 

Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  Hi    sborough— New  Hampshire  grnnt.^ Ulii 

Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Lonls  of  'I'nole — liills  of  ereilit,  A-e l;m 

Letter  of  Liculenait-Governnr  ("olden  to  the  Fail  of  HiliRbori'Ugli— "Sons  of  Liberty"— t.iuper  of  the 

people — bills  of  credit,  Ae jtjy 

Letter  of  the  Eiirl  of  11  ll-borouL'li  to  l.ieutenant-Gov.rnor  Golden  — the  King  is  disiilensed  at  bis  con- 
duet  in  referenee  to  his  speeeb  to  the  A6seni\>ly,  and  to  the  net  for  liilla  of  credit,  Ae. 2ii! 

Reprci-eutation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  King — New- York  law  forl>ills  of  er<  dii, -^u^ 

Letter  of  Sir  William  .lobiison  to  the  Earl  of  llillsborougli— .suutbern  and  western  Indinns— (^mgress 

proeeedintr^i,  Ac, 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Lieiiteniiiit-Governor  Golden — displeasure  o(  the  Kin"  at  his 
assenting  to  the  bi!l-of  credit  law — the  same  disallowed  by  order  in  C'ouncil,  Ac 

Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough — \z"  i  passed  at  the  late  session 

judges'  bill — Indian  trade — slate  of  parlies  and  factions  in  New-York,  tic 

Representation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  King — New-York  net  incapacitating  judges  from  sitting  in 
the  Assembly 

Letter  of  the  Furl  of  Hillsborougli  to  Lieiuenant-Governor  Golden— Kin;;  displeased  at  his  assenting  to 
tlie  juilges'  exclusion  bill— doubts  of  the  goo.i  of  a  Congress  to  regulate  Indian  trade,  A'c 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Sir  Wi'linm  Johnson  — concern  of  the  King  at  the  position  of 
In  lian  affairs — Congress— policy  of  the  Aniciienn  Cohuiies,  Ac, 

Letter  of  Lieulenant-tiovernor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough— explanation  of  his  conduct,  Ac,. 

Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  llillsborougli— state  of  parties  in  New-Yolk,  Ae  , 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  llillsborougli  to  Lieutenant-Governor  Golden- observations  on  hia  conduct— judges' 
ex.-Iusion  bill  disallowed— act  of  Parliament  for  bills  of  credit,  Ae , . 

Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough— judges'  exclusion  bill— Indian 
trade — factions^lisorders  in  the  Colonics— nonimportation,  Ac, 

Letter  of  Lieutennnt-Govetnor  GoMen  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough— non-importation 

Letter  of  Mr.  Alexander  Golden  (  Postmaster  at  New  York)  to  .Mr.  Anthony  Todil— factions  in  New- 
York 


203 

20(', 

211(1 

210 

211 
212 
214 

215 

216 
218 

21S 


CONTENTS. 

1770. 

July  7.  Letter  of  Genornl  Gage  to  I'oatma.ter  CoUlen.  .uthorizioK  him  to  detain  the  packet. ^'Z 

Jalj  12.  Utter  of  Sir  \Villi„,n  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  IIill,borough-pr«po.e.]  Congrew  of  the  lndUu,-^J,a 

of  Indian  Koods—difooiiteiiU  of  "le  Indians,  &e  ... 
July  16.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  the  Ear.  of  D„„,„„;c;inci;,iVg  h^tVuctioo^  4;.:'f„;go;;;nm;;; 

of  New-^  ork ■        o 

Aug«.t  u  Letter  of  Sir  wiiiian,  john.on  to'ti,;  ;i;ri;rHm.b;;;;gh-c;;g;;,;wuh'ti.Vind;.;;:;:  ^ ! ! :;;  i]   '" 

July  23.  1  roeeed,ng,  at  a  treaty  with  the  Six  Nation,  and  other  Indian,,  held  at  the  upper  .ettlement,,  near 

the  f.erman  Hats,  in  .luly,  1770,  l.y  Sir  William  .lohnson,  Haronet.  ,,, 

A«g«.t  18.  Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Ilill,horo„gh-„ct'  of' I'arliame.t' for"  billVof 
cred,t-,r.ug„r«l,onof  the  equ.etrian  gilt  ,t«t„e  of  the  King,  in  a  square  near  tU.  Fort-great 
joy  on  the  occasion— procession,  Ac, .  " 

8.pten,b.r28.  Se  rot  circular  letter  of  the  Karl  of  Hillsborough  to  'th^'GoVeVnor..'  4c".'  'in  'North'  A'n>;;i'c'.'-:'„„;i'ik.       '" 
preparations  against  Spain— security  of  the  Colonies 

October       a.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to   Sir  Willi.™  Johnson'l.^x'ieiy ';;  ■G;;;;:m';„'t'  ab'o'u't'  ind'i.n       '*' 

October     2...  Letter  of  the  Larl  of  Dunmore  to  the  Earl  of  llill.borough-l...  arrived  at  New-York.  and  is  plea    i 

with  his  reception.  Ac. 

November  10.  Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Coiden 'to'^hJ'Ea'ri  of 'Hili,'i;,;r'o'ugh-U;d'nunm'o're'."d';m.;d"o'f'.       '" 

""'^'y  °f  l''"  Pwqxiaites.  Ac,  of  the  government  of  New-York,  Ac  oxa 

November  12.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dunmore  to  the  Earl  of  Ilillsborougl.-situatioa  of  aff.i'rllc^bny'on  'the  Ohiol 

folly  of  the  scheme,  Ac 

NovcmberlS.  Letterof  the  Earlof  Hillsborough  i:,  ^r  ^man^'j^A^riniZ^ii^  c;;^;^^' :„i;^-;^;-^{^;:-       '" 

advantagea  and  results,  Ac 

November  16.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  the  GovernoM-l'ndiln'tr'a'de  ".'. !!! 

December    3.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  the  Attorney  .„d  S„licitor-Gcner„li;;„",;';m'b'a',^;'b;'l"«'id'on 

ships  in  the  porta  of  th«  Colonies,  and  if  so,  how(. 

December    4.  Report  of  the  Attorney  and  Solicitor-Generals  in  reply  to  th^'E,".;!'  ;f 'H'il'ub;;;,',gh-'.  I'c;,';;,:; '. "     Jjs 

December    6.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Uunmore  to  the  Earl  of  Uill,borough_Lieutena,t-Governor  Colden's  refusal  '»; 

pay  over  the  moiety  of  the  perquisites,  Ac,  . . 
December    5.  Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Uil'ubm'^^gh-Eari  "o'f" Du'nm'o'r; 's'  bill  Vn  c'h'a'n. 

eery,  against  him,  for  half  of  the  peniuisitcs,  Ac 
December    0.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dunmore  to  the  Earl  of  UUlsb'orough-defen'celJss'sU;;  'of'  N.wiY'o'rk-dls'o'r'de'r. 

in  the  Province.  Ac 

December  21.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough',^,' ;i;;  ■g;;:;„o™'  in  'Am^e'ri^a-rVcnii;;  for"  'th'eVo'r^;,'*;." " .' Z 

December  11.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  the  Earl  of  Dunmore-the  King  has  appointed  him  «o;;™;;'o"f 

V  irgiDia,  «tc., 

1771.  ■ 2«0 

January      18.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dunmore  to  the  Earl  of  IlilUborougU-regulation  of  the  Indian  trade-.hould  be 

made  by  I'urliuinent,  Ac 

February    18.  Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  ihe'  fii.^  ^i^'iliiubiiio^ghlihieat^ned  aliii.ni,eof  thV  n^rth^m  'and       '"' 

southern  Indians-consequences  to  be  apprehended,  Ac 

March  9.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dunmoie  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough-judges'  seats'  in   ih; '  A's;;m'b'ly'-"i;.d'ian 

allairs-New  Hampshire  grants-disorders  in  that  quarter,  Ac ,04 

April  2.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dunmore  to  the  Ea-l  of  HilUborough-Colonel  Brad-treefs  grant  'o'u't  'of  ihe 

^      Uardcnberg  patent-there  are  not  ton  families  settled  on  the  patent  at  this  time.  Ac,.  967 

May  4.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Uie  Governor  of  New-York-A.semb!y  of  New-York-Geriiian 

I  rotes'aiit  volunteers— disorders  in  the  northeast,  Ac. 

May  4.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Sir  William  Johu.on-no.-i'nterferen'c'e"i'„'ihe'dis'p'utci,'of" 'the 

Indians  the  best  policv.  Ac.     . 
1772.  270 

May  21.  Representation  o.  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Committee  of  I'rivy  Council-Trinity  Church  quit-rents 

for  lands,  Ac. 

1771.  271 

June             6.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  ...vernor  Trjon-N.w  Hampshire  granU-Colon.l  Br.dstreef. 
grant,  Ac., 

V0L.VIII.  B *^' 


^.       V 


CONTENTS. 


1771. 

Jane 

6. 

July 

3. 

Mr 

0. 

July 

9. 

August 

0. 

Angus' 

9. 

July 

10. 

September 

2. 

December 

4 

Deceii.''er 

4. 

December 

23. 

1772. 

lunuary 

9. 

February 

1. 

March 

6. 

April 

4. 

April 

11. 

April 

18. 

Jan* 


Jan* 

3. 

Jnn* 

4 

Jan« 

29. 

July 

1. 

Auguit 

14. 

Au^'Uit 

31. 

July 

30. 

tlppt-^.ber 

1. 

Septcml'iT 

2. 

September 

2". 

October 

T, 

Novoiiiber 

,1. 

November 

4. 

November 

/, 

Kovember 

'• 

NoTi'.ilbi'P 

12. 

N'oveiiiuer 

2ii. 

i)e,'imbur 

1. 

Dtoin.bcr 

1. 

Deoiiibir 

n. 

Ueoember 

K. 

Deci-niber 

9. 

I'vcer'  tier 

V. 

D.ci  iiilii-r 

^(i. 

1713. 

Jniiuiiry. 

Jfldtiiiry 

IS 

tVbrinrjr 

3 

PAOt 

Represnntalion  of  the  Lords  of  Trode  to  the  Comn.lttee  of  Privy  Council— New  Hampshire  grants  of 

land,  Ac. 272 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  the  Governor  of  New-York— laws  of  New- York 277 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dunmcre  to  vhe  Earl  of  Hillsliorongh— no»ernor  Tryou's  arrival,  Au. 278 

Letter  of  Governor  tryou  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough — has  ossunicil  the  guvcrnnient  of  New-York,  itc,  278 

Letter  of  Governor  Tiv  n.  to  the  Earl  of  Uillshoroui;h — addrjsses  and  answers, i79 

Letter  of  Sir  William  JohuKon  to  the  Enrl  of  Ilillsborougb — Indian  affiiirs, 280 

Proceedings  of  Sir  VV  illir.ni  Johnson  with  the  Sit  Nation?,  at  Johnson  Hall, 282 

Latter  of  Governor  Try  on  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough- -^uiroijate's  appointment, iSi 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Governor  Tryon — granta  of  lands  in  New-York,  Ac 284 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  toSirWiU'am  Johnson — Indian  affairs, 286 

Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  Colonel  Bradstre jt— his  grant  on  the  Lelaware, £87 

Letter  oi  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Enrl  of  .Ii;,»borougb— Congress  to  settle  a  plon  for  the  Indian  trade,.  288 
Draft  of  additional  instruction  to  tho  Govercora  in  America — lows  in  the  Colonies  for  the  attachment 

of  property,  if. 288 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  liillsboron^h — explanition  ol  his  conduct,  ic 280 

Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough— Indian  ntfairs  -vest  and  couth 290 

Letter  of  Governor  "'lyon  to  the  Earl  >.f  Hillsborough — granting  of  Lnds, 293 

Letter  of  the  Eiirl  of  liillsborough  to  Governor  Tryon— Colonel  Br.  Istreet'^  claim— proceedings  of  tho 

Asaambly— Colonel  Woodhull,  Ac 294 

U«;>resenl,ation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  ti.  the  Committee  of  Piivy  Conncil — nol'ege  at  New-York— quit- 
rents,  «BC. ; . .    296 

Letter  if  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Hi  'isborou«'.i— New  Hampshire  granU'  riota, 298 

Letter  of  f'overnor  Tiyon  to  tho  E:\i-1  of  Hillsborough — Jiu'ge  Livingston's  case,  Ac 299 

Letter  of  Sir  William  .lohnjun  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsbiirough— o  te  of  Itamsay,  Ac. SOD 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Hillaborough  to  i^ir  William  Johnson — Indian  trouble) — remarks,  Ac 808 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Anietican  Oovornoia,  on  his  being  appointed  Colonial  Secretary,  303 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  tho  Earl  of  HillBborough— Indiaa  ('o!/grcis« 303 

rroci'edi--,'B  of  Sir  Wil  ia;ii  ,Iolin»on  v. 'il,  llu- lamijolmi  io  ludiiiiis.  atJoUnson  Hall 3li4 

Lett  'r  of  iMivernor  Tryon  tlu-  L«il  of  llill<lioroii:li— Canada  claiiiMiicts 310 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Duitinoutli  to  Sir  William  Johiuor.-  ^..ft laments  on  Indian  Land* 811 

Letter  of  the  Karl  of  Hartn:  lut'i  to  Sir  William  Johnson  —Uniiisnv's  case,  Ac 311 

I.otter  ol  (iovirnor  Tiyon  to  tho  tarl  of  liilUborough- troubles  at  I^.-uington,  Ao. 313 

Icitcr  of  Sir  Willi'.ni  Johnso-i  to  il.e  Enrl  of  Daituiouth — oongratulationa, SIS 

Letter  of  Sir  Williiiu  Johnson  to  the  Eail  of  Dartmoiilli~Uauu«;i'!.  cas-i— Indian  troublei  A^ 314 

Letter  of  tlw  Earl  of  DarUnjulh  to  Governor  Tryon— lands  on  tho  Molmwk— Franch  clai'iia— their  jua- 

li.-.,  Ac 817 

l.«iter  of  Judge  Livingston  to  tho  Earl  of  Dartmouth— hi»  exclusion  from  a  i."at  in  the  Asaonibly,  being 

a  judg",  Ac ill 8 

Minute  -r  Mr  E<l:i'.iin<l  Uurke'a  app«aranc«  before  the  *  onla  ofTrad*.  about  the  Canada  grantt,  Ac.,. . .  820 

Uepresi'iiUitioii  of  the  I.onls  of  Trade  to  the  I'rivy  ('ouiieil—IIowanr»  grant, 1121 

Letter  of  (iovernor  Tryon  to  the  Coniin,!i.e.' of  I'rivy  Council— Mr  I'Utke's  case  in  reference  to  the  rrgit- 

try  of  the  I'lerognlivc  Court, 822 

Lelt.r  of  l.ieuti'nant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Itr.rtmouth— hardship  of  his  oa«»> 827 

li.  picfeiilalion  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Committe*  of  Privy  Council— ease  of  tli«  I  .oublei  on  the 

eai'tern  boundary  nf  N«\v-Vork,  Ac ''30 

i  elter  of  the  I'jirl  of  Dartin.iuth  to  GovcTnor  Tryon  — .New  Jersey  boundary— Canada,  Ac, 337 

I.ettiT  of  Uie  Ear'  of  Dartmouth  !••  Go»«rnor  Tryon— Nvw  Ilaiiipi<hire  grant*'  trouble?, 838 

Letter  of  ll'.o  Earl  i:f  Dnrunoulh  to  Uov^ruor  Tryon,  eenturing  severely  hiacutiduet  rMpeoting granting 

1  in.U,  Ac,     S39 

Letter  of  Sir  Willijiii  Johnson  to  the  Eail  of  Uartinuuth— temper  of  tli«  Indians,  te 840 

Letlir  of  (Juverni'r  Trjon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— militia  In  .N'ewVork 311 

Letter  of  <.overnor  Tryon  to  the  Karl  of  Daituiouth-  granting  landt,  Ac, !'4'i 

Uttrr  of  the  Karl  ol  Dartmouth  loG.inruiir  ri)on--llardenberg  pat'hl— Colonil  Uradstreet's  grant— 

Ct;'.!!evl!::!i!.  1?  0.,.....,  =  ........■■  =  .,  =  ,. »-. • '*'' 


CONTENTS. 


1773. 


Fel.nmry  3.  Letter  of  the  Karl  of  Dttrtmonth  to  I.iciitennnt-Oovernor  ColJon-no  salaries  for  Lieiitcnant-Oovernors, 

February      3.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Durtmoutli  to  Sir  William  Johnson-regulation  of  the  In.lian  trad.,  Ac., 

February     7.  Letter  of  Oovcrnor  Tryon  to  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth-New  Jersey  boundary  line .'..., 

February      8.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth-explanations  of  his  conduct. ....,'." 

February  20,   Letter  of  Chief  Justice  Ilorsraan.len  to  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth-Commissioners  at  Rhode  Island  . . 

Jebruary  26.  Letter  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  Governor  Tryon-observations  on  New-York  bills  for  law. 

March  8.  Letter  of  the  F.arl  of  Dartmouth  to  (iovernor  Tryon-militia-Indian  purchases-Champlain  g.-.nts- 

Connecticut,  Ac, 


April 
April 
April 
April 
Apnl 
April 
April 
May 

my 
M«y 

Jttn« 
Jan* 
Jnti* 


: .  Order  in  Council  prohibiting  all  Rrnnts  of  land  until  otherwise  instructed 

10.  Letter  of  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth  t«  Governor  Tryon-Connecticut  »nd  New  Jerecy  "boundaries  Ac      " " 
10.   Letter  of  the  Karl  of  Dartn.outh  to  Governor  Tryon- settlement  of  the  New  Hampihire  srants 

10.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Darttr.oulh  to  Sir  William  Johnson-confederacy  of  the  savages,. .. . . . .' 

22.  Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  F.arl  of  Dartmouth-Indian  transactions,. .. .    ........      '. 

10.   Proceeilingaof  Sir  William  Johnson  with  the  Six  Nations,  at  Johnson  Hall,....'.    ............... 

SO.  Letter  of  Sir  William  John.ion  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— government  on  the  Ohio,  Ac,  ........... 

1.   Utter  of  Governnr  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— New- York  acta, '...!......... 

3.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Km  I  of  Dartmouth— grants  of  lands 

6.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth-destruction  of  fort  at  Crown  Point^' 
81.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth-Commissioners  at  Hartford, ..."..."' 

1.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— militia  of  New- York ' .    ". 

2.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon— land  titles— boundaries,  Ac 

3.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth-Indian  purch.ses-modo  of  obtaining  grants- 
observations, 

5.  I.etter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dnrtmoulh 

2.   An  abstract  of  the  state  of  the  militia  in  the  Province  of  New-York,  1773 

15.  Letter  of  Edmund  Hurke,  Agent  of  New- York,  to  Secretary  Pownnlllbear'ing' oil" the  Canadian  grani^ 

1.  Representation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Committee  of  Privy  Council-General  lirad.treefs  claim 

1.  Ix.tter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartnmuth-difBcultiee  in  New-York  respecting  grant,  of 

land— review,  at  length,  of  the  whole  subject,    

Ij.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon— approval  of  his  conduct "..!!!...,!'...! 

6.  Letter  of  the  Eiirl  of  Dart.ii.iuih  to  the  Governors  in  North  America 

8.  Heads  of  ii.ipiiry  rebitive  to  the  present  slate  of  the  American  Coloiiiea, .!!".'..!!..!".. 

«.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Ij»,I  .,f  Daitmoulh-Governors  appointing  ebaplainv". .."."..."!! .'.'." 

23.   I.-tter  of  Chief  ."lu.iee  llortmiinden  to  the  Earl  nf  Dai  tmouth— affair  of  the  Gaspee 

4.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  DartUKnith  to  Governor  Tryon-graiils  of  lands  in  New  York-the  King  deiires 
him  lo  come  to  England  to  give  explanations  on  the  subjeet, 

4.   Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Sir  William  .lobnsnn-approval  of  his  conduct  in  respect  to  the  Sii 

Nations,  Ac 

August       31.   Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth-grants  of  lands,.......'...*."...'.'.....".',' 

September    1.   Letter  of  QoTernor  Tryon  to  Wsjor-Oeneral  llaMimand-New  Ilamphire  rioter«-«sk.  for  «  military 

force,    

September    1.   Letter  of  .Major-General  llaldimaiid  t*.  Oovernor  Tryon -op->osed  lo  the  eniployment  of  regular  Iroopi 

lo  suppress  the  riots,  Ae 

BeptemberlJ.   Letter  of  Sir  William  Johns.m  lo  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— English  on  the  Ohio,  Ae.'. ......... .'...,.. 

October        1.   Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  lo  the  Earl  of  Darlmoiilh-necewiity  for  the  appointment  of  a  Master  of  the 

Rolls 

October       a.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Darlmoulli-Indian  land  |nii^eha.e.-i»g,il'.("lou.  for  li."e  nuit- 
rents, 

October      14    Letter  of  the  Earl  of  I>nrim..iiih  to  (iovernor  Try.m-NewVork  acts  disallowed '.'.........!! 

Oclobar      14,   Letter  ,.f  the  Kail  of  J.nrlmouth  lo  Governor  Tryon-lhe  King  disapproves  ealling  o'utth. "regular 

troops,  iinirs*  in  eases  of  unavoidable  necessity 

Oeluber      •;«    U-tter  of  <l,„er.mr  Tryon  to  ().,rernor  Penn,  ihforniing  him  how  he  Intendi  making  up  "the  iVepoii 

on  the  SUla  of  the  Province  of  NewYork 

October      S8    Letter  of  ihe  Earl  of  Iimtmoiilh  In  Governnr  Tryon-maiidales  for  laiuU  ,.,..!...!!..",...  1  "  |    ] 
November    3.  Letter  nf  (!.,„rnnr  Tryon  to  the  Fjirl  of  D»rtniouth-ferme„l  in  New  York  respecting  "liiei'mporlalion 

uf  lea 


Jan* 
Jna* 
Jan* 
Mf 
Mf 

Jot/ 
My 
My 
My 

Aiiitust 
August 


347 
343 
349 
350 
3. 50 
354 

3-6 
357 
358 
359 
360 
361 
362 
3ii8 
.169 
370 
871 
371 
372 
372 

373 
377 
377 
378 
378 

380 
8S7 
S88 
388 
389 
390 

391 

892 
392 

.194 

395 
S9,S 

397 

397 
398 

399 

899 
4iH) 


zii 


CONTENTS. 


1"3.  p^ot 

November  26.  Letter  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Committee  of  Piivy  Council, 401 

NoTember  25.  Additional  instructions  to  the  Governurs  in  America,  respecting  grants  of  lands, , 401 

December    1.  Letter  of  Secretary  I'ownall  to  tlie  Governors  in  North  America,  .    402 

November  24.  Additional  instructions  to  the  OoTernors,  i&c,  against  passing  acta  of  naturalization, 402 

December    1.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryoa  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— linding  of  t ,     Ac, 402 

December    1.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— seeds  of  civil  war  growing,  . , 408 

December    1.  Letter  of  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth  to  Sir  William  Johnson — critical  situation  of  Indiau  affairs— intrigues,  Ac,  404 

December  16.  Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— conference  with  the  Six  Nations— Indians  » 

taken  to  England 405 

December  81.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— conflagration  at  Fort  George,  407 

1774. 

January       3.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— tea  trouble*, 407 

January       8.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon— troubles  in  New- York  respecting  tea— instruc- 
tions to  General  llaldirnand 4Qg 

February     6.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon — it  is  the  King's  firm  resolution  to  take  effectual 

measures  to  secure  the  dependence  of  the  Colonics,  Ac 409 

February     fi.  Letter  of  the  Eurl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Governors  in  America,  Ac.— grants  of  land 409 

Februory     3.  Additional  instructions  respecting  the  future  granting  of  lands, 410 

March  2.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth   to  tJovernor  Tryon — no  tinal   resolution  yet  taken  respecting   the 

troubles  in  America,  Ac.,. ...    4J3 

March         21.  Representation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  liie  Committee  of  Privy  Council — register  of  wills  in  New-York,  418 

April            6.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon— his  coming  to  EnglanJ, 415 

April            6.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Sir  William  Johnson — Kloch's  affair,  Ac 4I6 

April            7.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— is  about  to  embark  for  Englrnd 417 

April           18.  Order  in  Council  reinstating  George  Clarke,  E«<|.,  in  his  office  of  Register  of  New-York 417 

April  17.  Letter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  recommending  his  son-in-law,  Colonel  Ouy 

Johnson,  to  succeed  him  in  case  of  his  ileath 4I9 

M»7              2.  Let«er  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Eurl  of  Dartmouth— Indian  affairs— French  intrigues,  Ao 421 

April          22.  Proceedings  of  Sir  Widiara  Johnson  with  the  Si»  Nations,  Ac,  at  Johnson  llall 424 

May  4.  Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— return  of  Captain  Lockyer  with  his 

tea  ship  to  Knglanil,  Ac, 43  j 

Mky  12.  Letter  of  Secretary  I'ownall  to  Secretary  Robinson,  respecting  arrears  of  salary  of  the  late  Governor 

Clinton,  of  New- Y  ork ^32 

June             1.  Letter  of  Lieutenant  (Governor  Colden  to  the  Karl  of  Dartn'.outli-lioston  port  act— measures,  Ac 433 

June            11.  Letter  of  Governor  Trvou  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth, 434 

June  11.  Kei>ort  of  (iovemor  Tryon  on  certain  heads  of  inquiry  relative  to  the  state  of  New- York,  with  appen- 

<lio«»i 434 

iti. 

(let  .ber      22.  Letter  from  Sir  William  Johnson  to  GuTernor  Tryon,  about  his  de|i«rtmenl 450 

1774. 

June           20.  I.«tter  of  Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— Ohio  Indian 4,19 

March           8.  Extract  from  the  Journal  of  Mr.  MeKee,  Sir  William  Johnson's  Resident  Agent  on  the  Ohio, , . . .  48i 

March          8.  Private  intelligence  from  a  Shawanese  Indian,  reeeive.l  by  Mr.  MeKre ^fj 

July  8.  I-etter  of  the  ICarl  of  Dartmouth  to  Lieutenant  Governor  Colden— licentious  spirit  in  New-York— forts 

at  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga, .(ja 

July              6.  fritter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Sir  William  Johnson— Indian  prisoners— settlements  on  the  Ohio,  4t!H 
July              8.  Letter  of  Lieutenanttiov.^rn.  -  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— appointment  t)f  Deputies  to  a  General 

Congress — state  of  the  Province ^j„ 

July  12.  letter  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— death  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  on  the  11th 

July — effect  it  produced  u[>on  the  Indians,  Ac J7 1 

July            28.  U'tter  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— Indiaii  affairs, 47.^ 

July            18.  Proceedings  of  Sir  William  Johnson  with  the  Six  Nations,  at  Johnson  Hall,  in  June  and  July.  1774,. . . .  474 

July'           81.  LetteroftheUrdsof  Trade  to  Governor  Tryon— New  York  act  to  pay  land  eipense^ , ..,.,  494 

August        a.   Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth— death  of  Sir  William  Johnson— Urn- 

per  of  the  people— Parliamentary  taxation,  Ao 4gg 

•  Tke  dale  at  the  Ibol  wT  t'lls  letitr  In  the  msniuerl|)l  Is  JaBitry  HI ,  1 774.  -  Bp. 


CONTENTS. 

xni 

1774. 
A«g,..t       21  Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Col.lcn  to  Governor  Tryon-King'.  College  in  New-York  ^?s« 

September  7.  Letter  of  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth  to    Ue,ue„.nt.G„vernor  Colden-,fropo«d  clgre"  •'  rhiUd:i" 
8ente™b,r  ,    r   J       7,      '^'""-"""'"'''"■"l  t™<l«  between  New-York  «nd  llollj,].  L .  43, 

.ucoee-orforthepreit  ^  John,on-he  .,  appo.n.ed  Sir  William  Johuaon', 

September  10.  LeUer^of  Colonel  Ouy  Jol.n.on  to  the^F:;;  of  DaVtm'ouVh-tempe;  ;f 'thV  i^^UnJl'f^nuVrWoul,-,;;::      ''' 

Sottlr  «■  ft"  "/,i'7"7«"'«-«"-  coiden  to  the  Earl  of  D.;tm;"ut;-;o,;t"i„;:ntV;f'VhVp;;p;e; *; Z 

fit  «    LHter  of  Colond  G„jr  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth-Congresa  at  Onondaga,  .  .^ .  '    '      " 

September  18.  Iroceed.ng,  of  Colonel  Gny  .Tohn.on  with  the  Six  N.tiona.  hold  at  John.town'i    S^p    ^bV;  V77V  ' ' '  6 

Sepember  •.xtraoU  of  ,„tellige„.e  received  from  Niagara-French  axe-belt  to  the  Indian;.... '..'  '^ ' '  ! 

S^pt  mber    9.  Letter  from  1  .entenant-CoIonel  CaldwoU,  commandant  at  Niagara,  to  Colonel  On,  JohnVun. 2 

October      ,9.  Let.er  of  Kari  of  Dartmouth  to  the  American  Oovernor^order  in  Council  prol,fb,ting  e  port.tion  "of 
gunpowder  or  ammunition,  etc,  .  '^  ''""'"'  "' 

November    2.  L.t.er  of  ,he  Ivarl  of  Darta.outh   to  i^ieuten.ni-Oovi^o;  c:id;;.lG;„cr.rc:;g;e;,-;m;ortatiou  ;;f      "'' 
gunpowder  from  Holland '  urHniou  01 

November    2.  better  of  Lieutenant  Governor  Colde:t;;;he;^H  of  D.;;m;u;hi;i;;g;e;;;t"i'hih:ie;ph;a-^^^^  ""' 

of  the  people-contraband  trade  with  Holland-ship  "Polly  " 
December     7.  Letter  of  Liou.enantOovernor  Colden  to  the  E«rl  of  Dartmou^h-lff;;;."  o/t'he'  C^Dg^M-Mr.O.ilo- 

way  s  plan  for  the  government  of  the  Colonies  Ac 
December  10.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  DarUnoutl.  to  Lieutenant-Governor  Co'ldel.-BVnningUl/diVlu'rb.^ce;.  A;."."  ! ' .' ' " '       J  ! 
December  10.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Governor,  in  America-King'   resolution  to  m.inui:  Ihe 

authority  of  Parliament  over  the  Colonies    '-o 

December  U.  Letter  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouthl^IndiVn  '^^i^[' 'J' 

December     8.  Proceeding,  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  with  the  Six  Nations,  at  Guy  Park.  D.cemb.'r;  "iVtV.:  '. '. ! '. „  „ 

November.        Proceeding,  at  a  Congre,  held  b,  the  Six  Nations,  with  their  dependent.,  .t  Oooudaga!.  i:..;  ^.i '.  i;       ^ 

January       4.  Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Governor,  in  North  Americ.-th.  King  desire,  them  to  u.. 

Januarv        4    I    ,  ''•' V  """'  «"''""""'  '"  P^«"-"  "'•  •P|.«int".ent  of  Deputies  to  a  new  Congress  Ac 527 

January        4.  •"'•;---"-'  •^.•---  Colden  to  the  Earl  „f  Dartmouth-i orta.ion'.f  arm^'*o.-  emp^ 

of  the  people— proposed  Provmclal  Congress  .     . 

ZZry      I      r  ur  "/ .' "  ^  "''V'™-  '  "I-'-   '»  "'•■  K^M  "f  O.rtmouth-opening  of  the  se«io„-.dd...se^       JO 
February        .  Le.u.r  o   the  Karl  of  L.r.mouth  to  Lie«t..„.„t..;overnur  Coldeu-.Mr.  EUiofs  conduct  commended  Ac         630 

t'     tZ        •     T  1 1      '""  "'  '*""""""'  "•  ''"""""  '-y  ■>"'•— onauet  of  the  Virginian.  Ac.  . .  "*  J 

February      1.  LetUr  ;;.' ^;-;;-nt-Gov..rnor  CoMen  to  the  Earl  of  D.rt.„outh-co„.pic„ou.  loyalty  of  ,h.  AM.mbly 

February  n.  Let.er  of  Colon.;  Gu^  Johnson ,.;  „;;  Kar^;  ■D;;m:u;hi:;ondu:.;  'li  uie  vit^nu,;.,' ;:::;;: Z 

Januar...      28-  IWedmg,  of  Colonel  Ouy  Johu.on  with  the  deputies  of  the  Six  Rations. .  .  Z 

February    2..   Letter  from  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  the   Governor  of   Ne.-York.  Ac-r.«.Iutio„"of' V.Hia'min't 

relative  to  the  Colonies — restraining  bill   Ac 
March  1.  Letter  of    LieutenantCJovc •    Colden    lo\h;"  ^Hor  lHrVm;:.;h-t;mp;;";;"  Ih."  p'eoVu-non.       "' 

importation— conduct  of  Assembly.  Ac 

March          2.  I.tter  of  the   U.rd.  of  Trade  to   th.  Oov.^or  of  New' York-obs^^^ii;;."  c",;  "la',*'  "law.'  'of  [u,      "" 
Province.  Ac 

March  «.   Letterof  the  ^.-rl  "r  Dartmomh  ^iuhJ  g;,;;;;:„  i "  Am;H;a-;«:,i:ai;;,.of  ui.  Il^use  ^fComtmm;!  "" 

"'•'*"'K'">"'''"'>ination  to  maintain  the  supremacy  of  Parliament,  Ac ,,« 

March           4.  Letter  of  th.  Karl  of  Dartmouth  to  Lieutenant-Governor  Colden-the  King  pl.as^i  with.he"  addre-es. 
Ac,  of  the  .New-York  Assembly 

March         1«.   Letter  of  Colonel  Guy  John.on  to  the  E.,1  of  Dat^tmouth-Indiao  affai™,' .';;.'.",".' I" 

February    1«.   Pro,.ee,ling.  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  with  the  Chief,  of  the  Oneida..  Ac ." 

Tn'rTl            «    w ''■"■"':T:[  ''"'"""  ""^  •'"'""•"'  "'"'  "'•  ^^'J""---  ••"'  — '•'  "'  "'•  «i«  Nation.  atGuy  ra^k.." ."       Z 
April  »•  *--"ntloLleut.nant(:olonelMcL*antorai«,.r,glii,.ntinU..Colonie. ,„ 


XIV 


CONTENTS. 


1^ 


i 
^ 


1775. 

April 

4. 

April 

J. 

April 
April 
April 

6. 

S. 

IS. 

April 

21. 

M«y 

3. 

3. 

M.y 

4. 

May 

23. 

M.y 

25. 

May 

25. 

Juno 

7. 

M.y 
May 

Joty 

11. 
IS. 

1. 

July 

8. 

Jaly 

4. 

July 

5. 

Jaly 

6. 

Wy 
July 
July 
July 
July 
July 
July 

7. 
7. 
7. 
S. 
«. 
«. 
21. 

AugiMt 


July 

21. 

May 

Aiii^tiil 

Atiguat 

Auguit 

Auguit 

TiOE. 

rorm  of  atsocintion  for  the  persons  enlisting  in  Lieutennnt-Colonel  McLean's  regiment, ...       fi64 

Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Culdrn  to  the  Earl  of  Dartinoiitli— observations  on    acts  of   the  late 

Assembly,  Ac 664 

Letter  of  Lieutenant-OoTernor  CoKlen  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth — con<  act  of  the  Assembly — Bennington 

rioters — troubles  in  Cumberland  county,  Ac 660 

Letter  of  Secretary  I'ownall  to  Mr.  James  Rivington — appointed  Kings's  printer,  Ac. 668 

Letter  of  Secretary  Pownall  to  Dr.  Miles  Cooper  and  Dr.  T.  B.  Chandler— allunanees  of  £200  a  year,.       869 
Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Governors  in  America— it  is  the  King's  pleasure  that  the  orders 
of  the  Commander-in-Chie(  Ac.,  shall  be  supreme  in  all    eases  relutive  to  the  operations  of  the 

troops,  Ac. 660 

Lefter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon — grants  to  Totten    and   others — affairs  of  the 

Province  of  New-York, 669 

Letter  of  the  Eiirl  of  Dartmouth  to  Colonel  Guy  Johnson — Indian  jealousies,  Ac, 670 

Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  CoKlen  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth — pri-sent  statu  of  the  Province — closing 

of  the  custom. house — ports  to  Boston  stopped — "  affair  of  19th  April,"  Ac, 671 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryrn — land  grants — boundaries — religious  communities 

in  New- York — charters  to  churchc^  Ac 672 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon — the  King's  reception  of  the  petition  of  New- 
York — the  Assembly's  good  sense  and  moderation  commended, 874 

Representation  of  the  Ix)rds  of  Trade  to  the  Committee  of  Privy  Council— grants  of  land  in  New-York 

to  sundry  army  otiicers, J75 

Representations  of  the  lx>rds  of  Trade  to  the  Committee  of  Privy  Council — French  seigniories  on  Lake 

Champlain — Crown  Point, j77 

Letter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  E«rl  of  Dartmouth — Congresses  and  Committees  in  the 

Province — measures  proposed — outrages  on  the  troops,  Ac, 670 

Address  of  the  Committee  of  New-York  to  Lieutenant-Governor  Colden 883 

Answer  of  Lieutenaiit-Oovcrnor  Colden  to  the  Committee  of  New- York 686 

Letter  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  (rovernor  Tryon— proceedings  at  New-York— conduct  of  the  Coun- 
cil— forces  to  be  increased  iu  America,  and  the  rebellion  to  be  put  down — fleet  ordered  to  New- 
York,  Ac , J87 

Letter  of  Lieutenant-Oovcrnor  (^>lden  to  the  Enrl  of  Dartmouth— execution  of  Colonel  McLean's  plan 
difficult— suspicions  against  the  Scotch — Co-igress  has  appointed  George  Wushinglou  Commander-in- 
Chief,  Ac Bgg 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  KnrI  of  Dartmouth—arrival  in  New- York  on  26th  June— nvolt  in  the 
Colonies-"  oceans  of  blood  may  lie  spilt,  but  in  my  opinion  Anirrioa  will  never  reci'ive  piirliamrn- 

lary  taxation," jgy 

Letter  of  the    Earl  of  Dartmouth   to  Governor  Tryon— plan  of  operations- Instructions  lo   General 

Gage  and  Admiral  Graves — cuOperatiun  of  Governor  Trvon, 691 

Letter  of  the  VmtI  of  Dartmouth  to  Colonel  Guy  Johnson— the  Indians  to  be  kept  in  attachment  to  the 

King,  so  that  their  assistance  nisy  be  relied  upon  in  case  of  necessity 692 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  EsrI  of  Durlmoutli- asks  leave  to  return  lo  England,  Ac, 69'i 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— iniiiiiidation  of  the  Corporation  of  N«w-Yoik,  Ac,       693 

Address  of  the  Mayor,  Ac,  of  New-York  to  Governor  Tryon 698 

Resolution  of  the  ! Vovincial  Congn  s^ 604 

Explanatory  note  of  the  Mayor  to  G.ivernor  Tryon 694 

Answer  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  address  of  the  Corporation  of  New- York, 698 

Letter  of  ih(  Eorl  of  Dartmouth  to  Colunel  Guy  Johnvm— it  is  the  King's  pleasure  that  he  is  to  lose  no 

time  in  taking  measures  to  induce  the  Indians  to  take  up  the  hatchet  againrt  the  rebels,  Ae 696 

I.etter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— aflTairs  in  New-York— the  Asia's  boat— prisoners- 
further  conriliatory  measures  necessary,  Ac 697 

Report  of  K.  Stephens,  Keeper  of  his  Majesty's  nrdnanoa, 699 

List  of  General  Committee  for  .New-York got) 

List  of  odleers  belonging  to  the  battalion  of  independent  foot  companies  in  New  Vork  cily 801 

Irfitter  of  Governor  Tryon  lo  the  Earl  ■  f  Dartmuuih— state  of  public  opinion  in  Uie  Colonies 80S 

I,«tt«rof  Governor  I'ryon  t4>  tha  Karl  of  Dartmouth— supplies,  Ae (04 

Seerat  intelligence  from  Tioonderoga, ggg 


CONTENTS.  ^y 

Ills. 

September  2.  Proceeding,  of  the  CommiMioner.  of  the  Twelve  UiiiUd  Colonies  with  the  Six  Nation^ *606 

September   8.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Eurl  of  Dartmouth— disturbances  on  the  22d  Augu.t-CapUin  Van- 

"^'•P"''*'' 631 

September  6.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  tlie  Ear)  of  Dartmouth-"  The  Americans  from  politician,  are  now 
becoming  wldier."— Government  urged  to  disclaim  any  intention  of  toxing  the  Colonies  without  their 

coO|icration— setllemcnt  of  rank,  Ac ^33 

September   5.  Letter  of  the  Eurl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Governor,  of  AmeViea",  iV-lihi'^  of  war  not  to"  be"  ient"  homi 

with  dispatches,  <tc «». 

September   6.  Letter  of  Secretary  Pownall  to  Governor  Tfyon-pcrmission  to  come  to  England!.  !.'.'...*.'.*.'...  !!!.'.*.'       635 

October        4.  Letter  of  Secretary  Pownall  to  Governor  Tryon— discontinuance  of  packets,  Ac B36 

October  12.  Letter  of  Colonel  Guy  Jolmson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth-negotiatiuns  with  the  I'ntlilni-their  agree", 
ment  to  assist  the  troop.— Canadian  alfairs- Colonel  Allen',  expediiion— i.  about  to  eome  to  Eng- 
land, Ac ggj 

October      16.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth, '    "       533 

October      10.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Mayor  IIick^  of  New-York, .".!".!...!!!.       638 

October      14.  Letter  of  Slayor  ilicka  to  Governor  Tryon, gsg 

October      14    Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Mayor  Hicks, j3j 

October      18.  Letter  of  Mayor  Hicks  to  Governor  Tiyon "       g^Q 

October      17.  letter  of  the  Committee,  Ac,  of  New-Vork  to  Mayor  Hicks 640 

October      19.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Mayor  lIivk^ ^^^ 

September  28.  State  of  the  ordnance  belonging  to  Fort  George,  Ac,  at  New-York 641 

October      2S.  Lett«rof  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Governor,  in  America,  Ac— King's  speech  to  Parliament,  and 

«""'•"• 642 

November    8.  LetUr  of  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Oovsrnor^  Ac— protection  to  be  atfor  Jed  to  the  King's  officer. 

and  »ervf<nU  in  (ha  Colunici,  Ac g^o 

November  II.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— ha.  gona  on  board  the  Dutehe^of  Gordon^tate 

of  affairs — conciliation  urged,  Ac, 043 

November  1 1.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— fort  on  the  Hudson,  Ac 644 

November    2.  Intelligence  from  the  Continental  Congrew,  respecting  Governor  Tryon,  Ac 649 

Decomlier     «.  Loiter  of  Goveruor  Tryon  lo  the  Earl  of  Dai  tmouth— outrages  on  the  Loyalists-Mr.  Rivington,  Ac., . .  64S 
December     8.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Iho  E«rl  of  Dartmouth— he  hat  induced  eeveral  gunsmiths  to  leave  Ame- 

rica  and  go  to  London— there  is  only  one  good  one  now  left  in  America 647 

December  23.  Letter  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon- loyali.U  in  New-York  to  be  encouraged,  Ac 647 

December  23.  Letter  of  Lord  (Jeorge  Germain  to  the  Governors,  Ac.,— appointment  of  Commissiontr.  to  inquire  into 

the  state,  Ac,  of  the  Colonies,  Ac , . .  a 

List  of  liriJih  regiments  in  Amerioa, . ,» 

1778. 
January        3.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  o'  Dartmouth— necessity  of  eir      dying  the  royalisU— appoint- 
ment of  a  Viceroy,  Ac a^^ 

January       8.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— Sir  John  Johnson,  Ao 641 

lv«tt«r  of  Sir  John  Johnson  to  Governor  Tryon — raising  a  battalion,  Ac 681 

1778. 

Deceii.ber  18.  Certificate  of  the  PitUOuld  CommitUe  against  law  proceedings,  Ac.,— Peter  Van  Schsaok 682 

December  17.  I.-iter  of  William  Smith,  E»n.,  to  Governor  Tryoo-rofnarks  on  the  state  of  affair., 663 

1776. 

January      26.  LetUr  of  Colonel  Guy  Juhnwa  to  Lord  Gaorge  Germain— sUU  of  Indian  alTaira-historical  review  . ,  684 
1776. 

Journal  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnun  from  14th  May  to  11th  Novembor  1778 jAg 

1778.  

February     7.  Utter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  th<  Earl  of  Dartmouth— rebel  marauding  partial— treatment  of  Sir  Joba 

Johnson,  Ac -«• 

February     8.  Utter  of  Governor  Tryoa  io  the  l-Iarl  of  Dartmouth— tattle  of  Quebec— plan  for  Indian  operations,  Ac,  663 

January       6.  Utter  from  tii'iieral  Wuuster  to  Colonel  Warner — affair  at  yiiehec,  Ac , 6S4 

February      B.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth— arrival  of  General  CarUloo— .tata  ot  tb*  «ty-  • 

removal  of  the  records  on  board  the  Dutchess  of  Gordon,  Aa., 666 

Ftbrua.j      :.  Latter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Mayor  llioks,  as  to  the  wfety  of  the  records,  Ac A6T 


XVI 


CONTENTS. 


1776. 

February 

13 

February 

13 

March 

14 

March 

28 

April 

6. 

April 

6. 

April 

April 

May 

May 

Jane 

July 

August 

August 

AugllBt 

August 


15 

18. 

7. 

17. 

11. 

8. 

9. 

6. 

14. 

22. 


September  24. 
September  24. 


Norember  28. 
May  22. 

November  26. 
November  27. 
November  28. 
December  24. 

December  31. 

1777. 

January  14. 

January  14. 

January  2U 

February  11. 

February  12. 

February  1 5. 
February    I  .'> 

February  li. 

.March  1. 

March  1. 

March  3. 


March 

April 

April 


28. 
•i 
7. 


Paos. 

Representation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  King «S8 

Draft  of  ailditionat  inslraelions  to  the  Governors,  Ac,  to  carry  into  effect  the  prohibition  act,  Ac 068 

Kepresentation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Coramiitee  of  Privy  Council — Mr.  LotbiniAre'e  grant  of 

land,  Ac , 660 

Speech  of  Captain  Brant,  Tkayendenegoh,  accompanied  by  Oteronghyaneuto,  «  warrio',  both  of  the 

Six  Nation^  t  <  Lord  Georg«  Germain 670 

Letter  ol  Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon — proposed  operations  in  New-York,  Ac., 672 

L'.'lerof  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain— state  of  affairs — royalist  publications,  Ac, 672 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to   Lord  George  Germain — removal  of  the  squadron — movements  of  the 

rebels  and  of  the  troops,  Ac 673 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain — attack  on  the  seamen  from  the  Savage — move- 

menU,  Ac  , £75 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain — dissolution  of  the  Assembly — militaiy  movements,  676 

Answer  of  Captain  lirant,  Tliajendanageh,  and  of  Ohronte,  Mohawk  warriors,  to  Lord  George  Germain,  678 

letter  of  Lord  Gf. urge  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon — troops  for  America,  Ac 679 

Letter  of  Lord   George  Germain    to   Governor   Tryon— enlistmeDt  of  men   io   New- York— political 

pamphlets  sent,  Ac, 679 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryor.  to  Lord  George  Germain — arrival  of  the  fleet — enlistment  of  volunteers,  Ac,  681 

Letter  of  Colonel  Guy  .lohnson  to  Lord  George  Germain — Indian  affairs 681 

Decloration  of  Deputy  Commisshry  Thomas  Gumersball,  relative  to  affairs  on  the  Mohawk  river,  Ac.,.  682 
Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain — Declaration  of  Independence — demolition  of  the 

King's   statue,   Ac, 683 

Letter  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon — loyalty  of  Statcn  Island  people — his  Majesty's 

satisfaction,    Ac, 684 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain — death  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Golden,  Ac 685 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon   to  Lord  George  Germain— capture  of  New-York  by  the   British    forces — 

conflagration — Mr.  Washington  supposed  privy  to  this  villaioous  act — bells  sent  out  of  town — state 

of   affairs,  Ac 688 

Letter  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  Lord  George  Germain — Indian  affairs, 687 

Letter  from  the  Oneida  Chiefs  to  Major-General  Schuyler 688 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain -atTairs  in  New-York, *91 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Gennain— Fort  George, 691 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  (ieorge  Germain — state  of  the  Province— militia  in  Westchester,  Ac,  692 
Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  I^rd  George  Germain — iSulfolk  and  Queen's  counties — state  of  affairs — 

return  to  allegiance,  Ac, 693 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain — stale  of  feeling  in  Connecticut — affair  at  Tren- 
ton—.mortiflcation  it  has  caused, 694 

Letter  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon— citadel  at  New-York,  Ac 695 

Lett«r  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Colonel  Guy  Johnson— supplies, 495 

Letter  iif  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  (ieorge  (iermain— militia 696 

Letter  of  (J'lvernor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain— 3,030  persons  in  the  city  have  taken  the  oath  of 

allegiance   Ac, 697 

L<>tter  of  (ioveiror  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain — has  offoreil  his  servioea  to  General  Howe,  aa  com- 
mandant of  tilt  "roviiirials,  Ac SC'i 

Letter  of  Governor  Tij'on  to  Lord  Oeoi-ge  (iorinain 698 

Instrument  tigiied  by  oitizons  of  New-Vork,  revoking  and  annulling  the  powers  of  Congresses,  Commit- 

tee\  Ac 698 

Letter  of  Colonel  (Jiiy  .lohnson  to  Lord  lieurge  tiirmain — employment  of  the  Indians  with  the  army,  Ac,  699 

Letter  of  Co'onel  Claua  to  Secretary  Knox, 700 

(^obini'l  ('lauit'  remurkn  on  th.;  muiiagi'inent  of  the  northern  Indian  nalioiiK,  Ac 700 

Letter  of  Lord  George  Oerniiiin  to  Governor  Tryon — i<ratltieation  of  the  King  at  the  loyalty  of  New- 
York,  Ac 704 

letter  of  (iovernor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Gennain — Provincial  corps,  Ac, 706 

L^-tter  of  Lord  George  Gurm.iin  to  (iovernor  Ti  yon — coininruid  of  the  American  levies,  Ac, 706 

Letter  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  lA>rd  George  Germain — Indian  parties, 707 


CONl'ENTS. 

xvu 

1777. 

April         21.  Letter  of  Governor  Trvon  to  Seorofni.iT  irnn»    „         •.      i-        ..        .  P*o>i 

Juns             9.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  Georire  Germain     Sir  WMi:  ' "  V-'V-" ' ."    "  ", '"  ' 

July             8.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Gemmin-Proi'mcinl  "le'viea '' " 

Augus          6.  Letter  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon-admiral.y  court, !" 

A,,g«,t       2  .  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Wd  George  Gennain-appointmenu. '" 

Oetober        3.  Letter  of  Governor  T.yon  to  Lord  George  Germaio-hi,  anxiety  to  ret  n/  o  Fngh;.',;  '^, l\i 

Oelober      Ifl.  Report  of  Colonel  Daniel  Clau,  to  Seeretary  Kno...  of  l.is  expedition  into  New  Yok           " 

Noven.ber      .  Colonel  Clau,'  further  report  of  l,i.,  proeeedin.,,  to  Seere.a.y  Knox  .                           !" 

Novembern.  Let.r_c.^o„e.  Guy  ;o..n.o„  .  Lord  Geo^e  Ger.,in-.ndians  at  Fo;t-sL;ix Ip^^.-^-  ''' 

November  24.  Narrative  of  William  Grant,  late  a  ierge'a.'t  in  ti.V ^e'beVamv "" 

Deeember    1    Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lor."  George  Germaln-ProvinciVl  ;;;p;A; ll' 

November ..  ^-- ^^2;;3^;;;;Oonera,  Parson,  to  Governor  T.,o„-inHumanit^  ^f  tbj  B.;i;b-;„„;;,;  \,^  '.J:,.  ''* 

N.we,nber  n.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Brigadi;;o«;j^P:;j„;  i:  •::^y:^;:;,- 1^-^,-  -;;;:;;;;;  ^ 

' '^"      "•  'ZX":J-:;Z:Z'"  '-  '""^~  '-  Ame..ie..._p.i.ner.ta.e„  i„  .ip,  .  o,e 

^.r.ry    ..  ^^  ^  ^  ^^^ --  -^  Comm^^^^^  -^ 

n.  Lot^-f  Wd ^.eorge  Germatn  to                        _M..  H,b„,  Governor  WenthworU.'.  brother"  in-law;  ''' 

""•                                                740 

November  23.  Letter  of  Colonel.  Bolton  and  BuUer  to  Major  General  Clinton 

1 ' '  ^-                                                                                                                              • 74l 

Mareh        20.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George   Oermain-royali.t  privateer,. 

Apr.            15.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain-letter,  of  marque  Ac                  !" 

April           "■  LHter  of  Wd  Howe  to  Governor  Tryon-letter,  of  marque                          ^*^ 

Apnl          1 1.  Opinion  of  Attorney-Oeneral  Kempe  on  the  ,ul,iect  of  lett«r,"of  marm.e !^' 

January       ,.  Letter  of  Brigad,,.r.Genera.  IW-n.  to  Governor  Tryon.  in  reply  to  L  of'^sd"  wXVa;;" ! « 

'-''--;^^^;--«e<l.  Major.Ge„era.-eomn.i.ion  for  UUe"™ 

J"'y              1.  Letter  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Trvo,',-Cm'nmi^h„'.er^  Ac !" 

Juli              8.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Ger.«ain-Commi„ioner,.  Ac." ! 1*1 

aZ.'!            ■  H    '^'  '       7'  "7T"\  '•^'""""  '"  '""'"'"'  Tryo„-„..a..re,  ,gain,t  Fran  e  A;.".;  ::::•.•. !  ! 

September   2.  ----J  Geo.e  tlern.ain  to  Governor  Tryo„-hi,  pre,ene:r^rv:r:^^^^^  '*' 

8ept.mb.r .  ''--^^^-f;;-;'^"  to  L;;d-G;.;ge-0er;;.;-.;^i;  ^  ■.:;,•;,.;,-  ^" 

Septen.ber   .!.  Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  aeo't^Voemaia-hi'/app^intm^nt;". I'^ 

Vur.VIIf.  ^  ■ 


XVIU 


1777. 

SejileiuberlO. 

October 

8. 

October 

24. 

November 

4. 

December  16. 

December  24. 

1779. 

February 

6. 

February 

11. 

Marcli 

1. 

March 

8. 

March 

18. 

1775. 

December 

9. 

177». 

April 

1. 

April 

20. 

April 

21. 

April 

27. 

May 

3. 

£Uy 

6. 

June 

17. 

Jane 

26. 

July 

tf. 

July 

28. 

June 

30. 

Juue 

30. 

July 

21). 

.tune 

2a. 

August 

26. 

Hcplembei 

3. 

Septeiiibe 

5. 

Si-ptembe 

■    5. 

August 

20. 

November 

4. 

November  li. 

December 

17. 

1780. 

February 

20. 

Janunry 

19. 

February 

6 

Felii-uary 

IS. 

February 

18. 

Miireh 

26. 

March 

26 

Marih 

11 

May 

3 

CONTENTS. 

Pauk. 

Letter  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  Lord  George  Germain— luiliau  uiovements  at  Wyoming,  4c— future 

operatious '"' 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Qermaiu— civil  government  of  New-York, 758 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germaitt— prisoners  taken  by  privateers,  Ac 763 

Letter  of  Lord  George  Gemiain  to  Governor  Tryon— his  conduct  approved V54 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain- letters  of  nnirque— militia  of  Kings  and   Queens 

counties,  Ac. ""* 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain— suggestions  as  to  the  prosecution  of  the   war — 

rewards  for  Congressmen,  Ac— Indians  to  be  let  loose — enemy  to  be  distressed— coasts  ravaged,  Ac,  765 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain— letters  of  marque— value  of  their  oapturis  exceeds 

±'200,000 — confidence  of  the  royalists  increasing "'^'* 

Letter  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  Lord  George  Gerrnaiu— Indian  affairs— Brant  and  his  party,  Ac 757 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain— movements,  Ac, 769 

Letter  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon— leave  to  return,  «tc 169 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain— New-York  records, 760 

Governor  Tryon's  certificate  of  the  receipt  of  the  New-York  records,  itc, 760 

Letter  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon — letters  of  marque— Major-General   Robertson 

appointed  Governor  of  New-York '61 

Report  of  Mr.  Richard  Jackson  to  the  Lords  of  Trade— great  seal  of  New-York, 7(12 

Letter  of  Mr.  Cunjberland  to  ,V1r.  JackMin — great  seal  of  New-York,   762 

Letter  of  Mr.  Cumberland  to  Mr.  De  Grey — great  seal  of  New-York 763 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  Georiio  Germain- -personal  affairs, 764 

Letter  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon — New- York  records,  Ac, 764 

Letter  from  Lord  George  Germain  to  the   Governors,  Ac, — rupture  with  Spain — instructions  there- 
upon   766 

Letter  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon — meusures  against  the  enemy 766 

Letter  if  Lor<l  George  Germain  to  (Jovernor  Ucbertaon — inBlruclions  for  the  government  of  Nev;-York,  767 
Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain— depredatory  excursions  urged — embodying  of 

refugees,  Ac, - 768 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton 769 

Reveriek  of  Governor  Tryon  concerning  the  embodying  of  royalists,  Ac, 769 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton— appointment  of  Intendants,  Ac 771 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Vice-Admiial  Arbuthnot — privateers,  Ac '72 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain — rebel  privateers,  Ac, 773 

Letter  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Robertaon — lands,  Ac,  in  New-York '73 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain — letters  of  marque,  Ac, 774 

Letter  of  Colonel  Gay  Johnson  to  Lord  George  Germain — Six  Notions,  Ac, 776 

Conference  of  General  Haldimand  with  the  Onondaga  and  Cayuga  Chiefs  at  Quebec,  Ac, 770 

Letter  of  Lord  George  Germain  to  Mnjor-Oeneral  Tryon — conduct  approved,  Ac 778 

letter  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  Lord  George  Germain — Indian  movementji 779 

Letter  of  Governcr  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain — situation  of  the  Province,  Ac 780 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain — severity  of  the  season,  Ac , — royalists'  spirits 

good,  Ac, 781 

Letter  of  David  Ogden  to  Governor  Tryon — suggestions  fur  defence,  Ac,  of  New-York 782 

lutelligence  from  Ensign  John  Pell — northeast  frontier, 783 

Intelligence  from  John  Jones— state  of  the  rebel  army 784 

Intelligence  from  Cornelius  Slagge — rebel  army — affairs  at  Albany,  Ac 786 

Letter  of  Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain— arrival  nf  Governor  Robertson,  Ac 787 

Letter  of  Governor  Uobert«on  to  liord  George  Germain — has  assumed  the  government,  Ac, — inter- 
cepted news 788 

Letter  from  Philip  Schuyler,  Esq.,  to  — Congrt ssioml  affairs,  Ac 788 

Letter  of  Lord  George  (Jerm:iin  to  (Jovernor  KobcrUon — exchange  of  troops,  Aa 789 


CONTENTS. 

XIX 

1780. 

July  20.  Letter  of  Colonel  Guy /„Z  „   „  uToeol  r  '"  ''^^^^  '«« 

Au,.t         .  Letter  or  Oove.o.  «' be.  jrM;:l.?ZlX"::prr;r  "'^  """^"'-"'"'  ^'"'""'"-  "« 

September   1.  Letter  of  Governor  Robertson  tn  r  „r,l  n  r>  expenses,  &o.. ,  g 

8.n..n,  W  ..  !,.„  .,  L.rt  G"i tr.  .  ,.  C,:.?Lt^^^^^^^^^  ^  »-';""-~/«  l.~P~»..  ■  ■  7.. 

s.p>.„b.,„.  L.,.,, .,  „„.„„  u^.,  Js.t7;;  K""t«  Tri  "trr"""""''  •*" •«■ 

Ko.....  ......„,  «^„^^^^^^  ... 

1781.  808 

.annary     ..  --^  «--  -^.on  to  LoH  George  Germain-.,  vie.,  on  tbe  probibito,  aet-„e«,eet  of 

January     29.  Letter  of  Governor  Robertson  to  Seeretary  Knox  JdVtliu  of  affaii,'  'L '"' 

May  ,7.  I-^'J^^^of  Governor  RoberUon  to  W^  Geon,V  6;;^;;  •-!;•;;;;;•;;  VakV  ;;^^  «" 

sols  return  '  ^^""'—I-'-'-ant-Governor  Elliot  left  in  New-York-P.  S.  GovernorTbe^ 

October      n.  ^-^;^foL^^^y'io.--^^^^^  S.2 

November   8.  Letter  of  Governor  Robertson  to  Lord  GeVrgVGVrm'aVn-LoVd  CoVn;allis"su;;e;dVr-;;;;t"i;;;;f-  ihe  '" 

^^^^  roynhst  .nhab.tant^they  ,ill  endeavor,  by  increased  ardor,  to  repair  the  disaster.  C-    .      . .  814 

March        22,  ^^'te-f  Sir  John  Johnson  .o  Seeretary  Knox ,  „„  being  appointed  Superintendent  and  Inspector- 
General  of  Indian  Affaiis— he  is  about  to  set  out  for  America  Ac 

Editorial  Note  on  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  in  Mohawk,  and  'iu  TranVlaio>^ '.'.'.'. " ." ." .' .' .' ." .' .' .' ." .' ." .' ." ."  JJ  J 


i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS 
XLI-XLYII. 


» •■  ♦  II  ^ 


(No.  31.) 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Shlburne. 

CNewYwk,  CLX.,  A.  7.  J 

Fort  George,  New  York,  3  January  170S. 


My  Lord, 

An  application  was  made  to  me  yesterday  by  the  House  of  Assembly,  settinR  forth  the 
present  d.stress  of  the  Province  on  Account  of  the  Scarcity  of  Paper  Money,  and  reque  1 1 
a  he  same  t.me  that  I  would  give  my  assent  to  a  Bill  to  be  brought  in  for^emittinglhe  a,f 
of  the  sum  ment.on'd^m  His  Majes.ys  late  Instructions  on  that  head,  as  there  was  not  a 
eufficent  quantity  of  Paper  Money  for  common  circulation,  occasion'd  by  the  great  number  of 
Bds  ately  cancell'd  by  the  Commissioners  appointed  for  that  purpose.' By  the  i„st:u;ur 
find  U  ,s  not  in  my  power  (consistent  with  my  Duty )  to  give  my  assent  to  any  such  Bill,  a, 
H>s  Mnjes  y  has  been  pleased  to  order  expressly  that  a  suspending  clause  should  be  inse^ed 

.nt' ;  ?   H  r  u"  .V'"  ""'^"  ""  "'"'"''y  "'■  '■^'■"^'"«  '°  '^'""P'y  ^''h  ll'e  request  made 

unt,l  I  shall  receive  h.s  Majesty's  Orders  for  so  doing,  but  in  the  mean  time  pro.L'd  to  lay 
tins  matter  before  your  Lordship  by  the  first  opportunity. 

The  Distresses  of  the  Province  at  this  time  are  very  great,  and  are  increasing  daily,  and  a. 
the  present  circulation  will  by  the  Limitation  of  the  Laws  by  which  they  were  issued  cease 
and  determine  so  soon,  the  Commerce  here  as  well  as  the  ordinary  Services  of  Government 
must  very  short  y  be  exposed  to  great  Inconvenience.- As  I  have  already  had  the  honor  of 
informing  your  Lordship  in  my  Letter  of  the  29'*  of  last  Month  that  the  House  of  Assembly 
had  fully  complied  with  every  thing  which  was  expected  of  them,  I  can  with  a  better  grace 
plead  their  cause.  The  present  Assembly  will  be  dissolved  soon  after  the  Session  is  finish'd. 
and  It  has  been  customary  here  to  convene  them  in  a  short  time  after  a  New  Election.  I  have 
the  greatest  reason  to  beleive  that  if  I  was  impower'd  on  the  opening  of  the  New  Session  to 
coinp  y  with  what  is  now  required  by  them,  such  a  Proceeding  would  be  attended  with  such 
returns  of  duty  and  submission  as  would  shew  they  entertain'd  the  highest  sense  of  His 
M.jesty  s  favor  on  this  Occasion.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect  My  Lord 

vr  I .  IT     bi,  V    ,    ..  o.    ..  ^  *'"'"  ^"'■'Is^^'P's  "'"St  obedient  and  humble  Servant 

Itight  IIoii""  Earl  of  Slielburne.  ,,    ., 

VOL.    V  ill.  I 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


N».  G. 


Earl  of  SheUmrne  to  Sir   William  Johnson. 

[  ritntaUont  Graeral  (  8.  F.  O. ),  OCLl Y.,  No,  e.  1 

Whitehall  5  Jan  :  176S. 


Sir, 

Agreeal)le  to  my  letter  of  the  ID'*"  instant  I  now  have  the  honor  of  signifying  to  you  His 
Majesty's  Commands  that  the  Boundary  line  between  the  several  Provinces  and  the  various 
Indian  Tribes  be  compieated  witliout  loss  of  lime,  conformable  to  a  report  of  the  Lords 
Commissioners  for  Tr.ade  and  Plantations  Copy  of  which  is  herewith  transmitted 

It  is  his  Miijesty's  Pleasure  that  before  you  enter  upon  this  matter  you  settle  in  concert  with 
the  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Army  what  steps  it  may  be  proper  to  take  for  the  General 
Execution  of  this  Salutary  Measure;  and  it  will  also  be  proper  to  consult  with  the  differfnt 
(Jovernors  concerning  such  particular  Points  ns  may  affect  the  Several  Provinces  seperately  in 
order  that  the  Work  may  be  carried  through  with  Cordiality  and  Dispatch 

I  am  Sir  &" 

Shelburne. 


No.  32. 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Shelburne. 

[  New-York,  CLX.,  ( A.  10. )  ] 

Fort  George,  New  York.  I6'»  Jan^  1768. 


My  Lord, 

After  the  mention  made  in  your  Lordship's  Letter  of  the  14""  of  November  last  thet  His 
Majesty  had  been  pleased  to  approve  of  the  Commissions  issued  here  for  settling  thedifferencies 
respecting  the  Boundaries  of  the  Colonies  of  New  York  and  Massachusets  Bay.  It  is  no  small 
mortification  to  me  that  I  can  not  as  yet  transmit  to  your  Lordship  any  satisfactory  Accounts  of 
our  Proceedings  in  consequence  of  those  Commissions.  The  Commissaries  named  by  each 
Colony  met  at  New  Haven  in  Connecticut  and  after  several  proposals  made  and  rejected  by 
both  Parties,  return'd  home  again  without  coming  to  any  final  Resolution  of  a  Settlement  of 
the  Line :  but  as  their  near  approach  to  an  agreement  seem'd  to  indicate  that  by  proper  steps 
taken  an  amicable  conclusion  of  this  matter  might  be  brought  about,  many  letters  have  since 
pass'd  between  M'  Barnard  and  myself  both  public  &  private  in  which  we  have  endeavour'd 
to  conciliate  the  jarring  Interests;  but  nothing  is  yet  concluded  on;  The  Assembly  of  the 
Massachusets  Bay  was  to  begin  their  Session  on  the  30''"  Pay  of  last  Month,  so  that  We  may 
now  expect  their  final  Resolution  in  a  few  days,  and  if  this  i.ii'iinr  .Joes  not  meet  with  the 
desired  success  here,  r.U  the  Papers  relative  to  it  shall  Iv,  loii' unieil  f.o  your  LoiJship  with 
the  utmost  Expedition. 

I  should  have  ended  my  letter  here,  but  as  I  find  myself  embarrass'd  on  reading  the  last 
paragraph  of  your  Lordship's  abovemention'd  letter  which  says,  "  it  is  to  be  wish'd  that  the 
"same  method  was  pursued  to  settle  similar  (lifffrpnces  with  Quebec  and  New  Hampshire." 
I  Hi'i.st  l)L"r  your  Lordship's  pardon  if  my  want  of  apprehension  has  made  me  take  the  meaning 
of  \,   Sii   u  diilereut  sense  from  what  was  intended.     His  Majesty  having  directed   by  his  j 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


8 


Proclamation  that  the  45«'  degree  of  Latitude  should  be  the  Southern  Boundary  of  Canada, 
The  Govt-rnor  of  that  Province  has  always  confined  himself  to  the  line  prescribed,  nor  ever 
claimed  any  Jurisdiction  (that  I  could  hear  of)  to  the  Southward  of  it,  &  this  Province  having 
in  the  time  it  was  possess'd   by  the  Dutch  claim'd  to  the  4.5"'  Degree  as  well  by  some  old 
E:..,'!i8h  Grants,  it's  jurisdiction  is  now  supposed  to  extend  to  the  abovementior.'d  Bounds  of 
Canada,  without  being  disputed  by  Province;  In  consequence  of  this  as  soon  after  my  Arrival 
here  as  the  Public  Business  would  admit  of  my  absence  from  this  City  1  determined  to  settle 
&  fix  the  line  between  the  two  Provinces  and  accordingly  wrote  to  the  Commander  in  Chief 
of  Canada  to  let  him  know  what  my  intentions  were  desiring  at  the  same  time  that  he  would 
either  meet  me  about  the  upper  end  of  Lake  Champlain  at  the  time  mention'd  in  my  letter  or 
that  he  would  depute  some  person  on  the  part  of  his  Province  who  might  be  present^  the 
observations  we  were  to  make  and  see  that  Justice  was  done  by  fixing  the  Boundary  in  its  proper 
place;  Coll:  Irwin,  then  President  of  the  Council  answer'd  my  letter,  and  determined  to  be 
there  himself  with  the  Deputy  Surveyor  General  of  Canada ;  A  tew  dnys  before  I  left  this 
City  Brigadier  Carleton  arrived  from  fhigland  with  a  Commission    appointing   him    Lieut, 
Governor  of  Canada,  and  we  set  out  together  for  Lake  Champlain  on  the  supposition  that  we 
were  doing  a  very  essential  service  to  both  Provinces,  when  it  was  pretty  nearly  determined 
by  many  observations  made  where  the  line  would  pass,  AP  Carleton  went  to  Montreal  on  some 
accounts  received  from  thence  which  made  his  Presence  necessary  there,  leaving  Coll.  Irwin 
and  the  Deputy  Surveyor  General  of  Canada  wiih  me  to  compleat  the  work   which   was 
finish'd  in  two  or  three  days  after,  and  the  Lines  were  mark'd  out  on  both  sides  of  the  River 
Sorell:  Li  the  Map  of  Lake   Champlain  which  I  had   the   honor  to  send  your  Lordship,  this 
Line  is  drawn  as  fix'd  by  us,  and  many  Persons  Inhabitants  of  Canada  as  well  as  of  N'ew  York 
were   present   at   the    time:  some    Gentlemen    from    Canada   desired  I  would  give  them  a 
confirmation  of  some  Grants  made  by  the  French  Governors  on  the  sides  of  the  Lake,  but  as 
those  lands  were  never  acknowledg'd  by  us  to  be  in  the  Province   of  Canada  and  were  now 
epparently  to  the  Southward  of  the  Bounds  prescribed  by  His  Majesty's  Proclamation  their 
request  was  refused  more  especially  on  their  telling  me  that  they  desired  to  have  their  Lands 
without  paying  any  Quit  Rent  to  the  Crown  which  was  directly  contrary  to  His  Majesty's 
Instructions  on  that  Head.     I  beg  leave  to  make  the  following  Extract  from  my  letter  to  the 
Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations  dated  Dec'  19""  1766  which  was  wrote  soon 
after  my  return  to  New  York  "  Brigadier  Carleton  having  told  me  that  he  intended  writing 
"  to  your  Lordships  immediately  upon  his  arrival  at  Quebec,  to  request  on  the  part  of  that 
«'  Province  that  the  Boundary  Line   which  had  been  settled  by  us  might  be  fixed  by  His 
"  Majesty's  authority  where  we  had  mark'd  it  I  have  the  same  request  to  make  on  the  part  of 
"this  Province,  as  it  may  be  a  means  of  preventing  any  Litigation  hereafter  and  quieting  the 
"minds  of  many  who  are   going  up  early  in  the  Spring  to  settle  in  those  parts."     Their 
Lordships  have  never  done  me  the  honor  to  make  any  answer  to  this  letter,  and  the  Assembly 
of  this  Province  only  waited  for  the  Sanction  of  His  Majesty's  approbation  of  what  we  had 
done  to  empower  them  to  open  and  continue  the  Line  of  Division  as  far  as  the  Province 
extends,  in  which  they  have  no  doubt  of  being  join'd  by  the  I'rovince  of  Canada.  1 

This,  my  Lord,  is  our  present  situation  in  regard  to  that  I'rovince,  and  if  His  Majesty  should  ' 
be  pleased  to  approve  of  what  we  have  done,  I  am  persuaded  it  will  have  all  the  good  Eflects  I 
mention'd  in  the  joynt  Request  made  by  >P  Carleton  and  myself  in  our  letters  to  the  Lords  I 
Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations.  TAs  to  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  since  His 


NEW  YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


u 


Mnj  ■•sty's  Proclnmation  declaring  the  Western  Banks  of  the  Conncctiouf  River  to  be  the  BouncJary 
t-j'tliis  Province  tiie  (joveriior  of  New  flanipshire  lias  never  exercised  tiie  least  Jurisdiction  on 
th's  side  of  the  Uiver,  and  the  few  Inhabitants  of  that  Quarter  have  always  since  tiiat  time 
look'd  upon  tliemselves  as  Inhaliitants  of  t'  is  I'rovince  ;  and  apply'd  to  the  Legislature  here 
for  every  assistance  they  wanted.  There  being  no  contest  at  p.csent  between  the  two 
Governments  in  regard  to  Territorial  Jurisdiction,  the  settlements  were  increasing  very  fast 
till  His  M;ije8ty'8  orders  came  over  fori)i(i(iiiig  any  more  (Jrants  to  h«  made  of  Lands  there  'till 
His  Pleasure  should  he  farther  known;  For  although  I  conceiv'd  that  this  Injunction  related 
only  to  the  Lands  (•  '.'ely  asserted  by  Hobinson  in  his  Petition  to  be  taken  away  Trom  the 
original  Proprietors  and  granted  to  others,  yet  I  have  taken  the  order  in  it's  greatest  Latitude, 
and  gave  Pul)lic  Notice  that  no  Lands  whatsoever  would  be  granted  on  the  Connecticut  River 
'till  I  had  received  Ills  Majesty's  fartlier  Order :  (  have  already  had  ;he  honor  of  informing 
yo'ir  Lordship  that  the  Ollicers  who  had  claim'd  Lands  under  His  Majesty's  Proclamation,  & 
many  other  Persons  no  way  interested  in  tht-  New  Hampshire  Charters  were  new  suffering  by 
this  Restriction  as  many  of  them  had  enibark'd  all  their  little  (ortunea  in  beginning  of  Settlements 
which  they  did  not  dare  to  go  on  with  till  they  could  be  assured  of  having  the  Lands  granted 
to  them.  I  say  nothing  more  of  the  I'etition  of  Robinson  at  present,  or  of  that  which  vas 
presented  by  the  Society  for  Propagating  the- Gospel  having  already  trespass'd  on  your  Lordship 
by  a  very  b)ng  letter  I  was  under  a  necessity  of  writing  in  June  hist  mark'd  N°  IG.  as  well  to 
justify  my  own  character  as  to  .set  forth  every  thing  which  had  been  done  by  the  Government  hern 
in  regard  to  those  Lands,  and  1  hope  I  made  it  sulliciently  appear  that  'he  Society  for  I'ropagating 
the  (Jospel  must  have  been  shamefully  impns'd  on  either  by  Robinson  or  some  other  of  his 
Associates,  or  they  would  never  have  presented  such  a  Petition  as  they  did,  and  must  now  be" 
leave  to  recommend  to  your  I-ordship's  I'rotection  the  iV-rsons  conccrn'd  in  the  Lands  on  the 
Connecticut  River  who  are  constantly  applying  to  me,  in  e.xpectation  of  hearing  that  some  Orders 
h:id  been  sent  over  to  take  of  the  Restriction  which  was  laid  on  granting  thos"  Lands,  by  which 
they  would  he  relieved  from  that  distress  in  which  thei.-  present  uncertain  situation  has  involved 
them. —  I  beg  your  Lordships  Pardon  for  this  long  Dissertation,  which  was  only  intended  to 
represent  the  true  slate  of  this  Province  in  regard  to  our  Neighbours,  (iuehec  and  New 
Hampshire  and  to  make  it  appear  that  due  obe<lience  has  been  shevv'd  to  His  .Majesty's 
Proclamations  which  were  issued  for  delernuning  &  ascertaining  their  Boundaries.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be  with  the  greiitest  Respect, 
My  Lord, 

Your  liordsiii|)'s 

most  obedient  nnd  litiinble  Servant 
Right  Hon''''  Karl  of  Shelburne,  H:  .NIooue 


Lkutenant-Uovcnwr  CoI<hn  to  the  Kail  of  Shtlhurne. 

INf».Yi.r»,CI.X.,  A.,i;.l 

New  York  January  SI"  17G9. 
My  Lord, 

Piv  fiy  letter  of  the   U'C'   of  NovemI)er   last,  I    gave   your    Lordship  nn   account  of  the 

fxliaordiuary  i'roceediugs  of  the  Judges  of  the  .'supreme  Court  of  Judicaturi:  it!  tjiia  Province, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI.  5 

on  n  Pamphlet  which  was  published  in  England  last  Spring,  in  my  vindication,  and  delivered 
to  His  Majesty's  Ministers  and  several  Members  of  rarliament,  for  their  information  ;  and  to 
clear  my  character  from  the  malicious  aspersions,  which  I  was  informed  had  been  industriously 
propagated  there.  This  Pamphlet  was  reprinted  in  this  Place  without  my  privity,  or  of  any 
of  my  friends,  as  I  am  now  well  assured.  As  I  make  no  doubt  of  your  Lordships  receiving 
that  Letter,  I  shall  not  give  you  the  trouble  of  a  repetition  of  it's  contents. 

The  Assembly  of  this  Province  met  in  November  last.  On  the  SS^i  of  December  M' 
Levingston,  one  of  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  and  a  Member  of  Assembly,  introduced 
the  consideration  of  that  Pamphlet  into  the  House,  and  moved  that  a  Committee  be  appointed  to 
enquire  into  it,  whicli  was  done,  and  M'  Levingston  carried  a  message  from  the  Assembly 
to  the  Council  desiring  them  to  appoint  a  Comittee  to  join  the  Committee  of  Assembly,  to 
take  that  Pampnlet  under  Consideration.     Three  of  tlie  Council  were  named  for  that  purpose  ; 

Men  who  are  known  to  be  very  warm  in  the  matters  which  are  the  subject  of  that  Pamphlet. 

On  the  SO"-  the  Iteport  of  the  joint  Committees  was  made  in  the  Assembly;  consisting,  as 
might  be  expected;  of  most  violent  sensures  on  the  Pamphlet;  and  proposeing.  "  uint  a 
•'  Committee  of  Assembly  should  be  appointed  to  examine  and  report  the  unjust  charges,  with 
••  an  ample  &  satisfactory  refutation,  to  discover  the  Author  and  Publisher;  and  declare  what 
•'  they  conceive  to  bo  the  most  prudent  &  effectual  measures  for  applying  a  suitable 
"  Puiiuhmcnt,  and  deterring  otiiers  from  so  iniquitous  and  dangerous  an  Otlence."— It  ia 
believed  however  they  will  not  attempt  any  other  refutation  thriM  b-  such  like  bold 
assertions.— I  have  heretofore  inform'd  your  Lordship  that  the  matt  ts  of  fact  related  in  my 
Vindication,  can  all  be  proved  from  Authentic  Papers  in  the  I'lantation  Office ;  1  have  not 
been  able  to  discover  tliat  any  one  fact  has  been  pointed  out  as  false,  which  was  not  to 
numbers  of  people,  notoriously  true.  — To  a  general  charge  of  falsliood  and  misrepresentation 
I  can  give  no  other  Answer.  When  the  Assembly  proceed  to  be  more  particular,  1  doubt 
not  I  shall  be  able  to  give  tiie  most  satisfactory  Answers.— But  your  Lordship  will  please  to 
observe  tliat  the  joint  Committee  have  suggested  Measures  for  I'uii'mhmiut  ami  (Uivning  oihcrt. 
This  I  presume  will  sufficiently  confirm  the  reasons  I  had  for  writing  to  your  Lordship  as  I 
did  in  my  letter  of  the  ii.i'' of  November.  — The  I'arties  against  me  are  both  Prosecutors  and 
Judges  — they  h:i\.-  all  the  power  in  their  hands,  and  1  may  depend  on  it,  they  will  omit 
nothing  to  injure  and  ruin  me. 

The  Assembly  have  proceeded  to  examine  several  i'ersons,  among  whom  were  my  eldest 
Bon  and  son  in  law.  People  without  doors  speak  ol  such  steps  as  inquisitorial  and  destructive 
of  all  private  security.— It  is  known  they  intend  to  proceed  in  the  Supreme  Court  in  the  same 
matter.  That  Court  is  now  seting,  the  Term  commenced  last  Tuesday.  The  Keport  of  iho 
joint  Committee,  of  which  I  enclose  a  Coppy,  was  published  the  preceding  day.  Your  Lordship 
will  please  to  observe  that  this  has  an  evident  tendency  to  inlluence  Juries,  and  to  favour  11 
cruel  prosecution.  The  faction  have  so  long  succeeded  by  such  bold  assertions,  and  by 
Mitimidi.iing,  while  nothing  has  been  done  to  support  the  Officers  of  the  Crown,  that  all  men 
are  allVaid  to  appear  in  opposition  to  their  power.  — It  were  better  my  Lord  to  give  up  the 
Colonies  nt  once,  tlinu  thus  to  expose  the  Friends  of  Creat  Britain  to  ruin,  and  the  most 
cruel  treatment. 

It  is  certain  the  Sentiments  of  disinterested  people,  have  alter'd  greatly  with   regard  (o  my 
conduct,  since  the  publishing  of  the  Pamphlet  here.     The  notorious  truth  of  the  Facts  is  ever- 
Day  mentioned  by  many  People.     If  there  was  no  other  proof,  of  the  dangerous  stale  of  tlitt 


d 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Courts  of  Justice  in  this  Province,  as  set  forth  in  my  Vindication,  the  present  Proceedings  put 
it  out  of  Doubt  on  the  least  Reflection. —  But  my  Lord  when  Judges  are  Parties  and 
Prosecutors,  bacited  by  the  influence  of  the  Council  and  Assembly,  and  of  the  Lawyers,  who 
have  a  dangerous  weight  in  this  Government,  it  may  well  be  fear'd  that  Juries  will  not  have 
resolution  enough  to  oppose  such  power. — As  I  presume  your  Lordship  will  readily  immagine 
on  considering  the  state  of  the  Merchants  in  the  City  of  New  York,  mentioned  in  my 
last  letter. 

My  friends  assure  me  that  from  ceveral  incidents  it  appears  that  the  design  of  my  Ennemies 
is  to  ruin  my  Fortune.  Wiien  a  Governor,  who  is  charged  with  nothing  but  a  scriipelous 
obedience  to  the  King's  Instructions,  and  submission  to  an  Act  of  Parliament,  cannot  defend 
himself  against  the  nialict  Sc  resentment  of  Men  who  openly  deny  the  authority  of  Parliament, 
&  submission  to  the  Mother  Country,  and  he  be  not  sufficiently  supported  and  protected  ;  what 
oilicer  of  the  Crown  will  dare  to  perform  his  Duty? 

My  case  must  have  a  great  influence  upon  all  others,  and  in  that  light  alone  I  presume  your 
Lordship  will  think  it  deserving  your  attention :  but  as  it  is  the  case  of  an  Old  Servant  of 
the  King's  wiio  throughout  a  long  life  has  been  attached  to  the  Interest  and  Authority  of  the 
Crown  and  who  has  incurred  the  dangerous  resentment  of  a  powerfull  Faction,  by  a  faithfull 
discharge  of  his  duty  to  the  best  of  his  abilities,  may  he  not,  my  Lord,  hope  for  the  particular 
and  immediate  protection  and  favour  of  His  Majesty's  Ministers;  especially  as  his  receiving 
no  marks  of  either  must  give  the  greatest  assurance  to  his  Ennemies. 

]  have  at  several  time-,  my  Lord,  informed  the  King's  Ministers,  while  the  Administration 
was  in  my  hands,  that  it  is  impossible  that  Justice  can  be  ndminister'd  to  the  People,  or  the 
Uiglils  of  the  Crown  &  dependance  of  the  Colony  be  secured,  without  disinterested  Judges. 
Men  of  integrity  and  ability,  sutficiently  supported,  without  depending  on  the  pleasure  of  an 
Assembly  yearly  for  their  scanty  allowance.  I  gave  my  opinion  that  our  present  Judges  are 
not  such,  and  that  it  would  be  diflicult  to  find  pro|)er  Persons  in  the  I'rovinie.  —  It  is  not  easy 
to  support  this  opinion  of  the  Judges  by  legal  Evidence.  They  have  now  given  proof  by 
niakeing  themselves  in  the  same  Cause,  I'arties,  Accusers,  and  Judges.  1  wish,  my  Lord,  that 
you  may  know  from  indifferent  I'ersons  the  opinion  which  IVople  have  of  our  Judges  and 
Lawyers.  And  that  you  may  have  a  true  account  of  the  Cheif  Justice  Ilorsmanden's  past 
conduct  in  Life. 

1  must  again  intreat  your  Lordship  to  lay  my  Case  before  His  Majesty,  for  His  protection 
against  such  dangerous  &  malicious  Ennemies,  and  to  obtain  some  gracious  recompense  for 
my  losses  &  sufferings, 

I  am  with  the  greatest  submission 
My  Lord, 

Your  most  obedient  & 
night  Hon"'*  Earl  of  Shelburn,  His  faithfull  servant 

Majesty's  principal  Secretary  of  State  Cauwalladek  Colue.V 

for  the  8u:  Department. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


NM. 


Earl  of  Ilillshorough  to  the  Governors  in  North  America. 

[  PUnUiUonf  General  (S.  P.  0. )  CCHV.,  No.  1.  ] 

Whitehall  Jan  :  23.  17C8 
His  Majesty  having  been  graciously  pleased  to  appoint  me  to  be  one  of  his  Principal 
Secre  ar.es  of  State,  and  to  committ  to  my  care  che  Dispatch  of  all  such  business,  relative  to 
H.s  Majesty  s  Cobn.es  in  Amer.ca,  as  has  been  usually  Dispatched  by  the  Secretary  of  State 
for  the  boulhern  Department,  I  have  His  Majesty's  Commands  to  signify  tl,is  Arrangement  to 
you  and  H,s  Majesty's  Pleasure  that  your  Dispatches  be  for  the  future  addresSo  me 
conforuKible  to  the  Jlule  of  Correspondence  prescribed  in  His  Majesty's  Order  in  Council  of 
the  8"  of  August  17G6,  a  Copy  of  which  is  herewith  transmitted  to  you 

I.  is  His  Majes.y's  intention  in  making  the  present  Arrangement  that  all  possible  facility  & 
D.spa  ch  shou  d  be  g.ven  to  the  business  of  his  Colonies  and  as  nothing  can  more  effectu.llt 
contribute  to  this  salutary  purpose  than  a  frequent  and  lull  Communication  of  all  Occurrencles 
that  may  happen  and  a  regular  and  punctual  transmission  of  all  Acts  and  Proceeding  nf 
Government  &  Legislature  and  of  such  Papers  as  have  any  Relation  thereto,  I  have  it  .n 
Command  from  his  Majesty  to  recommend  this  to  your  particular  Attention,  His  Maiestv 
havmg  observed  w.th  concern  that  this  essential  part  of  the  duty  of  His  Officers  in  America 
has  scarcely  any  where  been  duly  attended  to.  and  in  several  Colonies  particularly  in  ha 
Charter  and  Proprietary  Governments  almost  entirely  neglected 

I  have  nothing  further  to  add  but  to  express  my  earnest  wishes  that  by  the  utmost  Attention 
&  Applica  ion  I  can  give,  I  may  be  able  to  fulfill  His  Majesty's  most  gracious  Intentions  . "n d  I 
ake  t  e  iberty  to  assure  you,  that  I  will  not  omitt  to  lay  your  Dispatches,  as  soon  as  .  r  ce  v 

pZcki'vic':  "• "  '°  "' '"'  ""'^^ ""  '"^ " '  •""  ^'"«'  y°-  •"«—  ^- 1,:: 

I  am  Sc." 

HlLLSBOnoUGH 


No.  35.) 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  ShUmrne. 

(  Mew-Tork,  CLX.,  A.  U.  ] 

Fort  George,  New  York  20  Jan»  I7f,S 


My  Lord, 

Among  the  Ads  pass'd  by  the  Council  i  the  House  of  Assembly  during  .he  course  of  ..  • 
last  Ses.sion.  there  was  one  for  the  Repeal  of  two  Acts.  ( the  Copies  of  whidi      e  I  e      il.-l 
re-a.ve  to  insolvent  Debtor,  in  which   the  Legislative  Bodies  have  i    e    It    r  ,       s^:^^ 
greatly  and  were  very  <les.rous  of  having  it  pass'd   into  a  Law,  as  the  Acts  in.en  le      I  ,  • 
epealed  had   been  a  means  of  introducing  many  frauds  &  abuses  loiully  conipl.r'  |  o    .„  I 
ad  not  answer'.!  the  purposes  for  which   they  were   made.     ..is  M  ,e  ,'y's       ^     I    ,: ., 

to  .!,.  m    I  aspre^euted  my  passing  ,t.  and  obliged  me  ,„  .rans.ni,  by  .his  opportunity  the  fawi 
iulemled  to  be  repealed  by  this  la«t  menlion'd  A.t   il,.,.  p..  m.:..:,....  .  ."  .'     ,   ''""' 


8 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


for  tliat  purpose,  The  inclosed  List  of  Acts  repealing  former  Acts  pass'd  in  this  Province  was 
extracted  from  the  Booli  of  our  printed  Laws  and  sent  to  me  in  order  to  remove  my  present 
oi)jections  to  this  Act,  by  shewing  that  His  Majesty  had  never  insisted  on  this  Instruction 
being  rigidly  observed,  since  Acts  of  the  kind  had  been  so  frequently  pass'd  for  repealing 
others  in  livery  Governor's  time  since  the  year  1703.  I  do  not  mention  this  as  any  reflection 
on  my  I'ledecessors  in  the  Government  here,  for  I  am  likewise  a  delinquent  in  this  respect,  the 
last  Article  in  the  List  pointing  to  an  Actpass'd  here  a  few  days  after  my  arrival  from  England, 
which  repeals  some  clauses  in  former  Acts  for  making  lloads  in  two  small  precincts  here,  and 
in  which  1  was  misled  by  no  mention  being  made  of  any  intended  repeal  either  in  the  title  or 
preamble  of  tha  Act,  and  I  hope  your  Lordship  will  have  so  much  indulgence  for  me  as  to 
believe  that  in  my  particular  situation  at  that  time  during  the  continued  scenes  of  lliot  and 
disorder  which  prcvail'd  so  long  here  after  I  landed  that  my  attention  must  have  been  fully 
taken  up  with  them,  and  that  an  omission  of  tlie  kind  might  be  easily  made,  especially  as 
the  object  was  so  inconsiderable.  1  beg  'eave  to  mention  here  that  my  Refusal  of  passing  the 
abovemention'd  Bill  has  given  great  uneasiness,  and  that  this  Instruction  will  be  the  greatest 
obstacle  to  the  getting  of  Acts  pass'd  for  any  length  of  tiuie,  which  I  am  directed  to  endeavoui- 
at,  as  the  House  of  Assembly  upon  being  restrain'd  from  repealing  Acts  once  pass'd  to  which 
manifest  objections  may  be  afterwards  made  will  of  course  frame  their  Bills  for  as  short  a  space 
as  Ihey  can,  in  order  to  suffer  as  little  as  possible  from  any  Act  in  which  they  are  not  permitted 
to  remedy  the  inconveniencies  when  discover'd  :  I  know  these  to  be  their  present  Sentiments, 
and  submit  it  to  your  Lordship  whether  in  matters  relating  intirely  tn  our  internal  Policy,  and 
in  which  neither  the  particular  Interests  of  the  Crown,  or  it's  power  i;nJ  Dignity  are  concern'd, 
a  Relaxation  of  this  Instruction  may  not  be  thought  proper,  and  be  attended  in  many 
circumstances  with  Benefit  to  the  Province. 

1  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect, 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's 

most  obedient  and. 

hutnblo  Servant 

Right  Hon''''  Karl  of  Shelburnc.  II.  Moouk. 


N"  30.) 


Governor  Moore  to  the  /'Mil  of  Shtlbiirne. 

(N«w  Turk,  tLS.,A.,  15.] 

Fort  George,  New  York  27  Jan'  1769. 


My  Ijord, 

In  obedience  to  His  Miijesfy's  additional  Instruction  dated  Sept'  11.  17G7  and  transmitted  to 
me  by  your  Lordship,  directing  me  "  to  consider  what  is  likely  to  lie  the  Kfrect  of  the  newly 
"inRerled  clause  in  the  .Millia  Act,  relative  to  the  Provincial  Military  Force,  and  to  report  my 
"opinion  whether  any  oliji'ction  lyes  against  it."  I  have  madt?  various  enquiries  concerning 
the  lirsl  introduction  of  the  clause  and  I  find  as  well  from  general  inlurmatiun  as  from  His 


LONDON  documents;:     KU. 


9 


Majesty  s  Council  here,  before  whom  I  this  day  h.id  the  Instruction,  that  it  was  inserted  in  th-- 
i^^ct  (or  the  followmg  Reasons.-There  are  in  many  Districts  of  this  Province.  Independent 
Compan.es  wlio  acknowledge  no  subordination  to  the  Colonels  of  the  Militia  in  those  Districts 
or  w.ll  receive  any  Orders  from  them,  as  they  look  upon  the  Governor  of  the  Province  to  be 
their  Colonel  and  that  they  are  not  to  obey  any  Orders  but  such  as  they  receive  from  liim. 
Ih.s  in  times  of  sudden  Alarms  .„d   Invasions  has  been  productive  of  bad  Cousequences. 
lor  the  Olh.ers  of  tho.se  Companies  which  are  remote  from  the  Seat  of  Government,  being 
at  two  great  a  distance  (rom  the  Governor  to  receive  any  imme.iiate  orders  from  him  in  such 
an  exigency  have  chosen  their  own  stations  on  such  an  occasion,  whereby  the  p'lrt  of  the  country 
then  in  danger  has  not  reap'd  that  advantage  (rom  their  services,  which  it  might  have  done 
if  they  had  at  that  time  been  under  the  command  of  the  Colonels  of   the  Militia  •  It  wai 
therefore  thought  proper  to  put  them  under  such  command  at  that  particular  time  in'order  to 
make  them  more  serviceable,  but  al  the  same  time  without  any  intention  of  iufringin-  the  pow.r 
o(  the  Governor,  who  is  not  only  suppo...  !  -.o  command  them  himself,  but  has  frequ"  utly  given 
power  to  the  Colonels  of  Uegiments  to  ta!;e  upon  them  the  command  of  such  Companies-  The 
Clause  as  pnnte.l  in  our  Laws  here   differs  so  much   from   the  quotation  in  His  Majesty's 
Instruction  that  1  beg  leave  to  lay  them   both  before  your  Lordship,-Tlie  Instruction  says 
"that  111  case  of   Alarm  or  Invasion   when   the  Commander  in  Chief  shall   be  absent,  the 
"command  of  the  I'rovincial   Military   Force  shall  be  vested   in   the  respective  Colonels  of 
"  the  Independent  Companies."     The  Clause  in  our  printed  Laws  runs  thus,  "  that  in  case  of  a 
•'  General  Alarm  or  Invasion  all  unregimented  or  independent  Companies  and  Troops,  shall  in 
••  the  aliseuce  of  the  Captain  General  or  CJommand.r  in  Chief  be  under  the  immediate  rommand 
"  &  direction  of  the  Colonel,  and  in  his  absence  the  next  commanding  Ollicer  of  the  Utgiment 
"or  Battalion  of  the  City  or  County  where  such  unregimented  or  Independent  Companies  or 
"  Troops  are  or  may  be."     Your  Lordships  will  be  please.i  to  observe  that  the  ICxplanation  1  have 
given  IS  adapted  to  the  clause  us  printed  here  although  it  cannot  so  well  be  reconciled  to  t'he 
Words  of  the  Instruction— I  do  not  apprehend  that  there  will  be  any  great  dilliculty  in  getting 
a  Militia  Law  puss'd  (or  five  years,  but  (rom  the  <;enius  and  Disposition  of  the  people,  I  have 
all  the  reason  in  the  world  to  imagine,  that  the  suspending  clause  directed  to  be  inserted  in  it  will 
occasion  the  total  failure  of  the  liill;  It  would  very  ill   become  me  to  say  anything  against 
suspen.ling  clauses,  and  I  hope  your  Lordship  aM  not  imagine  I  presume  to  do  it,  but  as  1  have 
very  lately,  (and  (rom  such  information  as  I  think  may  be  depended  on)  bail  the  honor  of  informing 
your  Lordship  of  our  situation  in  regard  to  our  Indian  Neighbours,  an.l  of  our  Kxpectatious  that 
Hostilities  will  soon  be  commenced  against  us  by  ihem,  I  thought  it  incumbent  on  me  to  repeat 
my  apprehensions  of  such  a  misforlune,  and  meant  only  to  blend  the  welllare  of  the  I'lovinco 
committed  to  my  charge,  with  my  Duty  and  obedience  to  His  Majesty's  Orders,  1  have  the 
honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect, 
My  Lord, 

Vour  Lordsliip'g 

most  obedient  nnd  humble  servant 
Right  Hon"'"  Karl  of  Shelburne.  ,,   ., 


Vol.  VIII. 


10 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Eaii  of  Ilillshorough  to  the  Governor's  in  A^orili  America. 

[  Mus :  Brit :  KIngb  MS.,  200,  p.  29.  ] 

Circular. 

Wliitelinll,  20"  Feb.  1768. 

I  am  commanded  by  the  King  to  send  you  a  duplic.ite  of  the  address'  to  His  Majesty  from 
the  House  of  Commons,  of  the  27"'  of  March,  17G6,  transmitted  to  you  by  the  Lords 
Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations,  on  the  1"  of  August,  17CG;  to  which  address  you 
will  take  care  to  pay  exact  obedience,  otherwise  you  will  incur  the  censure  of  that  House. 

I  am,  &« 

Hillsborough. 


(No.  4) 


Sir, 


Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Governor  Moore. 

[Ncw-Tork.  CLX.] 

Whitehall,  February  26""  1708. 


Since  the  Earl  of  Shelburne's  Letter  to  you,  dated  the  14"'  of  Nov'  last  N"  12,  your  several 
letters  to  His  Lordship  from  N"  22.  to  N°  31.  have  been  received  and  laid  before  the  King. 

His  Majesty  trusted  that  the  ill  consequences  flowing  from  a  want  of  Itespect  to,  and 
Authority  in,  the  Civil  .Magistrate,  so  evidently  manilested  during  the  late  Disorders  on 
account  of  the  Stamp  Act,  would  have  induced  all  men  of  Rank  &  Consideration  in  the  Colony 
to  have  co-operated  with  you  in  every  .Measure  that  could  possibly  tend  to  secure  the  Peace, 
and  promote  the  Happiness  of  the  Community,  and  to  give  that  strength  and  consistency  to 
Government,  by  which  alone  it  can  be  supported  and  therefore  it  was  a  great  concern  to  His 
Majesty  to  find  by  your  letter  .V  22.  that  you  had  failed  in  your  K.\pectation  of  Assistance  in 
this  great  work  from  the  better  sort  of  People,  and  more  so,  that  their  Backwardness  should 
proceed  from  Considerations  so  unworthy  those  whose  duty  it  is,  from  the  Raid^  they  hold  in 
the  Community,  to  make  it's  welfare  &  happiness  the  objects  of  their  Care  &  Allenlion. 

His  Miity  is  sensible  that  the  wisest  &  best  Institutions  that  can  be  framed  for  the  Benefit 
of  Society  will  fail  of  their  effect,  if  entrusted  to  the  Execution  of  Magistrates  such  as  are 
described  in  your  letter,  &  therefore  His  Majesty  thinks,  that  in  the  case  of  the  Establishment 
in  New  York,  for  the  Adjudication  of  suits  of  a  small  value  in  a  summary  Way,  the  Itemedy 
lies  in  that  Reform  of  the  Magistracy  you  say  you  propose  to  make,  and  which  His  Maty  very 
much  approves,  and  not  in  the  I{e|)eal  of  the  Establishment  itself,  which  has  already  receiv'd 
His  .Maly's  sanction  &  Approbation,  and  has  from  a  conviction  of  the  Utility  of  it,  been  ii 
Measure  recommended  to  the  Covernors  of  all  the  Colonies. 

His  Miijesly  is  glad  to  find,  that  you  consider  what  the  Assembly  has  done,  in  the  case  of 
milking  Provision  (or  tiuartering  His  .Maty's  Troops,  as  a  perfect  and  complete  (H)edience  to 
the  Acts  of  Parliament;   And  it  will    be  a  great  satisfaction  to  His   Majesty,  if,   upon  the 

'  For  tliit  Addrein,  •<>«  rtnnmhania  Auhim,  lY.,  auSL  —  Ed. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


11 


Examination  by  the  Board  of  Trade  of  the  Law  for  making  this  Provision,  it  shall  be  found 
e«-,cl„»ll,  to  th,  Di,,pp„i„i,„e„t  of  ,h.  Authors  ^    °"''"™  ""  '"°" 

s;:r=\:o;:;'^s ,:z::::  Err  -=  • -;:^ 

..me  general  attack  upon  hI  Mit^  cI|1„™  ""  '"  """"  '""  ■""'""'"« 

Amongst  the  many  causes  to  wliich  h^  nfirih,.t«=  .1  .  1  ,.      . 

seems  to  lay  particular  stress  on  tl  e  U  Is    e^  ^    J  '' .'"T      '''''''''\f  '""^  lavages  he 
theirnot  having  received  His  M.,fv'«  n  •  '^    ""  '■*'P'^»'«''"y  expressed  from 

on   the   Plan   t^::^  ^\^:^  J'nTT^vr'l ''''^^^^^^ 
.nstructionsto8^\vm.Johnso„o    tlllli    Lt;.'  "^J  "Tt"^'''   ""'   '"   '""^^' 

It  IS  not  however  his  Majesty's  Intention  that  the  safety  of  His  Tnlnnip.  «),     u 

..,0...  at...  or  „„.„  t„„  „„„,„.  „ai';::";„:,.;;;:;j  tr:.::::, :;::''''™" "-"  ""-■■" 


12 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANTTSORIPTS. 


employed  in  Situations  of  the  greatest  Trust  &  Eminence  ;  But  I  have  the  satisfaction  to 
acquaint  you  that  His  Maty  does  give  full  and  entire  credit  to  vehat  you  have  alledged  in  your 
Justification  in  the  Case  of  the  Complaints  exhibited  by  Captain  Robinson. 

His  Majesty's  Order  in  Council  of  the  24"'  of  July  last  directing  you  to  desist  from  making 
any  further  Crants  of  the  Land  annexed  to  New  York  by  that  Order  which  made  the  River 
Connecticut  the  Boundary  between  that  Province  and  New  Hampshire,  has,  I  am  informed 
been  transmitted  to  you,  but  as  I  do  not  find  any  entry  of  such  transmission  in  Lord  Shelbnrne'a 
Books,  I  now  for  fear  of  any  mistake,  inclose  to  you  a  Copy  of  it. 

It  is  not  however  His  Majesty's  Intention  that  such  part  of  the  said  Land  as  shall,  upon  any 
equitable  adjudication,  appear  to  r<-.nain  for  His  Maty's  Disposal  should  be  locked  up  from 
Cultivation  &  Improvement,  longer  than  is  necessary  to  ascertain  tiiose  Facts  and  Allegations 
in  the  Petitions  on  which  the  Order  itself  is  grounded,  &  therefore  His  Maty  expects  that  a 
very  full  and  particular  Account  should  be  transmitted  with  all  convenient  Dispatch  of  the 
actual  State  in  respect  to  Cultivation  and  Settlement  of  such  Townships  as  were  laid  out  by 
the  Governor  of  New  Hampshire,  expressing  the  Degree  of  such  Cultivation,  and  the  Number 
of  Persons  actually  brought  upon  the  lands,  &  how  far  such  cultivation  and  settlement  hasi 
conformed  to  the  Terms  &  Conditions  expressed  in  the  Grants  themselves. 

Besides  the  Circumstances  of  Knquiring  relative  to  Cultivation  and  Settlement,  there  i.i 
another  Olject  of  Examination  relative  to  the  State  of  this  District  of  very  great  national 
Importance  which  is,  how  far  it  is  capable  of  affording  a  plentiful  and  lasting  supply  of  Timber 
proper  for  Masts  for  the  Royal  Navy,  and  for  other  naval  uses;  The  Representations  which 
have  been  made  of  it,  state  it  to  excel  almost  all  others  in  Advantages  of  this  kind,  and  surely 
when  the  present  supply  to  this  Kingdom  from  it's  Colonies  of  these  Important  Articles  on 
which  it's  strength  and  security  so  greetly  depend,  is  become  so  diflicult  &  precarious  & 
conseo"::ntly  the  Expence  enhanced  to  an  immoderate  degree  the  finding  out  and  securing  new 
Resources,  is  an  object  that  merits  the  fullest  consideration.  It  is  therefore  His  Majesty's 
pleasure,  that,  in  examining  into  &  reporting,  a  State  of  this  District  you  should  be  particularly 
attentive  to  this  advantage,  causing  actual  surveys  to  be  made  of  all  such  Parts  as  shall  be 
found  to  produce  any  considerable  growth  of  While  Pine  Trees,  &  taking  every  possible 
caution  to  secure  them  for  His  Maty's  use,  and  to  prevent  any  waste  oi  Destruction  being 
committed  until  His  Maty's  pleasure  can  be  known. 

Your  letter  to   I^ord  Shelburne  N"  5.  which   relates  to  the  claims  of  His  Maty's  Ci       "'■•^ 
Subjects,  to  lands  on  that  part  of  Lake  Chaniplain,  which  is  now  a  part  of  the  Cohny  o. 
York,  has  been  referred  to  the  Lords  of  Trade  and  tlir-ir   Lordships  having  made  a  Repoi  .  , 
His  Maty  thereupon,  It  is  his  Maty's  Resolution  upon  the  fullest  consideration  not  to  allow  nn_, 
claims  made  upon  the  ground  of  ancient  grants  from  the  Government  of  Canada  to  Lands 
which  were  never  acknowledged  to  belong  of  riglit  to  the  Crown  of  France. 

His  Maty  has  the  most  tender  Regard  to  the  Rights  of  His  new  Subjects,  and  is  desirous  of 
giving  every  proper  Testimony  of  His  Attention  to  tiieir  Interests  and  Welfare,  &  therefore  it 
is  His  Maty's  Pleasure,  that  they  should  not  be  disturbed  in  the  pencable  possession  of  any 
Tracts  so  circumstanced,  which  they  may  have  actually  settled  &  improved,  provided  they 
consent  to  establish  their  Title  by  (irants  under  the  seal  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  upon 
the  usual  Conditions  of  Quit  Rent  and  Improvement. 

In  this  Case  therefore,  as  well  as  in  that  which  I  have  already  mentioned,  relative  to  the 
lands   between    the    Rivers  Hu<ison  and  Connecticut,  it  will  be  necessary  that  very  exact 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLl.  jg 

informntion  should  be  transmitted  of  the  State  of  the«e  clai.n.,  and  of  the  Degree  of  Cultivation 
and  Settlement  upon  every  Tract  claimed  a,  well  by  His  Maty's  natural  born  subjects  as  by 
H,s  new  subjects  of  Quebec,  and  that  the  same   Measures  and  Precautions  should  be  taken  in 

re.spect  to  the  Preservation  of  Pine  Trees,  with  which  there  is  good   Reason   to   beleive   this' 
Country  does  also  plentifully  abound. 

His   M.jesty  has    be^en    graciously  pleased   in  considering  the  Request  of  the   Assembly, 
concernuig   a    Paper   Currency  mentioned    in    your    Letter    N"  31.  to  give  to  it  the  greates 
Attention.     And  the  Assembly  may  rest  assured  that  it  will  ever  be  an  Object  o    His  il   ■' 
care  and  attention  to  promote  by  reasonable  and  proper  Measures,  the  latere  ts  of  His  8ubie  , 
u,  every  part  o(  H,s  Dom.nions.  and  to  give  all  possible  Releif  in  every  case  of  real  Diffic'ulty 
&  D.stress  ;   But  both  you  and  they  must  know  that  as  the  Law  now  stands,  the  allowing      y 
o    t^  Co  on,es  to  Issue   Paper  Bills  of  Credit  ,^,h  a  Legal  Tender,  is  not  a  n,atter  lef     o 
the  D.scet.on  of  the  Crown.  &  that  it  would  be  inconsistent  with  repeated  Resolutions  of  the 
House  of  Commons  to  allow  Paper  Bills  of  Credit   under  any  Description  to   be  created  by 
Laws  made  to  take  eHect  before  His  Maty's  Pleasure  could  be  known,  and  therefore  if  it  were 
wished  to  have  such  a  Paper  Currency  in  the  I'rovince  of  New  York  as  tbe  Law  allows   His 
Majesty  does  not  see  what  reasonable  pretence  there  could  be  for  not  transmitting  with  the 
Request  the  Draught  of  such  a  Bill  as  they  proposed  to  enact 

The  prohibiting  the  Governors  of  those  Colonies  which  are  under  the  immediate  Government 
of  the  Crown  from  assenting  ,„  particular  cases   to  Laws,  until  His  Maty's  Pleasure  should   be 
known,  upon  a  full  communication  of  all  the  Regulations  intended  to  be  established,  is  a  llJht 
inherent  ,n  the  Crown,  upon  the  Principles  of  the  Constitution  of  those  Colonies;  But    n 
order  to  remedy  as  niuch  as  possible  any  Inconvenience  which  might  attend  the  Ope  a<ion  of 
this  necessary   and  Constitutional   Restriction  upon   the    Kxercise  of  the   legislative    Powe 
o    the  Colonies,  the  NVisdom  of  Government  has  substituted  the  regulation  of  the  suspending 
Clause  mere  y  as  an  alternative  to  prevent  that  Delay  which  would  attend  the  passing  a  B  U 
hro   all  IS  forms  after  tbe   Crown  had  signified    it's  consent  that  it  should  be  enacted  into  a 
Law.      rius   ^ir.is  I  conceive   the  exact  state  of  the   case  with   respect  to  the   suspendin' 
Clause,  and  there  lore  I  am  at  a  loss  to  guess  upon  what  Ground  it  is  that  the  Assembly  obiecl 
to  a  Regulation  that  has  been  evidently  calculated  to  give  every  possible  advantage  and  Ben ef 
wn.ch  can   be  given,  without  departing  from   those   Constitutional  Principles  on    which  the 
Government  of  the  Colonies  was  founded. 

I  have  it  in  comnian.l  from  His  Maty  ,o  transmit  to  you  the  enclosed  Copies  of  Two  Letters 
to  the  Karl  o    .shelburne   from    M'  Cohlen  stating  the  Injustice  of  the  Assembly's  Refusl    t" 
Compensate  bin,  lor  Ins  losses  by  the  Mob  on  the  l"  of  Nov'  17Go.  and  to  pay  him  the  arr  a 
of.salary  due  to  him  at  the  time  of  your  Arrival.  "'rears 

It  is  His  Majesty's  Pleasure  that  you  shouhl  examine  into  the  state  and  nature  of  these 
Deman  s,  and  ,n  case  you  had  them  just  &  reasonable  that  you  should  recommend  to  the 
Assemb  y  to  provu  e  for  the  Discharge  of  them,  as  a  matter  of  Justice  that  ought  not  to  he 
denied  from  Considerations  of  any  Dissatisfaction  which  the  conduct  of  that  Gentleman  mnv 
have  occasioned.  " 

liovernor  of  .\ew  \  ork. 

HlLLSBOKOUUH 


14 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Governoi'  Moore  to  the  Larch  of  Trade. 

[  New- York  I'tpers,  nuridle  Kr.,  No.  20.  ] 

New  York  2G.  Febf  17G8. 
My  Lords. 

I  have  the  honor  of  transmitting  to  your  Lord'''"  by  this  opportunity  the  Acts  of  Assembly 
passed  in  the  late  Session  to  which  an  end  was  put  on  the  ti""  day  of  this  month  by  a  dissolution, 
as  they  had  sat  seven  years,  and  new  writs  are  issued  returnable  some  time  in  March.  Most 
of  these  Acts  have  been  passed  in  former  sessions  and  only  continued  in  this  for  some  time 
longer,  two  or  three  very  short  new  Acts,  are  as  fully  explained  in  their  titles  as  I  could  do  by 
letter,  but  it  is  necessary,  that  I  should  make  some  observation  on  two,  which  are  not  only 
new  hut  require  some  explanation.  The  first  is  intitled  '•  An  Act  to  declare  the  extenlion  of 
"several  Acts  of  Parliam'  made  since  the  establishment  of  a  Legislation  in  this  Colony,  and 
"  not  declared  in  the  said  Acts  to  extend  to  the  I'li-ntatioiis."  The  uncertain  determinations, 
and  different  opinions  of  the  Judges  relative  to  Acts  of  Parliament,  and  the  confusion,  which  of 
course  ensued  in  the  Law  proceedings  here  have  occasioned  this  Act,  that  there  might  be  some 
fixed  and  permanent  rule  to  go  by,  for  an  Act  of  Parliament  in  which  the  Colonies  were  not 
mentioned,  was  pleaded  in  one  term  and  rejected  in  the  next,  so  that  in  effect  the  issue  of  a 
cause  depended  not  so  much  on  the  right  of  the  Client,  as  on  the  breath  of  the  Judge,  and  what 
was  looked  upon  as  a  very  good  plea  in  one  circuit  was  disallowed  in  another;  Your  Lordfi" 
may  easily  imagine,  what  must  have  been  the  consequence  of  this  method  of  Acting,  and  the 
difficulties  under  which  all  the  suitors  in  the  Courts  must  have  laboured.  This  Act  was 
intended  to  remedy  these  inconveniencies  and  only  a  certain  number  of  Acts  of  the  English 
Legislature  adopted,  as  many  of  them  were  merely  locai,  and  could  not  be  of  any  service  here, 
or  indeed  properly  carried  into  execution  in  our  prc-ent  situation.  The  second,  is  the  "  Act 
"  for  the  more  effectual  vesting  the  real  and  personal  Estate  whereof  Abraham  De  Peyster'  Esq", 
"  liite  Treasurer  of  this  Colony  died  seized  and  posessed,  in  Trustees  for  the  payment  of  his 
"  debts" — M'  De  Peyster's  death  happening  during  the  recess  of  the  Assembly,  liis  executors 
upon  a  thorough  examination  of  the  State  of  his  Affairs  before  the  session  began,  found,  that  he 
had  died  so  much  indebted  to  the  Province,  that  it  was  apprehended  all  the  Estate  he  left 
behind  liim,  would  hardly  be  able  to  satisfy  the  public  Demand  ;  Upon  this,  for  the  Credit  of 
the  Family,  all  the  parties  interested  in  the  succession  determined  to  petition  the  Assembly  for 
a  Bill,  to  vest  the  Estate  in  trust  for  the  payment  of  the  monies  due,  and  the  house  of  Assembly 
were  proceeding  on  a  supposition,  that  such  a  Bill  would  pass,  provided  the  Hyirs  declared 
their  wiHingness  to  give  up  every  thing  to  the  Govern'.  As  soon  as  [  was  informed  of  this,  I 
sent  a  copy  of  His  Maj''''  Listriiction  relative  to  private  Bills  to  the  Council  and  desired  they 
would  lay  it  before  the  Assembly  in  the  conference,  they  were  to  have  together  that  morning, 
concerning  M''  De  Peyster's  Affairs,  that  they  might  regulate  themselves  accordingly  in  the 
forming  of  the  Bill  then  before  them  ;  I  likewise  gave  them  to  understand,  that  as  it  was 
apparent  the  Instruction  was  designed  to  check  the  Colony  Legislative  (when  exercising 
JuiUcmI)  Authority  not  only  by  preserving  the  Crown's  claim  as  the  dernier  resort  of  Justice  in 
I'lantation  causes,  but  by  securing  private  property  from  being  sacrificed  to  the  spirit  of  Party, 

'  AlmAn.^M  I.»k  I'etstkk,  eMont  sun  nf  Alinilinni,  lupra,  IV.,  777,  wn«  l)orr  in  NewYiirk  i>ii  Ilia  '.'Hlli  Aii:;i:!<t,  Irt'.iCi,  arid 
innnic'l  Margiiret,  eMent  <lnu({litcr  of  Jncohus  van  CoitUnd,  Isl  July,  172'i  He  was  clecU-d  Treuurer  of  thu  rroviuco  !id 
June,  \Tii,  and  died  17th  SepUtnber,  1707,  aged  71.    l>«  P'ynl'r  Gmenlnyy,  28.  —  Ed. 


i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI.  , - 

no  designs  of  the  Logislature  though  never  so  public  spirited  and  I..uable.  could  furnish  reasons 

fo    d,sregard.ng  an  instruction  important  to  the  Crown  and  safe  to  the  People.     Ne  ,1  erle 

Counol.  nor  the  Assembly  were  strangers  to  tl      Instruction,  it  had  been  often  made  ueo   •    d 

he  securuy    er.ve    from  it  to  their  properties  left  no  room  to  entertain  thoug    s  of  evad    g 

he      s    nan'for'ue  "        7  ''T'  ^"'  ^°  ''  ^"^  ^^'^''^  °^ '' '   ''^y  "^^  '  "o.  c  .a       d' 

J...  it  thence.rth  blme  ,«..  X::Z':^^ZlZ:Z:-^^^^^ 
It,  of  course  a  Law  might  be  as  freely  nassed  rplntivp  t..  ,i,  f  v      .  ^      interested  in 

Treasury,  all  of  it  noAelonging  to  th^e  ruT"  -^n^ol^r'^i^  L^h^ZtZYptro; 
the  fund  consisted  of  Land.  Bonds  ettc  and  the  rest  of  cash.     When  mat    rs  were  so  f 

h  ::::' reht"d'°^  Z  1- '''  'T-''-"^'-  ''  '-  '"'^  '''----  -^°  conTrme"to  m    ThaU 

S  t  L:     ;  'aMb     ""''  ?^"'°""'  ^°  '"'"  "'^  '^'^'J'"  ^-'-^''°"  concerning  pTiva 
uills,  te  hng  him  ai  the  same  time,  that  if  there  had  been  the  least  reluctince  i,.  -n         ., 

partes  interested  to  make  the  conveyance,  that  it  must  necL       ly  p  ral    tt"  c'd"  1    n' 

.t    present  form,  oblige  us  to  go  through  the  whole  ceremony  prescribed  of  public-u In      nd 

srurmrth:;:;:"^'^^"^^^"'''"^  "r-^''  ^-^^'^^  p'---  ^^ouid  bei  r  l: 

tl>e  subject  would   be  injured  by  it.     These,  My  Lords,  a      the  reas     s    v   v    1  is  H  7"  "*" 
appears  without  the  usual  certificate  and  suspending  clause   .ndTfh.'r    ^  ,      """^ 

de^gn  in  any  of  the  branches  of  the  Legislate  to^v!;!:  H,:  tP.         ^Zte''^  '"T 
find  V our  LordP?' sentiments  conrnrr  with  n„ro        .i  •  ,     '"^"^"''"""' "e  hope  to 

the  greatest  Ifespect-  My  lL:       "      "  """""•     '  '"^^  ^^«  '^°"-  '°  ^«  -'th 

Your  Lordships  most  obedient 

and  humble  servant 

H:  MooKE 


Crovenior  2Joore  to  the  Earl  of  SliMuvne. 

[Now-York,  CLX.,  A.,  IS.] 

My  Lord,  '■'°'''  <^«o'-ge.  New  York,  6<i'  March  17GS. 

'"  many  letters  which  I  have  had  the  honor  of  writing  to  your  Lordshin   I  h.v    i 
a  necessity  of  mentioning  the  dilliculties  1  have  stru.d  S  svirLZ.  ""''" 

back  to  a  sense  of  their  Duty  those  minds  whicl    tht  ,        u         ,'r''  ''"''  '"  ^""'"'^'"S 


".•l 


16 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


business  it  is  to  support  it ;  I  however  flatter'd  myself  tiiat  by  perseverance  and  a  constant 
attention  to  tlie  Duties  of  my  Commission  I  shouitl  be  able  to  surmount  the  obstacles  thrown 
in  my  way,  and  thought  I  had  great  reason  for  such  expectations  from  the  Conduct  of  the 
House  of  Assembly  iu  their  lust  Session  which  was  so  ditt^erent  from  what  I  found  on  my 
arrival  here;  A  new  difficulty  has  now  arose,  and  it  comes  from  a  Quarter  so  little  expected, 
that  my  Duty  obliges  me  to  lay  it  before  your  Lordship  by  this  first  opportunity  which  has 
otfer'd  since  it  was  started,  as  it  has  so  manifest  a  Tendency  to  raise  heats  and  animosities  in 
the  minds  of  His  Majesty's  Subjects  here.  — The  Commander  in  Chief  of  His  Majesty's  Forces 
claims  by  Virtue  of  his  Instructions  a  Superiority  over  all  the  Governors  of  America  ujton  all 
occasions  and  the  same  was  notify'd  to  me  last  week  by  the  General  who  sent  me  a  Copy 
of  the  Rules  eslablish'd  by  His  Majesty  in  Council  on  tha  l?"-  of  December  1700.  for  the 
Precedence  to  be  observed  by  the  several  Officers  therein  menlion'd  in  which  the  words  ujwn 
all  occasions  are  so  far  insisted  on,  as  to  set  up  claims  which  can  only  tend  to  irritate  the  minds 
of  the  People  and  prejudice  His  Majesty's  service,  \  waited  on  the  General  immediately  on  the 
Receipt  of  his  letter  &  endeavour'd  to  make  appear  the  mistake  he  was  under  not  only  from  nu 
Extract  of  my  Commission  which  commanded  all  Officers  &  Ministers  Civil  S,- Mililiiry  nnd 
all  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Province  and  the  Territories  depending  thereon,  to  be  ubedieni, 
aiding  a?ul  assisting  to  me  in  the  execution  of  my  Commission,  but  from  the  Instru^-tion  itself, 
which  seem'd  plainly  to  point  out  that  he  was  to  preside  upon  all  occasions  where  the  Persons 
therein  mention'd  could  be  assembled,  and  as  this  would  never  be  done  but  in  times  of  Danger, 
the  Authority  of  this  Order  seem'd  only  confined  to  such  public  occasions:  1  lost  no  time  in 
laying  tliis  niiUter  before  a  very  full  Board  of  His  .Majesty's  Council,  as  I  thought  that  it  might  bo 
attended  with  worse  consequences  than  the  General  seem'd  to  apprehend,  especially  in  regard 
to  the  provision  to  be  made  for  the  Troops  here  which  having  been  so  lately  comply'd  with  in 
the  terms  required  by  the  Act  of  Parliament,  it  was  with  much  conce'n  I  saw  any  such  claim 
set  up,  never  having  seen  the  Instruction  since  my  arrival  here  till  last  Week  or  indeed  known 
that  there  was  such  a  one,  and  at  this  particular  juncture  1  could  not  but  look  on  the  claim 
now  insisted  on  as  injudicious  and  ill  timed.  The  Council  gave  me  the  following  unanimous 
opinion  after  having  consider'd  the  Instruction  with  the  greatest  attention,  viz'  1"  They 
apprehended  it  to  be  His  Majesty's  Intention  that  upmi  all  occajiiuns  where  the  particular  Officers 
whose  Precedence  was  therein  settled,  could  be  conven'd,  that  the  Commander  in  Chief  of 
His  Majesty's  Forces  was  always  to  preside  as  this  Assemblage  of  Officers  of  different 
denominations,  could  be  look'd  upon  in  no  other  light  than  that  of  a  Council  of  War,  call'd 
together  in  times  of  Danger. 

S*"*^  That  the  rigiit  of  Presiding  in  such  a  Meeting  was  by  this  Instruction  always  vested  in 
the  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Forces,  whether  the  Congress  was  general,  &  took  in  all  the 
Governors  of  North  America  or  only  partial  and  the  Meeting  confined  to  a  consultation  among 
a  few  of  them  held  for  the  safety  of  any  particular  Province  then  threatned  with  any 
impending  danger. 

S-iir  That  they  have  always  look'd  upon  the  Person  appointed  by  His  Majesty  to  be  his 
Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  of  the  Province,  to  be  the  First  Officer  in  rank  here 
being  vested  with  that  authority  which  constitutes  a  supreme  Command,  such  as  culling  of 
Assemblies,  passing  Laws,  pardoning  Criminals  &c»  and  that  as  His  Majesty's  immediate 
Representative  here,  he  must  have  a  superiority  over  all  persons  in  the  Province  it  being 
expressly  so  declared  in  his  Commission.— l"-"-  That  as  it  is  contrary  to  the  Establishment  of 


w 


<  I 


",'l 


be  his 

H 

k  here 

Sb 

^^IB 

ling  of 

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^m 

being 

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lent  of 

m 

LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI.  ^7 

the  British  constitution  tliat  the  Civil  Power  should  be  subordinnte  to  the  Military,  they  can 
by  no  means  joyn  in  opinion  witli  the  Commander  in  Cliief  of  the  Forces  that  the  Precedence 
and  Superiority  claim'd  by  him  over  the  Civil  Governor  can  possibly  extend  to  any  thing 
farther  than  the  Right  of  Presiding  in  the  above  menlion'd  Public  Assemblies,  upoti  all 
occaswni  where  they  shall  meet,  and  that  any  other  construction  put  on  those  Words  would 
open  a  door  to  Scenes  of  Confusion  and  disorder,  for  that  if  once  a  Military  Commission  was 
acknowledg'd  as  Superior  to  the  Civil  one,  the  words  vpon  all  occasions  might  be  interpreted 
in  such  a  sense,  and  with  so  much  Latitude,  as  to  leave  little  else  to  the  Civil  Governor  but 
the  bare  name 

6"-  That  the  only  Cognizance  which  can  be  taken  here  of  any  Crimes  committed  by  tiie 
Civil  Governor  is  by  making  a  Representation  of  them  to  His  Majesty,  who  would  in  that  case 
immediately   suspend   an   Oflicer   unworthy   of   his  commission,   and    by   commanding   the 
(iovernment   of  the   Province   to   be   deliver'd    up   to   the  Lieu'   Governor  or  President  of 
the  Council  reduce  the  Civil  Governor  to  the  station  of  a  private  Man  in  order  to  his  being 
brought  to  such  punishment  as  the  Laws  of  his  Country  should  think  him  deserving.     This  is 
far  from  being  the  case  in  regard  to  the  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Forces,  who  is  in  every 
respect  subject  to  the  coercive  power  of  the  Laws  in  the  first  instance  and  can  be  compell'd  to 
the  same  obedience  which  k  exacted  from  the  rest  of  the  King's  Subjects  for  every  offence  he 
may  commit;  The  claim  therefore  set  up  of  a  Superiority  to  the  Civil  Governor  upon  all 
occasions  may  be  extended  so  far  as  to  be  repugnant  to  the  establish'd  Laws  of  the  Land. 
These,  my  Lord,  were  the  sentiments  of  His  Majesty's  Council  on  the  occasion,  which  I  told 
them  I  should  immediately  transmit  to  your  Lordship,  &  I  hope  I  shall  not  be  thought  to 
trespass  too  much  on  your  Lordship's  Time  by  the  small  addition  of  what  I  think  incumbent 
on  irie  to  say  on  so  disagreable  a  subject.     No   Man  would  endeavour  more  carefully  than 
myself  to  avoid  every  Act  which  could  create  a  misunderstanding  between  the  General  and 
myself;  No  advantage  can  arise  from  it  to  the  Community,  and  as  His  Majesty's  service  may 
suff-er  by  it.  it  is  the  Duty  of  both  to  prevent  it  as  far  as  lays  in  our  power ;  For  this  reason,  I 
have  done   nothing   more   than   assert  the   right   I   apprehend  to  be  vested  in  me  by  my 
Commission,  declaring  at  the  same  time  my  Intentions  of  conforming  strictly  to  the  Instructions 
of  which  a  Copy  was  sent  to  me,  in  case  of  any  public  meeting  of  the  (uivemor^-  As  my 
Opinioo  did  not  difter  from  that  of  the  Council  in  anyone  Article,  I  shall  not  here  recapitulate 
what  they  said  but  would  only  beg  leave  to  observe  to  your  Lordship  that  in  uuiny  Instances 
the  muuis  of  the  people  here  would  be  so  much  alfected  with  a  Claim  of  this  kind  as  to  m-ike 
them  lose  all  that  respect  now  shew'd  to  His  Majesty's  Civil  Governor  here. -It  has  been  an 
establish'd  Custom  here  on  His  Majesty's  Birth  Day  for  the  Inhabitants  to  assemble  at  the 
Fort,  which  IS  the  residence  of  the  Governor,  &  who  receives  the  Compliments  of  the  Day  in 
His  Majesty's  name.  The  Council  and  Assembly  (if  sitting).  The  Clergy  of  all  the  different 
Communions,  The  Mayor  Aldermen  &  Common  Council  men  of  the  City,  and  all  Persons  of 
any  Consi'deration  meet  there  at  Noon,  The  King's  health  is  drunk  by  every  body  present  in 
great  form  under  a  discharge  of  the  Cannon  of  the  Fort,  and  the  Day  concluded  by  Public 
Entertainments  and  Illuminations  throughout  the  Town.     A  ceremony  of  this  kind  so  essential 
to  preserve  and  keep  up  in  the  minds  of  the  People  that  respect  which  is  due  to  His  Maiestv 
and  which   has   been  constantly  practiced   here,   would   drop  at  once  on  the  Assertion   of  a 
Superiority  m  the  (Jeneral's  Commission,  and  the  claim  asserted  by  him  produce  no  other 
effect  in  this  case,  than  that  of  putting  an  end  to  a  Meeting  always  encouraged  on  that  day 
Vol.  VIII.  3  *' 


18 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i\ 


and  preventing  the  Persons  I  have  here  meiition'd  from  shewing  for  the  future  tliat  respect 
they  intended  to  the  Birth  Day  of  their  Sovereign,  for  none  of  tiiem  have  the  least  connection 
with  or  can  look  upon  the  Commander  of  the  Forces  here  to  be  their  Chief,  nd  of  course  will 
be  ready  enough  to  forbeai  paying  a  Court,  they  do  not  think  due  to  him  either  on  that  or  any 
other  occasion;  In  every  other  civil  Ceremony  of  which  tliere  are  various  kinds,  &  in  which- 
the  Military  have  no  part,  this  claim  must  constantly  excite  a  Dispute,  and  set  the  Civil  and 
Military  Powers  at  variance  But  the  consequences  in  none  of  them  are  so  much  to  be  dreaded 
as  in  the  obstacles  they  may  hereafter  occasion  in  the  provision  required  for  the  Troops 
agreable  to  the  Act  of  Parliament,  and  which  your  Lordship  has  seen  I  have  never  been  able 
to  effect  'till  the  last  Session.  The  Suspension  of  the  Legislative  powers  here,  was  a  measure 
which  very  much  alarm'd  the  People,  although  it  was  nothing  but  what  they  deserved,  and  no 
pains  were  spared  to  excite  r  commotion  among  them  by  the  Seditious  Papers  pul)li8h'(i  every 
Week  in  the  Massacluisets  Government  calculated  to  impose  on  the  credulous  and  unwary. 
They  wero  made  to  believe  that  this  was  only  the  first  step  towards  the  total  abolition  o(  the 
Civil  Power  in  order  to  introduce  a  Military  Government,  and  continued  in  that  persuasion  till 
the  conduct  of  the  Assembly  (by  providing  for  the  Troops)  convinced  them  of  their  Error; 
These  mistaken  notions  are  again  revived,  by  them  upon  the  present  claims  of  the  Commander 
in  Chief  of  the  Forces,  as  the  Words  viioii  all  occdaions  are  liable  to  be  construed  in  so  extended 
a  sense  as  to  affect  every  act  of  Governm'  —  I  have  twice  during  my  Administration  desired 
the  Generals  assistance  at  the  Council  Board,  which  he  has  readily  given,  1  there  |)laced  him 
at  my  right  hand  as  it  was  niy  Intention  to  treat  him  wiih  all  the  respect  due  to  him,  although 
I  was  then  totally  unacquainted  with  any  pretensions  he  had  in  consequence  of  the  Instruction, 
or  with  the  Instruction  itself;  If  the  claim  asserted  within  these  few  days  must  have  the 
unlimited  meaning  which  is  given  to  it,  I  musteither  forcf^o  the  assistance  which  the  (ieneral's 
presence  in  Council  may  render  very  necessary  for  His  Majesty's  service  by  not  calling  upon 
him  on  such  an  occasion,  or  give  up  the  I'immt  and  Authority  vested  in  me  by  my  Commision 
which  I  afiprehend  takes  place  ut  all  fiims  in  this  Province  except  on  those  public  occasions 
where  His  Majesty  has  been  pleased  by  the  Instruction  to  the  General  to  direct  the  contrary ; 
This,  my  Lord,  is  our  present  situation,  occasion'ii  by  the  late  extensive  claim,  and  I  can  assure 
your  Lordship  that  it  is  not  from  a  Motive  of  Vanity  but  Duty  that  1  have  o|)pos'(l  it,  as  I  fear 
it  may  disturb  the  present  internal  Tranquillity  of  the  I'roviiicc  ;  and  as  I  have  no  other  views 
but  those  of  promoting  the  King's  Service  I  must  with  all  submission  reriuest  that  the  point  in 
dispute  may  be  settled,  and  that  His  .Majesty's  pleasure  may  be  known  upon  the  few  heads  to 
which  this  dispute  may  be  reduced.  1"  Whether  those  Words  «^/(/h  till  (kamii'iis  in  the 
Instruction  are  not  declaratory  of  the  General's  Itiglit  to  preside  «//o«  all  i>taisi<mi  where 
the  Olliccrs  therein  meiilioii'd  can  he  conven'il  for  the  I'uhlic  Service,  as  it  does  not  appear 
how  It  can  a  them  at  any  other  time,  The  (iovernors.  Lieu' (iovernors  and  Prtsidents  of 
the  Council  being  directed  to  take  their  places  according  to  the  dates  of  their  Commissions 
and  I  111'  Charter  Governors  according'  to  the  dates  of  their  ("hatters? 

ii'"'  Whether  on  cviiy  other  occinum  the  Civil  (iovernor  of  the  Province  is  not  to  be  deetn'd 
the  King's  immediate  Representative,  as  he  is  vested  with  the  Supreme  Commanil,  and  of 
course  must  preside  in  all  eivil  allairsV 

;>■"'  And  whether  the  Civil  Governor  tan  be  suppos'd  iti  any  shape  to  be  subordinate  to, 
or  in  H  Statiu!)  inferior  lo  the  Commander  in  Cliieful  the  Forces,  except  ut  the  times  menlion'd 


^ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


19 


in  the  Instruction  where  his  Place  is  fixed  by  His  Majesty's  Order  among  the  other  Persons 

appointed  to  assemble?     I  have  the  honor  to  be  wi.h  the  greatest  Respect 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's 

most  obedient  and 

T,-  I  .  TT     .    „    .  humble  Servant 

Right  Hon*"  Earl  of  Shelburne  H.  Mookb 


<■»»»■» 


Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Earl  of  HUlsboromjh. 

[PlMtatloiu  Guenl  (S.  P.  0. )  CCLIV.  ] 

.,    ^      ,  Whitehall  March  17.  17G8 

My  Lord, 

In  obedience  to  his  Majesty's  Commands  signified  to  us  by  the  Ear!  of  Shelburne  in  his 
Lordships  Letter  of  the  5  of  October  last,  that  we  should  report  Our  Opinion  upon  several 
Memorials  Letters  and  Papers  relative  to  the  General  State  of  Induin  Aflinrs,  and  to  the 
Establishment  of  certain  Posts  and  Colonies  in  the  interior  part  of  the  Continent  of  North 
America;  We  huve  prepared  and  herewith  transmit  to  your  Lordship  our  humbl* 
Representation  thereupoa 
We  are 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  and 

most  humble  Servanti 
Clare 
SoAME  Jknyns 

Ed**  Eliot 
Earl  of  Hillsborough  vv    \^ 

*  VV.    riTZlIERDKRT 


Represmhition  of  Lords  of  Trad^  on  the  State  of  Lulian  Affairs. 

t  flmlallom  0«n«nl  (  g.  P.  o. )  CCLIV. ) 

To  the  KiNos  Most  Excellent  Majesty 

May  it  please  Your  Majesty, 

In  obedience  to  your  Miijesly's  Commands  signified  to  us  bv  n  letter  from  the  Earl  of 
Shelburne  one  ofyour  Miij-'sly's  Principal  Secretaries  of  Slate  dated  the  r,  of  Ocioher  last  we 
have  tak.M.  into  our  most  serious  consideration  the  several  Memorials  Letters  &  other  I'anert 
therewith  referred  to  us  contulning  objections  to,  and  observations  upon  the  present  Plan  for 


20 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


,f 


the  manngement  of  Our  Commerce  with  the  Indians  in  North  America ;  stating  the  great 
expense  attending  as  well  that  Branch  of  Service,  aa  the  present  disposition  of  the  Troops  for 
Indian  purposes  and  urging  the  expediency  and  propriety,  in  various  Ligiits,  of  Kstahlishing 
certain  new  (jovernnients  upon  the  Mississippi,  tlie  Ohio  and  at  the  Detroit,  hetween  the 
Liil<.e8  Krio  and  Huron;  We  have  also  conferred  upon  this  occasion  with  sucli  of  your  Majesty's 
Military  Servants,  has  have  heen  employed  in  North  America,  and  with  such  Merchants  and 
Others  as  are  most  intelligent  in  the  North  American  and  Indian  Trade. 

Whereupon  we  liumhly  i)eg  leave  to  represent  to  your  Majesty, 

That  tile  Buhject  matter,  to  which  these  I'apers  refer,  and  the  (iueslions  arising  thereupon, 
stated  to  us  in  the  Karle  of  Shelhurne's  letter,  appear  to  us  to  lead  to  a  consideration  of  no  less 
consequence  and  impoctance,  than  what  System  it  may  he  now  proper  for  your  Majesty  to 
pursue,  with  respect  to  that  vast  and  extensive  Country  in  North  America,  whidi  on  account 
of  the  Indian  War  raging  within  it,  was  made  hy  the  Troclamation  of  the  7  of  October  1703, 
the  object  of  mere  piovisional  arrangements. 

The  advantages  arising  from  the  Treaty  of  I'aris,  are  in  no  part  of  it  tnore  distinguished  than 
in  those  stipulations,  which  by  obtaining  from  France  and  Spain  Cessions  to  your  Maj'' of 
those  important  Possessions  in  North  America  which  by  their  situation  gave  most  alarm  and 
annoyance  to  the  British  Colonies,  laid  the  foundation  of  lasting  security  to  your  Majesty's 
Empire  in  North  America,  and  of  relief  to  this  Country  by  a  reduction  of  that  heavy  Kxpenso 
with  which  it  was  necessarily  burlhen'd  for  the  defence  and  protection  of  those  Colonies; 
And  although  the  unfavourable  impressions  left  upon  the  minds  of  the  Indians  by  the  event  of 
the  War,  and  the  representations  ot  the  French  that  we  meant  to  extirpate  them,  did  for 
sometime  involve  us  in  a  War  with  them,  that  rendered  necessary  the  continuance  of  a  largo 
Military  Kstablishmenl;  Yet  that  War  being  happyly  ended  and  Treaties  of  I'eace  and 
Friendship  to  which  all  the  various  Tribes  have  .acceded  liaving  been  linally  concluded,  it  is 
now  become  of  immediate  importance  to  examine,  how  far  the  alteration;  which  lias  thus 
taken  place  in  the  State  of  your  Majesty's  Dominion  in  North  America,  may  require  or  admit 
of  any  proportionable  alteration  in  the  System,  by  which  that  part  of  your  Majesty's  Service 
is  to  1)0  carried  on  for  the  future. 

The  parts  of  the  Service  for  which  we  are  more  immediately  called  upon  by  the  Earl  of 
Shelhurnes  letter  to  give  Our  attention,  are  First,  The  present  Civil  Kslablishment  regarding 
the  Indians  Secondly,  The  disposition  ol  the  Troops  ior  Indian  purposes;  and  lastly,  tho 
Establishment  of  ceriain  new  Colonies. 

With  respect  to  the  (irst  of  these  Points,  we  nre  directed  to  state  Our  opinion,  how  fur  the 
preient  expenses  of  the  Civil  Kslablislmient  regarding  the  Indiana  may  with  safety  and 
propriety  be  reduced,  by  entrusting  the  Indian  Trade,  and  all  other  Indian  All'.iires  to  tho 
management  of  the  severnl  Colonies. 

In  considering  this  Question  it  may  he  proper  to  observe  that  the  Institution  of 
Superintendanfs  for  the  Affairs  of  Indians  appear  n  have  been  a  measure  originally  adopted 
principally  with  n  view  to  counteract  the  designs  of  the  French  in  17o»,  who  by  sowing  the 
•eedg  of  Jealousy  amongst  the  Indians,  and  exciting  them  to  resent  Injuries  for  redress  of 
which  they  had  in  rain  solicited  the  Colonics,  iiiid  well  nigh  entirely  weaned  them  trom  the 
British  Interest,  and  at  the  same  time  by  uniting  the  force  and  conducting  the  enierprizes  of 
the  Siivnges,  had  remlered  them  an  Over  match  for  yc.ur  Majesty 'ii  Colonies  standing  lingle 
and  disunited. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLl. 


21 


In  order  therefore  to  balance  the  danger  arising  from  this  more  immediate  Union  and 
Co-operation  of  the  Prencli  with  the  Indians  it  he  ame  necessary  to  provide  a  more 
Systematical  as  well  as  morn  extensive  plan  of  defence  for  the  Coionie.s  than  had  before  been 
requisite;  a  plan  which  might  bear  some  Proportion  to  the  extent  of  the  efforts  then  made  by 
their  Knemies,  and  which  having  for  its  object  the  preservation  of  all  your  Majesty's  Colonies 
from  the  common  Danger,  coiild  no  otherwise  be  administred  with  safety,  or  with  effect,  than 
under  the  immediate  controul  of  tlieir  common  Sovereign  &  Protector:  and  the  utility  of  su.l, 
a  plan  under  those  circumstances  was  soon  manifested  by  its  consequences,  and  by  the  share 
it  had  in  contributing  to  that  Success,  which  ever  after  attended  the  British  Arms  in  America. 
From  the  slight  view  of  the  original  Causes  of  the  institution  of  Superintendants,  and  of  the 
consequence  it  produced,  it  cannot  but  appear  evident,  that  every  objection  both  to  the 
expense  and  .lilVicuity  in  execution  was  answered  by  the  necessity  of  the  Case,  and  importance 
of  the  object;  but  should  it  appear  to  your  Majesty  that  the  alteration  in  the  state  of  America, 
since  the  Peace,  has  rendered  the  measure  less  necessary  at  least  in  its  full  extent,  every 
consideration  both  of  expence,  and  of  difficulty  in  the  execution,  must  now  be  carefully 
attended  to.  before  a  right  Judgement  can  be  formed,  as  to  the  expediency  of  continuing  either 
the  whole  or  any  part  of  it. 

'I'o  maintain  a  good  Correspondence  with  the  Indians  is  undoubtedly  nn  object  of  great 
importance  :  and  upon  a  carefull  examination  into  the  state  of  Indian  Affairs  after  the  conclusion 
of  I'eace,  it  appears  that  the  two  principall  Causes  of  the  discontent,  that  still  rankled  in  the 
minds  of  the  Indians  and  influenced  their  Conduct,  were  the  encroachments  made  upon  Lands 
which  they  claimed  as  their  Property,  &  the  Abuses  committed  by  Indian  Traders  and  their 
Servants:  The  necessity  which  appeared  in  the  then  state  of  Our  Interest  with  th^  Indians 
of  making  some  immediate  provision  against  these  two  causes  of  their  discontent  induced  the 
Proclamation  ofOctob-r  1703;  which  very  prudently  restrained  all  persons  from  Trading  with 
the  Indians  without  licence  ;  and  forbid  by  the  strongest  prohibitions,  all  Settlement  bevond  the 
limits  therein  described  as  the  boun.lary  of  the  Indian  hunting  (Jround,  putting  both  their 
commerce  nn.i  property  under  the  protection  of  Officers  acting  under  your  Majesty's  immediate 
Authority  .nnd  making  their  intervention  necessary  in  every  transaction  with"those  Indians 

These  however  being  as  we  have  before  observed,  mere  provisional  arrangements  adapted  to 
the  exigence  of  the  time;  it  is  become  now  necessary  to  consider  what  may  be  more 
permanently  requisite  in  both  the  Cases  to  which  they  apply. 

The  giving  all  possible  redress  to  the  .•oinplaints  of  the  Indians  in  respect  to  encroachments 
on  their  Lands,  and  a  steady  find  uniform  Attention  to  a  faithful  execution  of  whatever  shall 
be  agreed  upon  for  that  salutary  purpose,  is  a  consi.leration  of  very  great  importance  •  It  is  a 
Service  of  a  general  nature,  in  which  your  Majesty's  Interest  as  Lord  of  the  Soil  of  all  nngranted 
Lands  which  the  Indians  may  be  inclined  to  give  up,  is  deeply  and  immediately  concerned  and 
with  winch  the  general  security  of  your  Majesty's  possession,  there  i.  in  some  measure 
connected;  it  is  an  object  comprehensive  of  a  variety  of  Cases,  to  which  the  separate  nuthoritv 
«i>d  Jurisdiction  of  the  respective  Colonies  is  not  competent,  and  it  depends  upon  negotiation 
which  has  always  been  carried  on  between  Indians  and  Officera  noting  under  your  Majesty's 
.-"mediate  authonly,  and  has  reference  to  „,atters  which  tne  In.lians  would  not  submit  to  the 
discussion  of  particular  Colonies. 

For  these  reasons  we  nre  of  opinion,  that  the  execution  of  nil  measures  nn.i  circumstances* 
r..pecling  the  complaints  of  (he  Induns  touching  their  Lnn.ls  should   be  continued  to  b. 


22 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


enlrusted  to  the  Superintendants  at  present  acting  under  Commission  from  your  Mnjesty, 
reserving  to  the  Governor  and  Council  of  every  particular  Colony,  vvliicli  may  be  interested  in 
any  measure  that  has  reference  to  this  general  Service,  a  right  to  interpose  their  Advice,  and 
making  their  concurrence  necessary  to  the  Ratilication  of  ever  compact,  that  shall  be 
provisionally  made,  until  your  Majesty's  pleasure  shall  be  known  upon  it. 

In  a  plan  for  the  management  of  Indian  Attairs  prepared  by  this  Board  in  17G4,  the  fixing  a 
Boundary  between  the  Settlements  of  your  Majesty's  Subjects  and  the  Indian  Country  was 
proposed  to  he  established  by  compact  with  the  Indians,  as  essentially  necessary  to  the  gaining 
their  good  will  and  affection,  and  to  preserving  the  tranquility  of  the  Colonies. 

This  Plan  having  been  communicated  to  the  Superintendants  they  have  in  the  consequence 
thereof,  made  the  proposition  of  s'.ich  a  boundary  line  an  object  of  their  particular  attention,  & 
of  negotiation  and  discussion  with  the  several  Tribes  of  Indians  interested  therein. 

In  the  Southern  district  a  Boundary  line  has  not  only  been  established  by  actual  Treaties 
with  the  Creeks,  Cherokees  and  Chactaws,  but  as  also,  as  far  as  relates  to  the  Provinces  of 
North  and  South  Carolina,  been  marked  out  by  actual  Surveys,  and  has  had  the  happy  effect 
to  restore  Peace  and  (iuiet  lO  those  Colonies. 

In  the  Northern  District  the  proposition  appears  to  have  been  received  by  the  Indians  with 
the  strongest  marks  of  approbation  and  satisfaction,  and  a  line  of  separation  was  in  17C5 
suggested  by  them,  in  wliicii  Sir  William  Johnson  acquiesced,  declaring  at  the  same  time,  that 
he  could  not  finally  ratify  it  without  your  Majesty's  further  directions. 

The  paper  (Appendix  A)  contains  a  description  of  the  several  Lines  as  agreed  upon  in  the 
negotiation  to  which  we  refer,  and  to  the  end  Your  Majesty  may  have  a  more  perfect  view  of 
them,  we  have  anne.\ed  to  such  description  a  Map,  in  which  we  have  endeavoured  to  trace 
those  lines  with  as  much  accuracy  as  the  general  Maps  of  America  will  admit  of. 

Your  Majesty  will  be  pleased  to  observe  that  altho  on  the  one  hand  the  Settlements  in  the 
new  established  Colonies  to  the  South  are  confined  to  very  narrow  limits;  yet  on  the  other 
hand  the  middle  Colonies  (whose  state  of  population  requires  a  greater  extent)  have  room  to 
spread  much  beyond  what  they  have  hitherto  been  allow'd  and  tlml  upon  the  whole  one 
uniform  and  complctf  line  will  be  formed  between  the  l.idians  and  those  antient  Colonies, 
whose  Limits  not  being  confined  to  the  Westward  has  occasioned  that  extensive  settlement 
which  being  made  without  the  consent  of  the  Indians,  and  before  any  line  was  settled,  produced 
the  evil  complained  of. 

In  comparing  the  .Map  witli  the  description  in  writing  ns  taken  from  the  Treaties  with  the 
Indians,  your  Majesty  will  observe,  that  the  boundary  line  with  the  Six  Nations  and  their 
allies  is  made  upon  the  Map  to  terminate  at  that  part  of  the  Ohio,  where  it  receives  the 
Connahway  River,  instead  of  continuing  it  down  tlie  Ohio  to  the  Cherokee  River,  and  up  that 
River  to  its  source,  as  described  in  the  Treaty;  the  reason  fo'  which  is,  that  although  the  six 
Nations  may  have  pretensions  to  the  Dominion  of  the  Country  on  the  South  side  of  the  Ohio 
lower  down  than  the  Connahway  River  yet  in  fact  it  is  more  occupied  by  the  Cherokees  and 
other  independant  Tribes,  as  their  hunting  Ground  :  and  therefore  the  making  any  Settlements 
beyond  the  Connahway  River,  or  at  least  beyond  a  line  drawn  from  the  Mouth  of  it,  to  where 
the  Cherokee  line  now  terminates  as  marked  on  the  Map  would  be  altogether  inconsistent  with 
what  has  been  settled  and  agreed  upon  with  that  Nation  for  which  reason  we  think,  that  th« 
line  settled  with  the  Southern  Indians,  and  that  which  remains  to  be  settled  with  the  Six  Nations, 
ought  to  be  united  in  tlie  maimer  we  have  described. 


^^s- 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


23 


Upon  the  whole  it  does  appear  to  us,  that  it  will  be  greatly  for  your  Majesty's  Interest  as 
well  as  for  the  l'e:ice,  Security  and  Advantage  of  the  Colonies  that  this  boundary  line  shoud 
as  speedily  as  possible  be  ratified  by  your  Majesty's  Authority  and  that  the  Superintendants 
should  be  instructed  and  inipowered  to  make  Treaties  in  your  Majestys  name  with  the  Indians 
for  that  purpose,  and  enabled  to  make  such  presents  to  the  Indians  as  the  Nature  and  extent  of 
the  Concessions  on  their  part  shall  appear  to  require,  care  however  should  be  taken  in  the 
Settlement  of  this  bussiness,  that  the  agreement  for  a  boundary  line  be  left  open  to  such 
alterations  as,  by  the  Common  consent,  and  for  the  mutual  Interest  of  both  parties  may  hereafter 
be  found  necessary  &  expedient. 

If  your  Maj.siy  should  be  graciously  pleased  to  approve  what  we  have  here  recommended 
we  humbly  submit  whether  it  may  not  be  further  necessary  that  the  Colonies  should  be 
required  to  give  every  sanction  to  the  measure  in  their  power  and  to  provide  by  proper  laws 
for  the  punishment  of  all  persons,  who  shall  endanger  the  publick  peace  of  the  Community,  by 
extending  Settlements  or  occupying  lands  beyond  such  line. 

What  we  have  above  stated  in  respect  to  the  expediency  of  continuing  the  Office  of 
Superintendants  is  confined  merely  to  Negotiation  with  the  Indians  concerning  the  boundary 
line;  But  we  humbly  submit,  th.,t  there  are  other  Branches  of  Duty  and  Service,  which 
though  tliey  be  of  less  urgency  yet  do  both  from  their  Nature  and  importance  require  the 
intervention  o(  Officers  .acting  under  your  Majesty's  immediate  Authority  and  which  as  they 
have  reference  to  the  general  interests  of  the  Indians,  imlependent  of  their  connection  with 
any  particular  Colony,  cannot  be  provided  for  by  the  I>rovincial  Laws,  such  are  the  renewal 
of  antiH.t  Compacts  or  Covenant-Chains  made  between  the  Crown  and  the  principal 
Iribes  of  Nivages  in  that  Country;  the  reconciling  DilTerences  and  disputes  between  one 
body  of  Indians  and  another;  the  agreeing  with  them  for  the  sale  or  surrender  of  Lands  for 
public  purposes  not  lying  within  the  limits  of  any  particular  Colony;  and  the  holding 
interviews  with  them  tor  these  and  a  variety  of  other  general  purposes  which  are  merely 
objects  of  Negotiation  between  your  .Majesty  and  the  Indians. 

These  ni.iy  it  please  your  Majesty,  are  in  our  Judgement  Services  of  great  importance,  and 
to  which  It  IS  essentially  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  the  British  interest  with  those 
Indians  and  for  the  preventing  all  foreign  influence  and  Connection,  that  strict  attention 
should  he  paid. 

Antecedent  to  the  Establishment  of  the  present  Plan  of  Superintendants  the  management 
of  these  Interests  was  entrusted  to  the  Governors  of  the  Colonies,  which  were  principally 
connected  with  the  Indians  but  when  we  consider  the  dependent  Slate  of  such  Covernors- 
t  .at  the  other  duties  of  their  Station  must  interfere  with  this  very  important  ore;  how  Kreatly 
the  oi,j.M.ts  of  this  .Service  are  increased  by  alliances  with  those  numerous  Nations  heretofore 
under  the  nonunion  of  France  and  how  necessary  it  is  that  a  constant  watch  should  be  kept 
upon  their  Motions  and  designs  an.i  that  your  .Majesty's  Servants  should  be  constantly  ami 
regularly  in  ormed  o(  the  true  State  of  Atlairs;  ami  of  all  transactions  in  the  Indian  Country 
We  eannot  but  be  ol  Opinion  that  these  are  reasons  joyne.l  to  what  We  have  already  stated 
whuh  do  make  It  essentially  necessary  that  the  Office  of  Superinlen.lants  should  (or  the 
present  be  continued  (o,-  these  purposes;  and  that  they  should  be  enabled  by  .stated  annual 
Lstablishment  co[uJI,ned  to  a  certain  Sum,  to  make  such  I'resents  as  have  been  usual  & 
a,,d  customary  ;  therefore  are  become  absolutely  tiecessary  upon  all  occasions  of  Treaties  held 
with  the  Ittd.ans  (or  public   purposes  the   expence  of   which  including  Salaries  to  .1,.,  ,.,. 


24 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


.  i; 


i  i, 


Superintendants  need  not  according  to  the  calculations  and  estimates  made  by  them,  exceed 
Eiglit  Tliousaiid  pounds  annually. 

Having  thus  fully  stated  to  your  Majesty  the  nature  &  extent  of  those  Services  which 
relate  to  the  Management  of  Indian  AH'airs;  independent  of  the  Trade  with  them,  we  shall  in 
the  ftext  place  submit  what  has  occured  to  us  upon  the  latter  subject. 

It  must  be  admitted  that  a  proper  Plan  of  Trade  with  the  Indians  is  an  object  deserving 
great  attention  not  only  from  the  Commercial  benefit  resulting  from  it,  but  also  from  the 
effect  that  its  being  ill  or  well  governed  must  have  upon  the  temper  &  disposition  of 
the  Savages  and  as  it  must  consist  of  Regulations  that  depend  upon  local  situation  and 
circumstances,  and  which  require  t'  •■  "-ithciity  ?.''  law  to  carry  them  into  execution  it 
cannot   be  conducted  with   the  sa   •  -^y,  or   be   properly  and  effectually  controlled   by 

Officers  having  no  other  authority,!;.      v.  nat  they  derive  from  your  Majeslys  Commission. 

Upon  the  fullest  examination  into  the  effect  and  operation  of  the  several  p.opositions 
respecting  the  Indian  Trade,  suggested  by  this  Board  in  1764,  and  adopted  by  the 
Superintendants,  it  does  appear  to  ua  that  many  of  them  have,  in  particular  cases,  and  with 
respect  to  particular  bodies  of  Indians  been  attended  with  salutary  effect;  We  are  convinced 
however  upon  the  whole  of  this  consideration, 

First.  That  no  one  general  I'lan  of  Commerce  &  Policy  is  or  can  be  applicable  to  ail  the 
different  Nations  of  Indians  of  different  interests  and  in  different  situations. 

Secondly,  That  the  confining  Trade  to  certain  Posts  and  Places,  which  is  the  Spirit  and 
principal  of  the  present  System,  however  expedient  and  effectual  with  respect  to  the  Southern 
Indians,  is  of  doubtlull  l^olicy  with  respect  to  those  Indians  more  particularly  connected  with 
New  York  &  Pensylvania;  and  that  it  is  evidently  disadvantageous  inconvenient  and  even 
dangerous  with  respect  to  the  much  larger  body  of  Indians,  who  possess  the  Country  to  the 
Westward,  and  with  whom  Your  Majesty's  Subjects  in  Quebec  in  particular  do  carry  on  so 
extensive  a  Commerce. 

Thirdly,  That  independent  of  this  objection,  and  of  any  doubt  that  might  attend  the 
practicabillyly  of  its  execution  in  its  lull  extent,  the  whole  Plan  does  consist  ol  such  a  variety 
of  estal)lishments,  and  necessarily  leads  to  such  extensive  operations,  as  to  bring  on  an 
increasing  expence  wliich  in  point  of  Commerce,  may  exceed  the  value  of  the  object  to  which 
it  apjilies,  and  being  greater  than  the  Trade  can  bear  must  if  the  present  Plan  should  be 
permanent  either  tall  upon  the  Colonies,  in  which  Case  it  will  be  impracticable  to  settle  the 
proportion  each  C'olony  should  bear,  or  bee  iie  a  burthen  upon  this  Country,  whicii  we 
humbly  conceive,  would  be  both  unreasonable     id  highly  inconvenient. 

Kor  these  reasons  therefore  and  under  these  lircumsianct's,  we  are  humbly  of  opinion  that 
the  laying  a  side  that  part  of  the  present  Plan  which  relates  to  the  Indian  Trade,  and  intrusting 
the  entire  .Management  of  that  Trade  to  the  Colonies  themselves  will  be  of  great  advantage 
to  your  .Majesty's  Service,  as  a  means  of  avoiding  much  difficulty,  and  saving  much  expense 
both  at  present  and  in  future. 

It  is  certainly  true,  that  while  the  tnauMgement  of  this  Trade  was  in  the  hands  of  the 
Colonies  antecedent  to  the  establishment  of  Superintendiints  many  abuses  were  committed  by 
the  Traders,  little  care  was  taken  to  subject  them  to  proper  regulations  an<l  the  misconduct 
of  the  Colonies  in  this  particular  contributed  not  a  little  to  involve  us  in  the  enormous 
expenceg  of  an  Indian  War. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLT.  35 

If  therefore  it  were  probable  that  the  like  neglect  or  mismanagement  would  again  take 

£  HnVoto  ■'"''"  '°":''°"  "^"'''^  same  conaecuences  VVe  should  not  h'esitatet 
declaring  our  Opuuon  aga.nst  the  propriety  of  suffering  the  management  of  this  concern  ever 
to  revert  mto  the  hands  of  the  Colonies.  concern  e\er 

But  we  trust,  that  the  experience  which  the  old  Colonies  have  had  of  the  ill  effects  of  such 
nattent,on  and  neglect,  will  induce  all  of  :hem  to  use  more  caution  and  bette    1^.  ^ent 
Sunern      T',  Pr'""'"'^ ''^  ^'"P'  ^"^'  °^  "^«  ""^"'^^'o-  established  by  the  Zen 

tint  s    is^!''      '  '7  ""'"'^  "'"''''''  ''  ^'"  '«"^«"  °f  ^'^  'r-'ie.  and  to  the'g  v  ,  g 

t  It  sat.sfact  on  and  content  to  the  Indians  from  which  alone  the  Colonies  can  hope  to  dlr  ve 
either  immediate  profit  or  lasting  Peace  and  Security.  ^ 

rl^a^/Tf  '"  '^'  ^""'*°"'  "^"^  ^"  '^'  P^'^^^"'  «^P^"««  '^S-rdlng  the  disposition  of 
Iroops  for  Indian  purposes,  may  with  propriety  and  safety  be  lessened  by  reducing  mos  Tthe 

n  the  firs   place  in  ge.erai  to  represent  it  to  your  Majesty,  as  our  humble  opini;n.  that  iw  II 
be  in  the  highest  Degree  expedient  to  reduce  all  such  Posts  in  the  interior  Countr;        are" 
mimediately  subservient  to  the  protection  of  the  Indian  Commerce  and  to  the  defca  ing  0 
useMI  ;.."""'    Machinations  among  the  Indians,  or  which,  although  in  som       efree 
useful!  for    hese  purposes  cannot  be  maintained  but  at  an  expence  disproportioned  to    I  e 
degree  of  their  utility.     But  before  we  apply  this  observation   to  the  particular  Post    now 

rr  be    or  I3od.es  of  Indians  whose  commerce  and  connections  are  the  objects  of  whatever 
Lstabliehments  it  may  bo  thought  necessary  to  continue  wnatever 

Chelrkees'the  (" h'"f '  '"  '\"  ^""''T  ^.""■"'  ^'"""'  P^'^'^'P'^''^ '''  ^''«  C''"'''-''^-«'  Greeks  and 
Cherokees  the  Lh  ckasaws  being  reduced  to  a  very  inconsiderable  number  and  the  Catawbaa 

u.  great  measure  domiciliated  within  the  Settlements  of  North  Carolina;  the  commerce  and 

onnect.on  with  the  Cree  s  and  Cherokees  have  been  from  the  Situation  of  their  Count  y 

wl  il7;   '  '"^  '  ?""'  '''"'"'"^  °'  ^^^°^*'''"  '^°^'"  ""^  «-th  Carolina,  and  V  rg   7a 

w  list  the  commerce  and  connection  with  the  Chactaws  whose  Country  extends  from  he 
Al  ama  River  to  the  Mississippi,  were  for  that  reason  altogether  confined  to  the  French 
Colony  of  Louisiana.  rrencn 

By  the  Treaty  of  Paris.  France  has  renounced  all  pretensions  to  dominion  in  the  Chactaw 
Country  which  is  therehy  become  in  respect  to  that  stipulation  a  part  of  the  British  Emprrr 
n  consequently  all  Trade  and  intercourse  between  the  Subjects  of  France  or  S^ Z  n 
Loui  uuia  and  those  Indians  is  in  fact  illicit  and  contraband  ;  and  yet  it  is  evident  from  t  e 
repor  s  made  by  the  Superintendant  of  the  Southern  District,  that  such  Trade  and  inter  ur 
18  Still  continued  to  be  kept  up  to  a  very  great  degree.  '"lercourse 

Such  may  it  please  your  Majesty  is  the  state  of  commerce  and  connection  with  the  principal 
riles  of  Indians  in  the  Southern  District;  and  as  their  Commerce  both  from  LouisianaTd 
he  British  Co  onies  is  carried  on  through  a  great  variety  of  paths  and  routs,  and  d  es  not 
depend  upon  Ilivers  and  Lakes,  forming  as  in  the  Northern  District  the  only  passes     "     « 
ndian  Country.  ,t  is  evident  that  both  the  Security  and  extension  of  it  mtLdepen     upon 
he  eflect  and  operation  of  those  regulations,  under  which  it  shall    be  carried  on;  and  that 
ne  ther   the    Trade  o,  your    Majesty's   Subjects  can  be    protected    nor  the  conne  tio,        d 
.ntercourse  between  Louisiana  and  the  Indians  prevented  by  Forts  or  Military  Establishments 

Vol.  VIIL  a 


'■ 


26 


NEW- YORK.  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


In  the  Nortliern  District  the  principal  Indians  (orm  tliemselvcs  into  two  great  confederacies; 
the  one  composed  of  the  Six  Nations  and  their  Allies  and  Dependants,  the  other  called  the 
Western  Confederacy  composed  of  a  great  variety  of  povverlnll  'I'ril)es  occiipying  that  extensive 
Coinitry   which  lyes  about  tlie   Lakes  Huron,  Michigan  and  superior,  and  to  the  West  and 

North  West. 

The  Commerce  and  Connection  with  the  first  of  these  Bodies  of  Indians  was,  antecedent 
to  the  War,  confined  chiefly  to  the  l>rovince  of  New  York,  upon  the  Teritoriea  of  which 
their  principal  hunting  ground  lyeo  and  the  Trade  was  carii.d  on  at  Fortified  Truck  Houses 
upon  the  Lake  Ontario;  since  the  peace  a  large  share  of  tliis  Trade  is  carried  on  from 
Pennsylvania  by  the  Channel  of  the  Ohio,  and  from  thence  by  Venango  and  Riviere  aux  Bu'ufs 

into  Lake  Erie. 

The  Commerce  and  Connection  with  those  Indians  wliich  form  the  Western  Confederacy, 
were  both  from  the  situation  of  the  Country  they  occupied  and  from  the  IMan  pursued  by 
France  for  securing  tlie  Dominion  of  it  by  I'osts  upon  the  Lakes,  altogether  confined  to  the 
Frencli  in  Canada,  and  is  now  Hj^incipally  carried  on  from  thence  by  your  Majesty's  Subjects 
there,  through  tiie  Channel  of  the  Ottawa  River  and  by  the  Lakes. 

Ill  this  state  therefore  of  the  Commerce  and  connection  subsisting  between  your  Majesty's 
Subjects  and  the  Indians  in  the  Northern  District,  and  of  tlie  Channels  through  which  the 
intercourse  is  carried  on,  it  does  appear  to  us  that  the  keeping  up  .Military  Fstablisbme  Us  at 
Detroit  Michilimacinac  and  Niagara,  and  the  having  two,  or  at  most  three  armed  Vessels  on 
the  Lakes  Krie,  Huron,  Michigan  and  Superior  may  be  necessary  for  keeping  up  and  preserving 
that  good  correspondence  with  the  Indians,  which  is  essential  to  the  Safety,  Improvement  and 
E.xtension  of  the  Trade  with  them. 

Of  these  three  Establishments  that  at  Detroit  which  is  the  great  center  of  Indian  commerce, 
situated  amongst  many  numerous  Tribes  of  Indians,  and  where  a  considerable  number  of 
French  renialn  under  tht  Faith  of  the  Treaty  of  I'aris,  does  appear  to  us  to  be  by  far  the  most 
important  object,  not  being  confined  merely  to  the  convenience  of  any  particular  Colony,  but 
embracing  every  advantage  upon  which  the  Safety  and  Extension  of  our  Indian  Commerce 
do  tiepend. 

Tlie  armed  Vessels  proi)osed  to  be  kept  upon  the  Lakes,  do  also  appear  to  us  to  be  of  the 
like  general  Utility  ;  And  tiierefbre  we  are  humbly  of  opinion  that  both  of  these  establishments 
should  he  maintained  upon  a  respectable  Footing,  the  charge  whereof  we  do  not  conceive  needs 
to  be  very  considerable,  as  the  necessity  of  any  large  Supply  of  i'rovisions  from  the  Settled 
Colonies  which  has  always  been  a  great  Article  of  Expence  attending  distant  I'osts,  will  in 
great  measure  be  taken  off  by  the  opportunity  of  their  being  furnished  with  Corn  and  other 
provisions  raisfd  by  your  .Majesty's  new  Suliji'cts  settled  at  Detroit,  who  as  we  are  informed 
iKim  the  most  undoubted  Testimony  have  already  made  a  considerable  progress  in  raising 
those  Comnindilies  lor  that  very  purpose. 

These  may  it  jj'ease  your  .Majesty  are  the  only  Military  I'osts  and  Establishments,  that 
appear  to  us  to  be  necessary,  solely  with  a  view  to  protect  and  promote  our  Commerce  with 
tile  Indians;  wlial  liiriher  may  be  necessary  for  public  safety  in  general,  or  for  preventing  that 
dingeroui-e  intercourse  between  the  French  and  Spaniards  at  New  Orleans,  and  the  Indians 
under  your  .Majesty's  protection  stated  in  the  I'apers  relcried  to  us  to  be  carried  on  ;o  a  very 
great  e.vient,  ami  which  his  been  confirmed  by  those  we  have  examined  u|H)n  the  Subject  is  a 
consideration,  which  we  Iminbly  presume  more  particularly  belongs  to  your  .Miijesly's  Servants 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


in  the  Military  Depnrtments ;  But 


ju.lged  npcessary  to  be  kept  up  /or  tlie  Security  of  your  Majesty's  Do 


Knemy,  or  for  forcing  obedience  to  and  a  d 


rris 


ed  by  Ti 


lU! 


27 

s  as  sball  be 

minions  against  a  foreign 

execution  of  tlin  Laws  of  Trade,  ought  to  be 


we  cannot  but  be  of  opinion,  that  all  such  Fort 


•isonec 

m.e  ^h!'!-'  l"  "';';!'"";:•'''  °'"''"""  ^«  ^-S-"-  '«   l-'-li-^^  -^t^-ty,  ^nd  "incnn^s^e;;;  wm^l^e 
Z  ^t  Ob     :  ^'7^y;;""^'  '•-'  '•'-'«  -<•  -^I'litary  Establishments,  intended  to  answer 
PU(  h  important  objects  should  be  entrusted  to  any  other  hands 

Upon  the  whole  we  trust  that  the  expence  of  the  present  disposition  of  Troops  for  Indian 
purposes  may  be  reduced  without  hazarding  either  the  safety  or  the  interest  of  yo'.r  Ma  ty'" 
.subjects  unless  nuieed  „  should  be  thought  expedient  to  adopt  the  proposUio  ,  .out  iied'in 
.on,e  of  the  papers  referred  to  us,  of  settling  new  Colonies  in  the  interior  Countrv  ;  for  i  th  t 
case  we  should  not  venture  to  recomn^end  any  reduction  of  the  Military  Kxp  nee  in  e 
arfculars  above  stated.  This  Consideration  tberefore  naturally  leads  us  to  the'last  h  d  ^f 
nqu.ry  referred  to  us  by  the  Earl  of  Shelburnes  letter  Viz-  How  far  the  Kstablishu.ent  of  new 
Governments  on  the  Mississippi  the  Ohio,  and  at  Detroit,  would  contribute  to  answer  the 
purpose  of  lessening  eUher  tlie  present  Civil  or  Military  Kxpence  or  would  procure  the  several 
other  important  advantages  set  (brlh  in  the  papers  referred  to  us 

Now  although  it  does  no.  appear  from  the  papers  referred  to  us,  that  propositions  have  been 
made  for  the  Lstab  islunent  of  more  than  three  new  Goverunients  or  Colonies  in  the  interio 
prts  of  America;      ..     („.«  at  the  Detroit  between  Lakes  Erie  and  Flurou  ;  One  at  or  n 
te  Mouth  of  the  O   ,o;  And  one  in  the  Illinois  Country  at  or  near  ,he  Mouth  of  the  River  of 
that    Name;    and    therefore    by   the   strict   Letter   of  his    Lordships    reference,   the    presen 
consideration  seems  to  be  confined  to  tiiese  only  ;  V..  as  it  does  appL  both  .lom  the  N.-  ,    r 

m  which  others  have  been  explained   by  the  a.uhors  of  the  proposals  thems-lves  that  they 

a  e  nu.an.  to  support  the  utility  of  Coloui.n.  in  the  interior  Country,  as  a  .eueial  princip    7^ 

01    y  ;     nd  tha Un  fact  they  have  nothing  less  in  view  than  the  entire  possession  and  peopling 

of  all  that  Country  which  has  Comm .a.ions  with  the  Rivers  Mississip,i  ,u.d  S-  Lawr  nc. 

.does  ,n  our  humble  opinion  open  a  much  wider  Field  of  Discussion  than   mi.ht  at  the  firs; 
glance  seem  to  be  necessary. 

The  Proposition  of  fonning  inland  Colonies  in  America  is.  we  humhiv  conceive  entirely 
new  ;  it  adopis  principles  in  respect  to  American  Settlements  dilh-vn,  from  what  has  hitherto 
heen  the  policy  of  this  Kingdom;  an.l  leads  to  a  svste.n  wlii.h  if  pursued  throu.H,  al  ts 
consequences,  ,s  in  the  present  state  of  this  Country  of  the  ereatest  importance. 

he  ^'reat  obj.vt  of  Colonizing  upon  the  Cominent  of  Xortli  America  has  been  to  in,prove 

:;i;r:.t.:;;;;:;:::d^='^'«"-  -' ' -^-  -•^'-  •^'-"-  -p""  -.i:;,  i. 

First    ny  promoting  the  a<Ivan.ageous  fishery  carrie.l  on  upon  the  Northern  Coast ; 
btcon.lly,     5y  encouraging  the  growth  and  culture  of  Naval  Stores,  and  of  raw  materials  to 
be  transport.,  hither  in  Exchange  for  perfect  Manufacture  and  other  Merchan.li.e 

of  I'r 'si'>.   V'"'?'''  "  T'''':'^'  "'■  '""''""■•  ''""""'-^'  "•"'  ^''''-  "-•--"•'-  for  "H^  Hupport 
ol  our  Establishments  in  the  American  Islands.  ' ' 

In  order  to  answer  these  Salutary  purposes  it  has  been  the  poliev  o(  this  Kin..hnn  to  confine 

her  Sett  ements  as  much  as   possible   to   the  Sea  Coast  and   noi   ,o   extend    ,h to  p     " 

unacessible  to  Miipp.ng  and  consequently  more  out  of  the  read,  of  Commerce,  a  pi  n  wl 


28 


NEW- YORK.  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i'-t. 


the  same  time  that  it  secured  the  attainment  of  these  Commercial  objects  had  the  further 
political  advantage  of  guarding  against  all  interfering  of  foreign  powers  and  of  enabling  this 
Kingdom  to  keep  up  a  superior  naval  force  in  those  Seas,  by  the  actual  possession  of  such  Rivers 
and  Harbours,  as  were  proper  stations  for  Fleets  in  time  of  War. 

Such  may  it  please  your  Miijesty  have  been  the  Considerations  inducing  that  plan  of  Policy 
hitherto  pursued  in  the  settlement  of  your  Majesty's  American  Colonies  with  which  the  private 
Interest  and  Sagacity  of  the  Settlers  co-operated  from  the  first  Establishments  formed  upon  that 
Continent  it  was  upon  these  principles  and  with  these  views,  that  Government  undertook  the 
settling  of  Nova  Scotia  in  1749;  and  it  was  from  a  view  of  the  advantages  represented  to  arise 
from  it  in  these  ditferent  Articles  that  it  was  so  liberally  supported  liy  llie  Aid  of  Parliament. 

The  same  Motives  tho'  operating  in  a  less  degree  and  applying  to  fewer  objects  did  as  we 
humbly  conceive  induce  the  forming  the  Colonies  of  Georgia,  East  Florida  ard  West  Florida  to 
the  South  and  the  making  those  provisional  Arrangements  in  the  Proclamation  in  1763,  by 
which  the  interior  Country  was  left  to  the  possession  of  the  Indians. 

Having  thus  briefly  stated  vhat  has  been  the  policy  of  this  Kingdom  in  respect  to  colonizing 
in  America,  it  may  be  necessary  to  take  a  cursory  view  of  what  has  been  the  effect  of  it  in 
those  Colonies  where  there  has  been  sufficient  time  for  that  effect  to  discover  itself;  because  if 
it  shall  appear  from  the  present  state  of  those  Settlements  and  the  progress  they  have  made,  that 
they  are  likely  to  produce  the  advantages  above  stated,  it  will  we  humbly  apprehend,  be  a  very 
strong  argument  against  forming  Settlements  in  the  interior  Country  riiore  especially  where 
every  advantage  derived  from  an  Established  Government  would  naturally  tend  to  draw  the 
stream  of  population ;  fertility  of  Soil  and  temperature  of  Climate  offering  superior  inticements 
to  Settlers  who  exposed  [to]  the  few  hardships  and  strugling  with  few  difficulties  could 
with  little  labour  earn  an  abundance  for  their  own  wants  but  without  a  possibility  of  supplying 
ours  with  any  considerable  viuantities  nor  would  these  inducements  be  confined  in  their 
operation  to  foreign  emigrants  uetermiiiiiig  their  choice  where  to  settle;  but  would  Act  most 
•jowerfully  upon  the  inliabitants  of  the  Northern  and  Southern  Latitudes  of  your  Majesty's 
American  Dominions,  who  ever  suffering  under  the  opposite  extremes  of  heat  and  cold  would 
be  equally  tempted  by  a  moderate  Climate  to  abandon  Latitudes  peculiarly  adapted  to  the 
production  of  those  things  which  are  by  nature  denied  to  us,  and  for  the  whole  of  which  we 
should  without  their  assistance  stand  indebted  to  and  dependent  upon  other  Countries 

It  is  well  known  that  antecedent  to  the  year  1749,  all  that  part  of  tie  Sea  Coast  of  the 
British  Empire  in  Americ.  which  extends  North  East  from  the  Province  of  Main  to  Can(,eau 
in  Nova  Scotia  and  from  thence  North  to  the  Mouth  of  S'  Lawrence's  Uiver,  lay  waste  and 
neglected  though  naturally  affording  or  capable  by  Art  of  producing  eveiy  species  of  Naval 
Stores,  the  Seas  abounding  with  Wliale,  Cod  and  other  valuable  Fish,  and  having  many  great 
Rivers  Bays  and  Harbours  fit  for  the  Reception  of  Ships  of  VVar;  thus  circumstanced  a 
consideration  of  the  great  commercinl  advantages  which  would  follow  from  securing  the 
possession  oi  this  Country  combined  with  the  evidence  of  the  value  set  upon  it  by  our  Enemies 
who  during  Lie  War  which  terminated  at  that  Period,  had  at  an  immense  Expenct  attempted 
to  wrest  it  from  us,  induced  that  Plan  for  tlie  Settlement  of  Nova  Scotia  to  whicli  we  have 
before  referred  and  which  being  prosecuted  with  vi^^our  though  at  a  very  large  expence  to  this 
Kingdom  secured  the  possession  of  that  Province  &  formed  those  Establishments  which 
contributed  so  greatly  to  facilitate  and  promote  the  success  of  your  Majesty's  Arms  in  the 
late  War. 


i 


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LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI.  gg 

The  Establishment  of  Government  in  this  part  of  America  having  opened  to  the  view  and 
information  of  your  Majesty's  Subjects  in  other  Coior.ies,  the  great  commercial  advantages  to 
be  derived  from  it,  induced  a  zeal  for  migration ;  and  associations  were  formed  for  taking  up 
Lands  and  malting  Settlements  in  this  Province  by  principal  persons  residing  at  those  Colonies. 

In  conseqrjence  of  these  associations  upwards  of  10,000  Souls  have  passed  from  those 
Colonies  -nto  Nova  Scotia,  who  have  either  engaged  in  the  fisheries,  or  become  exporters  of 
Lumber  and  Provisions  to  the  West  Indies;  And  further  Settlements  to  the  extent  of  21 
Townships  of  100.000  Acres  each,  have  been  engaged  to  be  made  there  by  many  of  the 
principal  persons  in  Pennsylvania  whose  Names  &  Association  for  that  purpose  now  lye  before 
your  Maj"  in  Council.  "^     "^  .  •' 

The  Government  of  Massachusets  Bay  as  well  as  the  Proprietors  of  large  Tracts  to  the 
Eastward  of  the  Province  of  Main,  excited  by  the  success  of  these  Settlements,  are  giving 
every  encouragement  to  the  like  Settlements  in  that  valuable  Country  lying  between  them  and 
Nova  Scotia;  rnd  the  Proprietors  of  Twelve  Townships,  lately  laid  out  there  by  the 
Massachusets  G  jvernment,  now  solicit  your  Majesty  for  a  confirmation  of  their  title. 

Such  may  it  please  your  Majesiy  is  the  present  State  of  the  progress  making  in  the 
Settlement  of  the  Northern  parts  of  th  ,  Sea  Coasts  of  North  America  in  consequence  of  what 
appears  to  have  been  the  policy  adopted  by  this  Kiugdom  ;  and  many  persons  of  Rank  and 
Substance  here  a;e  proceeding  to  carry  into  Execution  the  Plan,  which  your  Majesty  (pursuing 
the  same  Principles  of  commercial  Policy)  hr<s  approved  for  the  Settlement  of  the  Islands  of 
S' John  and  Cape  Breton,  and  of  the  nt  w  Established  Colonies  to  the  South;  and  therefore 
as  we  an.  fully  convinces*,  that  the  encouraging  Settlements  upon  the  feea  Coast  of  North 
America  is  founded  in  the  true  principles  of  Commercial  Policy  and  as  we  find  upon 
examination,  that  the  happy  effects  of  that  Policy  are  now  begining  '.o  open  themselves  in 
the  Lstabhshment  of  those  Branches  of  Commerce,  Culture  and  Navigation  upon  which  the 
strength,  wealth  and  security  of  this  Kingdom  depend,  we  cannot  be  of  opinion  that  it  would 
in  any  View  be  adviseable  to  divert  your  Majesty's  Subjects  in  America  from  the  pers-it  of 
these  important  objects  by  adopting  measures  of  a  new  Policy  at  an  expence  to  this  Kingdom 
which  in  its  present  State,  it  is  unable  to  bear. 

This  may  it  please  your  Majesty,  being  the  light  in  which  we  view  the  nroposition  of 
Colonizing  in  the  interior  Country,  considered  as  a  general  principle  of  policy,  we  shall  in  the 
next  place  proceed  to  examine  the  several  arguments  urged  in  support  of  the  particular 
Lstablishments  now  recommended. 

These  arguments  appear  to  us  reducible  to  the  following  general  proportions  Viz' 
First.  That  such  Colonies  will  promote    population,  and    increase   the  demands   for,  and 
consumption  of  British  Manufactures. 

Secondly,  That  they  will  secure  the  Furr  Trade,  and  prevent  all  illicit  Trade,  or  interfering 
of  French  or  Spaniards  with  the  Indians. 

.     Thirdly,  That  they  will  he  a  defence  and  Protection  to  tl-e  old  Colonies  against  the  Indians 

Fourthly,  That  they  will  contribute  to  iesst-u  the  present  heavy  Expence  of  Supplying 

provisions  to  the  distant  Forts  and  Garrisons  ;  1 1  .'     & 

Lastly,  That  they  are  necessary  in  respect  to  the  inhabitants  already  residing   -m  those 

places,  where  they  are  proposed  to  be  Established  who  require  some  form  of  Civil  Government 

Alter  what  we  have  already  stated  with   respect  to  the  policy  of  encouraging  Colonies  in 

the  interior  Country  as  a  general  principle,     We  trust  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  enter  into  an 

ample  discussion  of  the  Arguments  brought  to  support  the  foregoing  propositions 


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We  adm.t  as  an  undeniable  principle  of  trne  policy,  that  with  a  view  to  prevent 
Mnnulactn,es  U  ,s  necessary  and  proper  to  open  an  extent  of  territory  for  ColoL.a 
proportioned  to  the  increase  of  people,  as  a  large  numher  of  inhabitants,  cooped  up  in  nar  ow 
l.m.ts  wuhout  a  su  .ciency  of  lan.l  for  pro.ince  would  be  compelled  to  conve  t  their  attention 
and  .ndustry  to  Manufactures;  but  we  submit  whether  the  encouragement  l,ive„  to  e 
Settlement  of  the  Colonies  upon  the  Sea  Coast,  and  the  effect  which  such  enco  rag  melt 
had.  has  not  already  effectually  provided  for  this  object  as  well  as  for  more  easin,  the  Demand 
for,  and  consumpt.on  of  British  Manufactures,  an  advantage  which   in  our  humble  opinion 

d^Ittc'r of  7"'7;"'  ''  'r  ""^'  ^'"'""■^  ^''■'  •'^'"^  f-n»-d  to  be  estabns   e 
distance  of  above  biteen   m.n.lred   miles  from  the  Sea,  and   in  places  which   upon  the  fullest 
ev,dence  are  found  ,o  be   utterly  inaccessible  ,o   shipping  will'  from    their   inab  lity  to  Z 
e  urns  wherewith  ,o  pay  for  the  Manufactures  of  Great  Britain  be  probably  led  to  Manu  L 
for  themselves  a  consequence  which  experience  shews  has  constantly  atUmded  in  a  grea  er 

Zr^Z':^ir"n"'  '^"^'-".""^-""'  "--'■'-  -8"t  i"  our' humble  opinion^  tit 
c,m fully  guarded  against  by  encouraging  the  Settlement  of  that  extensive  tract  of  Sea  Coast 
hit  erto  unoccupied;  which  together  with  the  liberty  that  the  inhabitants  of  tl'enUd 
Colonies  will  have  (m  consequence  of  the  proposed  boundary  line  with  the  Indian  f 
gradually  extending  themselves,  backwards  will  more  effectually  and  beneficially  a.,sw\le 
object  of  encouraging  population  and  consumption  than  the  erection  of  New  (Jovernments 

same  extent  of  Territory  preserve  a  communication  of  mutual  Commercial   Benefits  between 
■  U  extremest  parts  and  threat  Britain,  impossible  to  exist  in  Colonies  separ  t         y  i  i™ 
Tracts  of  unpeopled  desart.     As  to  the  effect  which   it   is  supposed   ,l,e  (,'olonies  may      ne    o 
increase  and   promote  the   Furr  Trade,  and  to  prevent  alF  contraband   Trade  or  i.Uerc   .  r  e 
between  the   In    ,aus  under  your  Majesty's  protection   and   the   Kn.neh  or  Spaniard  I 

appear  to  us;    That  the  extension  of  the   Kiirr  Tiade  depends  entirely  upon   ,    e  Indian    b! 
undistur  ed  in  the  possession  of  their  hunting  Croiin.ls ;  that  all  Colonizing  does  in  its  n   t  ,7 
and  must  ,n  ,ts  consequences  operate  to  ,he  prejudice  of  that  Branch  of  Commerce ;  and  t     i 
the  P  rench  and   Spaniards  would  be   left   in   possession  of  a  great  part  of  what  remain  d 
New  Orleans  .-ould  s.ill   continue  the   best  and   surest   Markett.     As  to  the  protection  wlicl 
U  .s  supposed  these   New  Colonies  may  be  ..apable  of  alFor.ling  to  the  Old  ones,  it  wi      ^ 
op.mon  appear  upon  the  Sllghtes  view  of  their  situation  that  so  far  from  al.brd  ng  1>     t     t". 
to  the  old  Colonies  they  will  stand  most  in  need  of  it  themselves  rotection 

It  cannot  be  denied  that  new  Colonies  would  be  of  advantage  in   raising  Provisions  for  the 
upp  y  of  such     orts  an     Oarrisons  as  may  be  kept  up  in  the  neighbourhood  of  them  ;  but 

the  degreeof  utility  vvill  be  proportioned,  to  the  nuu.ber  and  situation  of  those  Forts  and  (a      so. 
whtch  upon  the  result  of  the  present  enquiry  it  may  be  thought  advisable  to  continu     so      e 
force  of  the  argument  will  .lepemi  upon  that  event. 

The  present  French  inhabitants  in  the  Neighbourhood  of  the  Lakes,  will  in  our  humble 
opir,io„  be  sufficient  to  furnish  with  Provisions  whatever  Posts  may  be  necessary  "rt 
continued  there  and  as  there  are  also  French  inhabitants  settled  in  some  parts  of  the  Country 
lymg  upon  the  Mississippi  between  the  IJivers  Illinois  and  the  Ohio;  It  'is  to  be  hoped  tha^ 
a  sufhci.n  number  of  ,  ese  may  be  induced  to  fix  their  abode  where  the  same  eonlenienee 
and  advantage  may  be  derived  from  them;  Init  if  no  such  circumstance  were  to  exist,  and  no 
s^ch  assistance  to  be  expected   from    it,   the  objections  stated   to    the    I'lan    now  u,  de     o 


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31 


consi,  eration  are  superior  to  this  or  any  other  advantage  it  can  produce;  and  altho  Civil 
J'.stabhshnients  have  frequently  rendered  the  expence  of  an  armed  force  necessary  for  their 
protection,  o.ie  of  the  many  objections  to  those  now  proposed;  yet  we  humbly  presume  there 
never  has  been  an  instance  of  a  Gover.iment  instituted  merely  with  a  view  to  supply  a  body 
0  Jroopswuh  suitable  Provisions;  nor  is  it  necessary  in  these  instances  for  the  Settlements 
already  ex.st.ng  as  above  described;  which  being  formed  under  Military  Establishtr.ents  an.l 
ever  subjected  to  Military  Authority,  do  not  in  our  humble  opinion,  require  any  other 
Superintendance  than  that  of  the  Military  commanding  at  these  Posts. 

All  which  is  most  humbly  submitted 

^^'"^"'2  Thomas  Robinson 

,„,  ..,„,,         ,     „  SOAME    JeNYNS  W"    Fir;!HEKUEUT 

Whitehall  March  7.  17GS.  j.^^  g^,^^ 

A. 

West  Floiuda. 
Extract  frmn  a  Treaty  made  at  a  Congress  held  at  Mobile  in  West  Florida  with 
the  Chickasaws  and  Chactaws,  March  2G.  1705. 

And  to   prevent    all  disputes  on  account  of  Kiicroachments  or   supposed    Kncroachments 
committed  by  the  English  Inhabitants  of  this  or  any  other  of  his  Majesty's  Provinces  )« 

Lands  or  Hunting  Grounds  reserved  and  claimed  by  the  Chickasaw  and  Jhactaw  r.idian     ad 
hat  no  mistakes,  doubts  or  disputes  may  for  the  future  arise  thereupon,  In   consideration  of 
the  great  n.arks  o   friendship,  benevolence  and  clemency  extended   to  us  the  said  C  li         ■,  v 
an     Lhactaw   Indians    by   his  Majesty   King  (leorge  the  third;  We   the   Chiefs  a  ^ 

War.iors  distMigmshed   by  great   and  sm.ll    Medals   &   (iorgets.   and  bearing   his  Maiest  " 
Comn.,s.ons  as  C   lefs  and   Leaders  of  our  respective  Nations  by  virtue  and  t.  purs  a  " '.^ 
h    full  Right  and  Power  which  we  now  have  an.l  are  possessed  of.  Have  agree  1  and  we     o 
tu'l.y  agree,    hat  for  the  future  the  Boundary  be  settled  by  a  line  extended  from  Gross  lit 
."  the  Island  of  Mount  Louis  by  the  Course  of  the  western  Coast  of  Mobile  liav 

to  the  Mouth  of  the  eastern  Urancli  of  Tombeckbe  River; 

and  north  by  the  Course  of  said  River, 

to  the  Confluence  of  Alibamont  and  Tombeckb,.  Rivers  : 

And  afterwards  along  the  western  IJank  of  Alibamont  River 

to  the  Mouth  of  Chickiunoce  River,  ' 

"im  ;Voni  the  Conllu.mce  of  Chickianoce  and  Alibamont  Rivers. 

a  strait  Line 

to  the  Confluence  of  IJanke  and  Tomheckbe  Rivers, 

from   ,h,,,K,,    by    a  strait   Line   along   the    western    Hank    of  lianke   River   til!  it, 

Ciuilhience  with  the  Tallat(kpr  River  ; 
from  thence  by  u  strait  Line  to  Tomheckbe  River, 
opposite  to  Atihalickpe 

;::::l  ;;::.:r  c:^;:  ^f  ;:;::;;:;;;;:•;;;;::  -^  - •>•  >-•  -  -•^•^-■.<'  ^-^r , 

to  ..s  Confluence  with  the  River  Pasc.goula  and  down  by  the  Course  uf  the  River 

I  -.'^.goula  within  twelve  leagues  of  the  Sea  Coast, 
"ud  thencu  by  a  due  west  lino  u«  far  as  the  Chue.uw  Nation  have  u  right  to  grunt ; 


arte   ^.jouyii 


CZpi^S^'^''^ 


^ 


^' 


K    (/4«<A 


\ 


J 


32 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


\>: 


Ml 


And  the  said  Chiefs  for  themselves  and  their  Nations  give  and  confirm  the  property  of  all 
the  lands  contained  between  the  above  described  lines  and  the  Sea,  to  his  Majesty  the  King 
of  Great  Britain  and  his  Successors, 

Reserving  to  themselves  full  Right  and  Property  in  all  the  Lands  to  the  Northward  now 
possessed  by  them ; 

And  none  of  his  Majesty's  White  Subjects  shall  be  permitted  to  settle  on  Tombeckbe  River 
to  the  Northward  of  the  Rivulet  called  tlie  Centibouck. 

•  East  Florida. 

Extract  from  a  Treaty  and  Cession  by  the  Chiefs  of  the  lower  Creek  Nations,  at 
a  Congress  iield  at  Picolata,  in  East  Florida,  Nov'r  15th,  17G6. 

To  prevent  all  disputes  on  account  of  Encroachments  or  supposed  Encroachments,  made  by 
the  English  Inhabitants  of  this  His  Majesty's  said  Province,  on  the  Lands  or  hunting  Grounds 
reserved  and  claimed  by  the  upper  and  lower  Nations  of  Croek  Indians,  and  that  no  doubts, 
mistakes,  or  disputes,  may  for  the  future  arise,  in  Consideration  of  the  great  marks  of 
friendship,  benevolence,  clemency  generosity  and  protection,  extended  to  us,  the  said  Indians 
of  the  upper  and  lower  Creek  Nations,  by  His  Majesty,  King  George  the  Third ;  We  the 
Chiefs,  Head  Warriors,  and  Leaders  of  our  respective  Nations,  by  virtue  and  in  pursuance  of 
the  full  right  and  power  which  we  now  have  and  are  possessed  of,  have  agreed,  and  we  do 
hereby  agree,  that  for  the  future  the  Boundary  line  of  His  Majesty's  said  Province  of  East 
Horida,  shall  be  all  the  Sea  Coast  as  far  as  the  Tide  (lows,  in  the  manner  settled  with  the 
English  by  the  great  Tomachicke,  with  all  the  Country  to  the  Eastward  of  St.  John's  River, 
forming  nearly  an  Island,  from  its  source  to  its  entrance  into  the  Sea  ;  And  to  the  Westward 
of  St.  Joiin's  River,  by  a  line  drawn  from  the  entrance  of  the  Creek  Acklawaugh,  into  the 
said  River  above  the  great  Lake,  and  near  to  Spalding's  upper  trading  Storehouse,  to  the  Forks 
of  the  Black  Creek  at  Colvill's  Plantation,  and  from  thence  to  that  part  of  St.  Mary's  River, 
which  shall  be  intersected  by  the  continuation  of  the  line  to  the  entrance  of  a  Turkey  Creek, 
into  the  River  Altamaha. 

•  Geoboia. 
At  a  Congress  held  at  Augusta,  in  the  Province  of  Georgia  November  lOlh,  1703. 

PiiESENT — James  Wright,  Esq.,  Governor  of  Georgia, 

Arthur  Dobbs,  Esq.,  Governor  of  N.  Carolina, 
ThnmiiH  Boone,  Es(i.,  (iovernor  of  S.  Carolina, 
Frans.  Fa(jnier,  Est].,  Lieu'.  Gov'  of  N'irginia, 

John  Smart,  Esq.,  Superintendant  of  Indian  Affairs  for  the   Southern 
District  in  North  America. 


\  Chickasaws, 
/  Upper  and  lowe 


r  Creeks, 


Head  Men  of  the  ,•  t'hactaws, 
L  Clu  rokees, 
'Cat  aw  has. 


The  Creeks  grant  that  the  Boundary  between  the  English  Settlements  and  our  Lands,  & 
hunting  grounds  shall  be  known  and  settled  by  a  Line  extending  up  Savannah  River  to  little 


"^^ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI 


^' 


83 


River,  and  back  to  the  Fork  of  little  River  to  the  Ends  of  the  South  Branch  of  Briar  Creek 

Ogechee  R,ver,  and  down  the  main  stream  of  that  River  just  below  the  Path  leading  from 
Mount  Pleasant,  &  from  thence  in  a  strait  Line  cross  to  Santa  Swella  on  the  Altamaha  River, 
and  from  thence  to  the  Southward  as  far  as  Georgia  extends  or  may  be  extended. 

Tra  rofTnn  i'firr  ""r  'T"  ^^'•'^^'"•^"''  -<^  ''-l-«  they  will  remain  satisfied  with  the 
Iract  of  Land  hfteen  miles  Square,  a  survey  of  which  was  begun,  and  the  Governors  and 
feupenntendants  promised  that  the  survey  should  be  finished,  and  that  the  Catawbri.d 
not  be  molested  within  those  Lines.  ^'«vv"««s  h.iohiu 

•  South  Carolina. 
Extract  from  a  Cession  of  Lands  by  the  Cheroi^.es  to  the  Province  of  South 
Carolina,  date  Fort  Prince  George,  October  I'Jlh,  17G5. 

We,  whose  names  are  underwritten  and  seals  afKxed.  Warriors  and  Headbeloved  Men  of  the 
Cherokees,  Plenipotentiaries  for  the  Over  Hill,  Valley,  middle  and  lower  settlements  and 
espec.1,,  authorized  and  deputed  by  the  whole  Body  of  the  Cherokee  Nation,  certif;  'the 
I  resents,  that  a  a  Congress  held  between  George  Price,  Ensign  of  His  Majesty's  GOth  RegLen.  ' 
IndrT^'"  7  "•'  'T  n""''  ^^"^^'  """  ^•'^■'^•^"•^^^  Cameron,'Es  .,  Comn.^  y  t 
clTtolrEn:!::^  '"  '"^  ""''''''''''  ^^''-"'"  ''^^-^y  -'  »'^^  '^--'  We  Lve 
That  Tract  of  Land  (which  previous  to  this  time  we  deemed  our  own)  lying  between  a 
Brook,  known  to  the  White  People  by  the  name  of  Dewiss's  Corner,  and  to  us^byThe  Ye  I  w 

aid  Red'p   ''Tr  ?"°'  "'""'  '""  '" '''''"''  '•^^°"'  '^'^^  '^'^'-'  --^  known  to  both  VV    t" 
and  Red  People  by  the  name  of  Long  Canes. 

1705,  Decern   10th.     Approved  by  Wm.  Bull,  Esq.,  Governor  of  South  Carolina. 
170G,  Jan  ry  10th.     Approved  by  Jno.  Stuart,  Esq.,  Superintendant. 

•  South  Cakolina  and  North  Carolina. 
Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Alexander  Cameron  to  John  Stuart.  Esq.,  dated  Fort 
I  nnce  George.  May  10th.  170G,  relative  to  the  Line  between  the  Cherokee, 
and  North  Carolina: 

in'::::;k"^r-^.^:r;h:L'nr^'^'  '°"'^^^^'  ''^  -''- '°  ^--- «'--  ^^« 

I  could  not  learn  that  we  took  in  any  Land  that  had  been  surveyed  by  any  White  man 
before  hut  there  ,s  one  Atkins  settled  within  four  miles  of  the  Line^near  fo  sLI  Hw 
Ihe  distance  from  Dewiss's  Corner  to  the  Uiver  (as  near  as  we  could  make  i  )   s^     I 

Supposed  to  n.ean  j       The  Course  of  the   Line   from    Dewiss's   Corner   to    Rudy     Lr 

one^r":e  o."!"''''^  "'"''  "'"  ""'"'"^  """'''  '''"''"  ''""'"  "'"'^^  °^  '^'  ^'^"''  ^  «"«  «""»«  wuhiu 


Vol.  Vm.  - 


I 

i 


t  -0  not  lu 


84 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


On  the  North  Carolina  side  of  Reedy  River  there  are  three  or  four  Families  settled,  and  even  if 
the  Indian  Boundary  be  run  a  North  Course  these  settlements  will  fall  five  or  six  miles  above  it. 

One  William  Turner,  on  Saludy,  below  Ninety  six,  has  settled  a  Cow-pen  &  Plantation  on 
the  above  Indian  Lands,  although  he  very  well  knew  that  Mr.  Wilkinson,  by  Governor  Bull's 
Orders,  removed  a  settlement  off  the  same  Tract  of  Land  last  year.  I  have  sent  a  Warning 
to  remove  without  loss  of  Time,  otherwise  that  I  should  take  upon  me  to  drive  them  off,  and 
distribute  part  of  their  Cattle  among  the  Indians  as  a  Tax  belonging  to  them. 

The  Cherokees  propose  running  the  Line  from  where  it  terminated,  a  strait  Course  to  Col. 
Chiswell's  Mines,  which  I  believe  will  be  North  as  nigh  as  1  could  make  it.  They  say  it  must 
be  very  evident  that  as  they  have  given  up  all  their  Claims  of  Lands  in  Virginia  below 
Chiswell's  Mines,  and  in  South  Carolina  below  Dewiss's  Corner,  that  a  strait  Line  from  Reedy 
River  to  the  Mines  must  consequently  cut  off  a  great  deal  of  their  Land  in  North  Carolina, 
that  part  of  their  hunting  ground  lies  40  miles  Eastward  of  where  they  now  nominate  their 
Boundary;  but  that  they  do  not  love  disputing  with  the  white  people  concerning  a  trifle, 
therefore  they  made  them  a  present  of  it. 

It  would  be  very  necessary  that  a  Surveyor  should  first  sight  the  Line  from  Reedy  River  a 
North  Course,  in  order  to  know  where  it  will  terminate  in  Virginia,  and  whether  or  not  it  will 
take  away  any  of  the  settlements. 

•  NoBTH  Carolina. 
Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Wm.  Tryon,  Esq..  Governor  of  North  Carolina,  to  the 
Lord's  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations,  dated  July,  15,  1767  : 

The  Line  was  begun  and  run  from  where  the  dividing  Line  between  South  Carolina  and 
the  C.ierokee  Hunting  Grounds  terminated  on  Reedy  River,  steering  a  North  Course  into  the 
Mountains,  computed  to  be  Sixty  Miles  from  the  said  River.  Upon  finding  it  impossible  to 
proceed  over  the  Mountains,  it  was  r.greed  in  the  abovementioned  Deed  that  a  direct  Line 
(from  the  Mountain  they  stnpt  at  named  Tryon  Mountain)  to  Chiswell's  Mines,  should  with 
the  Line  they  actually  ran,  be  the  Boundary  betwoei,  this  I'rovince  and  the  Cherokee  Nation 

This  Line  it  is  supposnd  will  run  along  the  Ridge  of  the  Blue  Mountains  its  Course  to  the 
Eastward  o>  North,  and  distant  Sixty  or  Seventy  Miles  from  the  Mountain  to  the  Mines. 

•  Southern  District. 
Extract  of  a  Letter  from  John  Stuart,  Esq.,  Superintend'  of  Indian  Affairs  for  the 
Southern  District  of  America,  to  the  Headman  of  the  Cherokees,  dated 
Charles  Town,  Feb'ry  1, 176G: 

I  am  now  to  inform  you  that  I  ha.i  a  Meeting  with  the  lower  Creek  Nations'  Warriors  at 
P,colata,.near  S'.  Augu.tine;  my  talks  with  them  were  very  good,  and  I  have  settled  a 
Bounchiry  Lme  between  their  and  our  (irounds  all  round  the  Two  Florida,  i^-  (UovRla  The 
Line  between  the  Cliactaws  an.l  us  is  also  settl.-d.  so  that  henceforward  we  cau  never  have 
any  Dispute  about  Lands  with  any  Nation  of  Red  Men. 

[  lU.n.  rull„w,-  ■•  Kxhacu  fr.,„,  Mi„u,e,  of  .  Confer „t  J I«,|,  M.y,  ,7«5,"  ,ufra,  Vlt.,  7W  -730.     AW,     Tl.. 

Donimont.,  pr.cedeJ  by  «n  A.tcn^k,  are  borrow,,!  from   /VH«.y„a„,„  ..,.,.;,„.,   ,v    sa,  -aoj   ,„,,'„  „„,   ,       ,  ,  * 

or.,.  .  oo^pleu  ....  Report  of  the  I^oard  of  Tr.i,  ..,,  for  ^^....,.  ...^..^^  of  ^  M;'::^:!:^:^- 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


85 


Earl  of  HUhlorougK  to  Governor  Moore. 


(N»  6) 


[  New- York,  CLX.  ] 


Sir, 


Whitehall  12"'  March  1768. 


r  e^l^r  No'l ''"'' V'7.  '""""■  rf  ""^  '"  "^'''  ^'"'"  "P""  ^'^'^'^  I  ''^^«  "°t  already  in  my 
LetteN"  4.  signified  to  you  H.8  Majesty's  Commands,  or  expressed  my  own  sentiments  I 
entirely  agree  with  you  that  the  Boundary  Line  between  New  York  &  Quebec  as  settled  by 
you  and  Lieut.  Governor  Carleton  ought  to  be  confirmed  by  His  Majesty,  and  I  will  take  L 
early  opportunity  of  considering  in  what  manner  such  confirmation  may  be  regularly  notified 
Since  my  ast  to  you  I  have  received  another  Letter  from  M'  Golden  stating  the  Proceedings 
aga.nstlnmbythe  Assembly  on  account  of  a  Pamphlet  printed  here  in  Justi.lcation  of  H 
Tets  r's      .    r,"'  "",  """""^^^  '^'°"'  ^^"•^"'^  ^""  ^^«  ^'-"P  ^'=^-  '•»-'  representing  t 

If  these  Attacks  upon  and  proceedings  against  this  Gentleman  are  the  effects  of  his  dutifull 
attachment  to  the  Crown  during  his  Administration  as  Lieutenant  Governor.  I  make    o  d     b 
but  His  Nhjesty  will  th.nk  Himself  called  upon  to  extend  His  Royal  Protection  to  him,  it  is 

r.nlmi:   r'''  "'^""V"'  ^°"  '■°""  "^-^^^  "-^  «trictest'en,uiries  into  this  ml  te 
and   transmit   to   me   every   information   you  can    procure    thereupon,   together    with-  the 
Proceedings  of  the  Assembly,  in  order  to  be  laid  before  His  Majesty,  and  in  the  meantime  il 

::'t:zv::::^  ^"  '"^  '''-^--  -^  '^^^-^ "-  -  ^-  -  -  °'^  -^  ^^ 

I  am  desired  by  Major  General  Greeme  •  and  other  Gentlemen  concerned  in  carrying  on  Iron 
Works  ,n  New  York  under  the  direction  of  M'  Hassencleverto  inform  you  that  tl.  Cent  e  n 
misbehaves  towards  them  and  refuses  to  come  to  account,  for  which  reason  it  is  ir  tn  ^ 
to  supersede  him  and  to  appoint  another  Person  in  his  place,  and  as  these  Works  are 
represented  to  me  to  be  of  great  Publick  Utility.  I  think  it  .'y  d^ty  to  recomnln  to  u  o 
g  ve  ate  support  and  protection  you  can  to  the  Person  they  n.ean  to  appoint  and  to  give 
Ze:::;::;;:.  ^^^  '^^^^  ^-^-^^'^  ^^'-^'-^  ''  "----^  ^°  ^  <«-  I>erformanc!of 
Governor  of  New  York.  ^  "*"  ^'^'^       „ 

HiLLSBOROVaH 


N''2. 


Sir. 


Earl  of  miUhorough  to  Sir    William  Johnson. 

[  PUnUtlom  OraortI  ( »,  r.  o. ),  OCLI V.,  No.  ».  J 

Whitehall  12  March  1768 


Lordship  ^   fa,  7,  8  und  9  have  been  received  and  laid  before  the  King. 


'  S«e  not^  VII.,  890.  —  Ed. 


86 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I  herewith  transmit,  to  you  a  Copy  of  his  Lordships  letter  N»  6,  lest  it  should  have  miscarried 
It  being  of  great  importance  that  you  should  receive  the  Kings  Commands  signified  to  you  in 
that  letter  by  his  Lordship,  which  you  will  not  fail  to  carry  into  immediaic  Execution 

The  fixing  the  Boundary  line  will  1  trust  remove  the  first  great  Foundation  of  -Jealousy  and 

Discontent  from  the  minds  of  the  Indians  and  be  a  solid  proof  to  them  of  the  Sincerity  of  his 

Majesty's  Intentions;  And  I  flatter  myself  I  shall  very  soon  he  enabled  to  signify  his  Majesty's 

pleasure  with  regard  to  the  conduct  of  the  Indian  Trade  in  general;  the  unjustifiable  occupancy 

of  their  Lands ;  the  Posts  that  are  to  be  maintained  ;  and  the  particular  Duties  of  your  Office  • 

in  such  a  manner  as  to  give  entire  satisfaction  to  the  Indians  in  all  Points  to  relieve  this 

Kingdom  from  the  enormous  expence  8he  at  present  groans  under,  and  to  remove  those  doubts 

and  difficulties  which  occasioned  by  the  wfyit  of  precise  Instructions,  frequently  embarrass 

you.  and  impede  the  exertion  of  your  abilities  to  that  advantage  for  his  Majestys  Service  which 

might  otherwise  be  reaped  from  them.     Chabert  Joncaires  treacherous  Conduct,  and  the  wicked 

&  infamous  behaviour  of  Rogers  and  his  correspondence  with  Hopkins,  which  appears  from 

a  copy  of  a  Letter  from  the  latter'  which  you  inclosed  in  your  letter  No  7,  are  of  such  a  nature 

as  require  the  utmost  Circumspection  and  Attention  of  his  Majesty's  Servants  in  America-  as 

in  the  present  State  of  some  mens  dispositions  in  that  Country  when  one  Correspondence  of 

that  dangerous  tendency  is  discovered,  there  is  reason  to  apprehend  there  may  be  more  of  the 

same  kind. 

I  have  the  honour  to  inclose  to  you  a  Map,  whereon  is  delineated  the  Boundary  Line  proposed 
by  the  Board  of  Trade  to  be  Settled  with  the  Six  Nations  in  conformity  to  what  was  agreed 
upon  at  the  Congress  in  1765,  and  also  those  lines  settled  with  the  Choctaws,  Creeks  and 
Cherokees  by  the  Superintendant  for  the  Southern  District.  This  Map  may  possibly  be  of 
lome  us  as  it  will  shew  in  what  manner  the  several  lines  are  meant  to  be  united 

1  am  &'■ 

Hillsborough 


:|li 


N"  10. 


Sir    William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Shelburve. 

[  PlutolloM  Orarrtl  ( 9.  P.  O, ),  CCLI V.,  No.  10.  j 

Johnson  Hall  14  March  17G8. 


My  Lord, 

A  few  days  since  I  was  honored  with  your  Lordships  of  the  19  of  December  last  acknowledging 
the  receipt  of  my  letters  N"  4  &  5  with  the  state  of  the  Trade  Politicks  &"  of  the  Northern 
Indians,  and  conveying  his  Majesty'  Royal  approbation  which  yeilds  me  a  most  sensible 
pleasure,  the  letters  I  have  wrote  since  that  of  N"  5  which  are  four  in  number,  I  judge  by  your 
Lordships  silence  were  not  any  of  them  come  to  your  hands. 

Since  my  last  which  was  of  December  the  3'^  the  delegates  from  the  Cherokees  arrived  here 
to  treat  of  Peace  with  the  Six  Nations,  and  their  Allies,  in  consequence  of  which  &  in 
conformity  to  your  LordsP*  directions  I  dispatched  Belts  and  Messengers  to  call  the  Later  to  a 
Congress,  who  after  many  delays  on  ace'  of  inclemency  of  the  Season,  but  more  from  the 
diiconteot«d  state  of  their  Minds,  of  which  I  before  gave  information,  arrived  here  the  3-  of  thii 

'  Ruprn,  Vrr .  »()«  —  En 


II 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


37 


insftothe  amount  of  7C0  after  being  at  one  time  almost  resolved  to  return  home  havin.  bv 
tl      way  rece.ved  the  d.sagreable  account  of  the  murders  lately  committed  in  I'e^Iil     n    'the 

some  of  the  Riotous  Frontier  Inhabitants  and  has  not  n    yet  b        retajn     ^17"'','' 
issued  a  Proclamation  and  the  Assemhlv  h=,„»  .,  ,  a  T    ^^^'^^^'^ '   ^''^  Governor  has 

present  as  a  eondolance  on  the  p^t  o7  t.L  Zvlnt    '  ""  "'  '"""^^  "  ''  ''''"  ''^^'"  •"  « 

cruel  Murder  &«  tJl  Td  "Iv  sle^.d  '  h  r   7     "'""  '^"'  ^°  ^^"^''^'^  ^"-^'^^  ^^  'his 

Sachims   whose   i       nlti  n^^^^^^  several  of  the  Old 

appearance  of  a  run    re  As  t  e  whoT  T            '^""1"""y-    '--"-ted  the  threatening 

prelude  to  greater  deTjnts     .ai!       h  .     P'"'""  "''  '»'■« 'additional  stroke  was  but  I 
towards  the' Ohio    tl  e  g  e  vi  ^s  con  nlLr     T         "'^  ""''"  ^'^^  encroachments  made 

the  Country  yet  unfreirssed     I  e  Tbh  .  ""T'"'  ""J"^'  ^""^"^^  ■'"  °'^''  P'^^'«  "f 

Frontiers  of' he  «evera  Pro"  ';^^^^^^^  ~'«^<^  °"  their  people  on  the 

which  the  Trade  is  conductedro      ^w^^:rof T^ie^^^^  •"".'"^  '"^«"'-''^  ^'^'^ 

surprising  that  the  Indians  who  are  the  C  sulci"  /I'       T'"'"  '''  ''  '^  "°^  '•"  "" 
Grounds  be  actuated  by  Spirit  of  strongresenler  '"^  '"  ''"  ""''  ^'^""''^  ""  «-" 

an^:::? ;;:' irhibZ;':;:  :;z;2  t::i  -'''-'-  :''^  --'^  ^^^--  -^-'^rs 

whom  they  have  now  a  report      u^t^^^^^  f  P"^"''  Pnpers  from 

""Ce:r:^:^;o'i:;:f"^[''-"^^^ 
Hne^griie  to  :r  t:^:^^:;^^:::-:™^:::-;:-^^^ 

at  the  same  time  Z  the    tt,  &    el      r     "  T ""f  °'  '''"'"''''^  ^^""^  '"«?"'-  '"  future 
authority  will  make     eear&lTfbt^^^^^^^  '^^'  October  if  enforced     y 

T^  w..ich  depends  on  the  Ji^ dirXllI^^;:^;!:"^  '"  '^^  ^^^^  ^--^ts.  ^ 

pef: ::  ^:.x  :?!!■:  h^:::^::if  :x^;r  r  t  ^r '^"  ^°  -  --^  -^ 

"pon  the  whole  I  am  of  opinion  .hat  from  what  I  have  snH  •  "'"""  ^uperintendant  and 

r  Public  transactions  contained  in  the  co^i  hi  H  T  '"  P'-'^"^^ '^°"''«^ences  as  well  as  in 
regard  to  what  they  have  a.reed  to  the  LT'  T  .'^""^'"'"'"J'  "'«  '"dians  intend  to  pay 
t..e  redress  of  .rei'viancir^al^lrr'rurrrdr.f  .t::  r;!::  '''''''^  '"^  '^^^^  "P^ 

■^         '"^  r rentiers  &  Trade  so  essentially 


m. 


88 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


depend  relying  on  the  Countenance  &  Support  of  Government  for  enabling  me  to  discharge 
those  duty's  which  without  such  aids  must  prove  impracticable 

The  «!ncouragement  I  have  hitherto  received  from  his  Majesty's  Royal  approbation  has 
enabled  me  to  support  fatigues,  troubles  &  hazards  of  which  very  few  can  have  a  reasonable 
conception  pi-  .  .;  m  ■ .  I.,";  '  ord  to  hope  for  the  continuance  of  it  and  to  assure  your  Lordship 
that  I  am  with  the  grpfitest  truth 

Your  Lordship's 

■  Most  obliged  &  most 
The  R'  Hon"'*  faithful  humble  Servant 

The  Earl  of  Shelburne  W.  Johnson 


Proceedings  of  Sir  William  Johnson  with  the  Indians. 

[  PlinUtioiu  General  (  S.  P.  0.)  OCLIV.  ] 

Proceedings  of  a  General  Congress  of  the  Six  Nations  &"  The  Chiefs  of 
Coghnawagey  and  of  the  Seven  Confederate  Nations  of  Canada  and  the 
Deputys  sent  from  the  Cherokee  Nation  to  treat  of  Peace  with  the  former 
before  Sir  William  Johnson  Baronet  at  Johnson  Hall  in  March  17G8. 

The  C.erokee  Deputy's  arrived  the  29  Dec'  17G7,  on  which  Sir  William  sent  Belts  and 
Messages  to  the  Six  Nations  &.''  who  did  not  arrive  until  the  2"  of  March  by  reason  of  the 
Inclemency  of  the  Weather  and  other  Impediments. 

At  a  Congress  with  the  above  Mentioned  Nations  at  Johnson  Hall  March  4.  17C8 

Pkksbnt —  Sir  William  Johnson  Baronet 

Sir  John  Johnson  Knight 
Daniel  Claus  }  „        ^ 

Guy  Johnson  }  ^«1"  ^^P''  ^g-  for  Ind-  Affairs. 
Lieut*  Frazier 

M'  Michaell  Byr[n]e  Commissi  of  Ind"  Affairs 
M'  Robert  Adems 
M'  Daniell  Denniston 

John  Butler  Esq"  |  Interpreters  for  the  Six  Nations 
^  M'  PerlhieB  i  &  Canada  Ind' 

M'  John  Walls  Cherokee  Interpreter 

Being  all  Seated  Sir  William  open'd  the  Congress  as  follows — 

Bretheren  of  the  Six  Nations  &  Canada  Confederacy 

I  give  you  all  a  most  Cordial  Welcome  to  this  place  where  I  wish  our  Mutual  Proceedings 
may  be  conducted  with  the  strictest  Candour  and  Sincerity. 

It  is  with  no  small  concern  that  I  am  to  condole  with  you  on  account  of  the  late  Act  of 
Cruelty  exercised  on  some  of  your  friends  within  the  Province  of  Pensilvania    Whatever 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI.  „« 

perpetrate.!  which  you  Jha.  ^e  n^,  e  ^e  It  o^f  iV'  ''T"'  ^'^'^  ^""'  ^'^'  -' 
ail  his  SuhjectB  to  assure  you  that  he  and   ipv  nr      ^    .  ""  °"  '''  P""  "''  '''^  *^"J'^«'y  ""^ 

are  all  sati  (ied  of  its  being  the  or  vateAlS^  «""  '  7"^'"'^'^  '^^  "'  '^'^''*  ''  '^  '^^P^'^  7°" 
the  knowledge  or  con  „t  anv  othet  "'^^f '«'''«  '"•"^'''"»'  -"«!  ^is  accomplice  without 
apprehending' hi„,  in    rder  to  bl.    .  m     "h  "7  ''"""'^  "^^"^  '«  '""'''"«  "-  «'  ^or 

therefore  on'the  pa     o  1^    „'      d  a  I,  hirs'h"'t'''"l".'"''  '''  "^""^  '^«««"-     '  '° 

away  and  dry  up'the  Tears  wS;:;  ha  e  hec  Cthls  oc  '  '^^'■^^'^^-1^^'^  Wipe 
you  may  be  enabled  to  look  chearfullv  uZ  ..,      ZZ  ^'"'""^'  ^°'"  ''^ht  that 

throats  that  you  may  Speak  to  us  Sv  '^  H  ""'ir  '^"  ''""^  '  '''^"  '''«  ^^^^'''^^  "^  y""r 

the  Blood  of'the  SlL^rom'll^;  L";l^;  rs7a  Th^'sT  '^"^  ^'"  '''"  '  ^'"^^^^^ 
offend  your  Eyes.  '        naoitations  that  the  same  may  appear  no  more  to 

Gave  3  Strings  of  Wampum 
Brothers 

remember  that  he  anTJcon/pceontwhL'r^  ':'"""   "^' ""'  '  ^'^•^"^^*  >-  to 

the  Order  of  our  Government     nd    he  Ij  r     '  '"r  '^''  P""'  ""'  '''■*'  notwithstanding 

bad  men  amongst  us.  whose  c;  duet  -1,"''       "^  "^""^  "^  """^^  ^"P^^'  '°  "«-«  ««-« 
of  the  People.  '  '"'^  'nchnat.ous  may  differ  widely  from  that  of  the  rest 

Gave  a  large  Black  Belt 
Brothers 

With  this  Belt  I  pull  up  the  T  ara^at  Pir,^  t        l     .l 

that  gave  yo-  the  blow  pC  ,g Thfie     ovir"    „' i  sVr"'"  ""'"  "'"'='  '  ''"''  '"«  ^" 
no  more  be  found  ^  °         '   "  "'  '°""^'  P°«'"°"  So  that  the  Axe  may 

Gave  a  large  White  Belt  with  Black  figures 
Brothers 

something  to  you  upon  tlu-  occasion  ''""  "'^  ^°"^  ^"■'*'"'  »>«  ^"l  ""^^  -ay 

Then  Sir  John  (after  shaking  hands  with  the  Chiefs)  said. 
Brothers 

.nd  d,  ,„„  ..ric,  J„„i„,  ,„       .      '/" ' ,  ","'":"'y  """""■"'  "■  '"•>"••  !■>-'  Ori.va„..„. 
Bou„d,,ry  l.i„.  b«»™„  ,1,;  Wl        I     ab  .      .  ,  ""  T  "'"'"  ">"•'"''""«■<'  "•'•!  •!.« 


40 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


u 


I    '! 


•  Brothers 

I  heartily  thank  you  for  your  frequent  enquiry's  after  me  during  my  absence  in  Enghind 
and  I  siiall  be  at  all  times  Glad  to  convince  you  of  my  sincerity  and  good  wishes  for  your 
several  Confederacies.  Gave  a  White  Beit  with  Black  figures 

Sir  William  then  addreas'd  them  in  the  following  manner 

Brothers 

I  have  now  gone  through  the  Business  of  Condolance  with  you,  and  hope  it  will  prove 
agreeable,  and  ease  your  Minds.  Tomorrow  I  shall  proceed  to  the  business  for  which  you  are 
now  assembled. 

So  soon  as  Sir  William  had  ended,  each  of  the  Nations  present  gave  the  Yo-hah,  or  sliout  of 
approbation,  after  which  they  received  Pipes,  Tobacco  and  a  dram  eaCh,  And  after  a  short 
Consultation  Amongst  the  Chiefs  Conoghquiesor  Chief  of  Oneida  arose,  and  haveing  repeated 
according  to  Custom,  Ail  that  had  been  said  with  the  several  Strings  and  belts  to  the  Six 
Nations  &'^''  he  addressed  Sir  William  on  their  behalf  as  follows 

Brother  Gorali  Warraghiyagey 

We  give  thanks  to  the  great  Spirit  for  enabieing  us  to  meet  this  day  after  so  many  accidents 
as  have  befallen  us,  and  We  thank  you  for  what  you  have  said  to  us,  which  we  have  hearkened 
to  with  great  attention.  We  feel  ourselves  something  easier  since  you  spoke  to  us,  and 
according  to  the  manner  of  cur  Fore  fathers  removed  those  objects  from  before  our  Eyes  which 
have  given  us  pain  —  Brother  We  and  our  dependants  have  been  for  some  time  like  Giddy 
People  not  knowing  what  to  do,  whereever  we  turned  about  we  saw  our  Blood,  and  when  our 
Young  men  wanted  to  go  a  hunting  the  Wild  Beasts  in  our  Country  they  found  it  covered  with 
fences,  so  that  they  were  weary  crossing  them,  neither  can  they  get  Venison  to  Eat,  or  Bark 
to  make  huts  for  the  Beasts  are  run  away  and  the  Trees  cut  down. — The  Frence  told  us  this 
would  come  to  pass,  and  when  our  Young  men  sit  down  hungry  in  hot  weather  and  find  no 
Trees  to  shelter  them  it  makes  them  soon  get  Drunk  —  Brother  we  have  got  a  great  deal  to 
say  about  tiiese  things  but  as  you  have  remembered  our  old  Ceremony's  taken  the  Hatchet  out 
of  our  Heads  and  given  us  such  good  words,  we  will  do  in  like  manner  by  you.  Then  went 
thro  the  Ceremony  of  Condolance  with  Strings  and  Belts,  and  buried  the  axe,  but  did  not  as 
usual  take  it  out  of  tlie  Heads  of  the  English  Alter  whicii  the  Speaker  said  Brother, 

We  return  the  (ireal  Spirit  our  best  tlianka  for  giving  us  the  pleasure  of  seeing  your  Sou 
safe  returned  and  of  hearing  Good  friendly  Words  he  spoke  to  us;  We  have  had  our  neck 
stretched  out  this  long  time  endeavouring  to  see  him.  We  now  congratulate  you  on  his  S;ife 
arrival  over  the  dangerous  Lake,  and  we  heartily  thank  him  for  his  love  for  us  and  for  the  good 
things  lie  has  said  to  us,  which  makes  us  all  Easier  in  our  minds.  Then  the  Chiefs  all  aro^e 
and  Shaking  Sir  John  by  the  hand  welcomed  him  to  America.  After  which  adjourned  till 
next  morning. 

At  night  Sir  William  had  some  private  Conferences  with  several  of  the  Chiefs,  to  whom  he 
spoke  on  the  subject  of  their  neglecting  to  take  the  Axe  out  of  the  Heads  of  the  English,  which 
indicated  resentment  his  discourse  had  a  good  deal  of  eti'ect  upon  them  and  they  withdrew  to 
have  a  Conference  amongst  themselves. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


41 


At  a  Congress  held  with  the  before  mentioned  Nations    March  e"-  1768 


Present- 


as  before 


The  Cherokees  refusing  to  open  their  Embassy  from  a  Supersitious  Notion  that  as  it  was 
Noon  the  day  was  too  far  advanced  for  a  Work  of  peace  according  to  the  Opinion  of  the  Southern 
Nat.ons.  The  S.x  Nations  having  been  late  Assembling,  at  Length  addressed  Sir  William  by 
the.r  Speaker,  who  made  an  apology  for  their  Omission  of  the  preceding  day,  and  then  in  a 
speech  for  that  purpose  took  the  Hatchet  out  of  the  Heads  of  the  English,  and  buried  it  giving 
a  Belt  of  Wampum,  Then  agreeing  to  meet  earlyer  next  morning  Adjourned.  After  which  the 
day  was  spent  in  private  Conferences  with  Sir  William,  and  at  night  they  had  a  feast  and  dance. 

At  a  General  Congress  with  the  before  mentioned  Nations    March  G"-  At  10  A.  M. 
Present —  as  before 

Sir  William  0.1  entering  the  Council  room  introduced  the  Cherokee  deputys  to  the  rest  of 
the  Indians  and  then  addressed  the  Six  Nations  &"  as  follows 
Brothers 

I  am  now  to  speak  on  the  Subject  for  which  you  have  been  here  Assembled,  and  I  desire 
you  will  pay  due  regard  and  attention  to  my  Words. 

You  see  now  before  you  several  Chiefs  of  the  Cherokee  Nation'  sent  hither  as  Deputy's  and 

fully  Authorised  to  treat  with  you  about  a  peace,  for  which  they  have  long  expressed  a  desire, 

and  to  which  end  I  have  repeatedly  spoken  to  you,  particularly  last  May  at  the  Congress  et  the 

German  Halts,  when  you  agreed  to  meet  and  Treat  with  them  for  this  purpose  they  are  now 

come  here,  and  as  they  are  under  the  Protection  of  his  Britannic  Majesty,  and  in  peace  and 

friendship  with  t  e  English,  the  King  expects  that  you  will  lay  aside  all  A^nimositieslnd  agree 

unanimously  with  a  peace  with  these  People  who  have  come  so  far.  and  are  so  very  desifous 

of  It,  and  who  would  have  met  you  for  that  purpose  long  ago,  but  that  they  had  no  certain 

sourances  o.  Safety  to  their  persons,  or  of  a  favourable  reception  until  the  receipt  of  mTlast 

letter.     As     have  so  often  recommended  this  matter  to  you  and  said  so  much  upon  it,  I  need 

not  now  farther  to  point  out  the  reasonableness  of  their  desire  or  how  much   it  is    or  your 

...  erest  to  come  into  Terms  of  peace  with  them,  and  as  it  is  his  Majesty's  desire,  and  that  of 

hi    people  in  America  I  think  you  cannot  hesitate  about  it.     I  beliei  you  all  know  my  regard 

or  your  in  erests.  and  that  I  would  not  advise  you  to  any  thing  prejudicial  thereto,  for  which 

reason  1  rely  on  your  giving  a  favourable  answer,  and  that  you  will  L  it  from  your  heartr 

Gave  a  Large  White  Belt 

RanJe7al'l  r  Tu  '"rl^"  ^^"'"^''  ^''"''^  '"'^  '"'«''*  ''^g'"'  W'^^"  Ouconastota'  stood  up. 
Ranged  all  his  Belts.  Calumets  of  Peace  &"  i„  order,  and  then  spoke  as  follows. 

thoy  ter,„  AyrJaZoUar:  »T.nif'!    7      1  '""  '"".""  '""■     '^'^  ^""^'^'  ■"'""'  '-"  ''"''">"»  "'  "--  Country,  which 
'  '"n...  ,li,tin.,„ill  PI  :?  ""'  *"""*«'l'l''>  ^^'''"^'  'l-ot*.!  in  ««».«,•,.!„„„/.  „/7Vh„„^.  si.-Eo. 

m  to":  Si  ti' ': : ;  r.;i  yt  %t ""''  ".•  ''''•'"  "• ""  '^"^  -^  «-..,.„.,.;.  ce  „;  the  o': 

Vol.  \-Ili  t.t«w.ty  on  the  Tell.co  nver."  Hmme^;  Annal.  of  r«.«««i  8«.  U»,  121. 


ll 


I 


42 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Brothers 

Hearken  to  me  and  give  Attention  to  what  I  have  to  say,  We  come  from  Chotte'  where  the 

Wise  House,  the  House  of  Peace  is  erected  to  Charlstown  and  from  thence  by  Wa'er  to  New 

York  in  our  way  to  this  place,  it  being  recommended  to  us  by  M'  Stuart  our  Superintendant 

to  go  by  Water  least  we  should  meet  with  opposition,  or  to  be  attacked   if  we  travelled  by 

Land  thro'  the  Woods  and  M'  Stewart  told  us  that  our  Father  Sir  William  Johnson  would 

assist  us  in  sending  for  our  Brothers  the  Northern  Indians  to  meet  about  Peace 

_      ,  Gave  3  Strings 

Brothers 

It  is  a  long  time  since  the  Sachem  of  Chotte  made  peace  with  the  Onondagas,  but  that 
Sachem  is  now  dead,  however  we  remember  the  Talk  yet.  The  Sachem  that  now  lives  at 
Chotte  has  sent  this  Belt  and  desires  and  hopes  that  the  Onondagas  will  take  fast  hold  of  it 
after  the  manner  of  your  Ancestors  and  never  let  it  slip.  Gave  a  Belt 

Brothers 

Here  is  a  Belt  which  I  have  brought  from  the  Sachem  of  Chotte  with  a  Good  Talk  tc  the 
Coghnawageys,  whose  belt  we  have  carefully  preserved  in  our  Town  these  20  years  past, 
altho  this  Talk  proceeds  out  of  our  Mouths,  yet  you  may  depend  upon  it,  that  it  comes  from 
our  hearts,  and  that  what  we  say  is  the  truth  Gave  a  Belt 

Brothers 

Here  ia  a  Belt  from  the  Sachem  of  Chotte  to  the  Senecas,  and  he  requests  that  al!  both 
young  and  Old  will  listen  to  it,  ard  hold  it  fast,  for  our  Father  the  Great  Spirit  abo  e  knows 
that  it  comes  from  our  hearts.  We  hurried  the  ilatchet  once  but  it  arose  rgain  We  now  by 
this  Belt  hurry  it  so  deep  that  it  can  never  arise  to  hurt  us,  for  our  heads  our  Flesh  and  Blood 
being  alike  it  were  a  pity  we  should  kill  one  another.  The  Creeks  made  peace  with  us  and 
always  observe  it.  ^  g^lj^ 

Brothers 

This  is  a  Bv.'t  from  the  Sachem  of  Chotte  to  the  Sachems  of  Cayuga  to  request  them 
to  desire  thei--  '/oung  Men  to  live  at  peace  and  that  we  may  love  one  another  for  the  time  to 
come.  Here  is  the  Belt  and  he  requests  that  they  will  take  it  and  hold  it  fast        A  Belt 

Brothers 

Here  is  a  Belt  and  a  Calumet  with  an  Eagles  lail  which  the  Sachem  of  Chotte  hath  sent  to 
Sir  William  Johnson  to  our  Father,  that  he  may  always  keep  it  so  that  any  of  our  friendr 
resorting  hither  may  smoak  out  of  the  Viye,  and  See  that  we  have  been  about  Peace  Our 
Father  M'  Stuart  told  us  that  we  should  have  Pjacewhen  we  applied  to  our  father  Sir  William 
Johnson  which  we  fmd  to  he  true  and  therefore  we  shall  always  mind  whatever  he  says  to  us. 
P^^j^^^  <jnve  a  Bell,  Calumet  &  Kagles  tail 

Here  is  a  Belt  from  the  Sachem  of  Chotte  for  the  Mohawks  whose  residence  is  around 
their  Father  whose  talk  is  always  good  in  their  Father's  Tongue,  and  whose  Thoughts  and 

'  Choi.  wi.  Sf.  mil..  .bo»«  th.  rui.,.  of  Fort  Lou.ton  (  «™.«y'.  AnnaU  0/  TimwM,,,  8S  ),  .t  ll...  jun.lioi.  of  tb«  Telli.o 
*od  Lml.  T.ourM*.  ri».r«,  Monro*  oo«nty,  ou  tli.  SoutliwMt  fronti.r  of  tb.  SUU  of  T.iinoM...  —  Ei>. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


43 


Actions  i-re  right.  Therefore  if  any  other  People  should  he  unmindful!  of  peace  and  offer  to  go 
agamst  us,  We  beg  that  our  Father  Sir  William  and  our  Brothers  the  Mohocks  will  sett  all 
to  rights  ■    . 

^  A  belt 

Brothers 

This  is  a  Belt  to  the  Tuscaroras,  we  request  that  they  will  take  it  and  hold  it  fas*,  nor  ever 
let  It  slip  and  we  beg  that  they  will  make  their  Young  Men  to  remember  ail  this 

Brothers  ^  r^«^>t 

We  now  present  a  Belt  from  our  Women  to  yours,  and  we  know  that  they  will  hear  us  for 
U  IS  they  who  undergo  the  pains  of  Childbirth  and  produce  Men,  Surely  therefore  they  must 
feel  Mothers  pains  for  those  killed  in  War,  and  be  desirous  to  prevent  it.  A  Beit 

Brothers 

Here  is  a  Belt  from  our  Boys  to  you,  who  are  now  but  small  and  therefore  their  Speech  must 
be  Ch.  d.sb.  unt.ll  they  arive  at  Manhood,  all  they  desire  is  that  they  may  be  once  more 
enabled  to  venture  out  to  hunt  Birds  and  Rabbits  without  the  risk  of  being  carried  away  or 
killed,  and  therefore  all  they  beg  is  peace  ^  Small  Belt 

Brothers 

With  this  Belt  we  clear  and  open  the  road  removing  all  things  out  of  it  that  may  hurt  us 
t  was  no    us  that  stopped  it  but  our  Elder  Brothers  the  English  nnd  French  who  in  the  ; 

norln         '  '""'  '""''  """  ''  '"  *'°  ^""''  '"'  '^^  '^«  ''-«  '«  --  -«-  the  Path  i. 

A  Belt 

Sachems  and  Chiefs,  you  ha.-  heard  what  we  had  to  say  we  beg  you  to  agree  to  it  and  that 

•  onh    Z  ""',  """  '"""  ''^  "'"'"•''"  ""  ""»'  ""  ""»y  ^«  «'  P«-«  "'"'  that  our  Young 

Uople  may  pass  and   repass  as    their  occasions  require  without  being    i„  danger  of  be  nf 
Bcratched  or  wounded  by  the  Briars  along  the  road  A  Belt 


The  bachems  being  all  met  in  the  Council  Room  Thomas  King  was  sent  by  the  Warrior, 
0  I.M,  the  bachems  know  it  was  their  desire  that  the  Congress  might  be  held  o^.t  of  Doo     in 

a  ked  b,r    V.  Iiam  liberty  to  hold  the  meeting  out.  to  which  he  agreed,  theu  they  all   ook  thlir 
places  in  the  Court  where  seats  were  pn^pared  for  them  "  "ley  an  looK  thtir 

Ganaghquiesa  Speaker  rose  up  nnd  spoke. 
Brother  Corah  Warraghiyaga 

lanOKi   and  sincere  in  our  transaction*  wiih  ii......      i    t 

advice  therein  but  w«  m....  "'"""'""""*'"'  "'em.     I  do  assure  you  we  shall  follow  your 

Ihtre.n,  but  we  must  also  de.ire  that  you  will  speak  and  write  to  the  several  Coverno.. 


I 


44 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


especially  of  Virginia  to  keep  his  people  in  better  order  &ca  otherwise  the  Path  will  Close  up 
and  not  be  safe  to  travel.  A  Belt 

Brother 

We  of  the  Six  Nations  and  Coghnawagey  Confederacy,  with  these  things  open  your  Ears 
that  you  may  hear  what  we  are  now  going  to  say  to  the  Cherokees  3  Strings 

Younger  Brothers 

On  hearing  by  Express  of  your  Arrival  We  immediately  made  ready  to  come  down  to  meet 
you  after  the  manner  of  our  Ancestors,  whose  Kettle  was  always  ready  with  their  Packs  and 
Seven  Men  allotted  to  each  Caiinoe  and  with  a  good  Stick  in  their  hands  ready  to  chasties  evil 
doers,  even  so  have  we  set  out  to  meet  you  here 

Younger  Brothers 

You  have  sollicitted  the  friendship  and  Aid  of  Sir  William  Johnson  our  Superintendant 
whose  knowledge  is  universal  and  whose  influence  extends  over  our  wliole  Country,  and  you 
may  be  assured  that  he  has,  and  will  assist  you  with  pleasure  and  that  wherever  you  shall 
commit  an  error  he  will  take  pains  to  correct  and  amend  it  A  Belt 

Younger  Brotheis 

You  have  told  us  that  you  have  opened  the  doors  to  your  Country,  that  we  may  pass  and 
repass  in  Safety,  we  agree  to  the  same  and  do  the  like  on  our  parts  so  that  you  may  come  to 
us,  and  open  the  road  in  such  a  manner  as  to  enable  us  to  see  each  others  habitations,  But  as  wo 
are  your  Elder  Brothers  and  consequently  have  more  understanding  than  you,  We  must  tell 
you  that  you  have  not  done  your  part  thereon  as  you  ought.  You  have  not  clear'd  the  lload 
of  rubbish  according  to  the  form  you  ought  to  have  oDserved,  neither  have  you  taken  the  Axe 
out  of  our  heads,  we  now  take  it  and  put  it  on  one  side  A  Belt 

Younger  Brothers 

You  have  reminded  us  of  th(i  fire  wiiiirh  was  kindled  by  our  Ancestors  and  you  recommend 
it  to  us  to  follow  their  example.  Be  assured  that  we  shall  do  so,  and  that  we  sviti  in  all  things 
do  our  utmost  to  imitate  them.  A  Bell 

Younger  Brothers  » 

You  have  reconimended  it  to  us  to  make  this  Treaty  Publick  thro'  all  our  Towns,  We  agree 
chearfiilly  to  do  so  throughout  all  tlie  Nations,  to  the  end  thnt  none  m.ty  be  ignorant  of  it,  but 
that  it  may  be  always  lield  in  our  Memories,  and  w<>  desire  by  this  belt  that  you  will  on  your 
parts  communicate  the  tame  to  all  your  people  A  Belt 

Younger  Brothers 

You  say  that  you  have  had  a  Belt  of  the  Ccslinawngrys  in  your  \'illnge  these  i?0  years  past 
on  the  Subjeit  of  Peace.  We  are  well  pleasfd  that  you  have  taken  such  good  cure  of  our 
Words  delivered  to  you  at  that  time,  and  as  they  are  Kdigious  Indiiuis  they  will  by  no  means 
Exasperate  the  fireat  Spirit  and  .Master  of  Life  l)y  speaking  otlterwise  ihui  from  their  lienrti, 
and  we  hope  thnt  yon  speak  witli  the  same  .Siuceriiy 

Younger  Brothers 

You  have  rcipieHted  that  we  should  send  some  ot  our  I'eople  to  accompany  you  home  und 
Assist  in  clearing  the  Uund,     We  answer  you  that  we  would  gladly  agree  to  it  if  it  was  aufe 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


45 


o^r  practicable  at  this  time,  but  we  think  it  is  not,  and  therefore  we  cannot  give  our  consent 

A  Belt 
Younger  Brothers 

You  expressed  a  desire  amongst  the  rest  that  these  transacticr.s  should  be  made  publick 
tiiroughout  al  the  Tuscarara  Towns,  We  think  it  right  and  we  make  no  doubt  that  the 
luscaroras  who  where  themselves  formerly  reduced  lo  the  utmost  distress  till  saved  and 
protected  by  our  generosity  will  have  a  proper  feeling  for  you  in  the  like  Circumstances 

A  Belt 

Then  the  Coghuuwageys  in  behalf  of  the  7  Nations  of  Canada  addressed  the  Nations 
as  follows 

Brothers 

We  are  well  pleased  with  all  the  Transactions  between  you  and  our  Younger  Brothers  the 
Cherokees  ,n  the  presence  of  Sir  William  and  Cap"  Claus  who  take  so  much  Care  to  support 
the  tranqu.hty  of  all  our  Towns.  We  recommend  it  to  you  to  adhere  firmly  to  the  sentiments 
wh,ch  you  have  now  Expressed  and  not  to  expose  yourselves  to  the  punishment  of  the 
Almighty  for  a  Breach  of  these  your  soltmn  Engagements.  A  Large  White  Belt 

Adjourned  till  the  next  day 


Tuesday  March  S* 
In  the  morning  the  Indians  all  Assembled,  the  Six  Nations  Coghnawageys  &ca  b-intr 
des.reous  to  Condole  with  the  Mohawks  for  the  Loss  of  Onaharrissa  one  of  their  Chiefs 
lately  deceased-being  met  Conoglupiieson  of  (Oneida  on  behalf  of  the  three  vounKor 
Branches  of  the  Confederacy  na.nely  the  Oneldas,  T.iscaroras  and  Cayugas  went  thro'  the 
whole  Ceremony  of  Condolance  with  the  Elder  Branches  namely  '.he  Mohawk,  Onondac,-,, 
and  Cenecas  which  done  the  latter,  by  the  Speaker  of  Onondaga  in  a  set  speech  gave  them 
thanks  for  the.r  (  <,n,lol,.nce,  and  for  their  adherence  to  the  Customs  of  their  forefathers 

Sir  William  then  called  together  to  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations  &ca.  &  addressed  them 
as  follows 

firotheri 

I  think  it  extremely  necessary  at  this  time  to  speak  to  you  on  the  Subject  of  several  Reports 
I  have  ately  rece.ve.l  and  I  .iesire  you  will  give  lull  attention  to  what"  i  shall  say,  and  that 
you  will  answer  me  ingeniously,  and  ImneHily  from  your  hearts. 

Brothers 

We  are  not  ignorant  of  some  private  Conferences  you  have  held,  and  of  others  which  are 
intended  shortly  we  have  heard  of  the  loss  of  some  of  our  own  People  and  of  the  threats  If 
yours.  Ue  acknowle.l.e  that  some  of  the  English  have  lat.-ly  injured  you,  hut  -se 
whenever  apprehende.l  will  meet  with  Just  punishment  of  this  I  have  already  spoke  ,d 
shall  say  nmc h  more  lo  you  tomorrow,  and  as  I  hope  Uuiet  your  mind.  theron-A,  ,he  same 
.me  let  me  observe  to  you  that  it  is  the  <luty  of  all  those  who  are  bound  bv  the  same  Chrin 
n  he  Hon.  of  ,riendsl„p  ,o  communicate  their  Grievance,  without  taking  a  ly  pri 
resolution,  ol  tiunr  own,  this  1  hope  you  will  do  ingeniously  and  I  beleive  1  partly  k.uw  all 


46 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


that  you  can  say,  and  at  the  same  time  be  assured  that  the  Great  King  and  his  people  are 
sincerely  disposed  to  promote  your  Welfare  and  not  Suffer  you  to  be  injured  and  that  your 
several  Grievances  are  now  before  the  King  who  has  fallen  upon  Measures  for  your  redress 
and  for  the  future  Security  of  your  persons  and  property's,  but  the  misconduct  of  many  of  your 
people  and  the  Nature  of  your  Complaints  have  made  it  a  Work  of  time  before  such  steps 
could  be  taken  as  would  effectually  Guard  us  both  from  injury,  In  proof  of  the  truth  of  what 
I  now  say  to  you  and  on  which  you  may  firmly  rely,  here  is  a  letter  which  I  have  just  received 
from  the  Earl  of  Shelburne,  one  of  the  Kings  first  Ministers  wherein  he  assures  me  of  it,  and 
likewise  desires  that  you  may  have  Notice  to  attend  early  in  the  Spring  in  Order  to  settle  the 
Boundary  line  as  a  farther  security  to  yi^ur  properlys. 

Here  shewed  and  Explained  the  Necessary  parts  of  Lord  Shelburnes  Letter    then  proceeded 

Brothers 

You  see  that  you  are  not  forgotten,  but  that  every  thing  is  intended  that  can  be  possibly  done 
for  your  interest  and  I  make  no  doubt  you  will  soon  feel  its  effect,  and  express  your  sincere 
thanks  for  these  tokens  of  friendship  and  justice  till  when  I  desire  you  to  do  Justice  to  the 
Good  intentions  of  the  English  by  a  pacific  conduct,  and  to  cast  away  from  this  Moment  any 
sparks  of  resentment  which  may  remain  in  your  hearts  together  with  all  misgrounded  Jealousys 
or  Suspicions  of  our  integrity  Gave  a  Large  Belt 

P.  M.  The  Indians  having  had  a  private  Conference  amongst  themselves  Assembled  and  by 
their  Speaker  answered  the  Speech  of  this  Morning  as  follows 

Brother 

We  thank  the  Great  Spirit  above  for  the  present  Meeting  and  we  shall  j.onestly  answer  You 
on  the  Subject  of  Your  Speech,  and  declare  the  Causes  of  our  uneasyness  which  we  confess  to 
have  arrived  at  a  great  Titch  — and  we  beg  in  our  turn  Vou  Open  Your  Ears  and  hearken 
to  what  we  have  to  say,  and  endeavour  to  obtain  that  redress  for  us  which  is  the  only  sure  way 
of  securing  the  place 

Brother 

We  have  often  put  you  in  Mind  of  the  many  promises  which  were  made  .o  us  at  the  begining 
of  the  late  War  by  the  Generals,  Governors,  and  by  yourself,  from  all  which  we  jiad  the 
strongest  reason  to  expect  t!iat  the  event  of  your  Success  would  have  proved  greatly  to  our 
benefit,  That  we  should  be  favored  .aid  noticed,  That  we  should  not  be  wronged  of  our  Lands 
or  of  our  IVltry,  that  every  encroachment  should  be  removed  and  we  should  live  in  peace  and 
travel  about  without  .Molestation  or  hindrance  at  the  same  time  the  French  told  uh  that  what 
was  said  was  not  true,  nor  from  your  hearts  and  that  the  day  you  got  the  h'tter  of  them  would 
be  the  first  day  of  our  Misfortunes — You  persuaded  us  not  to  beleive  them,  hut  we  have  found  it 
■ince  too  true,  We  soon  found  ourselves  used  ill  at  the  I'osts,  on  the  Frontiers,  and  by  iho 
Traders.  The  people  who  liad  formerly  wronged  us  and  who  did  not  choose  to  Venture  before 
to  take  possession  of  our  iJightg  tht-n  rose  up  to  crush  us,  The  iuim  Bottleb  hung  at  every  door 
to  Steal  our  Lands,  and  instead  of  the  English  prot.rcting  us  as  we  thought  they  would  do  thev 
employed  their  Superior  Cunning  to  wrong  us,  they  murdered  our  people  in  i'ensilvunia,  Virginia 
and  all  over  the  Country,  and  the  Traders  began  more  and  more  to  deceive,  and  now  neither 
regard  their  own  Character,  or  the  Ollicer  sent  to  like  care  of  the  Trade,  so  that  if  we  arc 
wronged  who  is  to  iielp  us  We  cant  ramble  over  the  Country  for  Justice  and  if  wa  did,  we 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :     XLI. 

n«l"st"uT  'Zr  ""t'  "'  "r"  "'  '''  ^'^'  y°"^  ^'««  ^'-  '"  '"^^  Towns  will  be  always 
nga.nst  us.     Your  people  cnme  from  the  Sun  ri'  ;ng  up  our  Rivers  to  the  West  and  now  Tl! 
.eg.„  to  corne  upon  us  fro.  the  South,  they  have  fot'already  almost  to  P^rt  Pitt  bu    not    .^^ 

are  not  able  or  w.li.ng  to  do  it  we  can,  and  must  do  so  soon  or  they  will  eat  us  up  fo    vour 

t  e  rest  are  our  Younger  Brothers  and  Nephews  that  depend  .pon  Zyl  you  JonT  take  t  f' 
Murderer  or  do  anv  thinff  to  him      Vr.,.  „,       •      v       ■  ^      '  "'  ^^^^  the 

Brjther  Ciave  a  Large  Delt 

VVe  heartily  than!    th.>  Great  King  for  h^:  intentions  and  for  what  be  is  going  to  do  about 

Sir  William  answered  them 
lirotliers 

'  Sr»  nolo,  $upr<,,  Vil.,  Vg«.  -.  Ed, 


48 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


reason,  and  give  pain  to  your  Brothers  the  English  who  are  just  now  studying  your  Welfare 
and  iiappiiiess 

then  Adjourned  till  Morning. 


At  a  Congress  with  the  before  mentioned  Nations  March  9"" 
Pkesent —  as  before 

Sir  William  Johnson  Addressed  them  as  follows 

Brothers 

When  I  condoled  your  late  losses  on  the  part  of  his  Majesty  and  his  Subjects  in  general,  I 
then  told  Vou  that  I  would  after  the  Treaty  with  the  Cherokces  was  over.  Speak  to  you  more 
particularly  on  the  Subject  of  your  Losses  in  the  Name  of  the  Governor  and  Inhabitants  of 
Pensil-nnia,  and  acquaint  you  with  his  resolutions  and  that  of  his  Assembly  thereon — As  the 
peace  is  now  so  happyly  concluded  between  you  and  the  Cherokees  which  I  have  had  lon*g  at 
heart,  and  expect  that  you  will  all  pay  due  regard  to,  1  shall  now  speak  farther  to  you  on  the 
Subject  of  your  Loss.'h,  and  the  steps  taken  by  I'ensilvania  in  consequence  tliereof,  and  I 
exhort,  you  all  to  hearken  to  what  I  say  upon  it.  3  Strings 

Brothers 

The  l:;fe  unhappy  Affair  seems  to  have  been  occasioned  by  Rum,  that  fatal  liquor  to  so 
many  of  your  \-<  ople,  I  do  n-.u  say  ilii  >  to  paliintc  the  Murders  hut  to  shew  you  the  pernicious 
effects  of  drunkeness,  —The  (j  first  Indians  who  were  Murdered  by  a  Man  called  Frederick 
Stump  at  Middle  Creek  in  I'ensilvania,  are  said  to  have  been  at  his  house  drinking,  and  were 
gn-ally  disguised  and  as  is  too  often  tlu.  Case  very  troublesome,  instigated  therefore  by  the 
Evil  spirit  who  delights  in  blood  he  killed  them  namely  one  Seneca,  and  three  other  Men  Suid 
to  be  Mohiccon  Indians  and  2  Women,  and  afterwards  went  to  a  place  at  some  Miles  distance 
from  his  ho  se,  where  he  killed  one  Woman  2  Girls  and  one  (^liild  in  all  ten  persons,  alter 
which  he  made  olf  but  some  good  Men  who  heard  of  it  pursued,  and  apprehendet'  ""im  and 
brought  him  to  Goal  from  whence  some  oad  people  found  means  to  free  him.  Whereupon  the 
Majestrates  and  otiiers  took  every  step  possible  to  find  him  out  and  bring  him  to  punishment 
this  is  the  truth  (so  that  you  wtre  n.iainformed  by  the  Report  that  the  White  people  did  not 
ciiuse  to  take  him)  The  Governor  when  he  heard  of  it,  was  greaily  exasperated,  and  the 
Assembly  who  were  then  met,  and  passing  some  good  laws  for  your  benefit  were  ready  to  do 
any  tiling  for  aj)p'-i'iiending  the  Murderer,  the  (Jovernor  (hereupon  issueil  a  I'roclamut'on,  for 
his  being  taken  for  which  he  offered  a  Reward  of  .t'JOO  as  a  proof  of  which  here  is  the 
Proclamation  which  was  sent  that  you  might  see  the  good  intentions  of  that  J'rovince. 

Here  Shewed  them  the  Proclamation  which  was  afterwards  read  and  explained.  Then 
proceeded 

Brothers 

Besides  the  Sum  menlion'd  in  the  Proclamation  a  larger  Sum  in  provided  for  rewarding 
those  who  take  the  Murderer,  and  as  so  many  are  in  ({uest  of  him  there  is  great  reason  to 
expect  that  he  will  be  apprehended  and  for  your  larlher  Security  that  Province  has  passed 
good  la'Vf)  lor  punishing  in  the  most  severe  miinncr  all  (Itosi;  who  nIi<iII  attempt  to  use  you  ill 
or  Settle  upou  vcur  Lands,  and  are  determined  to  remove  every  giievance  in  their  power  ai 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


49 

and  that'you  lu.d  re^^lrZJ^Zl  :.^T;m  '"''  T''  ^^'  '""''''  ^"^^"^  ^'^^""• 
some  Indians  and  also  one  i„  a  81    w  nese  V  |    ^        .  Z      '"'"'  ''"""  ""  ^'""'  ''^ 

AfTai 'was  the  Act       o  1  o  e^  1  °'  P-silvania,  and  to  convince  you  that  this  laie 

Voted  besides  the  „:e;'the;w,;  ::    rZ'7'  ''T':  '"  '^^  ''^"'"•''  ''^y  ^'''-  ""- 
I  have  now  to  giv.  You  .s  T  n,^    nf  .  '  ""  '"'  ^""  ""^  ■^^'•^"«'  "^'^^^  "^  -''i*-"'^ 

remainder  bei.f.  X.2  0    v  11       "       '"    '^T  °'^  ^"-'-  '"-  '»  '"^-ove  your  grief,  and  the 

purpose  to  the  Trit  s  h  t^    C    .n    !  J'J.h'    ;""''  "J  ''"«''"""  "'  ^'''^^  '''''  ^^  '"<"  -- 
These  things  .  have      ;„    ^owe    7t        r       '"^''""rf  ""^'^  ''''"'^''' «"°  -«-  -m.rdered- 

Gave  a  Belt 
Brothers 

«nme  on  beJnlf  of  t  it         "l  ^  ^'^  "!    "'  .f"  '""'^  '*"'  ''^  ^"'^  ««'^  '  «'°  "'-  •"« 

under  the  Roots  o     1  e  TrTe  c  ,    in.  7'        >  """""'  "''  ""  '"'^'■'•"''-  ^->'"«  "'^-  Axe 

..neasyness  from  vo      he.  f  ■.?  v    .^  ^"'?''      "'"'  ^"'^   '"'^'""'  ""'  ^^'""-"^  ""  C^'-se  of 

uneasy  „,ter  what  w  Iv  to  '^ZT  TT:T'  "'"'"  '  ""''"  ^°"  «'"'  ''«  "«  '^ '"- 

a"<i  I  now  carefully  gatL  I   .ones  of  all.."  ""^   '""■'""'>'  " ^"''  •'-"    "--'1- 

•  l.ury  them  in  a  deefp      w  Ic       co  .     ' ''''"'  ''•'*'"  '""^''"'■'' '"  ''"'^  ''--''-•-.    "'J 

to  ott'nd  your  Kye  .    nd  ove  "tLrn"        .'T  "T  ""*'  """  ''  «"""  "''»  "^  ^-'"^  ""t 

you  in  memory  of  t  ei    fr'nl   i ,  f '^^      TT       "'  ""'  '''■°"'"'"  '"  ''"  •^'-'''"'  '^-nongst 

take  up  this  prLnt  you  wi;'        .t  (7rlt:^;:rIr '  I  ""f  'r'^"^'"""^  '""  ^"""  ^"" 
Craves  of  your  I'eople   so   tl.x  v„,        ii  "'^^haage  already  large  and  preen  over  the 

your  Bathe's  of  z  I ,.  r. :; '  r:::r  '"* "'""  '"^  •"^■"^"  ''-"^  '^''^  ■•«  --•••t 

then,  for  i,.  and  that  pu.ing  aw  y  a  |,,  .  a  ,    Fvir:'.'"'  f"   "'"   ""'"'""'^  ''''  ••""'  ^"^^'^ 

with  them  en  ,ern,s  of  Strict  frieL     i    '     d  J    .  .°1''      '  ^■""  "'"  '■"■■  '""'^  ''*'^-"<*-r  live 

to   do    them    e,ua.    Justi  e         i    e  ^V       ,v!:  i:' T"'  '"'.-^^^ 

rememl,enn,M,-.,.  they  are  your  Fuhc"  tier    .-tK'i     'Tr"""  "'    ''"''    '"^'^'^    ■^"-v« 
Wishers.  ^  "  '  ^'"^  ""'•''  ^'"S^  Subjects,  and  your  friends  and  Well 

„      .  tJave  a  Belt 

Brothers 

hal.'::- 1'::::;:':::;::;;:^ ::?;"« -", :'"''  ••-  ^--'  '>-'-«  ••-  p--t  congress  and  i 

'''"'•rent  n.easures  if  they  .lesignM  to  diL.se  ""'.  P''^' "'  •"'  "'"  ''•"gl'"''  «„uld  lake  very 
Majesty  intends  forthwith  to  do  o  y  '  ,  ^;'- ';"-';•  /  have  shewn  you  w,,,„  ,„s 
"-  «'.T«  taken  l.y  .Vnsilv.nia  JlnZuZ^^ZT^  ^""    I   '""**  '**^'^^^'-  ^'"-'  vou 

•"'P'-.-ion  on  your  nunda  and  wai.-e  U.e        ,.  i,  ""     '"'   ""  ""-^   """^'^  »   ''-P 

Justice  ''^"•'  "'   these  measures   with  a  Conlidence   i„   „ur 

A  I'.rit 


V..r..  \  III. 


"'I'' , '■••!•  ".  VII.,  '.isi'.  ~i:„. 


50 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Brothers 

Before  we  part  I  h.ive  only  a  few  things  farther  to  say  to  you,  First  to  put  awny  all  Guile 
from  your  hearts,  and  never  to  think  of  any  bad  things  which  are  past  but  to  expect  the  good 
wliich  is  near  at  hand,  and  I  Exhort  as  you  to  value  your  own  happiness  to  harbour  no  farther 
resentment  against  his  Majesty's  Subjects  in  general  or  any  one  Province  in  particular,  for 
they  are  all  members  of  the  same  body,  and  therefore  you  should  send  agreeable  news  to  all 
your  People  acquainting  them  with  the  good  work  now  concluded,  and  if  after  all  any  prove 
discontented  or  about  to  disturb  the  Public  tranquility  You  should  fake  them  by  the  head  as 
you  recommended  us  to  do  with  ours.  The  next  thing  which  I  have  to  desire  is  that  you  will 
make  the  Treaty  of  peace  you  have  entered  into  with  the  Cherokees  as  public  as  possible  As 
far  fis  your  Influence  extends  cautioning  them  Nations  against  doing  any  thing  in  Violation  of 
it  as  they  regard  their  own  Peace,  That  you  will  repeat  all  this  often  to  your  Young  Men  and 
to  your  Children  and  that  some  of  you  will  Accompany  the  Cherokees  Depulys  and  make  the 
road  wide,  and  safe  for  traveling,  and  also  as  a  farther  Testimonial  of  what  you  have  agreed 
to,  that  you  subscribe  to  the  same  on  these  Parchments  one  of  which  together  with  the 
(cherokees  Belt,  and  Eagles  tail  will  remain  liere,  and  the  other  be  sent  to  M^  Stuart  in 
C^arolina  to  be  seen  by  all  Nations.     Then  read  and  Explained  the  Treaty  A  Belt 

Tkeaty  of  Peace,  Friend-siiip  and  Alliance 

Entered  into  between  the  Six  United  Nations  and  Seven  Confederate  Nations  of 
Canada,  and  the  Cherokees  Deputys  sent  from  their  Nation  to  enter  into 
the  same. 

In  the  name  of  the  (!reat  Spirit  above.  We  the  Sachems  and  Chief  of  the  Six  Nations  and 
("anada  Confederacys,  finding  that  War  is  disagreeable  to  the  Great  King  of  England  thro'  the 
Mediation  of  Sir  William  Johnson  Baronet  Superintendant  of  our  Affairs,  and  at  the  earnest 
Sollicitation  of  the  Cherokee  Nation,  Do  agree  to  give  peace  to  t'lat  Nation  from  this  lime  and 
we  do  admit  them  into  the  Bond  or  Chain  of  friendship  whicn  tyes  us  fast  together  having 
huryed  the  Axe.  and  opened  tlie  Ifoad  to  our  respective  Countrys,  and  received  and  given 
mutual  proofs  of  our  Pacific  Sentiments  according  to  the  form  and  usuages  of  Indians  at  the 
Treaty  held  at  this  place  on  the  5""  and  ()"'  of  this  present  Month.  And  We  the  Cherokees  on 
our  Parts  having  buried  the  Axe  and  opened  the  Uoad  hither  by  our  Journey  to  desire  this 
peace  to  engage  for  our  whole  .Nation  to  abide  by  the  same,  and  thankfully  lay  hold  )f  the 
Covenant  Clifiin  wiiich  we  will  keep  fast  and  perforin  every  thing  on  our  parts  as  friends  an(i 
.Mlies,  .\nd  all  of  us  now  here  Assembled  Uo  on  behalf  of  ourselves  and  the  Nations  whom 
we  represent  engage  and  declare  that  this  Treaty  is  and  shall  be  considered  as  a  good  and 
firm  peace  to  all  intents  and  purposes  according  to  all  the  forms  of  Compa''l  and  Alliance  in 
use  or  subsisting  amongst  the  several  Nations  of  Indians 

Given  at  Johnson  Ilall  the  S  day  cf  March  i76S  In  the  presence  of  Sir  William 
Johnson  Baronet  and  each  of  us  wlio  on  behalf  of  ourselves  and  Our  respective 
Nations  Subscribe  to  these  presents. 


Thii*  Treaty  being  Subscribed  to  Sir  William  addressed  the  Six  Nations  &" 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


51 


Brothers 

I  hope  all  is  finished  between  us  for  the  present,  tliere  only  remains  for  you  to  receive  this 
portion  of  his  Majestys  bounty  to  keep  you  warm,  as  you  travel  in  Cold  Weather.    ' 

Shewed  the  Present  on  behalf  of  the  Crown  and  on  the  other  side  that  from  Pensilvania 
and  proceeded 

Here  is  also  the  present  on  behalf  of  Pensilvania  sent  to  the  friends  cf  those  who  are  dead 
to  remove  their  Grief  and  prove  the  Testi-i.ony  of  their  Love  (or  yo.  all,  which  I  expect  will 
cover  all  thats  past,  You  that  are  of  the  same  blood  shall  take  it  to  wipe  away  the  tears  that 
were  shed  and  so  let  all  be  forgotten. 

Delivered  the  presents  and  told  them  he  had  finished  the  business  of  t!ie  Meeting. 
Thereupofi  .he  Speaker  for  the  Indians  arose  and  said 
Brother 

We  have  heard  all  you  said  to  us,  which  we  shall  take  into  due  Consideration,  and  Judge  it 
necessary  to  give  you  an  Answer  thereupon  tonu  -row.  We  at  present  Express  our  thanks  to 
the  Great  King,  and  to  our  Brothers  of  Pen.ilvania  for  their  Sense  of  our  wants,  by  giving  us 
Such  a  present  at  this  time  to  dry  up  our  Tears. 


Friday  11  "■  P.  M. 

i  he  Six  Nat>ons,Coghnawagey  Confederacy  and  the  Cherokee  Deputys  Assembled  in  the 
Council  Itoom. 

PiiE-SENT—  besides  those  the  day  before 

Lieut- Pfister'  M' Hannah ^ 

Hamilton'  M' Davis 

Capt:  Jelles  Funda  Thomas  King  Speaker 

Brother  Gorah  Warraghiyagey 

You   yesterday    approved    of    the    peace    we    have    now    made    with    the   Cherokees,  and 
ecommen. led  it  to  us  to  keep  it  inviolably,  as  it  would  be  for  our  and  their  interes    You 

i;^:^::;  ;^rc:u:it " ''''-'''- '-  '^ ''-''-'' '- '- '--  -'-''-^^'-^  -^  --^--^ 

Brother 

You  may  d.pend  upon  it  that  the  peace  we  have  now  made  will,  the  Cherokees  is  Sincere 
and  we  re,„e.t  that  the  (;reat  Spirit  may  direct  and  enable  us  to  keep  it  inviolable, trw 
look  upon  then,  now  as  the  same  flesh,  blood  and  head  and  hope  we  shall  over  re  ,         „ 

^LTs:;- rc^r  ^^" '" "'"  ^' '-  - '-  ^^"-^  -^-^^^  ^«  y-  ^^-^^^  -  ^-e 

A  Belt 

will,  it  until    --.   .t,  .  .  ■  ""    "'"^^'"*--     "°  ■'"J""""'  '"''  ■•'■»-'""•""  i»  <''•'«'"''•.  ">i".  "•>,!  .o,„i,„>,.d 

:;:;::  i::!!:::.:;:,:;:;: ;— -— ^-.'•tot..  ,.,.,r,.,  ,i.  or  ..,....„.  iu.pu...ina,....ent  co,;;;;:;; 
in  t;!::::;":::;^  m^ "'"  '■""■ '"'"''  "-■ '"-'  -  '"-"^ '^-^  -^ - » ^''•- '  '■>  -'^■^.  --^  oo„ti„„e. 


hi 


m 


|i     ! 


52 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


After 'repealing  what  was  said  yesterday  concerning  the  Murders  committed  in  Pensilvania 
the  Speaker  siiid. 

Brother  Gorah  Warrnghiyngey 

We  heard  with  the  utmost  Attention  what  you  said  to  u.i  yesterday  and  we  thank  you 
reminding  us  of  our  own  Old  Customs  that  whenever  any  of  us  were  aggrieved  we  should  noi 
immediately  take  revenge  but  endeavour  lirst  to  obtain  Justice  from  those  who  had  been  guilty 
of  the  injury 

Brother 

We  are  disposed  from  what  you  have  said  so  to  do,  and  we  will  put  it  from  our  minds  but 
we  tell  you  Sincerely  that  we  expect  Justife  and  redress  of  our  (irievances  when  we  are  injured 
and  if  we  do  not  receive  it  our  minds  must  get  distuibt  .1  and  lead  us  to  do  Wild  things  which 
we  have  not  yet  done,  tl  e  Peop'-'  who  were  killed  lo  the  Southward  and  on  Ohio  hav  ng  fallen 
by  the  hands  of  the  Indians  ot  Lake  Huron  as  you  know  these  Indians  coid'ess,  ihis  is  the 
truth  it  conies  from  our  Hearts.  (JuMt  3  Strings 

Brother 

We  thank  you  for  having  recommended  it  to  us  to  send  some  of  our  IV.  ole  with  the 

Cherokees  who  go  by  Land  to  their  Country,  to  open   the    Road  and  to  proi,,t  them  bv 

the  Way  on  which  subject  you  shall  hear  more  of  our  minds  directly  from  the  Warriors. 

n     ,,  (jave  3  Strings 

Brother  ° 

We  agree  with  you  in  making  public  to  all  Nations  the  Treaty  made  with  the  Cherokees, 
and  of  our  having  Joined  in  burying  the  Axe  Since  the  late  Murders  in  Pensilvania  and  to  that 
end  we  deliver  this  your  Belt  over  to  the  Coghnawageys  that  th.y  may  communicate  it  lo  all 
their  friends  and  Allies  whilst  we  think  it  highly  necessary  that  you[r]  Deputy  at  Fort  Pill 
should  assist  in  doing  the  like  to  the  Southward. 

Gave  over  the  Belt  to  the  Coghnawageys 
Then  Thomas  King  Stood  up  and  Said 

Brother  Gorah  Warrag!iiyagey,  and  Broth"  of  the  Six  Nations  and  Canada  Confederacy 
hearken  to  what  our  Warriors  have  to  say 

Whereupon  Tagawarra  a  Chief  Warrior  of  Oneida  rose  up  and  Said 

Brothers 

We  ti.e  Warriors  think  it  necessary  to  remedy  a  Mistake  or  Omission  of  which  our  Sachems 
were  guilty  when  we  treated  with  the  Cherokees,  — they  then  left  the  Axe  Slicking  so  that 
the  handle  of  it  would  Strike  against  the  Bushes  as  they  travelled  we  now  take  it  quite  out 
and  bury  it  as  it  ought  to  Le  healing  up  the  Wound  so  as  it  shall  not  be  seen  on  their  Arrival 

in  their  own  ('ounlry.  .   n  u 

A  Belt 

Brothers 

We  have  farther  considered  that  Several  of  the  Bones  both  of  the  Cherokees  and  of  our 
People  lye  Strewed  along  the  Path  leading  to  the  South  which  might  as  the  |{oad  is  now 
open  turn  the  heads  of  our  People  as  they  travelled  along  the  Path.  We  now  therefore  colh-t 
the  Bones  of  both  People  and  after  the  Manner  of  our  Ancestors  We  interr  them  in  a  de<'p 
pit,  So  that  the  Water,  shall  carry  them  away,  for  ever  from  our  Sight.  A  Belt 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI, 


Broth 


53 


ers 


Our  Sachems 


accomi 


answer  to  your  desire  that  Some  of  us  she 

orbad'prorlh"'"'  ''^"'"■°^'?  "--•''  '''°«'  ^^-^^  "^^^i^lents  mights  happen  thro'  means 
of  bad  Peop  e  who  may  now  be  abroad,  and  are  ignorant  of  this  Treaty.  IMio'  they  meant 
tins  ^r  the  best  we    i,n,r  from  then.,  and  have  agreed  that  some  of  evJry  Nation  s  fall    I 

paths  'ti!hr:     Tn  "  '"'''l'\'''  "'  ""'  '^""^•^^°"«  "•  «"  ^l^-'  "-  '^--  -'»  Wa 

paths,  till  the  good  News  .s  spread,  We  will  conduct  those  who  go  by  Land  by  a  Rout  one 

the  one  S.de  where  they  may  travell  Secure  and  arrive  in  S.ffety'at  their  Vwutnl! 
Brothers  A  Beit 

Pe^rie'^'vf  f  ll  ""'  '"''°""  r  '!'"'  '''"''  ^"^  '  """"  ^'''^''  «"'  Still  against  some  of  your 
liople      We  tell  you  now  of  .t  that  you  may  not  hereafter  Accu.se  us  of  deceit   and  should 
any  m.sch.ef  be  done  thereby  we  desire  you  not  to  consider  it  as  a  publicAcTti;    e  p  ' 
be  ng  .gnorant   as    yet   of  this    Treaty,   and    therefore    until!    they    .re    informed  of    t 
not  any  Act.on  of  theirs  be  considered  as  a  Breach  of  this  Treafy  but  let  it  be  tgolte:! 

Sir  William  then  addressed  them  as  follows  ^  '^""'"S^ 

'"  -others 

I  thank  you  all  for  the  unanimity  you  have  shewn  at  this  Congress,  and  for  the  desire  vou 

then  dissolved 


My  Lords 


Sir    William  Johnson  to  the  Lanh  of  Trade. 

[PUnUUont  General,  XXVt.    T.  60.] 


My  last  to  your  Lordships  was  of  the  SO"- (if  Octnl.ur  i..ot  •        ,      , 

of  Indian  aflairs  at  that  lime   whiH  t.       •  7  '^^""^'"'•"■"g  the  disagreeable  aspect 

lately  has  n.e.  wi"h  a    nd  1  iio'n  bv  ".""  r'      "  ""*'""'"'"'  ''"'"  -^'"--'-d.  an.l  now 

^^ix  of  which    Jil  wer         1  i    r  """  "       '?  '""'""  '^  ""  *""-'^''""'  ''  ^'--'-"- 

the  next  day  pror::^':"   ^  i:..  J  T^^^zr'  'T't'  '' "  -''-' 

»H.rd..re.l  4  more  whose  bodi..,  ..„  .  .  cl'stance,  where  he  surprized  and 

the  doors  &  carried  bin    to  some  r  T  ^'"''''"'   '"''"''"^'"'^  "^^e-'bled    forced 

to  some  place  of  obscurMy,  (or  notwithstanding  the  Proclamations 


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54 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i 


&  other  steps  taken   by  the   Lieutenant  Governor  he  has  not   yet   been  discovered,  this 
disagreeable  News  reached  the  Six  Nations  on  their  way  to  this  place  where  I  have  for  several 
days  past  held  a  congresj  with  them  &  the  seven  Nations  of  Canada  to  the  amount  of  7C0,  in 
consequence  of  a  letter  from  Lord  Shelbourne  to  me  recommend*  the  bringing  about  a  Peace 
between  them  and  the  Cherokees  at  the  ernest  desire  of  the  latter  &  of  the  Southern  Colonies, 
to  which  end  Deputys  from  the  Cherokees  Nation  have  been  here  since  the  29""  Dec'  last  &  I 
have  at  length  etl'ected  a  Peace  between  them  a  copy  of  my  transactions  on  which  occasion 
now  transmitted  to  the  Earl  of  Shelburne,  and  therefore  I  need  not  to  enlarge  upon  that 
subject  &  to  observe  that  notwithstanding  the  Province  of  Pensilvauia  voted  a  sum  of  money 
part  of  which  I  was  impowered  to  give  them  on  the  part  of  that  Province  to  condole  with  them 
for  the  late  losses,   yet  the  repeated  acts  of  cruelty  committed  in  the  dilTerent  Provinces 
hitherto  unpunished,  the  intrusions  upon  their  Lands  &  bad  claims  together  with  the  rest  of 
their  greivances  all  which  are  still  unredressed,  have  operated  so  strongly  on  their  suspicious 
minds,  as   I    have    plainly   discovered   from    their    speeches   but   much   more   from   private 
conferences  &  fntelligence  that  I  very  much  doubt  their  sincerity  hav«  had  the  strongest 
reasons  to  beleive  that  the  Majority  were  waiting  to  redress  themselves.     Should  they  not 
speedily  find  it  from  us,  at  the  same  time,  I  have  as  much  reasoi.  to  beleive  that  my  public 
transactions  now,  of  which  a  copy  is  trp.nsmitted  together  with  my  private  conferences  with 
the  cheifs  and  principal  Warriors  ha    put  a  stop  to  it  for  the  present,  and  that  they  will  .lot 
disturb  us   provided  they  soon  find  that  intrusions  &  murders  are  put  a  stop  to  &  their 
greivances  redressed  by  some  short  and  eflectual  process  nor  can  all  their  ideas  of  our  power 
deter  them  from  doing  what  is  in  their  owti  as  the  Trade  &  Frontiers  must  lye  in  a  great 
measure  at  their  mercy  for  many  succeeding  years,  as  our  oHensive  operations  can  do  them 
very  little  hurt  for  reasons  I  have  often  repeated,  whilst  a  Peace  with  them  is  eagerly  covetted 
by  the  Colonists  &cri  for  the  security  of  the  infant  settlements  and  for  the  purposes  of  a 
<:ommerce  which  solely  depends  upon  it  —  I  have  agreeable  to  Lord  Shelbournes  letter  desired 
them  to  be  in  readiness  to  attend  the  settlement  of  a  Boundary  early  in  the  Spring,  this  will 
be  agreeable  to  them  if  we  do  not  desire  to  come  too  near  them,  and  if  they  are  well 
recompenis"'  for  such  Cession  of  Lands  as  they  shall  make,  such  boundary  being  duly  observ" 
will  prove  likewise  a  means  of  preventing  future  Land  disputes.     And  the  Hints  I  took  the 
liberty  of  transmittf  in  October  last  aa  tliey  were  purely  calculated  for  the  public  security 
can  not  in  my  humble  opinion  he  liable  to  such  exceptions  as  to  prevent  them  or  something 
similar  thereto  from  being  established  by  proper  authority  to  answer  the  important  purposei 
for  which  they  were  intended 

1  persuade  myself  that  your  Ldps  will  be  fully  satisfied  of  the  utmost  exertion  of  my  power 
&  influence  for  the  continuing  the  Indians  faithfull  to  their  engagements  and  I  rely  on  your 
Lordships  countenance  &  support  to  enable  me  to  acquit  myself  with  success  in  the  discharge 
of  those  dillicult  duties 


^ii 


Johnson  Ilall  Mar  t4.  1708. 
To  the  Right  Hoble 

The  Lords  of  Trade  &c  &c 


I  am  my  Lords 

Y'our  Lordships 


most  obedient  &  most 

faithfull  humble  Servant 

W  Johnson 


(No.  8.) 


Sir, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI 
^rl  of  IlilU^rovgh  to  Governor  Moore. 

I  New-Tork,  CLX.  ] 

I 

Whitehall,  April  the  IS"-  17G8. 


m 


Your  letters  to  the  Earl  of  Shelburnp    Nn  'K>   ^r.  «,  t»  »  •      .  . 

Imve  b„„  received,  «„,.  l„ld  Sle  I  k"L  tn/l  hnJ;  Iv'T  ''  ""  "°"'°'  '''""'■ 
..  you  Hi.  Roy.,  .p„„u,i.„  of  ...e  A„»l  i'  hlj  '„  t^  IZr"''  '°  ""■""' 
relncive  to  Ihe  L,».  for  e,labll.l,l„g  „  Mill.i.  „L  f„,  I™,""        ^   '"  '""="»"•  «"!  lo  jou 

Which  „,ish.  „U,er»i„  ha  li.bio  .0  the  Zlu^X,  of  .      Go:.™-       ,  ''«'*'"'"™' 

Sir  Henry  Moore.  ^  ""^  *'^- 

Hillsborough 


^r;  0/  inihhorovgU  to  the  Govermrs  in  America. 

I  riuUUoDi  Oe-itral  (S.  P.  0. ),  tCLlV. ) 

h..permlc„J,„„  |,„,  be,,,,  |i,||j  1,1,1  |,^r„,  1,1,  ^^*  """""  Air«i"  ».l.,|,ied   b,  il„ 

r.r„;:i::;ir::cX".i:l  irr:,'  "7 °"';  '"• «™' "'--  -^  ■^'  "-'v  of 

.he  E.,.c,ui.„  of  he    „'  Re;;:.,:,"'/:','  °":'  "r  "'"■"■"'""  "'"'■" '"'-  ""•■■■*'' 

M,.je..y  b»  fhoogh,  f,„  u,„.  i   .        1,     „Z  ,        , t;  ','  ".""'V','  '"'  TT" ""'■ "" 

'■"  •"  "■•  ^•°'°"^»-  -"•«  '•— ' •  '.^  - 1.:.:  ":;;::;'w:::urei';:;'::r.i;;;;::!o;;: 


56 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPT'^'. 


and  circumstances  may  require  that  the  Office  of  Superintendents  shall  however  be  continued 
for  such  matters  [as]  are  of  immediate  Negociatiow  between  his  Majesty  and  the  Savages,  and 
cannot  therefore  be  regulated  by  Provincial  Authority  ;  and  that  the  Boundary  Line  between 
the  Indians  and  the  Settlemen.[s]  of  his  Majesty's  Subjects,  (every  where  negociated  upon  and 
in  many  parts  settled  and  ascertained)  shrll  be  finally  ratified  and  confirmed. 

As  the  grounds  and  reasons  for  these  several  resolutions  are  in  general  set  forth  in  the 
Report  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  as  that  Report  will  inform  you  what  will  be  expected  and 
required  ot  the  Colonies,  and  what  will  hereafter  be  the  Nature  of  the  office  of  Superintendent, 
I  have  thought  fitt  to  send  you  the  inclosed  Extract  of  such  parts  of  it  as  relate  to  these  objects ; 
and  I  have  it  further  in  command  from  his  Majesty  to  acquaint  you  that  in  consequence  of  the 
Resolutions  his  Majesty  has  taken  for  the  future  direction  of  this  Branch  of  his  Service,  he 
has  given  the  necessary  orders  to  the  Commander  in  Chief  of  his  Forces,  for  the  reduction  of 
all  such  Posts  in  the  interior  Country  as  are  not  absolutely  necessary  for  Public  Safety  in 
general,  and  for  giving  protection  and  facility  to  the  Commerce  of  his  subjects ;  but  as  the 
Forts  at  Niagara  and  Detroit  and  Missilimakinac  do  not  appear  to  his  Majesty  to  fall  within 
this  description,  his  Majesty  has  thought  fit  that  they  shall  be  continued,  and  thai  a  proper 
Naval  Force  shall  be  kept  up  upon  the  Lakes. 

The  objects  which  upon  this  occasion  will  principally  demand  the  attention  of  the  several 
Colonies,  are  to  provide  by  the  most  effectual  laws  for  preventing  any  settlements  being  made 
beyond  the  line  that  shall  be  agreed  upon  with  the  Indians  and  for  the  controll  and  punishment 
of  those  attrocious  Frauds  and  Abuses  which  have  been  practiced  by  the  Traders  and  have 
been  one  principal  Cause  of  the  disaffection  of  the  Savages. 

It  is  '[un]necessary  for  me  to  use  any  arguments  to  shew  how  greatly  both  the  interests  and 
safety  of  the  Colonies  depend  upon  a  close  attention  to  these  objects  and  as  many  of  the 
Regulations  of  the  prssent  plan  of  Superintendency  have  evidently  operated  to  the  benefit  of 
the  Trade  and  to  the  giving  that  Satisfaction  and  content  to  Savages,  by  which  alone  the 
Totonies  can  hope  to  derive  either  immediate  Profit  or  lasting  Peace,  his  Majesty  trusts  that 
they  will  be  adopted,  as  far  as  local  circumstances  and  peculiar  Situations  will  admit,  always 
having  a  regard  to  that  freedom  of  Trade  with  the  Indians,  which  his  Majesty  has  graciously 
granted  to  all  his  Subjects  by  his  Protlamation  of  17G3. 

As  the  execution  of  the  measures  which  his  Majesty  recommends  to  your  attention  will 
principally  depend  upon  the  Nature  &  Extent  of  the  Reduction  which  the  Commander  in  Chief 
of  his  Majestys  Forces  shall  think  proper  to  make  of  the  Military  Establishments  in  the  interior 
Country,  his  Majesty  has  given  the  necessary  directions  that  he  should  communicate  to  you 
as  soon  as  possible,  the  arrangements  proposed  to  be  made  in  respect  to  these  Establishments 
and  his  Miijesty  trusts,  that  after  such  intimation  no  time  will  be  lost  in  carrying  his  Royal 
intentions  into  full  execution. 

I  have  the  greater  satisfaction  in  communicating  to  you  his  Majesty's  Directions  upon  this 
subject,  as  I  conceive  that  his  Majesty's  gracious  condescention  in  committing  the  regulation 
of  these  important  objects  to  the  care  of  hit  Colonies,  cannot  but  be  very  acceptable  to  them 

1  am  &." 

IIlt.I.SBOROUOH 

'  ■' '''""'"  ''*'"''"  f     1 '"  '•'''  I>«e'iin«>n»,  »r»  n...1«  IVom  the  oopy  of  the  de«i.«Uh  in  Pnn,,l,mi<,  CW<m.W  AVer* 

IX.,  li'L  —  lil>. 


lid 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


67 


N-  3 


:Ehrl  of  imisborough  to  Sir  William  Johnson. 

I  Planlallona  OenertI  (  8.  P.  0. )  CCLl  V.,  No.  8.  ] 


Sir        .  Whitehall  April  15.  1768 

^t     rt  for  the  management  of  Indian  Affairs  have  been  fully  laid  before  his  Lfie  tv 

Upon  this  occasion  his  Majesty  has  considered  with  the  closest  itten.inn  nil  J\  .       , 

1...  l.illH.r,n  „„™M  il       ,1  !^      h  "         ,""'"■  ",   '  """"  °'  '"'"'  ""  "I"""  ""I"" 
m,,,!  I,,v.  1,  "'■''■■'  '"  '■'■'"'"   ■'  l>"''"   according  to  your  Idea, 

must  h.ivF  been  very  considenibty  i.ugmeiiteil.  ^  ' 

^h,Je^v^S.I,je       ::!':,,""    «:;;':«  "f"''"')'  '■"■.'».«■»>„  .,,»  SeHle,,,,,,,,  of  ,„. 
l-oli.ic»l  .V.„„r.  I,y  Ollieer.  I  iel,"  '    '*  "''  "  ''T"'""«''"'y  i"  "»..«,.  of  a 

«'.  e..e,„ial  |,„m. 'of  ,  e  ,r       7,     ,,  1,7  ',    "  "'"'"■'-■•'I'l'""""'""  «-l>icl.  y».l  will  ol,„rv. 

the   Colonies   and       ^    di    :'"  :::  7^  '    ;  """  "7"  -">'  '--i-  "''  '^-i....^e  between 
enormous  Kvpence.  ''*""''■"    '"^    '"voMng^tlu.    Kingdon^    in    an 

Vol.  VJII.  g 


58 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


\m 


11 


I 


These  motives  Sir  together  with  the  consideration  of  the  Security  which  the  Colonies  now 
enjoy,  from  the  removal  of  the  French  and  Spaniards  from  their  most  important  possessions  in 
America,  have  induced  his  Majesty  to  determine. 

That  the  Regulation  of  the  Trade  with  the  Indians  shall  be  left  to  the  management  of  the 
Colonies  and  that  all  Establishments  incident  thereto  in  the  present  Plan  shall  be  discontinued, 
that  the  Office  of  Superintendant  shall  be  continued  in  yourself  and  M'  Stuart  for  all  the 
purposes  enumerated  in  the  Report  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  tha^  Provision  shall  be  made 
by  a  Stated  Estimate  for  a  Salary  of  1000^  p'  annum- to  each,  and  for  an  allowance  which  is  on 
no  account  to  be  exceeded  of  ^3000  p'  ann  for  annual  or  occasional  Presents  and  to  answer  all 
l)ther  Contingent  Expences 

That  the  line  described  in  the  Report  of  the  Board  of  Trade  shall  be  ratified  and  confirmed 
in  every  part,  and  the  Colonies  required  to  enact  the  most  effectual  laws  for  preventing  all 
Settlement  beyond  such  line. 

That  the  Forts  of  Niagara,  Detroit,  Michilimacinac,  be  kept  up  and  Garrisoned  in  such 
manner  as  the  Commander  in  Chief  shall  think  fit ;  and  that  such  a  Naval  Force  be  maintained 
upon  the  Lakes,  as  he  shall  judge  necessary  for  keeping  up  a  proper  communication,  and  giving 
all  reasonable  facility  .and  protection  to  the  Trade  of  his  Majesty's  Subjects. 

That  all  other  Forts  and  Military  Establishments,  which  the  Commander  in  Chief  shall  not 
think  absolutely  necessary  for  Public  Safety  and  for  keeping  up  proper  Communications  be 
reduced  and  withdrawn. 

His  Majesty  his  sensible  how  greatly  the  efficacy  and  success  of  such  of  these  arrangements 
as  belong  to  your  Department  must  depend  upon  a  proper  and  careful  attention  in  carrying 
them  into  Execution ;  and  upon  the  discretion  which  shall  be  used  in  those  matters  of  local 
detail  which  must  necessarily  attend  so  extensive  a  reform  The  zeal  and  Regard  for  his 
Majesty's  Service  and  intereat,  which  have  so  eminently  distinguished  your  conduct  upon  ail 
occasions  leave  no  doubt  of  your  faithful  attention  to  this  Businr^s,  in  the  Execution  of  which 
his  Majesty  has  the  fullest  confidence  in  your  ability  and  discretion. 

As  both  the  time  and  manner  of  executing  the  measures  which  his  Majesty  recommends  to 
your  attention  will  principally  depend  upon  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  reduction  which  tlie 
Commander  in  Chief  of  his  Majesty's  forces  shall  think  proper  to  make  of  the  Military 
Establishment  in  the  interior  Country,  his  Majesty  has  given  the  necessary  directions  that  he 
should  communicate  to  you  as  soon  as  possible,  the  arrangements  proposed  to  be  made  in 
respect  to  these  P^stablishmentsand  his  Majesty  has  no  doubt  that  after  such  intimation  no  time 
will  be  lost  in  carrying  his  Royal  intentions  into  full  execution. 

I  am  &" 

Hillsborough. 


Sir, 


Barl  of  Hilisbormigk  to  t?ui  Governors  in  America. 

[  riantatiou  0«n«nl  (S.  P.  O. )  CCt.V.  ] 

Whitehall,  Aprill  21.  17G8 


I  have  his  Majesty's  Commands  to  transmit  to  you  the  inclosed  copy  of  a  letter  from  the 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Colony  of  Massncliutets  Bay,  adresaed  by 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI.  rq 

Nonh  Amtta''""  '°  '''  ''"'"  °'  '''  '^^"'"'"^  "^  ^^^'^  ^^'^^  "P-  ^he  Continent  of 
calcuVtiH?"'"'^  '°""J"'  '"'  '^''"""  *°  ^^  "f '^  ""'«'  '^°"g«'-°"«  &  factious  tendency 

Selto    ee     tl     /Ja.  /"'"^  ''^^  ^^^^^^'P'  hereof  exert  your  utmost 

The  repeated  proof,  which  ha.e  beea  gi.en  by  .he  A..emblj  of  „f  ,,„,, 

by  an  immediate  Prorogation  or  Dissilutron        '  '       '"''"'  '"^  P^°"^*^'"^  "P°"  '^' 


I  am  &" 


Hfllsbgrouqh 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Lords  of  Tnule. 

[  New. York  Paptn,  Bundle  Er.,  No.  33.] 

My  Lords,  ■         ^'ew  Yorit.  22.  April  176S. 

regard  ,„  ,he  C„u„cil  have  been  sic  -  nl        o'u.l     „  tu      !     'n^T"'  ""*'  '" 

d..e„  apH, ,..  nc.  a  copy  of  „h,ch ,.  h:i':i  ti:  ..Td'  ™  u ; "^  s^':'!"",? 

necessity  of  havnc  the  hanHu  nf  n«v..,„i  I  .  i       ,         /""^  Lioru"- ,  and  the  absolute 


^ 


60 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


11 


"  interfere  with  my  own  affairs,  and  must  be  very  prejudicial  to  the  great  improvements  I  am 
"engaged  in,  which  I  find  require  my  almost  constant  presence;  this  induces  me  most 
"  willingly  to  resign  my  seat  in  Council  in  the  Prov"  of  New  York,  if  such  resignation  be 
"  acceptable  to  His  Maj'J-.  I  received  my  seat  in  tlwt  Council  unasked  for,  I  want  to  retura 
"  it  with  gratitude  to  His  Maj'^  for  the  honor  he  did  me  in  the  appointment  not  as  a  Man 
"  disgusted  with  the  service  ofMiis  King  and  Country,  that,  never  was  my  case,  I  have  always 
•'  been  happy  in  being  useful  to  either,  and  nothing  will  give  me  greater  satisfaction  than 
"  continuing  to  be  so  in  the  Province  of  New  Jersey,  which  is  now  become  my  ahnost 
"  constant  residence" 

As  I  had  110  other  view  in  this  transaction  but  that  of  promoting  His  Majesty's  service  by 
strenghning  the  hands  of  his  Gov'  here,  I  hope  the  steps  I  have  taken  on  this  occasion  wi.l 
meet  with  your  LordPP"  approbation,  and  if  the  resignation  proposed,  should  be  acceptable  to 
His  Maj'^  I  would  beg  leave  to  recommend  M'  Robert  Livingston  to  the  vacant  seat.  I  have 
in  my  former  letter  mentioned  that  his  great  possessions  here,  Education  and  abilities  will 
always  give  him  great  weight  in  this  Province,  and  from  his  readiness  to  give  his  Assistance 
where  1  have  stood  in  need  of  it  during  our  late  troubles,  I  am  perswaded  that  he  will 
endeavour  by  His  services  to  merit  what  I  had  said  of  him.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with 
the  greatest  respect  My  Lords, 

Your  LordPi"  most  obedient 

and  most  humble  servant 

H:  MooRE 


Lieutenant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  Ililldorovyh. 

[New-York,  CLX.,  A.20.  ] 

..    ,      ,  '  New  York,  Apr'l  25"  17GS. 

My  Lord 

Tho'  It  be  probable  that  my  letters  to  my  Lord  Shelhiirn  of  the  23''  of  November  and  21"  of 
January,  and  my  Letter  of  the  last  date  to  the  Plantation  Board,  are  communicated  to  your 
Lordship,  in  which  I  gave  an  account,  and  complain'd  of  some  extraordinary  Proceedings  in 
this  Province.  I  think  it  proper  to  renew  that  account  to  your  Lordship,  in  a  distinct  narative 
of  that  matter,  which  I  inclose.  Had  \  attempted  to  compell  any  man,  in  any  one  instance, 
to  act  contrary  to  his  own  judgement  or  inclination,  there  might  have  been  some  ground  of 
complaint  against  me.  But  when  I  have  given  no  reason  of  complaint,  but  my  refusal  to 
comply  with  unreasonable  desires,  and  with  which  I  could  not  comply  without  a  breach  of 
my  duty,  the  malice  of  the  complaint  must  appear  very  evident.  Such  as  is  inconsistent  with 
every  Sentiment  of  moral  rectitude. 

The  Fiiclion  here  place  their  only  hopes  of  success  in  bold  general  assertions,  which  have 
U'.t  the  least  fountlation  in  truth.  These  assertions,  I  have  reason  to  btleivc,  have  been 
propagated  in  England,  by  some  persons  who  have  access  to  the  Ministry,  and  that  they  have 
had  an  undue  inllnence  ;  for  Men  of  honour  c;i.,not  easily  beleive,  that'  any  man,  who  bears 
tiie  character  of  Judge,  or  has  the  honour  to  be  of  His  Majesty's  Council,  could  be  guilty  of 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI.  «, 

oX 

the  People  of   Z    Po    n.l'Zt^  '"'"yD^ty  or  have  given  just  cause  of  oftence  to 
ccplaints.  wil,  thereby  Tel.;  e^idelt  ""'   '^'"'^"^    ''    ''"''    '''''    ^^^^'''^^   ^^ 

bell  ir;:::  zzizx  '^^.:::'i^:z:'  '^tt  '^  «^^"  ^'^^^^  -  '-^  '-^-^ 

not  have  been  ..sy  to  remove  th^s  r7u  T^  '  '  """  ^'"'"'^^^  ^''^''^'^-     '^  «'°"'d 

and  of  the   ioi  t  Con  Zee  of  ^        7  ""'  ''*'  P^o^-'^edinga  of  the  Supreme  Court, 

oportunity  of  declarinir  in  fhpir  n„Kif   n  ■  ""^^  '^  ^'"'  ^"'^^  'F-  g'ven  the  People  an 

their  purpose.  ^  ^  procuring  &  influencing  a  jury  to 

of  li.e  Pamphlet  „rol.  i„  mv  vinjlcalio,,  ""''"""'*■""  ^'Ij' ■»  '<<'  malicou,  prc.cution 
ofA..emblvfor  Iho  CoulJLI,, .  r    7     ?  «>'"»l  J»»«  Pwt  been  elected,.  Member 

beenelecte'dfo:  v^Z*:7  A  tbe""  ilt 'el";'"  T  '°™  °"''  °' "■"  '"""''^  "»- 
e.teem  of  tb.  Freeholder,  in  !br„,,!°  "  '.'f""'  ^^  ''"'  '»  '"  '»"  '^0 
present  bad  «ive„  I„  .Sr  .!„"   .     i.o"      f "  f™  ""  '"""  '""  """  ^'.'holder,  then 

A.,en,bl,,  Of  „„  Mel  1.  iLT  the  cL"  """""j  T  ""  '''"'"'°"  "'  ""  «""»  »' 
Men,berJln,beAj,:u;:'^':^;::„';'r:^Zl'''»  °'^  "  "--•O-     There  are  .7 

poin;:rro:z;,:rteX."\r:':rd";:;tr^^ 

conhdently  ...erted,  t4t  the  1«  iTen       '  a  \    ed "^  "Lt  ,,  "'"'•  ""'",  ""'"   "  "" 
tlieir  Constituenis.  according  to  the  universal  sentiments  of 

you  should  L  otherwisLtT.  ;l:dT    e  r  .^^^^^^^^^^^  ']  i-form  you.  ,est 

Copy  or  their  Journal  to  the  Plantation  Board      By  t  e  I  di  '   ^Z7     .1  '7""""'^'  '' 
not  to  give  his  assent  to  any  tMonev  Bill   in  whi,.|7V  ■      '"'''"'-^'""^  "'«  Governor  is 

it  has  alwise  been  done  so       „      1  '  I      T  T"'^  "  ""'  S""""'*^^  '°  "'•'  ^'"S'  «"d 

least  notice  taken  of   ny'tertrin  :i\:i^  '  ""'  mentioned,  or  .he 

.l.e  .irst  time  i.  1..  ,  J.  ,a„d    u'i^  Z'  ZZn^  '  ^^7  "l  "-/'---•     This  is 
to  the  new  Treasurer   in -his  own   M-,.        V    uT  .  ^'"*''"  '""*  6'^*^"'^  Commission 

recollect      The  Tr/.V'  '       ''■''"''  "'"  '^  ""^  '''"^l  '"^t'-""^*^.  so  far  as  I  can 

recollect.     Ihe  Treasurer  gives    bond   to  the  Speaker  for  the  due  execution  of  his  office  • 


i  I 


lUi 


8*  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

whereas  before  this  time  the  security  was  by  recognizance  to  the  King.  To  render  the  Bond 
effectual  to  the  Speaiier,  a  clause  was  added  to  the  Bill  by  which  the  Governor  and  all  the 
Olficers  receive  their  Sallaries.  If  the  Governor  had  refused  his  assent  to  this  Clause  he  must 
have  lost  his  Sallary. 

The  King's  Attorney  General,  as  an  Officer  of  the  greatest  trust  in  relation  to  the  Rights 
and  Prerogative  of  the  Crown.  In  this  Bill  M'  Kemp,  the  present  Attorney  General,  is  to 
receive  of  the  Treasurer  .£150  without  Warrant,  notwithstanding  that  by  the  King's  standing 
Instructions,  all  Moneys  are  to  be  issued  from  the  Treasury,  by  Warrant  from  the  Governor 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Council.  These  thing  need  no  comment  they  plainly  shew 
the  reason  why  the  Assembly  so  strenuously  oppose  any  Act  of  Parliament  by  which  the 
Officers  of  the  Crown  may  receive  their  Sallaries  independantly  of  them. 

My  Lord,  I  have  repeatedly  complained,  to  His  Majesty's  Ministers,  of  the  Assembly's 
refuseing  to  pay  the  Loss  I  sufler'd  from  the  Mob,  the  1"  of  November  1765,  —tho'  every  other 
person  was  recompenced ;  and  of  their  refusing  at  the  same  time  to  pay  me  the  Salary  due  to 
me,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  ^-595.3.0,  They  dare  not  avow  the  reason  of  this  F.jceeding. 
It  18  evidently  to  deter  every  Officer  of  the  Crown,  from  opposeing  their  pleasure,  and  from 
givmg  the  necessary  informations  to  His  Majesty's  Ministers. 

I  humbly  presume.  My  Lord,  that  no  Officer  of  the  Crown  deserves  His  Majesty's  favour 
and  protection  more  than  I  do,  for  the  faithfull  performance  of  his  Duty  ;  Notwithstanding  the 
violent  opposition,  and  difficulties  laid  on  me,  by  a  virulent  Faction,  to  make  me  swerve  from 
my  Duty.  I  am  now  confident  that  since  the  affidrs  of  the  Colonies  are  put  under  your 
Lordship's  direction,  my  case  will  be  properly  represented  to  His  Majesty,  as  both  justice  and 
good  policy  require.  I  can  not  forbear  to  observe,  that,  while  I  have  been  neglected,  William 
Smith '  jun'  has  received  the  honour  of  an  appointment  to  the  Council  of  this  Province.  This 
(ientleman  is  known  to  be  intimatly  connected  with  the  Faction  in  opposition  to  the  King's 
Government,  and  the  Authority  of  Parliament  over  the  Colonies  and  a  principal  adviser  in  their 
Proceedings.  Soon  after  his  takeing  his  seat  at  the  Council  Board,  he  appear'd  in  the  joint 
Committee  of  the  Council  and  Assembly  mentioned  in  the  inclosed  Narative,  whose  design 
was  to  ruin  my  character,  and  my  private  fortune,  were  it  in  their  power.  I  am  well  assured 
that  he  was  a  principal  adviser  in  those  virulent  and  malicious  proceedings. 

Before  I  conclude  I  must  beg  leave  to  observe  to  your  Lordship,  that  the  present  set  of  Judges 
of  the  Supreme  Court,  are  connected  with  the  Faction  in  this  Province,  as  appears  by  numerous 
public  instances.  The  King's  authority,  and  obedience  to  the  Laws,  can  .  nly  be  inforced  and 
secured  by  the  Courts  of  Justice,  and  by  disinterested  Judges;  Men  of  integrity  and  ability. 
Our  present  Judges  have  lost  the  esteem  of  the  People,  both  as  to  their  Integrity  and  ability. 
I  beleive  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  Men  in  this  Province  disinterested,  and  of  sufficient  ability 
to  be  Judges  I  am  therefore  of  opinion  that  the  present  disorders  cannot  be  efl^ectually 
remedied  without  Judges  of  Integrity  and  ability  from  F.ngland.  Without  this  all  other  means 
may  prove  ineffectual,  or  may  be  attended  with  Difficulties  that  by  appointment  of  proper 
Judges  may  be  avoided.  I  know  it  may  be  asserted,  that  the  removing  the  Judges  will  create 
general  discontent  &  jealousy  in  the  People;  but  where  the  People  have  no  esteem  of  their 
present  Judges,  any  clamour  or  uneasiness  which  may  by  artifice  be  raised,  will  soon  subside, 

'See  note'.  „.pra,  VIL,  WOD.     After  \m  opi.ointn.ent  to  tl,e  Cl.i.f  Ju.li.esl.ip  .,f  Oum.U,  I.«  v;rote  •  Ui.tory  of  th«t 
I  rovmce  m  2  Toll,  8vo.,  wUicli  has  Uie  eUarHOler  of  being  a  parlial  uuJ  i.i'.juaiceJ  woik.  -  Kd. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI, 


63 


Hi.  M,ie,l,'.  ,r' S  f ''"'''"•""'°"'  '  ™  confident,  thai  the  Reclilude  of  my  Intention.,  fo, 

n,.k.  rfdiLrfToi'Ltd/;™™""" "  "^  """• "'"  -""'^  'pp»'.  '^ "-'«'»" 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  with  the  greatest 
respect  &  submission 

My  Lord, 

Right  Hon""  Earl  of  Hillsborough  ^°"'" '""''  °^'^''''''  *  '""'''''■""  «"^°"t 

Cadwalladek  Colden 


Jiepor,  0/  ,ke  Lord,  of  Trad,  on  ,U  Am  for  i^artering  ,ke  Ki^'e  Troop,. 

[  New.Tork  Entries,  Q.,  414.  ] 

To  the  King's  Most  Excellent  Majesty. 
May  it  please  Your  Majesty. 

traLt7t!tThe'Z";„';;;!'"^T^  °^  ^'^^  ^^°^'"-  °^  ^-  ^"^^  "saving 

Sessionof  AsselJ  weh^  Je^  7^^^^  ^'^^''^'•^f^  of  that  Colony  i„  their  last 

represent  to  Your  M  .je"'y  "'"^  '"'°  °"'"  -"-^-ation  and  humbly  beg  leave  to 

in  the  seven.h  year  of  your  Majesty's  rignin^t  Id    Tn  717'  ''"''^"'""'"'""'^ 

"the  Governor  Council  and  House  VfS'nf  "  An  Act  for  restraining  and  prohibiting 

"provision  shall  have  been  m.d"  ^^   '  '     ''        '^'  ^''""''  ""^  ^'^  York,  until 

"required  by  law,  f7om  p".  or  as    '7  '"'  the  King's  Troops  with  all  the  necessarie 
"any  other  purpo;eran'    ufefl    :ti7.r  "T  ""V  ^"^"'"^  ^"^^  °'  «-°'"tion  for 
can  report  our  opinion  upon  t/seTct    and  P^  """'"'  '^  "^^^"^^y-  ^«'-«  -« 

there  has  been  on  the  part  of  the  L  J  h  ure  ofT  ?'L  V  ''°""  '^  '*^'^™'"«''  ^"^t^- 
With  What  has  been  thought  fit  .o  ire'l;  d  ^rptur: L:  rf^G^eTB '^  '''  ''"''''- 
quartermg  your  Majesty's  troops  in  America  as  couW  .InT  °f,  ^^""^  ^"'"'^  '"  aspect  to 
above  mentioned,  make  it  lawful  for  1^6  1  P.il,;  rj""^'^ '°  '^^  tenour  of  the  act 
any  order  resolution  or  vote  I  ve  only  eue^,  !  e  th""  7'  *°  ""'^  °^  P^««  '''"^  act  or 

votes  and  resolutions  of  «„;  orce  o"  ^^j  j  r.l;r'".""f  l''  "  "  '°"''  "''^'^^  ^^''^  -ts 
informed  of  every  circumstance  neceLrvtb;  .h  ."  '•"'  u'"'  """"^  ^'^J^^^^  ""''y  ''^  ^""7 
is  our  duty  humbly  to  state  to  Your  S^  he  1  l"'! LV "b  f '"""""  "'''"  ^"^«"°"'  '^ 
•naking  provision  for  quartering  You    M    es .'•«  trZ        u  ''"  "^'"'"^  '"  ''^^  ^^^"^  ''"^ 


.  ^  -: 


64 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


•'  troops  quartered  within  this  Colony  and  for  paying  Captain  Philip  Martin '  the  losses  sustained 
•'  in  the  house  of  Major  James  on  the  first  of  November  1765." 

By  this  Act  it  is  provided  that  the  Treasurer  of  that  Colony  shall,  out  of  certain  funds 
therein  mentioned,  pay  unto  His  Excellency  Thomas  Gage,  Commander  in  Chief  of  your 
Majesty's  Forces  in  North  America  or  his  order,  or  to  Commander  in  Chief  for  the  time  being 
or  order,  the  sum  of  three  thousand  pounds  to  be  applied  for  furnishing  necessaries  for  Vour 
Majesty's  Troops  quartered  within  that  Colony;  and  no  mention  whatever  is  made  of  the 
persons  by  whom  or  the  mode  in  which  the  service  shall  be  performed;  nor  is  there  any 
specification  of  the  particular  articles  to  be  furnished  to  the  barracks. 

On  the  same  day  that  this  Act  was  passed,  the  General  Assembly  was  prorogued,  between 
which  time  and  their  meeting  again  in  November,  Your  Majesty's  Governor  received  the  Act 
of  Parliament,  and  on  the  IS'"  of  November  1767.  he  communicated  it  to  the  Council  and 
Assembly  of  New  York,  who  in  their  address  in  answer  to  the  speech  made  by  him  upon  that 
occasion  express  their  concern  at  having  fallen  under  the  displeasure  of  the  British  Parliament, 
and  refer  to  what  they  had  done  in  the  preceeding  Session,  as  siich  a  compliance  with  the  Act 
of  Parliament  as  did  in  their  opinion  take  away  any  scruple  the  Governor  could  have  to  concur 
in  such  things  as  the  publick  good  of  the  Colony  might  require. 

In  this  opinion  Your  Majesty's  Governor  appears  to  have  acquiesced,  and  accordingly  the 
General  Assembly  proceeded  to  business  in  the  usual  manner,  and  severcl  laws  were  made  and 
enacted ;  amongst  which  there  is  one  for  making  a  further  provision  of  fifteen  hundred  pounds 
for  furnishing  your  Majesty's  troops  quartered  in  that  Colony  with  necessaries,  and  the  sums 
requisite  for  quartering  Your  Majesty's  troops  are  directed  to  be  drawn  out  of  the  Treasury  by 
warrant  of  the  Governor  and  Council  without  any  specification  either  of  the  manner  in  which 
the  service  shall  be  performed  or  of  the  arlicles  which  are  to  be  furnished. 

From  these  proceedings  it  evidently  appears  that  the  Legislature  of  Your  Majesty's  Province 
of  New  York  have  considered  the  Act  passed  by  them  in  June  1767.  as  a  full  and  complete 
obedience  to  and  compliance  with  the  Acts  of  Parliament  above  recited  ;  and  when  w'e  consider 
the  nature  and  terms  of  the  Act  of  Parliament  of  the  7"'  year  of  Your  Majesty's  reign,  which 
in  the  enacting  part  is  entirely  silent  as  to  the  mode  of  providing  the  necessaries  required  by 
the  former  law,  and  compare  that  Act  with  the  provisions  of  the  law  passed  in  New  York  in 
1767.  we  cannot  but  be  of  opinion  that  the  object  &  intention  of  it  are  thereby  in  eifect 
answered  and  prdvided  for. 

But  how  far  in  the  strict  and  legal  construction  of  this  law  it  is  such  a  compliance  can  -'ive 
validity  to  all  Actsard  Proceedings  there,  subsequent  to  the  first  of  October  1707.  is  a  question 
which  it  is  our  duty  humbly  to  submit  to  Your  Majesty's  deter-minalion  upon  such  an  opinion 
and  advice  of  the  Law  Ulficers  as  Your  Majesty  shall  think  fit  to  take  thereupon. 

All  which  is  most  humbly  submitted, 

Clare 

SoAMS    JeNYNS 

J.  DvsoN 
Whitehall  VV">  Fixzi 

May  7.  1768.       • 


8HERBERT 

Thomas  Robinsox. 


J  rniiip  Mahtiv  was  appointed  2^  Lieutonnnt  in  the  Roy«I  Artillery  2,1  A|,.-il,  \1f,1.  and  Ist  Lieutenant  on  Ut  February 
1.5'J;  C,.i,ta.n.Lie,>tcn«nt  on  ti.e  7.1.  Decen.her,  1763;  r„pt„i„  i,t  .lannary.  1771;  Major  7tl>  J.me,  178-  and  Lieutenant 
Colonel  ou  the  llth  May,  1791.     Ilia  name  is  dropped  in  1796  from  the  Arm,/  LhU  -Ei, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


66 


Oov^vnor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Hilhlorough. 


[New  York,  CLX.,A,  M.] 

Fort  George,  New  York.  May  T^  1768. 


(N»8.) 
My  Lord, 

As  I  shall  allways  give  the  strictest  obedience  to  all  His  Majesty's  Orders  which  I  shall  have 
1  onor  of  rece.v,ng.  I  shall  be  particularly  attentive  to  whit  il  directed  in  your  Lo  ds  n" 
first  letter  to  me  concerning  the  communication  of  Occurrences  that  may  happen  &  a  ","'« 
Uansm,ss.on  oallActs  and  proceedings  of  the  Government  and  Legiatur"' he^^ 
D  stresses  of  that  part  of  the  Country  bordering  on  the  Connecticut  River  were  so  «  at  soon 
alter  he  Repeal  of  the  Act  of  Assembly  which  had  erected  it  into  a  Countt  thaT  Z 
apprehended   many  of  the  Inhabitants   would   be   under  a   necessity   of  qu  uing  i      fo^ 

rtchrXradfl!?'"'':-""  ^"":^  °''  ""  «°^'«  °^-'"-  -^  aVaJ'n  Ibe 
wretches  who  had  fled  from  justice  not  only  in  this  but  in  the  neighbouring  Provinces  of  New 

Hampsh,re.  Massachusets  and  Connecticut  took  up  their  quarters  there,  and'    Z  tted  a  Lhl 

of  Disorders  with   impunity;   In  consequence   of  the   sufferincs   of  th«   PplnU       iT 

Bmmmmm 

custom  still  prevails  here  of  allowing  a  certain  Salary  to  the  Members  of  il^T       n'  ^ 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's  most  Obedient 

Right  Hon""  Earl  of  Hillsborough.  "'"^  ''"'"^'^  ^'''■^''"*  ' 

H.  MooiiK. 


(N»3.) 


Governo?-  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborovgh. 

t  Muf.  BrlU  Klng't  M38.,  COVI.,  p.  40.  ] 

Fort  George,  New  York,  7  May,  1768. 


My  Lord, 
I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  to  your  Lordshin  the  rnn„  „f  o  i  ,»     .  • 

or  .H. ,« ,„, . ..  .„,  c„,„:..„e„  ,:;v::..'^::;  >;L^„:,r:  ::::;':::tz 


Vol.  VIII. 


'if»pro,  VII.,  888.— Ed, 

9 


mm 


66 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  M^.NUSCRIPTS. 


i  receive^  from  their  Lordships  in  consequence  of  the  'Address  cf  the  house  of  Commors  to 
His  Majesty  con-.erninp  the  Manufactures  of  this  Country,  dated  March  97">  1766     Anotl.er 
Copy  of  this  Address  has  been  inclosed  to  me  in  your  Lordships  letter  marked  N"  3,  to  which 
I  must  make  the  same  answer,  as  the  progress  of  Manufactures  in  this  part  of  the  world  by  no 
me.r.s  correaponts  with  the  pompous  acccunis  given  of  them  in  the  public  papers.     The 
dearness  ot  labour  and  the  cheapness  of  Lands,  are  invincible  obstructions  to  ine  progress  of 
them,  and  more  especially  in  a  country  where  the  genius  of  the  people  is  so  universally  inclined 
to  Agncultura.     No  mention  is  made  in  the  former  Letter  of  great  quantities  of  leather  being 
tanned  m  this  Country,  as  this  branch  of  business  has  been  carried  on  for  many  ye.rs:  the 
leather  is  greatly  inferior  in  quality  to  that  made  in  Europe;  and  they  are  not  yet  arrived  to 
the  perfection  of  making  sole-leaihe-.     Your  Lordsnip  may  be  assured,  that  I  shall  from  time 
to  tune,  give  every  due  information  required  in  this  Address,  and  be  particularly  attentive  to 
any  new  establishments  of  which  we  have  no  instances  since  my  last  letter,  except  in  the 
pap3r-mi:i  negun  to  be  erected  vlthin  these  few  days,  at  a  small  distance  from  the  town. 

I  am  &c. 

H.    MoOABi. 


i^     !■     »-»..^- 


(No.  e.\ 


Governor  Moore  to  ihe  Earl  of  HiUshorough. 

I  N«w  York  CLX,  X.  U. ) 

Fort  George,  New  York,  May  9""  176S. 


My  Lord, 

I  am   extremely  sorry  to   hear  that   M'  tolden  has  been  under  a  necessity  of  making 
applications  to  your  Lordship,  on  the  Subjects  of  his  Salary,  and  the  damages  he  laceiv'd  in 
he  late  Disorders  here,  &  since  that  on  .\ccount  of  the  Apprehensions  ho  is  under  from  th, 
late   I  roceeomgs   of  the   Assembly   1.  regard   to   a   Pamphlet  said  to  be  wrote  bv  him  in 
justification  of  hi.  conduct.     In  obedience   to   His  Majesty's  Commands   I   have  made  the 
strictest  Inquiries  into  this  matte.,  and  have  now  the  honor  to  inform  your  Lordship,  that  on 
the  ^„   of  December  last  acme  passages  out  of  the  abovemtntion'd  Pamphlet  having  been  read 
in  the  House  of  Assembly,  a  Committe ;  was  appointed  to  enquire  into  the  Contents  of  it,  &  a 
Message  sent  to  the  C.undl  desir-ng  they  would  appoint  a  Committee  from  that  P-mrd  to  joyn 
with   them   1.1   the   intended   In<i-,.iry;  This   was   done,  and   a   Report   made   of  the  loynt 
proceedings  on   the   30-   „f  December  on    which    was   founded   the    .'Resolutions   herewith 
transmitted  lo  your  Lordship; -A.  -he   Assembly  continued  sitting  nft-r  this  Ilenoit  was 
on  made  until  the  G-  ^f  February  on  which  .lay  they  were  dissolv'd.  several  I'ersons  were 
examin  J  before  them  concerning  their  knowledge  of  the  Author  or  i'ul.lisher  of  the  I'amphl.  t 
ana  a  great  deal  of  pains  seemingly  taken  to  come  at  a  discovery  of  what  every  bodv  else  but 
themselves  appeared  to  be  well  acquainted  wicli ;  I  am   inf.rmM  thaf  a  son  in  law  of  M' 
Golden  8  on  his  examination  Jeclar'd  that  he  believM   his  Father  in  L:nv   to  be  the  Author 
ano  I  told  some  of  tne  Members  myself  that  if  they  really  wantrd  information,  I  was  p.-rsuad-d 
M'Lold...  would  upon  their  application  to  him  ingenuously  ,ie,lar„  to  them  who  the  Author 
was,  and  save  them  the  trouble  of 'artherexamiaatioui.But  this  I  apprehend  was  not  the  point 


ii    h 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


67 


a,m  d  at,  for  on  the  discovery  being  made,  their  own  inability  to  punish  must  have  appear'd, 
whereas  their  method  of  proceeding  and  some  Menaces  occasionally  hinted  could  not  fail  of 
giving  uneasiness  to  M'  Golden  &  his  Family ;  Your  Lordship  may  very  well  imagine  that  if  there 
had  not  been  some  material  Business  before  them.  I  could  not  have  suffer'd  a  Farce  of  this 
kind  to  be  cmed  en  for  such  a  length  of  time,  but  as  the  Treasurer  of  the  Province  was  lately 
uead,  &  cons.derably  .ndebted  to  the  Public,  a  great  deal  of  time  was  employ'd  in  settling 
matters  w,th  h,s  tam.ly  and  as  soon  as  this  business  was  done,  I  put  an  end  io  the  Session 
The  uicloseJ  paper  was  denverM  to  me  rn  the  Stair  Case  of  the  Town  Hall  as  I  was  going  up 
to  the  Cou,,c«.  Chamber  about  ten  minutes  before  the  Assembly  was  dissoIVd,  and  as  1  have 
never  heard  the  least  mention  of  the  matter  in  (Question  from  that  moment  to  this,  I  cannot  but 
thmk  ,t  a  httle  extraordmary  that  M'  Colden  should  trouble  your  Lordship  on  such  a  subject 
supposing  .ny  th.rg  was  really  intended  against  him.  before  he  had  been  disappointed  in  his 
expectnt.:on  ot  the  support  he  wanted  here  whereas  no  application  was  ever  made  on  this  head 
tomee.therby  h.mselforfrmily.and   I  never  heard 'till  I  had  the  honor  of  receiving  your 
Lordships  Letter  that  he  was  under  the  least  dread    of  any   disagreable  consequences  to 
h.msel   from  what  had  passd  in  the  late  Session.     This  is  not  the  only  point  in  which  I  have 
d.tterd  in  opinion  with  M' Colden  in  regard  to  the  designs  of  the  People  here,  and  I  am 
convinc  d  that  he  has  suffer'd  his  apprehension  to  carry  him  too  great  lengths  and  of  course  has 
been  betray  d  into  a  d.fhdence  which  I  think  had  better  been  avoided. -I  hope  I  shall  not  be 
thought  tedious  in  endeavouring  to  support  what  I  have  advanc'd  here  and  beg  leave  to  inform 
your  Lordship,  that  on  my  arrival  here  I  found  M' Colden  so  much  alarm'd  that  he  had  thought 

!    inTr^M     M    f  '''."""  ""  *'"  '"'''''  ""'  ""^  '"'"'''^y  ""^''^  »he  daily  apprehension  of 
ing  attack ,  ;  My  la„,],„g  was  unexpected,  and  as  I  proceeded  directly  to  the  Fort  was  let 
n  a   the  Wieke    Orders  having  been  given  for  some  time  before  to  keep  'he  gates  shut  &  not 
to  suHer  any  of  the  Townspeople  to  enter ;  As  soon  as  my  Commission  Jas  read  at  the  Counci 
Board  and  the  power  put  into  my  hands  I  order'd  the  Fort  Gates  to  be  thrown  open.contmry 
to  M'  C  olden  s  opinion   who  endeavour'd  to  dissuade  me  from  ir,  and  express'd  sonfe  uneasiness 
at  the  Concourse  of  People  which  was  by  this  time  assembled  at  the  Fort  Gate.  To  this 
answer  d ;  that  if  any  mischief  was  intended  against  him  I  assured  him  that  I  would  share  the 
same  fate  wi.h  him  and  sent  the  Constables  out  to  let  the  People  know  that  they  might  cone 
nto  the  F  ort  and  hear  his  Majesty's  Commission  publish'd.  the  few  troops  we  haJ  here    tit 
time  which  amounted  to  no  more  than   160  Men  being  drawn  out  on  the  parade;  G    a 
Mimers  crouded  ...to  the  Fort  upon  this  occasion,  who  behav'd  with  the  greatest  dec     cy  and 
tand.ng  uncover'd  kept  a  profound  silence  during  the  whole  time  the  Commission  was  rea'di,  g 
from  the  hort  we  proceeded  to  the  Town  Hall,  but  M'  Colden   wa,  still  apprehensive  that 
.omc  .ndigmty  would    e  oti;.r'd  to  his  person  notwithstanding  what  he  had  s.    a  ely "    „     nd 
desir  d  I  would  excuse  u,  attendance  there,  which  I  rea.lily  did.  a.  I  did  not  choole   o  pre" 

y  thing  w  u,.h  would  give  him  pain.     The  Procession  was  made  through  a  very  great  c'ro 
of  People  collected  on  this  occasion,  and  the  well  tim'd  confidence  in  them  1  iLl  shew'd 

h'm'i  '';h/M""       "'  ""■'.:"  l'""^'  ""  '""  '"""'"'"""'•  '"^'  ''"  '='-"  which  hgv 
no,l  .       .r"'  ^"' *«'""y '"T^"'''  in  "  few  hours,  and  the  evening  concluded  with 

c.  ...crn.ng  l.is  .salary  and  the  recompense  deny'd  him  for  what  he  surterM  in  the  late  disorders 
Ammbly,  and  U  ha.  given  me  great  concern  that  I  have  nut  iiud  interest  enough  iu  that  House 


1^' 


68 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  DOCUMENTS. 


o  prevent  th-8  manifest  Act  of  Injustice ;  No  pains  have  been  spared  by  me  to  effect  it,  and  the 
most  sensible  men  among  them  were  so  fully  persuaded  of  the  improper  n„  .sures  which  had 
been  pursued  on  this  occasion  that  they  were  ready  to  contribute  with  the  greatest  pleasure  to 
remove  th.s  reproach  which  has  fallen  on  the  Province  but  they  have  been  overpower'd  by 
numbers.  It  .s  our  m.sfortune  here  that  the  greatest  part  of  the  House  of  Assembly  consists 
Men  whose  KducaOon  has  been  e.xtremely  confin'd,  and  the  illiberal  notions  in  whi...  they 
have  been  brought  up  are  not  to  be  eradicated  without  the  greatest  difficulty.  There  can  not 
be  a  more  str.k.ng  Instance  of  it  than  in  the  present  case,  where  a  pique  aga.nst  a  Person  in 
h.s  Pr-vate  capac.y  ,s  to  be  resented  by  a  Public  collective  Body.  an3  a  repaoach  cast  up^ 
a   whole    Prov.nce   to    gratify   the   resentment  of  a    few    Individuals.     I   did.  agreable  to 

As^embf  'Id 'ha?'  ''Z  ''"""?;^  '^"" '"  """  ^^'=°'""'^"'^ '»"«  -"" '"  -7  Bpeech  tl  th^ 

w  tl      t  etlt.?.  r  T"  ^"f  r"'  '.''  P"'"''  applications  to  serve  M'  Colden.  but  hitherto 
,T  telJ        .  '"'"'^  '^'""'^''^  ""'^  several  new  Members  chosen 

n  the  late  klecons,      may  m  all  probability  have  better  success  in  the  next  Session,  and  I 
bog  your  Lordship  w.ll  be  assur'd  that  nothing  in  my  power  shall  be  wanting  either  to  procure 
the  .at.s.act,on  requir'd  for  M'  Colden  or  to  defend  hiL  against  any  malicious      tem^    of  h 
Luem.es.     I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect,  ^ 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's 

most  obedient  and 

Kight  Hon-  Earl  of  Hillsborough.  '•""'^''  ^''''T;   „ 

"  11.    MOOKE 


(N»  7) 


Oovei-nor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  IiaUhorowjh. 

IN«w.Tort,ri,X.,A.  «7.] 

Fort  George,  New  York.  May  IS"-  1768. 


My  Lord 

It  would  give  me  great  pleasure  if  I  could  boldly  assert  that  the  inffammatory  Publications  in 

the  pnn  ed  News  lapers  here  n.ention'd  in  your  Lordnhip's  letter  had  been^trea.ed  w   h  t  e 

contempt  .   ey  really  deserve,  hut  .  am  afraid  the  bad  effects  of  them  are  but  too  s     ,i    e 

already  and  tha    the  doctrine  they  would  endeavour  ,o  establish  is  without  the  least  reluc  te 

dopted  by  all  Ranks  and  conditions  of  People  here;  The  Province,  of  Massachus  ts  and 

Vnsylvania  (urnish  us  so  plentifully  with  Papers  of  this  kind  that  we  have  no  occa  or  any 

H  nters  «    our  own  on  the  subjects  they  handle  with  so  much  freedom,  and  if  the  att  m  t   to 

pron,o  e  Sedition  had  been  con.in'd  to  the  Limits  of  their  particular  Provinces  I    ho."      nit 

bave  thmight  it  so  much  my  .hi.y  t-    mention  to  your  Lordship  what  would        theclon 

course  of  Husiness  have  been  .o.nmunicate.i  by  the  respective  (.'overnors  of  those  clZTt 

when  they  are  exten.Ied  so  far  a.  to  endanger  the  tran.,uil.ity  of  the  Province  commi  y 

■  irge    I  t   in       am  parMcuhirly  c.llM  upon  ,o  exert  mysell  in  opposition  to  measure,  whi  h 

luhabitaiits  0.  Boston  not  satisly'd  with  the  Association,  enter'd  inL  among  tlie„:;:,v:.:  wllic.: 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


69 


they  took  care  to  make  as  public  as  possible,  wrote  letters  to  the  Merchants  of  this  Town 
whom  they  desired  to  joyn  with  them  in  the  Plan  fbrin'd  for  distressing  Great  Britain  by  not 
importing  any  English  Goods  or  Manufactures  into  America  after  a  stated  time,  In  consequence 
of  this  Advertisements  were  publish'd  appointing  the  time  and  place  for  the  Meeting  of  all 
persons  concern'd  in  Trade,  and  much  pains  taken  to  carry  the  propos'd  plan  into  execution: 
But  as  I  could  not  help  being  alarm'd  at  such  a  proceeding,  I  took  the  first  opportunity  of  laying 
my  sentiments  before  His  Majesty's  Council,  expressing  at  the  same  time  my  appreLnsion  of 
the  Evil  Pendency  of  these  Meetmgs,  which  in  the  eye  of  the  Law  are  look'd  upon  to  be  illegal 
and  might  be  productive  of  fresh  commotions  in  the  Province ;  The  Council  difler'd  in  opinion 
from  me  and  saw  this  in  no  of  her  light  than  that  a  certain  number  of  People  had  assembled 
together  to  consider  &  establish  among  themselves  certain  Rules  of  (Economy,  and  were  of 
op.n.0.1  that  as  they  were  Masters  of  their  own  Fortunes  they  had  a  tight  to  dispose  of,  and 
ay  out  their   money  in  whatever  manner  they  should   think   would  be  most   agreable  to 
hemse lyes,  and  afterwards  added  that,  they  were  not  under  the  least  apprehension  of  the 
tranqutlluy  of  the  Province  being  disturbed  by  such  meetings,  from  the  known  characters  of 
many  who  had  assembled  on  the  occasion ;  I  was  far  from  being  satisfy'd  with  this  answer  for 
.t  appear  d  to  me  that  when  the  association  was  once  begun  many  people  who  had  at  present 
no  incl.nat.on  to  joyn  in  it  might  be  afterwards  intimidated,  and  compell'd  to  set  their  hands 
to  an  engagement  they  were  actually  avBrse  to,  for  which  reason  I  thought  it  proper  to  make 
publ.c  my  resolution  of  supporting  any  Man  in  his  Situation  who  should  reluse  to  subscribe  to 
.t,  and  call  d  upon  the  Council  to  make  use  of  all  the  influence  they  had  to  maintain  peace  and 
good  order  among  us  ,  As  these  Meetings  were  still  continued,  this  a.Iair  was  laid  before  them 
a  second  time  but  with  much  the  same  success,  for  they  seem'd  no  way  inclin'd  to  interfere  in 
.t        he  Association  has  since  been  adopted  by  some  and  rejected  by  others  who  were  sensible 
of  the  offence  such  a  I>n.ceeding  would  give,  and  I  have  endeavour'd  to  shew  some  of  the 
subscribers  that  this  measure  will  hurt  none  but  themselves  although  they  are  so  weak  &  so  far 
misled  by  their  prejudices  as  not  to  see  it.     1  have  the  honor  to  be'  with'the  greatest  iZijt 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's 

most  obedient  and 

Ilight  Hon-  Earl  of  Hillsborough  ''""'^'"  ""h'" 'mookk 


N»8) 


(?overnor  Mwre  to  the  Ecirl  of  HilU,ovough. 

t  Ktw.Y.irk,  t'l.X.,  A.  W,] 

Fort  George,  New  York  May  ly"  1703. 


My  Lord, 

had    h    ,.„    „      ,  ,,   „„„^  „^  ,^„^,,^,.  ,  ,,j.^,,^  ^^  ^.^^^  ^^^^  ^^     K  ^  n 

«(  th. Country  tins  SpHng  i„  „rder  to  pr-vent  us  far  as  I  was  able  the  n^schief"  wlw  re  liie 
.0  -utrer  from  an  Indian  War.  and  lueution'd  at  the  .ama  time  the  reason.  whidipT    «      d 


i 


70 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


,.    J 


s'Lttfon'/tj  t  "''"  ''''  r ""'  '"  '''  P""''"  '  ''''  "'''^-    ''  '^  -'''^  '^^  highest 
safsfacuon  I  find  by  a  paragraph  ,„  your  Lordship's  letter  N-  4.  that  His  Majesty  had  been 

peasd  to  approve  of  the  attention  I  had  given  to  that  necessary  Service  and  I  pro'pose  tose" 

out  from  hence  ,n  ten  days  or  a  fortnight  for  the  Mohawk  Country,  which  is  as  earlv  as  t' 

backwardness  of  our  Seasons  will  .dmit  of  travelling  in  those  parti-       av      a  e,y  h  d 

severaconversafons  with  the  persons  concern'd  in  the  Kayadero'sseras  PatentV    ey  have 

etTe  hiid  Zt:  ii:  th"  r "'"'  ''^  T''  ^"''"'^  *°  -^^  ^^  ^-^'"^  -  ^  cartf  bShe : 

seme  inis  dispute  with  the  Indians  on  such  terms  as  I  shall  think  nr«L,       j  .1       u 
the  cause  of  that  complaint  which  has  subsisted    o  lor^^     J'^^^^  I  lav  Tk^^ 

Sir  William  Johnson,  whose  state  of  health  is  now  so  bad  that  by  the'advice  o^his  Pht  c  anB 
hiVstalTir,  /,.""'""'  Government  for  the  convenience  of  bathing  in  the  Sea  w  ere 
hisstay  will  be  too  long  for  me  to  entertain  the  least  expectation  of  seeing  him  before  the  publ  c 
Business  will  necessarily  bring  me  back  again  to  this  town:  It  will  give  me  great  pleasure  if 
can  in  this  proposed  Interview  with  the  Indians  improve  that  confidence  they  s"  m'  p  ce 
u  me  &  strengthen  the  good  opinion  they  had  conceived  of  me  in  our  last  meeting  I  omied 
at  that  time  nothin,  which  I  thought  could  contribute  to  merit  their  regard  by  th  att^  0I 
I  gave  to  every  little  frivolous  complaint  they  were  making,  and  when  we  had    e   led 

o7'tl  :  ChSs    fT  r'''  """"  '"^  ''  ""•  «^'^'^'^"^"'  •  ''^''^'  ^--  of  their  Chi      es 
of  the  Chiefs  of    he  three  principal  Tribes  among  them,  had  them  publickly  bapti.'d  "n  the 
presence  of  all  the  Indians  there  assembled,  and  gave  them  mv  own  N.nfe     f  If,  f 

assured  them  that  I  should  make  those   b.,      .nySarticuTr  c  re. Tnd  1    p^d  thlr::;  J 
hereafer,  be  the  means  of  strengthening  and  securing  the  attachment  of  the  w  oL  Nat  on 
His  Majesty  8  Person  &  Government  and    keep  up  that   Friendship  which   now  slisted 

amor^h  "  IT/'  :\''''''  '^"^  '''  ^"'•■■^"  ^^'"''"-^  '  *'-"  distributed  lie  Pre  nts 
among  them  which  I  had  brought  with  me.  in  doing  which  I  took  care  to  distinguish  he  new 
acquisitions  I  had  made  to  my  family  and  after  purchasing  some  Tracts  of  Land  from    1        j 

such  tinmg  Acts  as  these  can  make  such  impressio.is,  it  would  be  inexcusabi      i„t    0  ava  I 
myseld  every  circumstance  which  could  contribute  in  any  shape  ,0  the  "r  m  t    „  „!      i 
Majesty's  service  &  i„  case  of  a  failure  on  my  part  I  hope  to  niake  it  apprt  ,at  I  h  1 
endeavour  d  to  merit  a  success  which  .  had  not  in  my  po Jer  to  comma  d'Vamry  so    y 
that     he  expression,    in    my  Letter  N»  og.  ,,,,   ,„  ,  imply   tLle 

Assembly  bad  actua  y  refus'd  .0  reimburse  the  expences  of  my  late  Journey,  &  J  lL,e  si  | 
have  your  Lordship's  indulgence  in  explaining  this  n:att.-r:  upon  my  ret.l  from  I  ke 
Champla.n  and  the  Mohawk  Itiver  I  ac,,uainted  the  H.,u...  of  AsBemblv  w  ,h  win  tl 
done,  and  expected  that  the  allowance  which  heretofore  was  usually  i/l^o  clnl  X 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLl. 


71 


^o  one  IT  IrT  t  ''  ^'''"  *°  "''  '  ^"'  "°  ^««'S"  °f  t'^'^  "^'"^  «PP«"i"g  I  gave  / 

Z  11       r'  '^  "  '"'^'''  ^'  '''*^  •'^^"^^  *'^«  «°"««  '  '"  this  Account  no  change 

was  rnade  of  prov.s.ons  w,ne«  &c-  which  were  carried  up  from  hence   in  great  quantit  es' 
and  t  wa«  well  known  that  many  Gentlemen  of  the  Province  went  up  with  me,  and  tha   my  i 
fam  ly  was  .ncreas'd  to  the  number  of  thirty  persons  &  upwards  during  the    ime  we  w^re 
malung  our  observations  at  the  Upper  end  of  Lake  Champlab;  This  was  owing   ohrarTva 

hLrilt.  o^thr^orr'T^'^'p'"-^^"'^  ''  "^"  "  ^°'"P""«"'  Brigadifr  cirleton  0 
ZnZZf  r  ,  h;!-Pr°ymce. J»«-to  demand  the  confirmation  of  their  grants 

mention  d  m  my  former  letters.  fTMs  article  being  left  open.  I  cVuirrToT  but  B^MW^ 
when  the  Pejson  to  w  om  I  gave  the  Account  inform'd  me'that  the  House  w     then   n'    ch 
a  Temper  that  he  d>d  not  choose  to  mention  it.  as  he  apprehended  it  would  be  without 
success,  and  ,h,s  Session  pass'd  over  without  any  thing  being  done  in  it;  In  th    next  S  ss 
the  sa„,e  request  was  made  by  me.  and  the  same  answer  return'd  by  the  person  empoy'd 

cou?d  noT  f'T  f  "''  '""  ""'''  "^  '"^"'^  *°  '"P°^«  -  '"^  '  A  Proceeding  of  tH  kind 
cou  d  not  fa,l  of  g.vmg  me  some  pain  on  Account  of  the  manifest  injustice  which  ainear'd 
m  .t  and  as  I  had  never  been  engaged  in  the  ieast  dispute  or  altercation  with  the  House  of 
Assembly  or  any  other  subject  but  that  of  endeavouring  to  enforce  their  obedien  e  to  the  Act 

but  :h:7"'^  ';"^"'"V'^  ^'"""^  '"^-  '^  ^^P^^^*'  »°  ™«  ^^-^  ^  ^ad  no  'her      tet^v 
bu    t  at  of  e.ther  losmg  the  money  I  had  laid  out  for  that  service,  or  failing  in  my  du  y  lo 

Hs  Majesty;  It  d,d  not  require  the  least  consideration  which  side  of  the  question  I  shoud 
ake  &Ideterm,„'d  from  that  moment  to  drop  all  farther  application  fo    T  e  mbu  se„ "1^ 

n"l'y7e;7::  th:v?f  s[/r^":'°" "' ''  r  -"  '^-^ ''--  ^'^^  ^^'«  -« -"^^^ 

in  my  letter  to  the  E.  of  fehelburne  bemg  naturally  led  into  it  by  the  necessitv  I  fonnH  m,,^  if 
under  of  making  a  second  Tour  into  the  Province  on  the  Public  ServeLd  for  ^"1^  I 
.magm  d  ,  should  have  the  same  return ;  About  the  latter  end  of  the  la  t  Ss'on  of  ZeX 
when  the  Commissaries  appointed  by  this  Province  for  «Ptt!ina  th.  J'««»'°«  01  Assembly 
those  of  the  Massachusets  Bay.  delivered    n  their  1  ounts  of 'th     F  "^      T  ^''' 

negotiation  these  could  not  wifh  any  propriet  t  selZ  ^  hou       k'r::e?f^wh:T  llal 

.e  Lord:k:;;:f^:df  ^i^iri^t:;:  ;:::j^7z:^:i^:c:!T';^r '- 

gr^ltest  respect!  """'^"""  ^""  "'^"•^^-    '  ^^^  ">«  »-»-  to  be  with  the 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's 

ItigiU  Hon-  Earl  of  Hillsborough  """"  °''"^'"''  ""''  ^""'^'^  ''"^""' 

H:  MooRB 


72 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Oovermr  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  ItUhhorough. 

My  Lord,  ^'°'"'  tJ«"'-ge.  May  14'"  1768. 

My  letter  to  the  Earl  of  Shelburne  concerning  our  Paper  Currency  was  not  accompany'd 
w.th  any  draught  of  a  propos'd  Bill  for  I  thought  it  unnecessary  to  trouble  His  Lordship  with 

n  M„    /".  '"  ""^  ''""■  '°  "^^  ^°'^'  Commissioners  for  Trade  &  Plantations  dated 

Dec  J  170G,  the  copy  of  an  Act  said  to  be  sent  over  from  England  by  the  Colony  Agent,  and 
then  under  the  Consideration  of  Parlian.ent;  I  had  .he  honor  of  informing  their  Lordships  in 
my  letter;  that  if  it  was  the  Intention  of  Parliment  to  pass  such  a  Bill  it  would  be  highly 
acceptable  to  this  Co'ony,  for  they  did  not  desire  to  have  money  on  any  other  terms  as  fhey 
had  allways  kept  up  the  credit  of  their  paper  Currency  and  taken  particular  care  it  should  not 
be  deprecated.  I  now  take  the  liberty  of  transmitting  to  your  Lordship  the  copy  of  such  an 
Act  as  we  should  propose  to  pass  here,  if  His  Majesty  shall  be  pleased  to  approve  of  it,  and 
0.1  this  occation  would  beg  leave  to  observe  that  by  the  40">  Section  of  an  Act  passed  here  on 
he  10«  day  of  Dec'  1737,  from  which  the  greatest  part  of  the  inclos'd  bill  has  been 
tken.  the  Borrowers  of  the  Public  Money  were  enabled  to  pay  their  Debts  in  other  Bills  of 
Credit    Gold,  Silver,  or  Lyon  Dollars:  After  the  first  day  of  November  next  there  will  be 

by  the  first  Dutch  bettlers)  are  rarely  now  seen :  These  and  Bills  of  credit  issued  before  the 

fetatute  are  the  only  two  kinds  of  money  that  were  ever  made  a  Tender  in  this  Colony.  Aaer 

the  hrst  day  of  November  therefore  we  shall  have  nothing  to  make  a  legal  tender  with   a 

matter  worth  attention  as  it  will  expose  Debtors  to  the  petulance  and  Malice  of  their  Creditors 

even  though  they  should  have  Spanish  Silver  &  Gold  to  satisfy  them;  As  these  Bills  now 

proposd  to  be  struck  and  lent  must  be  paid  for  only  in  silver  and  gold,  while  the  Act  of 

Parl.ment  continues  u[n]repealed,  it  will  be  proper  to  make  every  species  of  both  a  legal  tender 

in  all  cases,  and  this  Emission,  it  is  hop'd  will  relieve  the  present  distress  'till  the\merican 

commerce  opens  channels  lor  a  better  supply  of  silver  and  gold  now  so  scarce  that  many  of 

the  poorer  inhabitants  have  been  ruin'd  and  all  Ranks  greatly  impoverisl.'d.     Nothing  has 

contributed  more  to  the  Settlement  of  the  Country,  than  the  usual  easy  rate  of  purchasing 

farms   I'roprietors  convey  to  the  Farmer  in  fee  taking  his  bond  and  mortgage  without  the 

immediate  advance  of  any  of  the  purchase  Money,  and  the  purchaser  paid  of  the  Consideration 

Mo.iey  as   lie   rais'd  it  out   of  the  profits   of  the  Land:  But  since   the  scarcity   of  Money 

commenc'd  there  are  numberless  instances  of  Suits  against  Farmers,  whose  estates  have  been 

sold  upon  Execution,  and  bought  by  the  old  I'ro|  -ietor  for  less  than  the  first  purchase,  after 

several  years  Cultivation  and  Improvement   to  the  Desiruction  of  the  Husbandman    '  Jt  is 

hardly  possible  to  express  in  Terms  s.illicient  what  eflects  such  events  must  naturally  have  in 

discouraging  I'opulation,  Cultivation  and  Commerce,  and  the  extremeties  to  which  the  lower 

sort  who  are  allways  most  numerous  are  reduced  especially  in  new  I'luntations.  are  more  easy 

to  be  conceiv^'d  than  describ'd,  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Hespect, 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordships  most  obedient 

Will     ,  t'    .    r.T,,.  .  and  humble  servant. 

U'  Hon'  hurl  of  Hillsborough.  jt.  w 


L0N1X)N  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


73 


(N"  13.) 


iMr, 


Earl  of  IlUhhormigh  to  Governor  Moore. 

[New-York,  CLX.J 

Whitehall  li"-  May  17C8 


lai.t  before  the  King.  '  '  '°  "'^  ^'^''^  °"  ^''«  ^^"'  ^^  '"«*  Month.  &  has  been 

The  contest   that   has   arisen   between    vnn    nnH    »v,->   n  i 

CommanderinChief  did  not  make  the  rommnnino,;        Vu-    I  '  '    presume   the 

.n.„.i„„,  „i,„„„t  .„,„,  vr^^iTo>:^:^ir:::[^^':rr:7°''  t'"  ^™ 

oa„  b,  ™r.  foreign  ,„  Hi.  ,,„j„,,,  ,„,„„„„  ,,,    I    „"r  d„      !    ':„:•:  ,,^'  ""'"'"^ 
into  his  Provinces  in  America-  unon  th^  I?„i.,o  ^f  ,k     •  •■     ""^"''"'='"8  '^  Military  t.overnment 

-^Tor  his  service  that  yo:;-,r:;';:'::":;:'^:nrd^;;?:,^;;^^-.^^^ 

suspicon.  whether  founded  upon  the  idle  suggestions  of  weak  &  i.,  1  ^,  """^ 

wicked  Misrepresentations  of  the  Factious  Z     tLlTnf-Yrh        '^ ''"' ^  7° " ''* 
the  Province  under  your  Government  to  such  a  Degrl  ofi^rde    h  "'  "'/   '"■""^'* 

management  that  His  Maiestveuterfnin«  n.  ,     , .    r   .  ^'  ^°"''  P'"^"'''""'  *  ■'''''« 

of  Net  York  under  the  1:^ discr^::  Dir::.;::  '  "'  "^  ""'"""^  "'  ^'^  ""^"^  ^-"^"'"'7 

I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  tliat  wo  ha(?-  yesterday  the  Misfortune  tr.  i...    tt-    .«■ 
Sister,  the  Princess  Louisa,  to  the  great  ^Hictirn  of  all  HsM^^^  Tu        '^'''^  '  ^'"""^ 

condole  .with  you  upon  this  meiand,oly  occas^.  I  am  ^c.  ^^"^^  '' ""'j"'^' '  ^'"^  «'"--'^ 

Governor  of  New  York.  Hillsborouoh  ' 


id 

ely 


'  William  FiTMiADBirE  rrrrT    2d  F.^rl  of  Slwlhiima        .t.    t  •  i 
th.  An,,v.  he  wa,  ,,r„.ote,i  to  »  Lieutenancy  i„  t,  o  ;"    llZSlTn  Tl'  '""  '  '''''  '"''•     ^"'"'"e  ^"""^  -"' 
the  following  ye,,  whe,,  h.  .o„ed  in  tl.o  /x,,e.."io„m"    n  !  :  "'   ""^   ''""'^  ^''"'  "'"""-'  »  ^"■"P'"'/ 

the  UlUes  of  Cnpen  nnd  Minden  in  ,7fi..  ll,  ,  oho  w  ,'  "":'  ":*^' "'  Adjufnt-General.  .„d  di.ti„g„„hed  hin,  Jf  't 
entered  I-aHlanu-nt  in  17,11,  a,  n.en.l.or  for  Chinpine  Wvcon.hr  T,"'!  *"';''=;^'»'"l'  '"  "'«  «'"»?.  "'"'  the  rank  of  Colonel ; 
hi,  .eat  in  .1,0  n,.„«o  of  Lord,  .h  Paron  Wyco    le'  T     7  J V  J    '"  '""  '"""•"'  ''""  "'^  """"=  y"--  »"'»  '-" 

General  in  the  Army.     .„  April.   17fi.   he  wa,     laced  a/  1.       .  TT  ^J"^'"' "<"•»'•  "">'  --•  '•>  '"H.^  to  .he  rank  of 

•^>'  ««-">-  ^""" .■  •"  m;,,  he  .u::v:  :;r;o ;!:':;; :  s"::'  -'  r-'  '^'"■^•'' "'-'- '-  -*«-^  - 

October,  1768.     He  wa,  appointed  Prin.e  Mini..or  in  .luK-   Ph  •   w  'T  ;  •  '''''""'"•■•"  '""'  '"■>-'   'l'«t  P".t  until 

M^...,i„.he..hpearofhi,a.....w.AWr^/-:r  — 

recr  in  .756  l,y  the  ti.le  of  I,„r„n   lUrwiek;  oon.ti   U       "  t        Z:    1^^       "^  T''«''  '"  ''''  ■  "-""1  "  «H.i,h 

17«.>,  when  he  became  join,  Po^.na.ter-neneral         e  wl  S  el  i  r  I  "  '  "  "''  ""'""'  '""  '"■'''  """'  "-•'"•'-. 

when  he  *a.  advanced  to  the  rank  of  an  l"  111  h    """^  ";"^^"">-  "f."'"'"  '-  ""'  ^^-'-i-  f."m  17«8  nn.il  Anpu,,,  ,772 
of  ..ownehire.  in  Ireland,  in   ns,  and     cdTn  Oc^r      l^^Zl'^^Z  """""l  r"""'"^^  '"  '""=  '»'  "-'^^  "^  "  « 


Vol.  VII r. 


10 


74 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS 


NM. 


Sir, 


Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Sir   William  Johnson. 


[PtanUiUoni  Oeneral  (  B.  P.  O. ),  OOLIV.,  No.  4.  ] 


Whitehall  June  the  11.  1768 


r  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  Your  letter  N"  10  addressed  to  the  Earl  of  Shelburne 
and  am  directed  by  His  Majesty  to  express  his  entire  approbation  of  your  conduct  towards  the 
Indians  at  the  Congress  held  at  your  House  in  March  last,  which  considering  the"  many 
Provocations  the  Indians  have  received,  &  more  especially  that  late  one  in  the  Case  of  the 
inhuman  Massacre  upon  the  Frontier  of  Pensylvania,  appears  to  have  been  attended  with 
greater  success  than  could  reasonably  have  been  expected,  and  affords  room  to  hope  for  a 
favorable  Issue  to  those  Measures  recommended  in  the  Earl  of  Shelburne's  Dispatch  to  you  of 
the  Fifth  of  January  last,  and  in  mine  of  the  13  of  April,  for  the  faithful  execution  of  which  his 
Majesty  has  the  firmest  Relliance  on  your  Ability  and  discretion 

I  am  &° 

IIlLLSBOROUOH 


Lieutenant-Oovcrnor  Coldeii  to  Urn  Earl  of  HUlshorouyh. 

*  [lI«w-Tork,CI.X.,A.»8.  ] 

j^    T      ,  New  York,  June  16'^  1768. 

In  my  Letter  of  the  26*  of  April  last,  I  inform'd  your  Lordship  of  some  occurrences,  which  I 
thought  may  be  of  use  to  you  in  forming  a  judgment  of  the  present  state  of  this  Province— In 
my  letters  to  His  Majesty's  Ministers,  I  have  repeatedly  given  my  opinion  that  His  Mnjesty's 
Authority  and  the  Dependance  of  the  Colonies  cannot  be  secured,  nor  the  Property  of  the 
Subject,  without  disinterested  Judges  of  ability  and  integrity— That  the  present  Judges  in  this 
Province  are  not  such,  is  now  universally  the  opinion  of  the  People ;  and  it  is  likewise  the 
opinion  of  the  most  intelligent  that,  proper  Judges  cannot  be  obtained  in  this  Province.— 
It  was  evident  on  the  late  Elections,  as  I  informd  your  Lordship  in  my  former  letter,  that  the 
Lawyers  have  in  a  great  measure  lost  the  influence  they  had  on  the  Paople— This  seems 
therefore  a  proper  time  to  send  over  some  Gentleman  of  sufficient  abilities  to  be  Cheif  Justice, 
with  a  sallary  sufficient  to  make  him  independant  of  any  faction  in  the  Assembly.  Were  this 
done  I  am  confident  the  opposition  to  the  Authority  of  Parliament  over  the  Colonies,  would 
daily  decline— The  granting  such  a  salary,  in  its  consequences  will  be  a  saveing  to  the  Crown, 
for  it  will  facilitate  every  measure  which  may  bo  thought  proper  for  securing  His  Majesty 
Authority— One  or  two  puisne  Judges  may  be  appointed  from  among  the  Inhabitauls  of 
sufficient  knowledge,  with  the  assistance  of  the  Cheif  Justice,  to  execute  their  office— 

Some  time  in  September  last  year,  the  Faction  received  intelligence  from  England,  that  the 
Ministry  intended  to  put  the  Administration  of  Oovernment  again  into  my  hands,  and  at 


I  u 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


75 


Registers,  or  were  notoriously  known,  proved  too  lolfl.H  ^^    o^'''"''^  °"  '"'^  P"''"" 

the  People  of  the  malice  of  the  Prosecutol    afte    tl  p        m     T  '  P'"^'-"^"''^"  «°°vi„ced 

prejudices  which  had  been  entertaf„7a;a„Lebv^^^^^^^^  '"'  '"•^'  ''^'""  ^^""^  ^•- 

-A  quite  contrary  effect  was  prod:c  d T:  at  t'he\     d^    Z^^^^^^^ 

are  now  much  humbled  by  the  loss  of  their  popularity  '""°"  '''''"'''  ^"'^  ''^y 

amidst  innumerable  difficulties,  and  n^irults  dest  u.t^"7',7.°  '"  P"'""''  "'^  '^"^^ 
any  remarkable  indiscretion  on  his  oirV  tn  1  ^«f  "'^t've  of  all  Government,  and  without 

expect  Recompence  fo  Ty  losses  .ndSuffeH'  "'  H  V^'  """""  '"  ''"^''^^  '  ^^'""^  '  ^^y 
that  I  receive  s'ome  rewaTd  wh  brthel^n^s'Lr^^^^^^  ''  I'  T'"  '^  ^'°"^"'  "'^  P'"^"^  -« 
duty.     I  am  now  my  Lord  so  far  \A.      A-  u  '"'"^  ^'  ^"■''^'"''  ''"'^""^''Serf  '"  their 

witJ  reputation,  anTthrm;!:  r^X  m^r:^  ^erto"" 'cJ^ldtrr  '"'^  ^"  -' 
proper  reward   from    His   Maieatv'a   o,.;*  p     .  .!       r,       ^  Children  I  may  receive  a 

I  am  with  the  greatest  Respect 
&  submission 

My  Lord, 

Your  most  obedient  & 

R'  Hon-"'  Earl  of  Hillsborough.  ''"'^''''""  '""""' 

(Jadwalladek  Colden. 

Ad.i..i..ati„„  „  Secreur,  of  Hute  T...  t,.„  N,!.,,"     Oe      .      ,,  "  ,  : U   rs^wrT     l'^  ^"'"f   '"^  """^'"«''-" 

176n.  an,l  w«,  appoinle.!  first  Lord  of  tl.eT.o««..rr  »  f,»  „  '""""''"•  ''"'  ''"'/■  1-65,  wlneh  ».t.mt.o«  he  ro.igne,!  ia  May 
1770.  m  .„.  ,.„.,  PHvy  Seal  fron.  .,.r  7  7  u,  iT  "'"'''Y  \T''  (  A"S>"".  "66  ),  an.l  »o  continued  until  .,a„„a4 
hi...e.,  .,uH„«  ,.i.  ,.,uc 'career,  nlr Z    ^::^,^:;;^Z^!':Z'  ''"V^"'  ?''^"'  '«"•     ""  ^"^  -"^-'^ 

....  ao,.  to  ,o.t«.t, .  t...  .uuiu.  utt.ri  i„ . .-  r  a'Zu-;;::  ":xtJ:;^:;r  ::^r  "^'  ^^- 


^1 


1^ 


Mi 


76 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Guy  Johnson  to  tlie  Earl  of  Ililhhorough. 

[  PlanUtioni  General  (  8.  p.  O. )  ecu  v..  No. -1. 1 
N»  1.  ' 

,.    ,      .  .  Guy  Park  near  Johnson-hall  June  20.  1768 

My  Lord, 

The  management  of  Indian  Affiiirs  here  being  committed  to  me  (Sir  William  Johnsons 
Deputy)  during  his  absence  for  the  recovery  of  his  health :  I  have  since  his  departure  had  the 
honor  to  receive  your  Lordships  Letters  N"  1.  2  and  3  witb  the  enclosures  which  have  been 
since  transmitted  to  him. 

Sir  William  set  out  the  84  of  April  for  the  Sea  Coast  of  New  England  by  advice  of  his 
Physicians,  having  for  so.ne  time  laboured  under  a  violent  disorder  of  the  Bowels,  as  well  as 
severe  pains  from  his  old  Wound  with  both  of  which  he  has  been  much  afflicted  for  some 
Years  past — This  last  attack  was  occasioned  by  Cold  he  caught  in  attending  the  late  Genera! 
Congress  with  the  Northern  Indians  and  Cherokees,  which  was  held  in  the  open  Air  at  a 
severe  season,  and  as  he  was  not  in  a  Condition  to  write  to  your  Lordship  at  his  departure  I 
judged  it  my  duty  to  give  you  these  particulars,  and  to  acquaint  your  Lordship  that  he  has 
received  some  benefit  from  his  Tour,  and  will  return  within  about  three  Weeks 

At  his  return  your  Lordships  letters  will  be  fully  Answered,  In  the  mean  time  I  beg  leave 
to  lay  before  your  Lordship,  the  occurrences  since  his  departure,  and  entreat  you  to  indulge  me 
in  the  liberty  of  Congratulating  your  Lordship  on  your  late  appointment. 

Agreable  to  my  Instructions  I  imediately  sent  the  necessary  Belts  and  Messages  for 
Assembling  the  Indians  in  order  to  the  Settlement  of  the  boundary  line,  but  as  some  of  those 
necessary  to  be  present,  namely  the  Shawanese,  Delawares,  and  Senecas  of  Ohio  live  at  a 
Considerable  distance  from  the  rest  they  cannot  all  Assemble  before  the  Month  of  Sept' 

The  boundary  with  regard  to  New  York  not  having  been  particularly  mentioned  in  the 
Report  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  has  occasioned  a  belief  tha!:  it  was  needless,  but  Sir  William 
is  of  opinion  that  it  is  most  necessary,  and  that  the  lino  not  being  extended  beyond  Owegy, 
is  owing  to  his  not  having  come  to  any  conclusion  with  the  Indians  regarding  New  York  bounds 
at  tiie  Congress  in  1705,  as  the  same  was  attended  with  some  difficulties,  neither  were  all  the 
Indians  necessary  then  present,  which  together  with  his  not  being  at  that  time  fully  Authorized 
made  him  decline  entering  into  particulars,  nevertheless  it  is  expected  by  the  Indians  at  the 
final  Settlement  and  is  particularly  necessary,  as  the  Settlements  of  New  York  are  already  far 
advanced  towards  the  principal  Towns  of. the  Six  Nations. 

Indian  AfEiirs  to  the  Westward  have  an  up.favorable  aspect, — Belts  have  been  actually  sent 
to  tiie  Lulia«s  in  the  names  of  the  French  and  Spaniards,  to  excite  them  to  take  Arms  against 
us,  and  a  list  ha,^  been  tnuisniilted  to  me  of  several  French  who  reside  in  the  Indian  Country 
and  are  daily  spreading  the  most  dangerous  reports  and  doing  all  in  their  power  to  bring  about 
a  Rupture,  all  which  I  have  laid  before  General  Cage. 

The  Powtewateinis  amongst  others  have  publicly  declared  their  Intentions,  have  murdered 
three  Traders  in  the  Indian  Country  whose  efl'ects  have  been  for  the  most  part  embezzled  by 
the  French  ;  his  P^xcellency  the  General  is  doing  what  he  can  to  with<lraw  them  from  thenca 
but  a  believe  it  will  be  a  difficult  task,  And  allho'  I  have  sent  Messages  and  Instructions  to  the 
Olficers  of  the  Department,  and  taken  all  other  measures  in  my  power  for  giving  a  timely 
check  to  these  proceedings.     Vet  I  fear  that  the  Weak  State  of  the  Frontiers,  and  the  quantity 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


77 


of  Goods   of  late  carried   from    the    Posts  amongst  the    Indians   will    prove   too    Strong 

I  ducements  to  them  to  make  War,  especinlly  as  the  persons  and  propertys  ofso  many  Trader' 

Sinn     ';',!■    P  "  ''"''''  '"'  ""^  '''^''y  '^^-»«"  '^  P"'  "''  the  English  to  deat    who 

he  Engl.sh  to  des.re  a  general  Indulgence  to  go  where  they  pleased,  well  knowing  that  it  was 

we  chants  at  the  Cap  tais  have  been  imposed  on,  and  affairs  misrepresented  to  the  Crown 
At  the  same  t. me  the  lavish  Conduct  of  the  Command'  of  Michilimackinac  has  en    easedThe' 
Ind.ans  expectat.ons  and  for  the  same  reason  his  being  brought  away  p  i -oner  wige 
d.scontent      By  return  of  the  Indians  whom  I  sent  thro'  the  lix   Nations  I  have  r    efved 
farther  .nte  hgence    of  Belts  actually  sent  to  them  of  a  very  dangerous  t  ndency    w      h1 

T  hVv        I     h      M     "T  T"''  ^^'"  y°"'  ^"'■'^^'"P  ^"'  '''^^'^  ^^^^  Superior  Information 

lirt;:ts"Lixtr  '^  "^  '"^"  °''^^'^  '^"^^  ^-^  ^-  •-- ''  -^-^'^« '--'": 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

The  R«  Hon-"  """^^  '''''"'^''''  ''"'^  """'^  "''' 

'rk„  i'     I    r  TTii  u  .  Iiumble  Servant 

1  he  Larl  of  Hillsborough        »  ^ 

Guv  Johnson 


11 


Mrl  of  Ilill'ilorougli   to  the  Governors  in  America. 

I  PIsDlatioiu  Oeoeral  (  8.  P.  O. )  CCLIV.  ] 

Sir  Whitehall  21  June  17GS 

It  having  been  represented,  that  the  General  Instructions,  given  by  his  Majesty  to  the 
Governors  of  te  American  Colonies,  have,  from  a  Variation  in  the  Stale  and  C  re  mslce 
of  .he  sa.d  Colomes  become  in  many  Parts  improper  and  unecessary  or  inadequate    o  the 
Object  of  tem;  I  have  the  Kings  Commands  to  desire  you  will,  with  the  greatest  Itt^t  on 
and  w,th  all  conven,ent  Dispatch,  consider  those  given  to  you  for  your  Guidancard  Co^^^ 
n  the  Adm.n,«trat,on  of  the  Government  entrusted  to  your  Care!  and  transput  to  me  for  hTs 
Majesty  s  Informafon.  such  Observations  as  shall  occur  to  you  upon  those  Articles,  which  may 
-  your  Ju.igeme„t  require  such  Alteration  or  Addition  as  may  have  the  Effect  to  imnl  T 
Majesty's  Interests  and  Revenue,  add  Strength  and  Dignity'      his  tajtstuX^ 
promote  te  Welfare  of  the  Colony  and  give  Facility  to^he^dministritI^olvel 
conformabh,  to  the  Const.tution  as  it  stands  established  by  his  Majesty's  Commission  unde 

The  liuf'l"  "       '  '""'  ^"7  "  '""'^  '"•^"  "''««'^  'y  '•-  ^'--"t  of  the  Cr  w 
Ihelutle   Improvement  which   has  been  made  in   his   Majesty's  Revenue  of  Out  Rent, 

relative  to  th.s  Object  are  nnperfect  or  inadequate,  or  that  there  has  not  been  sufficient 


n 


78 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


attention  given  to  the  due  Execution  of  them,  and  therefore  it  will  be  your  duty  to  consider 
these  Articles  with  particular  Care  and  to  suggest  what  shall  in  your  opinion  be  requisite  to 
give  them  a  greater  Force  and  better  Effect 

I  am  &c» 

Hillsborough 


<  ■■  *  11  fc 


Earl  of  HlUshorowjh  to  the  Lorde  of  Trade. 

[  PI«nUUon»  Oeneral  ( B.  P.  o. )  CCLIV.  ] 

,,    ,      ,  Whitehall  June  22.  176S 

My  Lords, 

I  am  commanded  by  the  King  to  signify  to  your  Lordships  His  Majesty's  Pleasure  that  the 

mode  of  your  Lordships  proceedings  upon  business  relative  to  Commerce  and  the  Colonies, 

prescribed  by   the  Earl  of  Shelburnes  Letter  to  you  of  the  26  of  August   1766,   shall,   be 

discontinued,  and  that  your  Lordships  Proceedings  upon  such  business  shall  for  the  future, 

be  conformable  to  the  Usage  and  Practice  antecedent  to  the  Date  of  the  said  Letter 

I  am  &ca 

Hillsborough 


(N"  12) 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  Ullhlormigli. 

[  New-York,  i;LX.,  A.  »!.  ] 

Fort  George  July  4"'  17G8. 


My  Lord, 

Sir  William  Johnson's  ill  state  of  health  having  oblig'd  him  to  go  into  the  Connecticut 
Government,  for  the  advantage  of  Bathing  in  the  Sea  as  mention'd  in  one  of  my  former  letters, 
This  accident  depriv'd  me  of  the  opportunity  of  seeing  him,  and  settling  the  measures  I 
propos'd  by  my  Journey  into  the  Mohawk  Country,  concerning  the  Boundary  Line  to  be  run 
between  this  Province  and  the  Indians. 

While  I  was  in  that  part  of  the  Country  I  had  the  honor  of  receiving  several  letters  from 
your  Lordship  but  as  the  Pacquet  seldom  stays  more  than  six  or  eight  days  with  us,  I  have 
been  oblig'd  to  defer  the  answers  to  them  'till  my  return  to  this  City. 

As  His  Majesty  lias  been  pjeas'd  to  make  new  regulations  in  regard  to  the  Indian  Tr.v.iP,  T 
have  at  the  request  of  the  Council  wrote  pressingly  to  Sir  William  Johnston  to  desire  we  may 
see  him  here  before  he  returns  to  his  own  House,  that  the  Plan  now  to  be  pursued  nay  ha 
fix'd  in  such  manner  as  to  have  the  desir'd  effect,  and  that  the  proceedings  of  the  Province 
may  not  interfere  with  any  Powers  which  His  Majesty  has  been  pleas'd  to  continue  still  in  the 
hands  of  the  agents  for  Indian  Affairs. 

I  am  very  sorry  to  inform  your  Lordship  that  I  cannot  boast  of  any  success  in  regard  to 
the  settlement  I  propos'd  of  lb.'  disp-itj  concerning  the  Kayaderosseras  Patent,  Under  the 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI.  jq 

IZZTu  ^'' r  T  ^"'"  /•''*  ""''''"«  "'^""''^  ^'  "'"'"^'^  ^hich  would  contribute  to  forward 
found   h^^h"'"  "'  '?  ■"'""  "'''  ^'«  '"^'""«'  I  -'-•'J  "P-  i'  very  readily,  b  t 

and  „  J  T'  M        ^^'■■""  ""'  P'""'"''''^  •'"'  '^'^  ^  °"«  ^«  "°  "«dit  could  be  given  to. 

0    any  th  n;r„th?    ;     ?'f "  '  ""  °"'^^'  '°  ''^^"^  "^  ^^«  ""-""«  -^'^-^  concluding 
on  any  thmg.  and  have  directed  surveys  now  to  be  made  of  the  Points  in  dispute,  which   after 

r:^l.Te„7f:  Te  tl         ''■'"■'  '.tl  '''  ^'^■'"'""'^  '-''  """  '^  -  f-the7  :  Jadt'a'L- 
Xly  thaUmavoZ  P""7f/^°»^«-'^  Chiefs  to  this  Town,  and  get  this  affair  settled 

the  greatest  Respect. 
My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's  most 

Right  Hon-  Earl  of  Hillsborough  °^"^''"'''  ""'^  ''"'"'''!  ^^"""'' 

*  H.    MOOBE 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  HaUborough. 


Fort  George  July  G">  17G8. 


(No.  14)  [N«w.York,OLX.,A.  8S.] 

My  Lord 

«.„;.,  h..,  been  rx^dE^i,:  /  ^sr  T-h  "'o  I'^rj '°  r '""°' 

of  Albany  ha,  become  a  ,reat  „ei.a„t  .1™  l  '  *""""'  *■=■ '"''''  "  'I"  'fo"" 

;r::<t:b:rSe:rife::r:;r:bS^ 

.ben.,  »  no  o.be,  .eoo„„.  bn.  ,ba.  of  .e  .c:r„roe°2r.;:ra:eX"  iT'^^ ^^ 

carrying  i.  ,„,„  execution.    Whatever  ad  am  g.:  f™,  an      fC  uToT'  "'  *'""""'  ■■" 
r.-.o„.  concernM  in  1>,  i,  „„,,  „eee,.aHly  n,ee.  „i,h  Z  oZ.  olV  '?"  ""'"'"'  "^ 

::i:r:oZ,::r::;„irLT^^^^^^^^^ 

-  -be  Kin,.  S.U  e„.y  beir'of  zr;!::';^  xrixrs  z 


ii'. 


!!M.S 


80 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


be  depriv'd  of  the  priviledge  of  sending  Representatives  to  the  Hoi.se  of  Assembly .  His  Majesty's 
Inetriictions  in  regard  to  this  Article  are  so  positive,  that  your  Lordship  knows  it  is  not  in  my 
power  to  concurr  in  a  meai  !re  now  so  much  wish'd  for,  and  from  which  so  real  a  Benefit  would 
be  deriv'd  to  all  the  upper  part  of  this  Province,  without  permission  being  first  obtaind  to  pass 
the  Bill  propos'd. 

As  the  meeting  of  our  Assembly  is  put  of  'till  the  month  of  September,  I  hope  I  may  before 
the  Session  is  over  be  favor'd  with  a  line  from  your  Lordship  on  this  head  &  that  His  Majesty'^ 
5>!easure  may  bo  made  known  upon  it. 
1  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the 
greatest  Respect, 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient 

and  humble  cervant 
Right  Hou"'*  Earl  of  Hillsborough  h.  Mooke. 


f 


(NM6) 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Eavl  of  IlUhhorovgli. 

t  New-Tork,  CLX.,  A.  86.  ] 

Fort  George  July  7'*  1768. 


My  Lord, 

The  circular  letter  wrote  by  the  Speaker  of  the  Massachuset's  Assembly  and  sent  into  the 
different  Provinces  did  not  arrive  here  before  an  end  was  put  to  tlie  Session  by  a  dissolution, 
It  is  impossible  for  me  to  say  at  present  what  would  have  been  the  effect,  if  the  letter  had  been 
receiv'd  during  the  Session,  but  from  the  coldness  which  was  shew'd  to  the  proposal  made  by 
the  Merchants  of  Boston  for  entring  into  a  con)hination  concerning  the  importation  of  British 
Manufactures,  (already  mcntioneil  in  my  letter  N"  7.  to  your  Lordship)  I  do  not  imagine  this 
Province  would  have  shew'd  that  forwardne.ss  which  many  others  have  done  on  this  occasion. 
The  Apprehensions  which  every  Person  of  properly  was  under  during  our  late  Commotions 
from  the  Licentiousness  of  the  Populace  are  not  yet  forgotten,  and  I  believe  they  would  not 
willingly  see  those  scenes  of  disorder  renew'd,  These  ure  the  Sentiments  of  those  I  have 
already  conversd  with  on  this  head,  and  as  our  Assembly  will  not  meet  'till  the  month  of 
September,  there  will  be  sudicieiit  time  for  reflection  before  that  period  comes,  iNolhing  in  the 
niean  time  shall  be  wanting  on  my  part  to  prevent  if  possible  their  entring  into  any  such  rash 
engagements,  and  I  shall  take  every  opportunity  to  lay  befor^  them  what  their  Duty  to  HIr 
Majesty  will  re(piire  on  this  occasion;  If  1  should  be  so  unlorlunate  as  not  to  meet  with  tlie 
desir'd  succe.is,  Your  Lordship  may  he  assur'd  that  Mis  Majesty's  Orders  on  this  occasion  shall 
be  strictly  obey'd. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the 

greatest  Respect, 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordsbiji's  most 

oltedient  nnd  humble  servant 
Right  Hon'"' Karl  of  Hil.sborougii  li.  M.h.rb 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


81 


(N" 17) 


Sir, 


■Earl  of  imUhorough  to  Governor  Moore. 

[  New.  York,  CLX  ] 

Whitehall  July  g"-  17G8 


Coll    e'^st:    ::"e°    \^Z^;-  T'^r'  "°-^^  -^-^  ^--'^-*--  -  <-  other 

conformed  to  what  In     bee    thV  :  ,"  '"'""''  "'  ""'''''"^  ^'''^  Establishment,  you  have 

Commands,  thai  ^i^t,    hud  il^^^^^^  "7   'rT'"'  ^''"''  ""^  '°  ^'«"'^^  '"  ^^  «^«  ^'^^v's 
unless   His  Majesty's     e  V     for  T'f  f  "^P--"^^'--  '-  this  New  Coun'ty. 

Keprese.atio„^t:rn:x;3:;::^u:;j::::d^::  :;r  ^-" «-  —  --  ^  - 

that  you  should  be  at  the  tronhu    r  »  '     '""-''  ''''  ""■^  "*"''""  '  l^"'  '  '^^  "«'  wish 

omee'of  th.  Lords  orTrldt  '"'"'"'  "  "^  ''°''^'  "^  ""^^  '«  °"«  ^'^'''^y  ^^^^  *»  'he 

on  L  West  side  0    Co„r  to  v  72  '''?  T"!''  ^'  '"  ""^"""^  "''  ^*^^  "^""P«''- 

Persons,  whom  you  nnpotrexeat^n^^  of  the  Lands  on  Lake  Champlain;  and  if  the 

Duty,  it  is  hoped  that  thi    VlX  ."'""''  *^°  ""'  '^^'"  '"  '^  '"'''"''"'  *''««'^«^8«  «''  ""-ir 

these  valuable  taoc-rv^  '"^  '"    .T  T""'  '""  I'""-""'-"  "^  the  act^.l  state  of 

taken,  which  slcorres^o       wit  m    ^^l  ''T'  ""  '''''''  ''"'«  ^'"^  ««  ^'« 

tbem  to  the  Public-  Be  e     l.lThe  "    ,   7           i  ".     '  '""  ""'""""  *  i-provement  of 

bona  fide  Possessors  """'"''°"  "'"^  "'^^'''""'S''  °'"  ^'^  ---"y  ""l"«triou8  and 

can  do  in  th  t  .-ase  is  to  r      e    nt  .^   I  r       ^'"^^     '"  ""'  '"'""«  '"  '""^  ^^^T-ninu.n,  all  I 
I  «b«ll  he  enabled  and  ju-       JK   l  /"'"""y  "^  '^'  "'''^•''  ^  ^l^""  -t  fail  to  do.  as  far  as 

Tor  .he   Ar'r s    of  lsS.lv       7    or'r"  """"       '  ''  ''""^  "'  '"^  ^''^''"'  "''""  »''"  ^'"'""y 

l»i«turl,an,vsat.N..wV.,rk     Zl        r        ^':;'"'7-"t'"n    (or   the  Losses  he  sus.aine.l   i„   th„ 

yourHe^onunendatio^iinhi'      ,  X'   r  :;,v'''1V''7"7  '""^  ''"'  "°  '^"^''^"^  '" 

t;..lden  with  the  f)irectioM,  v„„  .  •'^'^'•'•'"I'ly.     I  l)e'r  the  favour  of  you  to  acnuaint  M' 

tobybis^^.,y...;•r::;;;:;;•:;;™;;;;::'■-'^^ 


II 


:'J' 


82 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Desire  of  Distressing  tiie  Merchants  and  Manufacturers  of  Great  Britain,  they  are  doubtlesi,  if 
not  illegal  and  unwarrantable,  very  unnatural,  ungrateful  and  unbecoming.  In  their  effect 
however,  I  trust  they  will  be  of  no  ill  consequence  to  this  Kingdom,  and  if  they  should  induce 
a  real  spirit  of  CEconomy,  I  cannot  but  think  such  a  spirit  in  the  Colonies  would  be  of  service 
both  to  themselves,  and  to  the  Mother  Country,  as,  I  presume,  it  is  the  contrary  which  has 
occasioned  the  enormous  Debts,  which  at  present  distress  the  one,  and  depress  the  other. 

His  Majesty  highly  commends  the  attention  you  have  shewn  to  Indian  affiiirs,  and  in  particular 
to  the  case  of  the  Kayaderosseras  P  .tent,  which  has  so  long  been  a  subject  of  contention  with 
the  Savages,  and  a  Principal  Cause  of  their  Jealousy  and  Enmity.  If  you  can  settle  this  matter 
agreeably  to  your  Expectations  you  will  have  done  a  very  signal  service,  and,  from  the  suecees 
which  has  already  attended  the  commendable  and  p  ident  Measures  you  have  pursued.  His 
Majesty  entertains  no  doubt,  that  your  intended  interview  with  the  fndians  will  be  productive 
of  great  Public  Advantage. 

The  Bill  for  establishing  a  Paper  Credit  in  New  York,  transmitted  with  your  Letter  N°  10, 
will  be  laid  before  the  Board  of  Trade  for  their  Consideration,  and  I  will  not  fail  to  communicate 
to  you  His  Majesty's  pleasure  in  consequence  of  the  Uesolutions  which  may  be  taken  upon 
their  Lordships  Report. 

I  am  Sec" 
Sir  Henry  Moore.  Hillsborouoh 


£iirl  of  IliUsbormtgh  to  llie  Governors  in  America. 

[  Plwtalioiu  OtncrtI  (8.  P.  O. )  OGLIV.  ] 

Whitehall  July  IL  1708 
As  I  observe  it  frequently  happens  that  intelligence  of  Public  Transactions  in  the  Colonies 
is  received  by  private  Persons  in  this  City  long  before  any  Ollicial  Communication  of  it  comes 
to  me,  for  hij  Majesty's  Information,  I  conceive  this  Inconvenience  must  arise  in  great  measure 
from  his  Majesty's  Governors  not  availing  themselves  of  such  casual  Opportunities  of  Writing 
by  private  Ships  as  frequently  happen,  but  confining  themselves  to  the  Channel  of  the  Packets 
only;  for  this  reason'I  desire  that  you  will  for  the  future  send  your  Dispatches  by  the  lirst 
opportunity  that  offers,  and  Duplicates  of  them  by  the  next  Packet,  or  in  case  tl.e  Packet  shall 
be  the  first  Opportunity  that  offers,  then  you  will  send  your  Duplicates  by  the  Next 
private  Conveyance 


I  am  4," 


Hillsborouoh 


Sir    WHliam  Johmon   to  the  Earl  of  TlilLshorough. 

.,    ^  I  I'UdUIIo«i  OtunI  <  S.  r.  O. )  OCLIV.,  Ho,  1. 1 

N»8. 

,.    ,      .  Johnson  Hall  July  SO.  1768 

My  Lord, 

M'  Johnson  my  Deputy  has  during  my  Absenro  received  your  Lordships  Loiters  Numbers 
one,  two  and  three,  and  ac(iuainled  you  with  the  occasion  of  my  going  lo  the  Sea  Side  from 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


88 


whence  I  returned  a  few  days  ago  some  what  recovered  of  my  lale  indisposition,  he  lilcewise 

Sewm  'IhT;      ''™Vr  ^°"^  lordship  the  Steps  taken  Lards  effLing  the  Bunday 
Line  with  the  Indians,  and  the  occurrences  since  my  departure  ^^ounaary 

It  remains  for  me  now.  more  fully  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  Lordships  Letters 
with   the   Report  of  the   Board   of  Trade.    Sincerely  to   Congratulate    you    on    your  late 
Appointment  and  dutifully  to  Submit  my  thoughts  on  the  Reform  which  as  an  o'd   and 
believe  a  most  taithfull  Servant  to  the  Crown,  I  am  enabled,  and  bound  to  offer  to  His  1^^^^ 
Consideration  wherein  I  shall  Speak  without  the  smallest  Interest  or  Prejudice  beyond  wt 
n  me  naturally  arises  for  the  true  Interests  of  the  Crown,  and  the  happiness  of  the  PeopTe  a 

L^tSoff'  °"  '''  T"r  ''''"''°"  '''''  I"dians  within 'niydistl  ho  d' any 
thing  that  I  offer  appear  worthy  Attention  it  will  in  any  situation  of  life  yield  me  the  hishes^ 
Satisfaction,  and  by  Us  effects  point  out  its  utiliVy  but  should  it  on  the  contrary  me  wU  a 
d.fferen  reception,  the  Consideration  of  the  importance  of  the  Subject  th^  lec"  arv 
Connection  I  have  with  it  the  Experience  I  may  be  supposed  to  have  acq  ire  in  hes  Matters 
and  above  all  the  laudable  Motives  which  induced  me  to  the  task,  w  II  I  persua  e  m "e" 
Jiistify  my  intention,  whilst  it  affords  me  the  pleasing  reflection  that  I  have  faithTuirdt.Z^li 

JZaw'^'^'^^  ";'"  ''''"''  '"  '"'""'''^  '^''  '^'  P'«"  f"--  "'« '"^^^  ««-tual  regulating  of 
Indian  Affairs  which  came  out  in   17G4.  was  formed  under  your  Lordships   direction     and 

D°o".:Lf  t'"|         :n-'  ^PP"''^'°"  "'''"  y°"  '^  --''  P-'^'ed  at'  he  he       of 
Board  of   Irade.  and  has  since  in  part  carried  into  execution  attended  with  as  much  Succe  ! 
as  could  have  been  possibly  expected  from  the  powers  committed  to  me.  on  whi  h  Sut 
have  often  since  wrote,  and  at  Sundry  times  offered  my  humble  Sentiments  toward  'Tueh 
Amendments  teie.n.  as  seemed  most  reconcilable  to  the  different  Views  and  InZts  of      e 
Americans.     That  Agreeable  to  my  Instructions    I  did    then   and  since  .ive    hr«.  ! 

A«surances  to  all  the  Nations  of  Indians  thoughout  my  District.  tTat  tZ     ..ri  efiS 

established    by    such    Authority   and    in    such     Manner   as    to   effectually    remov        U     2 
uneasynesses  That  on  theso  Assurances  the  Ma.iority  of  them  relied,  and  fVom    he    xp    .     on 
of  that   Lstab  shment    they   have    been  hithorto  withheld   from  committing   on  rages      he 
consequences  of  their  own  unsettled  minds,  their  strong  Jealousies  of  our  jfowe    am   ^ewl 
-ince  te  reduction  of  Canada,  and  the  Misconduct  of  Sundry  persons  in  th    Co  on       which 
has  .lailly  encreased.     That  notwithstanding  I  was  not  impower  d  to  carry  this  plan    Lu    I  v 
..no  execution  and  that  some  parts  of  it  however  Judicious  and  Political.  apV      e    f^  „  r  „^  2 
that  occured  since    impracticable  to  be  ii.forced.  yet  I  have  still  recited    assume  s T 
some  thing  similar  thereto  was  under  consideration,  and  that  I  should  speedily    eriveBeh 
powers  as  would  Annwer  those  ends,  and  that  in  the  interim   I  should   give  the  Indan^ 
uch    Assurances  and  take  such  Measures,  as   would  make   them   easy  .ilf      e     am     wa 
Ksta  hshed;  By  .ak.ng  great  pain,,  and  by  repeating  these  assurances'l  have   Le    hither  o 
enabled   notwithstanding  their  impatience  to  preserve  peace,  which  has  been  Boleirovi  7  to 
theso  Measures  and  to  their  expectations  founde.i  thereon  ^  * 

.  The  present  Reform  for  the  Indian  Department  proposed  by  the  Lords  of  Trade  seems  very 
J  iciousy  ,rame.l  a.-ording  to  the  object  it  seems  to  have  had  in  View  by  C  in  itZ 
C.merc.al  Affairs  to  the  Care  of  the  Colonies  with  intent  priminillv  to  .h  .  ";  ,'  "  ,  '^ 
Kxpence.  founded  on  an  expectation  that  the  c;olouies  8ensil  ;   ^^  L/I  ;::'::^ 

.nannga  better  m  future.     Now  My  Lord.  wa.  I  governed  by  Interest  or  did  U  .;::;;  Z.::'; 


ill 


84 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


m 


...nuence  my  Representations,  I  should  not  offer  any  farther  thoughts  upon  it  seeing  that  my 
Salary  ,s  Augmented,  and  my  Cares  and  Trouble  in  some  measure  lessened,  Conside.'n.ions  of 
no  small  Weight  with  the  generality  of  mankind,  but  when  I  reflect  thai  this  Reform  is  a 
Matter  of  the  most  Serious  Consequence,  that  its  final  operations,  require  the  strictest 
Canvassing,  that  the  Consequences  ol  Mismanagement  have  such  weight  with  the  Doard  of 
Trade  as  to  .nduce  them  to  say.  that  were  it  probable  it  should  again  take  place  "They  would 
no  hes-.tate  ,n  declareing  their  opinion  against  the  Propriety  of  Suflering  the  management  of 
th.s  Concern  ever  to  revert  into  the  hands  of  the  Colonies."     I  say  My  Lord  when  I  duly 

Z '  M      M  TT'  "'  ^""'''"^*' ''  '">^  ''"^''"""^  D"'y '°  "«■-  '"y  ''"--bie  thoughts,  Jd 

throw  all  possible  l.ght  on  the  Obscure  parts  of  Indian  Affairs  which  being  a  Terra  Incognita, 
naccess.ble  to  the  Generality  of  even  enc.uirers  is  thereby  more  liable  to  Misrepresentatiot^ 
tnan  any  other  Subject.  . 

I  shall  therefore  proceed  to  take  a  short  View  of  the  State  of  the  Colonies  and  Indians 
previous  to  the  late  War  and  since  with  the  changes  produced  in  the  Politicks  and  Sentiments 
of  both  from  a  consideration  of  which  I  flatter  myself  some  Conclusions  may  be  drawn  relative 
to  the  hvent  of  the  present  System  and  its  future  operations. 

The  General  Misconduct  and  Neglect  of  Provincial  Management  is  too  well  known  and  has 
been  repeatedly  xpressed  as  the  Sense  of  Government.  It  is  however  said  by  some  that  they 
formerly  managed  the  Indians  at  a  very  Cheap  and  Easy  Ifate,  ami  that  they  were  in  general 
peaceable,  the  co.ulusion  to  be  drawn  from  thence  is.  That  they  had  best  to  have  them  again 
in  the.r  hands  w  ,ch  [  am  not  at  all  Surprised  that  many  persons  concerned  in  Trade  should 
wish  for,  I  own  1  shall  readily  admit  that  their  Transactions  were  attended  with  very  little 
Kxpence  and  I  know  what  they  lost  by  their  own  economy,  the  manner  and  buccess  of  thrir 
Management  will  require  to  be  more  particularly  discussed. 

The  Euglish  were  unknown  to  the  Western  Confederacy  before  this  Century,  and  the 
Nature  of  Our  Government  Genius  and  pursuits  of  our  I'eople  prevented  them  from  being 
ob,ec.s  or.Iealousy  to  the  Six  Nations  and  others  with  whom  they  were  some  what  acquainted! 
The  httle  we  had  to  do  with  them  was  easily  and  reasonably  transacted  whilst  they  had  few 
suspicions  of  our  designs  a  slend.r  opinion  of  our  powers  and  abilities,  ami  whilst  the 
Inhabi.auls  an.  I  raders  thro'  fear  were  cautious  of  giving  them  offence.  On  the  other  hand 
they  saw  a  small  but  vigorous  enterprising  Colony  in  Canada,  whose  (lovernment.  Pursuits 
and  Genius,  led  them  to  make  bold  Advances,  to  carry  War  into  the  Midst  of  their  Country,  and 
whose  I  oimcks  set  one  Natiou  -.gainst  another  which  enabled  them  to  penetrate  into  the 
Western  erntory,  and  to  form  Alliances  and  Trade  with  Nations  eutire  Strangers  to  us  with 
one  or  other  of  whom  .hey  were  nevertheless  (ienerally  at  War,  These  were  a  people 
.sulhcent  to  alarm  the  Jealousy  of  Indians,  Their  Kyes  were  fixed  upon  them,  aiiJ  they 
were  glad  to  see  another  Kuropean  power  in  .he  Country,  and  indeed  for  the  greatest  part  of 
this  (ountry  I  cant  hnd  that  the  Indians  were  undeceived  concerning  us,  .Nevertheless  in 
proportion  as  they  became  ac,,uain.e.l  with  lluropeans.  and  cour.ed  by  bo.l.  parties,  their 
want  encreased,  as  did  the  expences  attending  for  the  French  spared  neither  pains  nor  money 
upon  .hose  o.-casums.  whils.  we  avoi.le.l  both  and  what  Imle  was  given  was  so  ill  .ime.l,  anJ  . 
hro  .he  lands  of  such  Americans.  Ignorant  and  SlotMull  Managers,  as  rendere.l  it  of  li„le 
use,  so  .hat  whoever  shall  peruse  the  Records  of  Indian  Allairs  will  find  .ha.  their  Complaints 
have  been  encreasing  fr.,ni  the  Comuiencemen.  ol  .his  Cen.ury  and  ,heir  defection  froln  Our 
Interest  IS  as  \  i.sible.  till  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  War  they  were  totally  alienated  from 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    ZLI. 


85 


eur  Interest,  At  wh.ch  t.me  the  Indians  were  ho  far  improved  in  knowledge  and  avarice  that 

the.rherv.ces  became  very  expensive  and  some  Gentlemen  contributed  thereto  by  unsuccessful! 

endeavours  to  acquire  an  undue  Influence  amongst  them,     The  Western  Indians  even  at  this 

t.me  were  l.ttle  known  and  much  prejudiced  against  us  thro'  the  suggestions  of  the  French 

and  our  own  M..conduct  to  those  few  who  sometimes  resorted  to  Oswego  as  I  once  before 

related,  and  as  for  those  who  were  better  acquainted    >  ith  us.  altho'  they  still  re.a  ned  b  t  a 

lender  op.n.on  of  our  Abilities,  they  nevertheless  grew  Alarmed  and  Suspicious  on  observing 

o     encrease  and  the  advancement  of  Our  Settlements,  which  Joined  to  a  dislike  that  had  been 

gradually  encreas.ng  rendered  the  appointment  of  a  Superintendant  extreamly  necessary  had  no 

War    roke  out  wuh  France.     The  Conquest  of  Canada  being  Compleated  in  1760,  we  were 

JO  enter  ,nto  Alhances,  which  would  make  a  tenfold  addition  of  Indians.  Our  Troops  took 

Possess,on  of  the  Forts  in  the  Western  Country,  and  our  Traders  flocked  .hither  with  Goo'd  .  The 

French  saw  that  they  must  share  with   other  Colonies  that  Trade  which  they  before  held 

unr. vailed   and  many  of  them  flattering  themselves  with  the  hopes  of  a  change  and  s  imul 

by  Interest  spread  false  Reports  amongst  the  Indians,  at  the  same  time  those  residing  in  the 

Western  Country  and  some  of  those'  I'artizans,  who  had  retreated  thither  on  the  reduction  of 

Montreal,  were  very  busy  ,n  Alarming  the  Jealousies  of  these  our  new  Allies,  occasiond  a  General 
Confederacy  agamst  us.  on  which  I  went  to  Detroit  in  1701,  where  I  held  a  Treaty  with  them 
Gave  them  a  strong  assurances  of  his  Majestys  favour,  and  that  Measures  woud  be  taken  fo^ 
preventing  Abuses  Encroachments  &S  whereby  I  for  that  time  prevented  their  designs,  and  o, 
my  return  represented  the  necessity  for  such  Establishments  as  woud  remove  their  Supicion 
and  preserve  peace  and  order,  but  before  any  thing  was  done  therein,  the  artifices  of    le 
trench.  Misconduct  o    Our  People  and  Suspicions  of  the  Indians  (all  which  have  been  oft  n 
represented)  produced  the  War  in  17r,3-which  thro'  means  of  a  Vigorous  Expedition     n^ 
employing  one  Nation  against  another  was  terminated  the  year  following.  One  of  the  ^r  n    ,nl 
causes  of  this  War  was  the  Apparent  change  in  our  behaviour  to  the  Indians,  the  want  o,      o  e 
Agents  with  (It  powers  amongst  them,  and  the  alarming  Circumstance  of  our  being  the  S    e 
K  ropeans  here  by  the  reduction  of  Canada,     Those  Numerous  Nations  to  whom  w     we  « 
nrtro  uce.  by   ^is  Conquest  had  their  Natural  aversions  aggravated  by  thisCircumstancerand 
our  Old  All  es  began  to  be  much  Alarn.e.l  at  it.  This  was  one  of  the  Natural  Consequence, 
of  our  great  encrease  of  our  Advancement  into  their  Country  and  of  the  enlargement  of  ou 
Connections  with  them  and  could  only  be  surmounted  by  degrees  by  favours,  [&]  A  seem  „ 
ntention    o  tlie.r  Interests,  establishments  for  their  Affairs,  and  some  Summary    lethds  for 
obtaining  Justice-our  people  are  not  inclined  to  do  this.  They  began  to  think  them  unworthy 
at  en  .on   they  encroached  upon  them  Insulted  and  Wronged  them  and  altho'  they  p  id'ea" 
for  this  dunng  the  Indian  War.  yet  no  sooner  was  it  terminated  in  .70.  than  elat  d'  1    re  y 
and  by  the  Conquest  o   Canada,  and  seemingly  insensible  that  this  Conquest  had  encreas  d  thj 
number  o  our  Indian  Knemys.  and  rendered  the  management  of  them  .In  Air.ir  of  mu      ...    e 
di  liculty  tha,,  before  they  pushed  on  their  encro.u,.hments  and  at  last  began  to  proceed  to  Z 
and  Murder  them  whereever  they  n.et  them.  ,he  general  .urn  and  sentiments  of  our  I'eople  will 
m  Bp.ght  of  convicfon  lead  .1,..,..  in.o  .hose  Errors.     The  plan  which  came  over  ,hat  year  met 
w  th  several  delays  and  thereby  time  was  given  to  all  those  whose   i.nediate  pros,  ct    of 
advantage  ,..ig  t  be  frus.ra.ed   by  i.s   Es.al.lishn.ent  to  represent  the  Necessity  'e,: 

Indulgence  to  Trade  where  they  pleased.     The  French  in  the  Indian  Country  were  at  the 

'  th.ir.  Juhu,„n:  its,  XVI.,  \.^.y„k  Uocufntulary  lli,U„u,  «vo,.  !!..  yoo.  -  Ei,. 


86 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


bottom  of  this,  they  knew  that  if  once  they  were  permitted  to  bring  Goods  there,  they  could 
Secure  that  part  of  the  Trade  to  themselves  by  their  Politicks.  The  Event  has  Justified  this 
1  he  Indians  have  began  already  to  Murdoi  our  Traders  and  the  French  have  aided  in  plundering 
them,  and  persuaded  the  Indians  to  threaten  all  English  with  death  who  shall  enter  their 
Country,  In  short  they  have  been  only  hitherto  prevented  from  taking  Arms  thro'  their  reliance 
on  my  Assurances  from  time  to  time  in  the  Name  of  Government.     That  their  Affairs  were 
under   consideration    that   they  might  be  assured    that   such  Authority  should  be  given  to 
the  Managers  of  their  Affairs  as  would  remedy  those  Abuses  of  which  they  have  so  often 
Complained,  and  of  which  the  Crown  seems  to  be  so  Sensible.     Their  Reliance  is,  and  has  been 
entirely  on  the  Crown  thro'  the  powers  vested  in  its  Officer,  founded  on  a  certainty  of  the  utter 
impossibility  of  receiving  it  at  other  hands  whether  the  same  be  owing  to  inexperience,  want  of 
leisure,  disinclination,  the  want  of  legal  Provision  adapted  to  the  peculiarity  of  their  Affairs  or 
to  that  particular  biass  of  the  Colonists  which  operates  so  much  to  the  disadvantage  of  the 
Indians,  throughout  their  various  Subjects  of  Contention,  whether  in  the  ordinary  pursuit  of 
their   Landed  or  Commercial   Interests  in  America.     These   points   in   the   Course  of  my 
Correspondence  with  his  Majesty's  Ministers  have  been  more  than  once  enlarged  on,  and  I  see 
with  Satisfaction  that  Your  Lordship  and  the  Board  of  Trade  are  persuaded  of  their  General 
truth,  and  therefore  I  might  have  avoided  giving  Your  Lordship  the  trouble  of  perusing  so 
long  a  detail,  did  it  not  contain  some  circumstances  which  will  point  out  the  difficulties  I  must 
expect  to  encounter  in  reconcileing  the  whole  of  the  Measures  according  to  the  Reform  to  the 
minds  of  the  Indians,  and  produce  some  thoughts  from  the  conclusions  and  considerations  of 
winch  I  flatter  myself  that  Your  Lordship  will  think  it  necessary  to  tiie  Public  Quiet  that  the 
Colonies  have  ample  directions  for  the  good  Management  of  Affairs  of  Commerce,  as  there 
is  reason  to  apprehend  they  will  not  incline  to  be  at  much  trouble  or  expence  about  them 
These  thoughts  are  with  all  becomingdeference  humbly  Submitted  to  your  Lordship.     I  am 
to  assure  Your  Lordship  that  I  shall  lose  no  time  in  compleating  and  fullilling  his  Majesty's 
Orders  touching  the  carrying  the   Reform  into  Execution  omitting  no  pains  necessary  for 
explaining  and  reconcileing  it  to  the  Indians,  relying  on  his  Majesty's  support  for  the  more 
effectual  discharge  of  the  rest  of  the  Dutys  remaining  under  my  Superintendency,  which  I  shall 
always  endeavour  to  perform  in  the  best  manner,  but  there  are  some  points  necessary  thereto 
which  it  is  my  Duty  to  lay  before  your  Lordship.     The  Northern  and  Southern  Departments 
are  put  upon  the  same  allowance  altho' the  Northern  has  been  always  considered  and  admitted 
to  be  by  much  the  most  Considerable  and  Respectable  whether  as  to  the  Number  of  Indians 
their  dispositions,  or  the  circumstances  attending  their  Affairs  and  Management,  And  as  Annual 
Presents  must  be  given  to  the  Western  Indians.  Six  Nations,  those  of  Canada,  and  the  Shawanese 
and  Delawares,  I  submit  it  to  your  Lordship  whether  there  is  a  possibility  of  doing  this  and 
providing  for  all  other  necessary  Contingencies  on  .13000  p'  Amiuni.     In  the  next  place  the 
absolute  necessity  there  is  for   my  having  some  Subordinate  Officers  for  the  carrying  on 
the  various  operations  and  Dutys  of  this  Office,    Those  Deputys  and  Interpreters  who  are 
Essential  thereto,  do  not  appear  to  have  a  provision  made  for  them,  the  Sum  I  formerly  prwposed 
lor  a  present  alone   was  XtOOO.     The  Contingences    are   besides  as   uncertain   as   they  are 
innumerable  and  as  I  am  directed  to  remove  all  those  Offit-ers  who  were  established  lor  the 
Indian  Trade,  which  are  the  Commissaries,  Smiths  at  the  i'osts  &",  the  future  want  of  those 
Corresponding  Agents,  will   in  many  Respects  add  to  the  trouble  as  well  as  the  expence  of 
Management  So  that  the  Depulys  who  are  long  Established  cannot  be  paid  out  of  the  Annual 


i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI  g^ 

^3000.  without  omitting  some  other  essential  part  of  the  Service,  nor  can  theirs  be  dispensed 
wth  But  that  the  Service  may  not  suffer  thro'  the  want  of  what  is  necessary  and  reasonable. 
I  shall  endeavour  to  settle  these  matters  with  the  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Army,  in  the  best 
manner  I  can,  hoping  it  will  merit  approbation. 

The  other  Affairs  of  the  Department,  the  necessity  for  continuing  the  Boundary  Line 
Northerly  from  Owegy  so  as  to  Establish  bounds  between  them  and  New  York  in  such  manner 
as  the  Indians  shall  be  prevailed  on  to  agree  to,  1  hope  to  receive  your  Lordships 
Commands  upon.  ' 

As  to  the  other  objects  of  Concern  and  the  extraordinary  Intelligences  received  I  am  doing  all 
in  my  power  thereon  and  hope  to  lay  them  and  other  Matters  more  fully  before  your  Lordship  in 
my  next  but  the  Subject  of  this  Letter  having  already  drawn  it  out  I  an  immoderate  leng  h 
I  must  for  the  present  draw  to  a  Conclusion,  by  expressing  my  humble  gratitude  to  liis 
Majesty  for  the  Augmentation  of  my  Sallary,  and  my  Sincere  thanks  to  your  Lordship 
Assuring  you  hat  I  should  not  desire  it,  longer  than  I  was  able  to  do  real  Service,  and  that  as 
al  my  proposals  have  been  directed  with  that  View,  the  same  shall  ever  remain  the  invariable 
rule  of  My  Conduct^  thro'  which  I  persuade  myself  of  hi»  Majesty's  favour  and  the  Continuan  e 
of  your  Lordships  Countenance.  "  nmuaiKe 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  most  profound  Respect 
My  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

m,    r>.  u.  TT    ,,  Most  obedient  &  most 

The  Right  Hon"-!'  .^      ,   ,  ,       , ,    „ 

Tho  F.ri  „f  nil  u  .  Devoted  humble  Servant 

1  he  Larl  of  Hillsborough.  „.   , 

VV.  Johnson 


(N°20.) 


Sir, 


Mrl  of  nUhlorough  to  Governor  Moore. 

[New-Tork.CLX.] 

Whitehall  IS"-  August  17G8 


On  the  IS-  of  July  I  received  your  Letter  to  me  N«  11,  acquainting  me  with  your  Intention 
of  sea  ng  out    he  next  Day  after  the  date  of  it  for  the   Mohawk  Country  :  ami  I  si     1   be 

'^::ii^n^r' '-- '-'  -  ---^-^  ^^  ^---^  -  ^  ^-  -^  ^^  -'••'- 

I  have  only  in  Command  from  His  Majesty  to  send  you  the  inclosed  Order  of  His  Majesty 
n  Council,  confirming  the  Boundary  Line  between  New  York  and  Quebec,  as  agree    up  ^3 
fixed  by  yourself  and  Covernor  Carleton.  for  the  due  Execution  of  which  ofder  unde 
several  Limitations  and  Restrictions  contained  in  it.  His  Majesty  has  the  fullest  Relia,   e 
your  zeal  for  &  attention  to  His  Service.  "tiiance  on 

K,.,8,  ll,«,r  L„rJ.I„p,  ihougM  lit  .0  uiakc  a  Hrpori  t„  Hi.  M„j„,j,  u„„u,,„„. 


88 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


This  Report  has  been  since  referred  to  His  Majesty's  Attorney  &  Solicitor  General  for  their 
op.mon  the  Question  agitated  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  they  having  reported  that  they  are 
of  Opinion,  the  Act  of  Assembly  passed  in  New  York  in  June  1767  is  such  a  Compliance  with 
the  Act  of  Parliament  of  the  Seventh  year  of  His  Majesty's  Reign  as  leaves  the  validity  of  the 
Acts  and  Proceedings  of  the  Legislature  of  the  Colony  subsequent  to  the  1"  of  October  17G7 
subject  to  no  objection,  on  that  Account,  I  herewith  inclose  to  you  a  Copy  of  His  Majesty's 
Order  in  Council  thereupon,  directing  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations  to 
proceed  in  the  Consideration  of  the  other  Laws  passed  in  that  Province,  and  make  their 
Representations  thereupon  to  His  Majesty  in  Council  in  the  usual  &  accustomed  manner. 


I  am  Sea" 


Hillsborough 


Order  in  Council  confirming  the  Boundary  Line  between  Kew-Yo7h  and  Qutlec. 

;  From  Now-Tork  Cooncll  Minalei,  Albany,  XXVI.,  131.  ] 

At  the  Court  at  S'  James's  the  12""  day  of  August  17G8 


Present - 


The  Kings  most  Excellent  Majesty 


Duke  of  Grafton 
Duke  of  Rutland 
Duke  of  Queensberry 
Mnrquiss  of  Granby 
Earl  of  LitchfiplJ 
Earl  of  Hillsborough 
Earl  of  Shelburne 
Viscount  Weymouth 


Viscount  Falmouth 

Viscount  Barrington 

Viscount  Villiers 

Lord  North 

James  Stuart  Mackenzie  Esq 

Thomas  Harley  Esq': 

Sir  Edward  Hawke 


Whereas  there  was  this  Day  read  at  the  Board  a  Report  from  the  Right  Honourable  the 

Lords  o(  the  Committee  of  Council  for  Plantation   Affairs  dated  the  9-  of  thi.s  Instant   upon 

considenng  a  Report  made  by  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations,  upon  an 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Sir   Henry  Moore  (Jovernor  of  New  York,  to  the  Earl  of  Shelburne 

dated  the  IG'- of  January  last,  relative  to  the  selling  the  Boundary  Line  between  that  Province 

and  Quebec:  By  which  Report  it  appears,  that  it  having  been  mutually  agreed  upon,  between 

Sir  Henry  Moore  and  the  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Province  of  (Quebec,  at  a  Meeting  for 

that  purpose  appointed,  that  the  Line  of  Division  between  these  Provinces  should  be  fixed  at 

the  forty  h(th  Degree  of  North  Latitude,  conformable  to  the  Limits  laid  down  in  his  Majesty's 

Proclamation  of  October  17G;},  and  it  having  been    ascertained  and  determined  by  proper 

Observations  where  the  said  Line  would  pass  ;  it  is  therefore  proposed  that  these  Proceedings 

above  stated  should   be  conflrme.l  by  his  Majesty-His  Majesty  taking  the  said  Iteport  into 

Consideration  was  please,!  with  the  Advice  of  his  privy  Council  to  approve  thereof,  ami  doth 

hereby  confirm  the  said  Proceedings  above  .stated,  and  order  that  the  sai<l   Line  of  Division  be 

run  out  and  continued  as  far  as  each  I'rovince  respectively  extends  Provided  that  nothing 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 

herein  before  contained  shall  extend  to  affect  the  Properties  of  his  Mnjesty's  new  Snhipnt- 

Lir'theTo"""  ""r"  rr  ''''^''  °"  '''''^  ""^'^'^  '^«  ^-''^  -   s  u  nlide  0  th ; 

Lmc,  the  Dom.n.on  of  which  was  not  disputed  on  the  part  of  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain 

new  sZ  1    f  "•  To  '"'  ^^'^'•'"'-^'-  '•'"^"  "ot  operate  wholly  to  deprive     a  Ma    s;!' 
new  bubjects  of  such  Concessions  on  the  South  side  nr"  fh«  «=i-4  r  ;  u-  l     ,    •'^"y  ^ 

have  made  actual  Settlement  and  Improvement  alhou-^      «         H  ?       f  '''^  "'^ 

bv  thP  Pmurn  „f  n,    »  n  •»  •    "  ""Vrovemem,  although  the  Lands  may  have  been  disputed 

Steph:  Cottrell 


Prefer  in  CouncU  on  the  lieport  of  the  Zords  of  the  Committee  of  Privy  CouncU. 

[N.w-Tork  Bundl.,  Er.,  No.  «8,  N.w.To,k  Oolo-W  M,„„,.^  Alb.«y.  XXVI..  Ml.  ] 

At  the  Court  of  S«  James's  the  12'"  day  of  August  1768. 

Present-        The  Kmos  most  Excell«  Maj'^  in  Council. 

"  Your  Mnj'T  having  been  pleased  by  your  Order  in  Council  of  tbp  n.h  „f  ^f      ,     . 
"  bir  h  ;nry  Moore  E.ironet,  your  Maj'^'-  Gov'  of  the  ProV  of  Np«,  v.a   u     ■ 

"  /,„/,    /-.nn. ...    •  •  "'""'""^  lie  Auigs    Iroops  wtt/i  all  llw  necessaries  rciiiiiml  i» 

Vox..  VIII  '  sul>m.ss,u„  to  and  oompliance.  with  what  has  been 


I'' 


90 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


"  thought  fit  to  be  enacted  by  the  Parliament  of  Great  Britain,  in  respect  to  quartering  your 
"  Mitj'J''  Troops  in  America,  as  could  conCormabiy  to  the  tenour  of  the  Act  above  mentioned, 
"  mai<e  it  Lawful  for  the  Legislature  of  New  York  to  make  or  pass  any  Act,  or  any  order, 
"  resolution,  or  vote,  save  only  such  as  could  make  such  Acts,  Votes  and  Resolutions  of  any 
"  force  or  validity ;  and  to  the  end  that  Your  Maj'^  may  be  fully  informed  of  every  circumstance 
"  necessary  to  be  attended  to  in  the  discussion  of  this  question,  it  is  our  duty  humbly  to  state 
•'  to  your  Majesty  the  Laws,  which  have  been  passed  in  New  York  for  making  provision  for 
"  quartering  your  Maj"'-  Troops,  subsequent  to  the  Act  for  that  purpose,  which  was  disallowed 
"  by  Your  Maj-J-  in  Council,  and  was  the  ground  of  those  proceedings  in  Parliament,  that  gave 
"  rise  to  the  Law  above  recited"  — 

"  On  the  C">  of  June  17G7.  the  Legislature  of  New  York  passed  an  Act  intituled:  "An  Act 
"  "granting  unto  His  Maj'^  the  sum  of  three  thousand  pounds  for  furnishing  necessarys  for  the 
"  "  Troops  quartered  within  this  Colony,  and  for  paying  Captain  Phillip  Martin  the  losses  he 
"  "  sustained  in  the  house  of  Major  James,  on  the  first  of  November  one  thousand  seven 
"  "  hundred  and  sixty  five"  — By  this  Act  it  is  provided,  that  the  Treasurer  of  that  Colony 
•'  shall  out  ol  certain  funds  therein  mentioned  pay  unto  His  Excellcy  Thomas  Gage 
"  Commander  in  Chief  of  your  Maj'^'-  Forces  in  North  America  or  his  order,  or  to  the  Commander 
"  in  Cl'.ief  for  the  time  being,  or  order,  the  sum  of  three  thousand  pounds  to  be  applied  for 
"  (urnishing  necessarys  for  your  Maj'^'-  Troops  quartered  within  that  Colony,  and  no  mention 
"  whatever  is  made  of  the  persons  by  whom,  or  the  mode  in  which  the  service  shall  be 
"  performed  ;  nor  is  there  any  specification  of  the  particular  articles  to  be  furnished  to 
"  the  Barracks. 

"  On  the  same  day  that  this  Act  was  passed,  the  General  Assembly  was  prorogued,  between 
"  whicii  time  and  their  meeting  again  in  November  your  Maj'»'«  Gov'  received  the  Act  of 
"  Parliamf-nt  and  on  the  1S">  of  November  17G7  he  communicated  it  to  the  Council  and 
"  A^SL'inbly  of  New  York,  who,  in  their  address  in  answer  to  the  speech  made  by  him  upon 
"  that  occasion,  expressed  their  concern  at  having  fallen  under  the  displeasure  of  .he  British 
"  Parliament,  and  referr  to  what  they  had  done  in  the  preceeding  session,  as  such  a  compliance 
"  with  the  Act  of  Parliam'  as  did  in  their  opinion  take  away  any  scruple  the  Gov'  could  have 
"  to  concurr  in  such  things  as  the  public  good  of  the  Colony  might  require. 

"  In  this  opinion  your  Maj'^'-  Gov'  appears  to  have  acquiesced,  and  accordingly  the  Gen' 
"  Assembly  proceeded  to  business  in  the  usual  manner,  and  several  Laws  were  made  and 
"enacted,  among  which  there  is  one  for  making  a  further  provision  of  fifteen  hundred  pounds 
"  for  furnishing  Your  Maj-.v.  Troops  Quartered  in  that  Colony  with  necessaries,  nn.i  the  sums 
"  requisite  for  quartering  Your  Maj'^"  Troops  are  directed  to  be  drawn  out  of  the  Treasury  by 
"  warrant  of  the  Gov'  and  Council  without  any  specification  either  of  the  manner  in  which 
"  the  service  shall  be  performed,  or  the  Articles  which  are  to  be  furnished. 

"  From  these  proceeding  it  evidently  appears  that  the  Legislature  of  your  Maj'^'  Province  of 
"N,.w\ork  have  considered  the  Act  passed  by  them  in  June  17G7,  as  a  full  and  compleat 
"  obedience  to  and  compliance  with  the  Acts  of  I'arliament  above  recited,  and  when  we 
"  consider  the  nature  and  Terms  of  the  Act  of  Parliament  of  the  seventh  year  of  Your  Maj"'" 
"  lUign  (which  in  the  enacting  part  is  entirely  silent  as  to  the  mode  of  providing  the  necessaries 
"  required  by  the  former  Law.)  mi.l  compare  that  Act  with  the  provisions  of  the  Law  passed 
"  in  New  'iork  in  1707;  we  cannot  hut  he  of  opinion  that  the  object  and  intention  of  it  are 
"  thereby  in  ellect  answered  and  provided  'or. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLT. 


91 


"  But  how  far  in  the  strict  and  iega.  construction  of  this  Law  it  is  such  a  compiia'.r.o  as  can 
"give  validity  to  all  Acts  and  proceedings  there  subsequent  to  the  first  of  October  1767    is  a 
"question  which  it  is  our  duty  humbly  to  submit  to  your  M„     •  determination,  upon  such 
•  opinions  and  advice  of  the  Law  Officers  as  your  Majesty  shall  think  fit  to  take  thereupon." 
'  1  he  Lords  of  the  Committee  in  obedience  to  your  Maj"'-  said  order  of  reference  did  on 
"the  23'"  of  June  last  take  into  consideration  the  said  representation  and  Act  passed  in  New 
"  York  on  the  sixth  of  June  1767  and  also  another  Act  passed  in  that  Province  on  the  21" 
"of  Decemb'  1767,  intituled:  "An  Act  for  making  a  further  provision  of  fifteen  hundred 
"  "pounds  for  furnishing  His  Maj'>'.  Troops  quartered  in  this  Colony  with  necessaries"  and 
"  hkewise  the  aforementioned  Act  of  Parliament  made  in  the  seventh  year  of  your  Majesty's 
"  Reign,  and  thought  proper  to  referr  the  said  representation  and  Acts  to  your  Maj'>'  \ttor.u.v 
"and  SoUicitor  geneial  to  consider  the  same  and  report  to  this  Committee  how  fur  in  ilie 
"  strict  and  legal  conntruction  the  Law  passed  in  New  York  in  June  1767,  is  such  a  compliance 
"  with  the  said  Act  cC  Parliam'  of  the  seventh  year  of  your  Maj'/-  Reign,  as  can  give  validity 
"to  al    Acts  and  proct.dmp.  of  the  Legislature  of  the  said  Colony  subsequent  to  the  !>'  of 
"October  1767;  whereupon  Your  Majesty's  Attorney  and  SoUicitor  General  have  reported  to 
"  this  Committee,  that  they  are  of  opinion  the  Act  of  Assembly  passed  in  New  York  in  June 
»  1707  18  such  a  compliance  with  the  Act  of  Parliament  of  the  seventh  year  of  your  M,i'>' 
"  Reign,  as  leaves  the  validity  of  the  Acts  and  proceedings  of  the  Legislature  of  the  Colony, 
"subsequent  to  the  first  of  October  1767,  subject  to  no  objection  on  that  account;  for  the 
"  only  object  o«-  the  Act  of  Parliam'  appears  to  have  been  fully  accomplished  by  the  supply 
"  of  the  money,  which  is  admitted  to  he  competent  to  the  service,  the  mode  of  applying  it,  anil 
"  the  specification  of  the  articles  made  no  part  of  the  condition,  the  performance  of  which  was 
"  to  restore  the  Legislature  of  the  Colony  to  their  former  activity—And  the  Lords  of  the 
"Committee  having  this  day  resumed  the  consideration  of  this  matter  do  concurr  in  opinion 
"  with  your  iMaj'^'  Attorney  and  SoUicitor  General  and  humbly  propose  to  your  Mai'r  that  it 
"  may    be   ndviseable   for   your   Maj'r   to   direct   the    Lords   Commissioners  for   Trade  and 
"  Plantations  to  proceed  in  the  consideration  of  the  other    Laws  passed   in  that   Province 
<•  and  make  their  representations  thereupon  to  your  Maj'r  in  Council  in  the  usual  &  accustom'd 
"  manner — 

His  Majest;  taking  the  said  Report  into  consideration,  was  pleased  with  the  advice  of  his 
privy  Council  to  approve  thereof  and  to  order  as  it  is  hereby  ordered,  that  the  Lords  Commiss" 
lor  trade  and  I  lantations  do  proceed  in  the  consideration  of  the  other  Laws  passed  in  thit 
province  and  make  their  representations  thereupon  to  His  Maj-r  in  Council  in  the  usual  & 
accustomed  manner. 

•  Steph:  Cottrell. 


N-e 


Earl  of  lUlhhorougli  to  Sir   Will/am  Johnson. 

I  riiinlallons  fleiu'rnl  ( ».  I',  o. )  CCLl  V.  No.  5.  ] 


gi,^  Whitehall  August  13.  17GS 

I  have  his  Majesty's  Commands  in  consequence  of  an  Onier  in  Council,  to  transmit  to  you 
the  inclosed  Copy  of  a  Petition  presented  to  his  Majesty,  praying  a  Grant,  under  certain 


fi 


* 


I 


92 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Limitations,  of  all  Copper  Mines  in  the  Country  circumjacent  to  Lalte  Superior  60  Miles  from 
the  Waters  of  the  Lake;  1  am  also  directe.l  to  send  you  a  Copy  of  the  Report  of  the  Board 
ot  Trade  upon  this  Petition,  and  as  his  Majesty  approves  what  is  advised  by  their  Lordships 
lou  will  therefore  be  pleased  to  make  a  full  enquiry  into  the  Facts  nlledged.  and  tha 
1  ract.cab.hty  of  the  Proposals,  and  report  your  opinion  what  effect  the  Execution  of  this 
Measure  will  probably  have  as  to  his  Majesty's  Interests  with  respect  to  the  Indians,  and  by 
wha  means  they  might  be  induced  to  consent  to  such  Establishments,  as  would  be  necessary 
forobammg  the  advantages  stated  to  arise  from  the  Proposals,  in  case  his  Majesty  should 
upon  lurther  Consideration  think  it  adviseable  to  comply  therewith. 

I  am  &.' 

Hillsborough. 


*~"  ♦ «. » 


N"  18 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  HilhhormgJi. 

[  New-York,  CLX.,  A.  88.] 


My  Lord, 

It  was  no  small  mortification  to  me  that  I  was  under  the  necessity  of  laying  before  your 
Lordship  the  ..sappointment  I  had  met  with  in  my  late  endeavours  to  settle  the  dispute 
concerning  the  Kayaderosseras  Patent,  but  I   was   deservedly   punish'd    for  relying  on  tl  a 
diligence  &  activity  of  persons  whom  I  thought  too  much  interested   in  the  success  of  my 
negotiation  to  neglect  any  means  which  could  forward  it;  I  have  already  had  the  honor  of 
informmg  your  Lordship  in  my  letter  mark'd  N"  12.  that  1  had  been  oblig'd  to  break  up  the 
meet^ing  held  on  this  occasion,  without  concluding  on  any  thing,  but  I  wa's  determined  n'ot  to 
let  It  drop,  eBpecially  m  our  present  critical  situation  &   the   moment  the  Surveys   were 
comp  eate    which  I  had  directed  to  be  made  I  sent  up  two  Persons  from  hence  as  Ag  n^  o 
the   Patentees  w.h    etters  to   S'  W-  Johnson  recommending  this  matter  strongly  to  him  & 
desiring  that  the  Mohawk  Indians  might  be  called  together  again,  &  the  former  Propel"  g    .id 
once  more  before  them  ;  This  had  the  desired  effect,  for  as  the  contending  parties  co   Id  n    v 
judge  w,  h  certainty  what  was  claim'd  by  each,  from  the  Surveyors  Return  whic.wrmade 
upon  oath.     It  was  not  long  before  they  came  to  an  agreement  on  the  following        Zr 
I    m  informed  by  a  letter  received  a  few  days  ago.  from  S'  VV-  Johnson,  The  Paten  ts    iive 
release    to  the  In   ,a„s  a  large  Tract  of  Land  to  the  Westwanl.  which  was  part  ^       >     . . 
ey    clam...     &    hkewise    all    Pretentions    to    those   lands    by    whid.    the    Titles  of  oe 
atents  granted  to  o,   ers  were  affected.     The  Indians  on  .heir  part  have  relased  all    I 
e  remain  er  of  the  Patent  agreeable  to  the  Survey  made  on  the  i>atentees  paying  them  ^)  0 
Dollars,    J  Ins  D.spule  which  has  subsisted  about  00  years  &  occasioned  so  much  unea  s    J     is 
a    last  settle.1  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  Parties,  &  I  am  e.xtremely  happy  to  have    t  ir Z    ow 
to  give  your  Lordsh,p  this  information,  I  must  own  that  I  was  under  so  much  anxiety  alo 

;  is';^:::;:,;:t';::T'^'""^  r^---  -'  '"""-^  --  --^  '-'-^  ^"°-  th:;:;:f ;:;;;: 


'J 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI.  go 

difRcuIty,  as  I  had  been  seized  with  a  violent  fever  on  my  return  from  my  late  Journev  Sr 
smce  my  coming  home  confined  to  my  chamber  (orth^se  I  Jfc  six  weeks  B^t  as  vo-  Shit 
ha.  ment,oned  that  His  Majesty  had  been  pleased  to  approve  of  the  attent  o"  I  had  g  e  '^^^ 
t  .  8erv,ce.  I  thought  .t  incumbent  on  me  to  exert  my  utmost  eff^orts  on  the  occasion  Toe 
of  the  Mofves  of  my  ate  Tour  was  to  get  the  best  information  of  those  parts  of  he  Province 
et:  e.HoTvrtl  ^^h°  ^'''"  "  "^^  "'  "  ^"^^"^«  ^'^^  ''^  '"'>-«•  that  In.lg  be  b 
F    lo    tlToh  ^k  1   vl"  h'"""  '"'  "'^'^  "'»"'^^'  '  "^"'  "P  -  ^--  the'cannjoharie 

ao.„  or  ^p  t;;:^:^  p^^r  :zzt?:^^^^^^       -£= 

t  e  on,      bstructiou  to  the  Navigatior  between  Fort  Stanwix  &tL:ldymVlt       cat:: 

gr  at  Canal  m  Languedoc.  &  I  stayed  a  whole  day  there  which  was  employed  in  measur  ng 

the  Fal  s  &  exam.n.ng  the  Ground  for  that  purpose.     Upon  the  meeting  of  the  Legisla   ve 

Bod.es     propose  to  lay  what  I  have  done  before  them,  &  engage  themlf  I  possibly  cat  o 

c  rry  mto  execution  a  project  that  will  be  attended  with  such  benefit  to  the  Public.     Iflfai" 

o  success  ,„  ^y  at  empt  I  shall  still  have  this  satisfaction  that  I  have  done  my  Duty  in  p  i„t    g 

out  to  them  how  those  advantages  they  have  from  their  situation  may  be  improved,  the  res^ 

must  depend  on  themselves.     I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Ilespectr 

M      TT    1    .  ^'y  Lord 

New  York  August  17""  nc.  v„,.- t      j  u-  .  .     , 

6  ou  i.     i/u,.  Your  Lordship's  most  obed' 

fori  „f  uii  u  L  ^  ^  humble  serv' 

.    i-ari  of  Hillsborough  lecref  of  State.  tt    »r 

H.  Moore 


■*■■»■■» 


S/r    William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  IlilUormgh. 

jya  3_  C'''»'>'«"loB«Qeneral(8.r.O.)CCUV.,No.8.] 

My  Lord,  Johnson  Hall  Aug:  17.  17GS 

1  had  the  honor  of  addressing  a  letter  V  2,  of  the  20""  Ul"  to  your  Lordship  immediately 
af^r  my  return  from  the  Sea  Coast,  therein  I  took  the  libery  to  ofTer  some  thoughts  cone. rn    g 
the^presP^t  Reform  &  Management.  Some  of  which  I  flattered  myself  would  prove  Seasonal, le 
S.nce  I  wrote  that  letter  a  Chief  of  the  Chippawaes  one  of  the  most  powerLl  Natio  s   o  t  J 
Westward  Arnved  here  on  an  Embassy  with  several  others.  As  he  is  a  man  of  much  In  1      c     an. 
an  brmg  some  thousands  of  his  people]  •  into  the  Feild,  I  took  particular  Notice  of  him  f^rne  ly 
at  IN  agra.  s.nce  wh.ch  he  has  behaved  very  well  and  now  come  to  be  informed  of  my  sentiment! 
on  the  uneasy  State  of  the  Indians  to  the  Westward,  he  told  me  that  his  People  wL  d    "e  ly 
wa,t   ns  re  urn  before  they  took  any  Kesolution.  Confirmed  all  the  Ace"  I  have  received  ote 
prnct.ces  of  the  Spaniards  and  French,  of  the  assurances  they  give  them  of  ass  s  „,  ce^ fr^^^^^ 
Europe,  and  o,  the  Belts.  Messages,  and  Presents  sent  amongst'them.  they  are  enlat^in^t^ 
'  The  wonl.  within  brackot^  are  a.ljej  from  the  Doc-nment  in  Jo>,n,on,  MSS.,  XVI. -Ed. 


94 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


encrease  the  spirit  of  distrust,  Jealousy  &  Avasion  '  by  every  rreans  in  their  power,  amongst  the 

Indians  in  general,  and  it  will  be  utterly  impossible  to  keep  them  all  quiet  without  silencing  those 

incendiaries  who  are  amongst  them.     I  wish  the  Colonies  may  Act  wisely  in  the  Management 

of  the  Indian  Trade,  as  a  good  deal  will  depend  upon  it  at  this  time  this  will  require  much 

pains  &  expense,  else  they  must  not  expect  to  send  any  Traders  into  the  Indian  Country, 

Altho'  the  much  greater  part  of  those  who  go  a  trading  are  men  of  such  circumstances  and 

dispositions  as  to  venture  their  persons  any  where  for  extravagant  -ains,  yet  the  consequences 

to  the  public  are  not  to  be  slighted,  as  we  may  be  led  into  a  general  Quarrel  thro'  their  means. 

The  Indians  in  the  parts  adjacent  to  Michilimacinac  have  been  t-eated  with  at  a  very  great 

expei.se  for  some  time  past.     Major  Rojers  brings  a  considerable  Charge  against  the  Crown  for 

mediating  a  peace  between  some  Tribes  of  the  Sioux  &  some  Chippawaes  living  about  Lake 

Superior,  which  had  it  been  attended  with  success,  would  have  been  only  interesting  to  a  very 

few  French,  &  others  that   had  Goods  in  that  part  of  the  Country,  but   the  contrary  has 

happened,  and  they  are  more  violent  than  ever  against  one  another  which  perhaps  is  not  an 

unfavourable  Circumstance  for  Us  at  this  Juncture,  but  the  Indians  on  finding  that  they  are  to 

receive  large  Presents  for  promissing  to  lay  down  their  Arms  will  never  want  occasion  of 

Quarrel  with  one  another. 

I  should  inform  your  Lordship  agreable  to  a  former  letter  of  mine  to  the  Earl  of  Shelburne, 
the  Patentees  of  the  disputed  Tract  called  Kayadarosseras  sent  an  Agent  to  treat  with  the 
Indians  whom  my  Deputy  summoned  to  attend  for  that  purpose  in  the  presence  of  Sir  Henry 
Moore  during  my  absence  from  home,  but  the  Agent  not  having  brought  an  original  Indian  Deed, 
or  a  proper  suwoy  of  the  Tract,  they  did  not  agree,  Since  my  return  having  found  an  original 
[Indian]  Deed,  &  had  their  line  Uun,  the  Patentees  again  applied  to  me,  &  the  same  was 
recommended  by  letter  from  Sir  Henry  Moore,  in  consequence  of  which,  on  the  arrival  of  their 
Agents  they  met  the  Mohawk«,  who  on  examining  the  Indian  Deed  &  Survey  &  receiving  a 
handsome  Sum  of  money  were  at  length  prevailed  on  to  Veild  their  Claim  to  the  Patentees  in 
my  presence,  this  will  save  some  trouble,  &  Ivxponce  to  the  Crown,  as  according  to  the 
opinion  of  the  Lawyers  there  were  not  sufficient  grounds  to  proceed  against  the  Patent  with 
any  Prospect  of  Sucess  in  a  Court  of  Law. 

In  addition  to  what  I  formerly  mentioned  concerning  the  Boundary  Line  on  which  I  expect 
shortly  to  meet  the  Indians,  I  have  only  to  express  my  desire  to  hear  from  your  Lordship 
concerning  that  part  relating  to  the  Province  of  New  York,  shoul.l  I  not  be  honored  with  your 
Commands  previous  to  the  Congress,  I  shall  endeavour  to  do  it  in  the  best  Manner  I  can.  As 
I  have  all  along  conceived,  and  as  it  is  understood  by  the  Commander  in  Chi-if,  the  Boundary 
lb  a  Matter  of  a  General  Nature,  Negotiated  on  the  part  of  his  Majesty  with  the  Indians,  & 
that  whatever  Cession  they  make  is  in  consideration  of  an  Adequate  present  to  be  solely  at 
their'  disposal  of  the  King  in  all  Jtoyal  Governments  and  may  be  granted  by  him  to  any  of  his 
Subjects  l)y  Mandamus  or  otherwise  without  ;  er  purchase  from  or  treaty  with  the  Indians, 
I  nm  hopefull  that  this  construction  is  the  sense  &  intention  of  Government,  as  I  beleivo  it  to 
be  the  most  effectual  means  o(  preventing  disputes,  at  the  same  time  it  is  presum'd  that  all 
those  unlocoted  Lands  at  the  back  of  the  Colonies  which  shall  be  so  ceded  to  hii  Majesty  by 
the  Indians  will  be  added  to,  &  become  a  part  of  such  Col.inies  as  have  just  claims  or  pretensions 
to  Comprehend  them  within  their  Bounds,  or  with  which  they  may  be  most  naturally  connected, 
but  wuh  this  I  apprehend  I  have  nothing  to  do,  and  that  my  Duty  is  solely  to  treat  with,  and 


'  Avenlon.  Juhnton't  MSS.,  \\L 


•  111..  Jthnum;  Man.,  X  V  I.  —  Ku, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS  •    XL! 

Indian  Nations,  agreable  to  w,  •  J  L  n  to  17"  h"""'"^'  "  General.  &  the  Several 
Correspondent  as  possible  with  tehn  describe  'TtTTf  '"  "''  '"'  Judgement,  and  as 
hopeing  that  the  Commissioners  from    ,6  Seve    i  r„v  "  'T^'"'"*''  '^  y"""-  ^°^''^'"P' 

enabled  to  give  the  strongest  &  m  sITaeforT"  "'"  '"'"'"'  ''^  ''""'^  ^"'  ^« 
Kncroachments  shall  be  made  by  any  of  the  Inhib  !1  T"T  ?  ''"  '"'"'»"«•  "'«»  "° 
tl'is   cannot  be  to   firmly  guarded   &    ecured    f        J     i^  '''^""'^  "'"'  '^'■"^'  ^"^ 

Agreements  Violated  on  our  parts  it  wrrf;    7u      u.     "  '"""''^'^^  ^^   '"^^'^'^'^   "'"^  ^1- 

In  my  last  I  took  the  n^nyl^^^^^^  "'^^''^  ''^!^  ^'^^'^  -Po- 

made for  the  Expences  of  my  0^2  ne„  \^M,  h   u  '^t'P  ^"^""'"^  "^^  ^'''"'^"  P^"^'-"" 
considerable.&b;  much  the  mostTrp"^^^^^^  always  Considered  as  the  most 

made  of  my  Depu.ys.  or  of  interpreters  withotw      '^'rT"'""^'''''^''  '^'''''  "°  '"'^'"'-  ^^ 
not  be  conducted,  that  the  1  J„rtere  Om  7         ^"''"'^^  "''  ''"  department  could 

of  Aflhirs  in  the  Distant  ^DinrntQuartl^rff"'  '"''^''^""^'^^'^  -~y  ^-  the  Managen.ent 
I'lan  for  Trade  was  adopted    ndt^^^^^^^^  '"  ""'^  ^•^''"  P"^'  ^"^  ^"'^^ing  l„ng  before  any 

The  Commissioners  w  re  I  oliv  of  L  r  "'"  7  "T  '^  ''^'''  '^""^'^'^^^  ««  -"''"g 
Expence  far  exceeded  al  I  rJst  '  f  t  iTd  "''^  '  "'  ""  ^^^'''-S^'"-'  "^  Trade  &  tifeir 
newly  got  possessiou  of  t  O  t  it  \^7;Tr  '  °""""7'  P^'^'P""^  l>y  our  having 
Consideration  of  the  importance  of  o  it'  Dutv  7  ,""  "7  '°  '''  '^'«-"^'""'-'d.  l>ut  a  due 
tl-eir  Multifarious  naturf  will  "inlteL^S;;^^  ""r  ""'  ''^  *'^  Department,  and  of 
&  Interpreters,  which  cannot  be  ,rov  d  f  ^  To  Vs  T"  'T'  -l^-'^inate  Oflicers 
r  Annum  of  which  being  for  my  s"hrv     he  r.l  ?'"  ""°"'''^' ^«e  "'on^and  pounds 

found  an  inade,uate  sJJZ^i^:',  Z7Tf    ""  Tr'  ''"'""^  ^^'"  '  '•"-  ^^^ 
'■"-''••ntal  Kxpences.  on  whiH,  tl  e    >  blic       .  .         ^'  ,^°"^''''-»''y«  of  Indians.  &  other 

withoutapossibility  of  apply  ig     u'  ,    :J7;';^^^^^  '"^^  "  «-«'  measure  depend 

ns  1  have  repeatedly  shev       he  mZity  of     B^t  to         T'  "'  '"'="  ""'''''''  •""'  ^^^'^''-^'''^ 
on  the  Management  of  ludi  .„  A  rnr?  a        '""'"'"''  '"^  ^'^^"'  ""''  ^''»'^i"''««  '»  carry 

conducted.  I    resumed  to  o^'a:!:^^^^^^  'ir'T  '"  ^  "'""""  '"^^  -«"'  ^«  ^« 

<l>ree  Deputys  &  Interpret  rsan^    m  11 1   Te  j,        .    "'"'  ^""'"'^  P'  ^"""'"  *■-  "'«  ^^""-y«  of 
"tn.ost  that  it  should  Lswer  tl     pu"  .r     l  '"";  "'"'  T"  "'"''"■'  ^"  ^'"''•^•^--  "'^ 

Interest,  with  this  ^'iew  I  trans.n  it  ^oC         '   r         ^^'  '^""q»H.ry  and  extending  his  Majesty's 

Kxpences  &  applicatio  o  t  Z  Su  i;:!  '"  m""'x"'""  '"  ^''^'^  ""  ^'«""'"'«  "^  ' L 
I-.oposed  the  addition  <.r -C'lu  0  p'  Ann  m  fo^  tl""      n  ^"•''"K--"'  -"-ein  I  have 

"-e  many  di.lerent  Nations  &  a  Me.~  U  t  liTn  7''^"  ""  ""'"'"^  °'  '"''■^P-'-^  '"^ 
(Commissaries  now  to  be  HisconU  e  f  the  i  J  7''^^"  '"  '-^""-y"  *  ^-P— f  the 
«.ore  keeper.  Su,iths.  Charges  of  '  Lp,rt  ,i  „  ofT'T";  '"t  '"  "  '""^'"^^  ^''-^• 
omitted,  because  as  my  fourth  Deputy  Z  i    T      ^      ^^  """  ^'"P"'^  '"  '''^''«i,se 

tl.e  Dukeof  l.chmon.ffort      pi;     fr  W^^^^  '"'?  '."''"""'  ''>'  «"-«="on  of  his  Grace 

i-nlnniued  to  V„ur  r.ordship'    A    to  ;Ze  a  vt"         ;V 'V'""^'^  "^ 
proceedings  &  preserving  the  Ihc  1.^ J  n  1       V      .      "        '  '^''^""""^  ^'"''  "'"  -"O*  of 
•-ul.ie.on.e.  bu't  ,  have'n..    in    .        \      S  |    r'  'u'    """"   ""n  '''"'  ""  ""^'•'""^^  ""  "  '» 
«.'e"-»lU  omce  of  the  Province  of  N  w  York     t  t  '•    "  "'  r"'-    '  '"'  ""'  "'  ""'  """'"" 
Kenerally  procured  an  addition.,.,  no  n^.   ,r  ,  '    I  •        ,  r  V      '  .""  '^^  '*'  ^"""•"-  "'  ^'-ich  I 

""'y  in  this  C try  „n  .nc     „ U  i   . '  T'  J^^^^^^^^^^ 

oaiiar>.     !\i^  Deputys  considering  their  respective  Duties, 


06 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


the  Expences  to  which  they  are  liable  and  that  there  is  no  Allowance  for  travelling  charges  &« 
Will  find  .£200  Str's  p'  Annum  a  very  slender  provision  for  them  and  every  other  Sallary  is 
rated  as  low  as  men  can  be  procured  qualified  for  their  Offices,  So  that  I  flatter  myself  your 
Lordship  will  find  that  the  Moderate  addition  I  propose  which  will  make  the  whole  Annual 
Expence  but  ^5000  Str'«  including  my  own,  &  Officers  Sallarys,  is  a  very  trifling  Sum  for 
conducting  Affairs  of  such  Public  importance.  From  my  Sense  of  the  State  of  Indian  Aff.iirs, 
I  humbly  recommend  it  to  Your  Lordship,  and  I  have  only  to  wish  that  it  may  be  found 
sufficient  for  preserving  peace  &  order,  and  promoting  those  Objects  of  Public  concern  that 
depend  on  the  Establishment  of  proper  men,  and  the  pursuit  of  proper  Measures  in  the 
discharge  of  the  various  Dutys  appurtaining  to  my  Office. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  most  profound  Respect. 
My  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient 

and  most  devoted 
The  Right  Honourable  Humble  Servant 

The  Earl  of  Hillsborough.  ly.  Johnson 


Governor  Moore  to  tlie  Earl  of  IlilUhorovgh. 


N"  20 


INew-Tork,  CI.X.,A.  40.] 


,,    ,      ,  New  York  August  IS'"  1768 

My  Lord,  ° 

I  have  the  satisfaction  to  inform  your  Lordship  that  the  Obstructions  complain'd  of  by 
Commissioners  of  His  Majesty's  Customs  in  the  execution  of  their  Duty  have  never  been 
occasioned  by  any  thing  which  has  happen'd  in  this  IVovince,  nor  has  there  been  llie  least 
subject  of  complaint  from  the  behaviour  of  any  persons  here,  on  account  of  the  late  Duties 
impos'd  :  This  tranquillity  however  is  now  render'd  very  precarious  by  a  late  order  from  the 
Commissioners  to  M'  Elliot'  our  Collector  forbidding  him  to  receive  any  thing  for  the  Duties 
but  Silver,  which  is  not  at  present  to  be  procured  in  the  Province,  so  that  n  strict  compliance 
with  that  Order  will  certainly  occasion  very  great  uneasiness  here,  &  lay  the  foundation  for 
future  disorders. 

The  scarcity  not  only  of  silver  Imt  of  every  other  Currency,  even  paper,  has  been  lo  grent 
for  some  few  years  past,  that  M'  Klliot  has  been  under  the  necessity  of  giving  every  indulgence 
he  could  consistent  with  his  office  in  collecting  the  Diitiet;  The  Commissioners  of  the  Cuslonn 
in  England  h  .ve  been  inform'd,  that  ho  has  often  been  forced  to  take  an  Obligation  fom  the 

'  AxPRiw  Eixinr,  unri*  of  thx  l«t  i:«rl  of  Minto.  wii.  the  third  «..«  of  Sir  Oilh.rt  Kllinl,  lit.  I.«r.l  Juili..-  i\frU  of  Hoot- 

Ux^^.     ThrouHl.  ih-  iiilrPMl  „f  l.i.  l,rnili,.r  (olhorl,  tt.en.h.r  for  Selkirk,  nn.l  fi.Unt  .ml  .■o.ii...lor  of  l,or,l  Hi.l,.,  h-  w.i 

uppoiuled,  on  (he  AvtWx  of  AnhiUM  K»m,«lr.  Collroior  of  ih.  port  of  N-w  Vo.k,  liy  ronin.i.^ioii  JbUmI  Hull  J,..iu«r,-,  noi. 
whiH.  o*n...  h«  hfl,l  nolil  iho  om.niition  „f  ||,At  citv.  \U  wm  iip,H.ii)t...l  hi*  Mnj^ly'i  l.i.iitfn.nt  (iovernor  in  I7H(I.  ifKl 
«,lit,i.,..l,rr.l  »!,..  U..vali«t  KoTfrHinrnt  (rom  17(h  April  to  2,-,.l,  Nov-clMf,  17H.'i.  Mr.  Klliot  muriini  ■  PhiUd.lphi.  I.,ly, 
•n.l  hi.  prop^.i,  in  th.l  .si,i^  «.„  ..n.iw.pi.  »tly  ..,.i,fl.,.«i,,l.  ||„  ,I„,,ghl.r  t;ii/..lilli  „„ri»,l,  hi  Jan»,  inn,  l.of.1,  i.fl,r- 
wntdt  E»rJ,  C«thc»tt,  th.  n  ■  Major  in  Ih*  «Sih  K«ffini«iit  of  foot  —  Kifc 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 

tha?thi.i„dl^„  ew    t  '^'"  "'^^'^^•^  ^-  ~. 

the  Revenue  ffrw,rhs«  dTak"'";  '"'•''  ""  "^P''"^'^''*'  '°^  "^'^^^  «^"""g  '^^  '" 
Las  been  carr  ed  oTfnr  I  !        securu.es.     By  this  method  of  proceeding  Business 

satistto  eTr     er'^^^^  ''^  'T  "^^'"-"^  ^^  the  Crown.  &  to'the  gle" 

the  Commiss  oners  e'  sent'  f '"  "  "  '""  ''"'"""^  ""'="  "'"PP^"'''  "'  ^-'''" 
his  power  to  com  ly  .s  iver  cu,notT'""'°  .  "'"  '"  '''  '""°'  "'^"  "^'^^^  *'  '"«  -'  '" 
other  purpose  ihTlJJ  >  ■"'"'"'"'^  '''  ""^  ''''''  ^  ''^  present  it  can  serve  no 

-- .  supp  t.  ^d :  :::^z  ^;r  •  r:-^::  ^::t:!s:^::t:::: 

o  .0  U  to  the  utmost  of  my  power,  but  I  did  not  take  upon  me  to  contradict  the  Or  L 
I'eacP  of  th!  P  u   V  P     "  '"'^^  emergencies  where  His  Majesty's  service  &  the 

1  nave  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect, 

My  Lord,  Your  Lordship's  most 

Enrl  of  Hillsborough  Secretary  of  State.  ^^"^^  *  "'""'''  ^"T' 

H.  MooRB 


Oovenior  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  IldUhorowjU. 


N»2I. 


[Ntw-rork,  CLX.,  *.41.] 


My  Lonl, 

^,th    he  usual  Ceremony  paid  to  His  Majesty's  Governors.  &  on  ev.'y  occasion  botl  l«ubl       & 
I'r.va,..  for  t  e  two  first  y.-nrs,  h,,d  never  any  reason  to  suppose  that'  had  an^  Co     '  ,* 

P  ecedence  here ;  such  a   thought  never  entered  into  n,y  head,  nor  did   I  s^mpZrlm.t 
following  words  of  n.y  Commission,  that  it  was  ever  inten.led      ...V,„l  W     . 

■■ .' :: .1  i^ '1';.,:;;::: ,"t:  ::;:,;:::;;.".'■'■  rr : '■" *  - "■" 


Vol.  VIII. 


18 


98 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


''Iff 

'4 


me  before  I  left  England  of  any  extraordinary  powers  granted  to  the  Commander  in  Chief  of 
Hia  Majesty'b  Forces  here,  I  could  not  but  suppose  that  my  Commission  was  superior  to  all 
others  here,  nor  did  I  ever  entertain  the  least  doubt  of  it.     I  have  already  mentioned  in  my 
former  letter  the  custom  which  is  kept  up  here  of  assembling  at  the  Fort  on  His  Majesty's 
Birth  Day ;  In  June  17G7  after  a  great  concourse  of  People  had  met  there  I  desir'd  two 
Gentlemen  of  His  Majesty's  Council  to  wait  on  the  General  &  to  request  the  favor  of  his 
Company   on   the   occasion.     My   Invitation   was   not  accepted   because   (as    I   afterwards 
understood)  that  I  had  not  waited  on  him  in  Person,  this  did  not  prevent  our  going  on  with 
the  usual  Ceremonies  of  the  Day,  which  were  performed  with  unfeigned  chearfulness.    Had 
I  been  appr.s'd  of  the  General's  objection  that  Day  I  should  not  have  cndeavour'd  to  remove 
It,  for  at  the  time  when  all  the  principal  people  in  the  City  were  assembled  at  the  Fort  to  pay 
me  the  Compliments  of  the  Day  as  His  Majesty's  Representative  here,  1  should  have  thought 
that      had  debased  my  Commission,  by  such  a  proceeding,  &  did  imagine  that  a  sufficient 
compliment  was  paid  by  sending  two  Members  of  His  Majesty's  Council  with  tiie  invitation  - 
About  the  beginning  of  the  following  Winter,  it  was  reported  among  some  of  the  Military  that 
there  were  certain   powers  granted  to  the  General   by  His   Commission  which    gave  him 
authority  to  command  all  the  Governors  on  the  Continent,  to  this  I  gave  no  attention  as  no 
one  ever  acknowledg'd  that  he  iiad  seen  the  Commission,  but  being  oblig'd  to  wait  on  the 
General  not  long  after  on  Account  of  some  idle  reports  which  had  been  carried  to  him  by  evil 
minded  people  who  were  desirous  of  making  a  breach  between  us,  1  then  took  an  opportunity 
of  speaking  to  him  concerning  my  Commission  and  shew'd  him  the  extract  quoted  in  the 
former  part  of  this  letter,  desiring  at  the  same  time  to  know  if  there   was  any  clause  in  his 
Commission  which  could  invalidate  the  powers  there  given  to  me,  to  which  he  answered  that 
there  was  not  an;/,  but  he  never  shewed  me  his  Commission  or  any  part  of  it,  or  at  that  time 
mentioned  the  Instruction— Nothing  happen'd  after  this  till  the  latter  end  of  the  Month  of 
February   176S.     When  at   an    Assembly  where   the   Military  Gentlemen    had    taken  upon 
themselves   the   management.  They  thought  proper  (the   plan    having  as   I   suppose   been 
previously  concerted)  to  determine  this  point  themselves  &  to  give  that  Precedence  to  General 
Gage  &  his  Family  which  I  thought  my  due.  without  assigning  the  least  reason  for  it ;  Upon 
this  I  retired  immediately  with  my  Family  to  avoid  all  altercation  which  might  ensue,  &  the 
next  morning  a  Copy  of  the  Instruction  was  sent  to  me,  Sc  I  was  informed  it  was  given  out  in 
I  ubiick  Orders,  so  that  it  became  Criminal  in  any  Officer  to  act  contrary  to  it  whatever  his 
private  opinion  might  have  been.- 1  have  already  had  the  honor  of  informing  your  Lonlship 
that  I  waited  on  the  General  immediately  &  endeavour'd  to  convince  him  that  the  Instruction 
related  only  to  the  Public  Meetings  where  all  the  Governors  were  to  he  concern'd,  ',ut  without 
success;  I  have  since  been  informed  that  the  respect  1  had  shew'd  him  when  he  assisted  in 
the  Council  was  afterwards  look'd  upon  to  be  no  more  than  what  was  due  to  him  from  the 
words  of  the  Instructions,  allliough  it  was  never  my  intention  to  acknowledge  his  superiority 
or  was  I  inform'd  till  the  time  I  have  mentioned  that  he  was  possessed  of  any  such  fnstructions' 
As  there  was  little  prospect  of  this  matter  being  settled  here,  I  desir'd  that  our  behaviour 
to  each  other  might  continue  the  game  as  before,  &  that  the  Dispute  might  be  submitted  to 
His  Majesty,  to  winch  he  readily  consented,  &  I  h„pe  we  shall  both  think  it  our  Duty  to  be 
carefull  that  the  Publirk  Service  shall  not  suffi-r  by'what  has  happen'd.- If  nothing  farther  had 
been  said  ol  this  than  what  is  here  mentiom.d.  I  should  not  have  been  under  any  great  concern, 
but  tins  contest  soon  became  the  Topic  of  every  coiiversntion  where  it  ha.  been  canvass'd  with 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI.  gg 

fhTlJr  w""  *"''  '=°""-;f "^^.  ""'  ^  ""'«  t«  «--te  jealousies  &  uneasiness  in  the  minds  of 
the!  eople  We  soon  saw  the  effects  it  had  even  on  our  Puhlic  Amusements,  some  of  which 
were  drop  d  after  havmg  been  continued  here  without  interruption  for  near  thirty  years  &  the 

It  t't n  '':T'  ''  ^'T'^'"'  '''"'''''■-  '--  '"'-  °PP--^'-  o/Zcou 

tTem   ;L  '';  "k       --t'=^^'-'^t«  to  promote  society  and  a  good  understanding  between 

1ft.    r  ..."  ""^  ^Z  ^"'■'^'"P  ^"'  P^'"'^""  "^y  ^"'"'"g  "'^  «°  •"'""'«  '^  detail  of  this 

It  pt Min  f  -Pj-^^'Y^eng-^g-g  -  a  Contest  of  this  kind  merely  on  account  of  a  Precedence 
a  Pubhc  Spectacles  &  D.vers.ons ;  My  views  were  not  so  confin'd,  &  it  would  at  any  time 

tilofTr    '"rr"  V''  '•"'''  °"  ^"'^'^  "^'^"^  '"°^'^^«'  ^"'  -«■•«  particularly  !.t  my 

t^me  of  l,(e;   The  var.ous  Dul.es  of  my  Commission  if  properly  attended  to,  leave  but  like  time 

ITTTT'  "  '  ''"""  "^'^  '"^  '^PP"^""'^«  ^*  ""y  «<■  ^•^--  I  -'^tribute  to  their 

support  che.Uy  as  an  entertainment  to  others,  but  when  I  found  that  this  claim  of  the  General's 
vvas  so  extens.ve  &  likely  to  be  productive  of  such  ill  consequences,  I  could  not  avoid  being 
a  arrn  d  especui  ly  at  a  time  when  our  neighbours  have  set  us  such  Examples,  &  was  not  only 
at  that  t m:,.,  h„    am  sl.ll  apprehensive  that  it  may  lay  a  foundation  for  future  disorders:-! 

whi!.hTl  iT"""?  \'  ""'  """'  '"  "'^■^°"*"" '°  '■""*'^''  ''''''  unwarrantable  suppositions,  to 
wh.ch  th.s  dispute  has  given  r.se,  and  although  the  strongest  arguments  may  lose  their  eftect 
on  weak  &  ignorant  minds,  determin'd  not  to  be  convinced,  I  flatter  myself  that  among  those 
who  will  suffer  the.r  reason  to  come  to  their  aid,  I  have  not  been  without  success.     It  is  asserted 
here  that  Oen'  Monckton  &  S'  Charles  Hardy  my  Predecessors  in  this  Government  were  so  far 
from  acknowiedgmg  the  superiority  of  the  Commission  which  the  Commander  in  Cheif  of  His 
Majesty  s  torces  held  during  their  residence  here,  that  they  always  took  the  Precedence  on 
every  Public  occasion,  to  which  they  thought  themselves  intitled  as  Civil  Governors  of  the 
rov.nce;   Ihese  Gentlemen  are  now  in  England,  &  may  be  easily  cali'd  upon  to  know  if 
there  .s  any  truth  in  this  assertion,  for  I  do  not  mention  this  from  my  own  knowledge,  but 
from  the  .n  ormat.on  of  others.-I  have  already  in  many  of  my  former  letters  laid  before  His 
Majesty  s  Ministers  the  present  weakness  of  our  Government,  &  have  sliew'd  how  necessary 
It  was  to  have  the  Governors  hands  strengthened,  that  he  might  be  able  to  act  up  to  his 
Commission.  &  comply  with  his  Duty  to  the  Crown;  The  levelling  Principles  which  prevail 
so  much  in  this  Country  require  it,  and  our  late  misfortunes  too  evidently  prove  the  truth  of 
what  1  have  here  advanc'd ;  In  this  situation  the  address  must  be  to  the  Throne,  where  his 
Majesty's  service  is  so  materially  concern'd.     It  is  to  him  we  all  look  up,  as  to  the  Fountain 
of  Honor,  &  shall  with  all  Duly  &  submission  acquiesce  in  whatever  shall  be  settled  by  the 
Iioyal  determination. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 

with  the  greatest  Respect 
My  Lord 
New  York  August  10-  1708  y^^^  Lordship',  most  obedient 

V    I    f  irn  1  .  ^  *  liumb*  servant, 

tarl  of  Hillsborough  Secretary  of  State.  jj_  j^t^ 


100 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


>>., 


\'-\- 


Earl  of  HiUnborough  to  the  Governors  in  America. 

I  Circular.  )  tPI«iit«Uoia  Oeneml  (S.  P.  O. )  CCLI7.  ] 

Whitehall  Sept'  S""  1768. 
The  K.ng  having  observed  that  the  Governors  of  his  Colonies  have  upon  several  Occasions 
taken  upon  them  to  co.nmun.cate  to  their  Councils  and  Assemblies  either  the  whole  or  Par 

t:Ti:^::^  '^r^r''''''  •"■"  "^  ''"J^^^'^  ^^"-'P-^'  ^-retaries  of  State.  I  have 
It  m  Command  .''rom  H.s  Majesty  to  signify  to  you  that  it  is  His  Majesty's  Pleasure  that  you 
do  not  upon  any  pretence  whatever,  communicate  either  to  the  Council  or  Assembly  any 
Cop  es  or  Extracts  of  such  Letters  as  you  shall  receive  from  His  Maje.- '-.  P.inc^p..  «»  Z^l 
of  btute  unless  you  havp  His  Majesty's  particular  directions  for  30  d 

I  i.r 

HiLLSBOROCGH 


(No.  22) 


Sir, 


Earl  of  Hillsborough  to  Governor  Moore. 

I  N«w-Tork,  CLX.  ] 

Whitehall  IS"-  Ocf  1768. 


Your  letters  to  me  wrote  after  your  return  from  the  Mohawk  Country,  and  numbered  from 
12  to  21,  have  been  duly  received  and  laid  before  the  King. 

The  inclosed  extract  of  a  letter  I  have  wrote  by  this  Mail  to  Sir  W- Johnson  will  fully 
inform  you  ot  the  directions  I  have  given  in  respect  to  the  Boundary  Line  between  New  York 
and  he  Indians,  t  e  settlement  of  which  cannot  fail  of  being  greatly  facilitated  by  the  happy 
conclusion  of  the  disputes  respecting  the  Kayaderosseras  Patent.  ^  WV 

H.s  Majesty  approves  the  Attention  you  have  shewn  to  His  o.mmands  concerning  the 
New  Hampsh.re  rownsh.ps.  and  as  the  Report  you  have  transmitted  seems  to  contain  !v  ry 
C.r  un.stance  relat.ve  to  the  actual  state  of  their  present  cultivation  &  improvement,  I  Take 
no  oubt  that  the  Board  of  Trade,  to  whom  His  Majes.y  has  thought  lit  to  refer  .his  I  usi  ss 
W.I  be  enabled  to  recomn.end  such  measures  as  may  decide  upon  the  claims  of  e  Grantee^ 
under  the  .New  Hampshire  Patents,  and  induce  an  Improvement  of  these  valuaL.e  L  nd  0 
the  Public  Benefit,  and  to  the  advaninge  of  the  Revenue 

The  Division  of  the  County  of  Albany  seems  a  very  proper  &  necessary  measure,  and  there 
an  be  no  object.on  to  your  assenting  ,0  a  Law  for  that  Purpose,  provided  it  is  sile  t  as  t    the 

L    Z^y     Z     U^rV  r"  ^'"'  '"  "'"  ^■'-'"■' «'^ '-'   '>'-'"«-  i"'"  the  General 
Assembly,  but  His  Majesty  does  not  approve  of  its  being  made  a  part  of  the  Law. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 

A.rx::de'tr,;rs::?,;^       -'  '^^  ""t''  ^-^^^  '^ '"« ^-•^-^-  -^  m- 

the  Board  of  Trad  which  w  1  hoTt?  "",  T  7'  ^^  "'^  ''"J"'^  *°  '''^  con,„.unicated  to 
Year,  and  I  doub  „  t  t  d  iT  d  hips ^ur''^  T  '"  ""T'  ''^^"^  ''  ""^  ^'^"^^  °^  ^''^ 
Majesty  thereupon  as  they  think  fit  "  '"  """"^  "''''  Kepresentations  to  His 

you  say  in  yL  letter  i^l^  npf^thlrh^^t^""^'"^"'^  '°  '^"'"'"""'^^'^  '"  ^"«'  ^"-'^  -^^^ 

con?e;:il;"K:„TalVp7eedlri'fj?'r  'l;^'^".^^  ^^*--"  ^--'^-'^  Genera,  Gage, 
thereupon'as  may  be  e;:!^!;:^^^^  """'  '  ^"^'  ^"^^  "^''^^  -'"  '^^  g' 'en 

Majesty  to  desirJ youT     cent 't      !  .      .^/"  ''''  '"''"  '''""'  ^  ^"  con,n.anded  by  His 
by  which  your  co-lct  1„    hi"  „,  ""       ""  T'  'P'''"  "''  P^"'^''"'=«  ^""^  '^'«'^-' ^ion 

His  Majest'y  does  vty  UTap^or"""  "''''''  '°  '^"  '^^"  '"^^^^'°  «— '^^  ^  -^'^h 

Sir  Henry  Moore  Bar*  I  am  &c» 

Hillsborough 


1 


N'e. 


Sir, 


^ar^  0/  Ililhhorough  to  Sir  William  Johnson. 

I  PI>nlttl0Dt  GenenU  (  8.  P.  o. )  COLIV.,  No.  «.  ] 

Whitehall  October  the  12"'  1768 


li.  to  .ubmil  upon  U,„t  ™y  J     H.InierhC.lfr  Vf ',',""  '"  ""■"-"  y»"  "•«)■  '"ink 

Colonies  shall  think  fit  to  adop   for  the  Management  of  tL  7  ,^«8"lat.ons  which  the 

rely  for  those  benefitts  which  a^e  intended  trbfrherelt  of  r.r^^'^'  ^"''  ''"  ^^  "«  '" 

Ihe  relieving  this  Kingdom  from  every  expence  that  can  with  "safety  be  avoH    l"     •     • 

his  Majesty's  pleasure  that  after  o.nsuitinK  with  General  cZ         ^  '^"•g<l"'".  and  .t  is 

■  S.e.  The  n.m«  i.  Willi.,,,  Wailon  in  AW-IW*  eo«„ri;  Minul,,  XWI    M«   «^       , 
...rvued  tb,  Amorioan  n„oluti«n  «ud  died  iu  W.U.  I,,  C-liiJjIi'o  "iS.''"'^  '•  '""•    '"'"  "'""''''  ^''  ^^'''''' 


102 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


cQ  be  laid  before  his  Majesty  for  his  consideration  in  order  to  the  determining  whether  any 
greater  Sum  than  that  recommended  by  the  Board  of  Trade  should  be  finally  allowed  for  this 
service.  In  the  mean  time,  and  until  you  receive  the  Kings  further  commands,  it  is  his 
Majestys  pleasure  that  the  annual  expence  of  the  service  should  on  no  account  exceed  that  Sum. 
H>s  Majesty  observes  by  General  Gage's  letters  received  at  the  same  time  with  yours,  that 
you  have  estimated  the  expence  of  runing  the  Boundary  Line  at  no  less  a  Sum  than  ^10,000 
St^  wh.ch,  without  knowing  the  Ground  on  which  this  calculation  is  made,  appears  to  imply 
demands  on  the  parts  of  the  Savages,  which  cannot  but  be  thought  very  unreasonable,  when  it 
IS  considered  that  the  Settlement  of  this  business  has  been  so  long  earnestly  solicited  by  them, 
and  that  the  line  proposed  does  in  many  places  preclude  from  the  Settlement  lands  that  were 
before  supposed  not  to  be  contested  by  them,  and  does  in  others  add  less  to  his  Majesty's 
Dominions  than  what  themselves  proposed  in  the  negotiation  with  you  in  1765. 

If  hov.ever  notwithstanding  all  the  Attention  his  Majesty  is  persuaded  you  will  give  to 
(Economy,  in  resisting  every  exorbitant  demand,  such  expence  is  to  be  incurred,  and  the 
gratifications  to  the  Indians  on  this  occasion,  are  so  far  to  exceed  what  might  reasonably  have 
been  hoped  for,  it  becomes  highly  expedient  that  the  Colonies  Interested  in  this  measure,  and 
whose  limits  of  Settlement  are  extended  by  It,  should  be  early  apprized  of  what  will  be 
required  in  order  that  they  may  make  timely  provision  in  proportion  to  the  benefit  they  are 
respectively  to  receive  from  it ;  for  it  cannot  upon  any  grounds  6{  reason  or  justice  be  expected, 
that  this  Kingdom  should  take  it  upon  itself  the  whole,  or  indeed  any  part,  of  the  expence  of 
a  measure  calculated  (or  the  local  interests  of  particular  Colonies. 

His  Majesty  entirely  approves  the  continuing  the  Boundary  Line  Northward  from  Owegy  so 
as  to  include  the  Province  of  New  York  and  thereby  render  the  line  perfect  and  complete- 
And  I  am  to  recommend  to  you  that  no  time  be  lost  in  bringing  this  negotiation  to  a  conclusion' 
in  the  conduct  of  which  it  will  be  necessary  that  Sir  Henry  Moore  should  be  consulted,  so  that 
there  may  be  a  perfect  agreement  of  all  parties,  by  which  alone  those  difficulties  may  be 
overcome  which  occured  upon  this  Subject  in  the  negotiation  of  1765.  &  which  have  hitherto 
made  it  impossible  to  give  any  precise  directions  from  hence. 

Having  signified  to  you  his  Majestys  commands  upon  all  those  parts  of  your  letter  upon 
which  you  desire  instruction,  I  cannot  avoid  taking  some  Notice  upon  the  plan  for  Indian 
AHUirs  prepared  by  the  Lords  of  Trade  in  1764,  when  I  had  the  honor  of  a  Seat  at  that  Board 
But  before  I  make  any  remarks  upon  the  plan  itself,  as  applied  to  the  present  State  and 
Circumstances  of  America,  you  will  give  me  leave  to  observe  to  you.  that  the  Lords  of  Trade 
did  not  consider  it  as  a  measure  ripe  for  Execution,  and  therefore  did  not  report  it  to  the  King 
but  in  order  to  enable  themselves  to  form  a  more  complete  Judgement  of  it,  they  transmitted 
it  as  minutes  of  their  Board  to  yourself,  and  the  Governors  of  the  Colonies  for  your 
Consideration,  and  to  receive  your  opinion  upon  the  several  propositions  it  contained :  What 
you  say  therefore  of  its  having  met  with  his  Majesty's  approbation;  Of  its  having  been  carried 
into  execution;  And  of  the  Assurances  given  that  it  should  be  finally  established,  are 
Circumstances  of  which  I  am  entirely  ignorant. 

The  propriety  and  praclicabiiiiy  of  carrying  that  plan  into  Execution  depended  upon  the 
possession  of  the  interior  Country  by  Posts  and  Establishments;  Upon  the  Concurrence  of 
the  Colonies  in  an  opinion  of  the  Commercial  Advantages  of  it.  and  upon  the  creating  a  fund 
.n  those  Colonies  to  defray  the  expence ;  But  since  it  has  been  thought  advisable  to  withdraw 
the  troops  from  and  to  abandon  the  Posts;  since  the  Colonies  themselve.  do  not  think  that  a 


I ;" 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI.  j^g 

I  eneral  regulation  for  Commerce  consists  with  their  interests,  and  have  each  for  itself  desired 
create  a  general  fund  to  defray  the  expence,  I  must  confess  that  I  do  entirely  concur  in  the 

In  ^zti  clTh  ::;^i7cTa:^f^^^  I'-t-'  ^-'-^  -'  -- '-  rou„5z:":;;,:':: 

dnnhhn.  J    r  u  ^^  ^'°"'  "'"  Majesty's  to  recommend  to  your  attention  not 

doubtmg  but  through  your  assistance,  and  with  your  advice^he  Colonies  will  be  indred^^^^^ 
adopt  such  regulations  for  the  Commercial  parts  as  will  improve  the  Trade,  ndfix  th  Aff  ion 
of  the  Savages,  and  ,n  the  end  produce  all  those  advantages  which  you  eem  to  hint  w„  ,M 
have  been  denved  from  the  Execution  of  the  plan  suggested  by  the  B^rd  of  Trade  l^nT: 

I  am  &" 

Hillsborough 


<■■»■■» 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  IlilUlorougk 

(  N°  26.  \  '  Now.Tork.CLX.,  A.  46.  ] 

My  Lord,  ^Prt  George  October  ID"-  1768 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect 
My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient 

Earl  of  Hillsborough  Secretary  of  State.  ^  """'*''"  ^"■^""* 

H:  MooBK 


Q.  ...  October  24"'  176S 

S.nce  my  wntmg  the  foregoing  Letter.  I  have  had  an  opportunity  of  laying  the  Order  befor. 
H.S  Majesty's  Council,  who  are  under  some  di(r.culties  in  regard  to  the  co^  Icin  of  .     r 
proviso  therein  mentioned  vi.  ••  Provided  that  nothing  herein  c  nta    ed      aU         nd  to  Ifl" 
.   •-  t'-Pert.es  o    His  Majesty's  new  subjects  having  possessions  under  prop  r  til.  o^   ho's'e 

between  this  Province  ^  ZZ  'rtL  ^:^^:^ Ot;:i:^:;';^Z:r  ''tt 
approved  of  by  „is  Majesty,  each  of  the  Provinces  have  ende^vo'  to  ^x te  7  .V:f:im  at 
far  as  they  possibly  could,  The  K.iKlish  to   the  Riv«p  "St    r  c  ^,  ""  ""^"^  *-'"'"'  as 

...„„..  .ru.,..„,„,  r>.^i.,.:j:::z ,:  .';;;:ru;f,:::::n:.,r,;,':: 

'  Supra,  p.  88.  —  Rn. 


104 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS 


of  Lake  Champam  have  been  granted  to  the  English  and  French  by  their  respective 
Gov  mors,  as  w.l  appear  by  the  Map  which  [  had  the  honor  of  transmitting  to  England  & 
mentioned  m  my  letter  N»  6.  to  the  Earl  of  Shelburne  dated  22-  of  February  1767  &  i  mv 
letter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade  dated  4-  April  1707.  Your  Lordship  will  see  by  those  different 
c  .mj  wha  the  d.fficult.es  are  which  we  labour  under  at  present,  for  no  parUcular  Bound a.y 
Lme  [was]  fa.rly  drawn  between  the  Provinces,  the  English  claim  supported  by  that  which  was 
made  before  them  by  the  Dutch  extended  as  far  as  the  forty  fifth  degree  of  Latitude,  This  LTne 
was  supposed  by  the  French  to  be  more  to  the  Southward  than  we  found  it  on  ob  erva  Lt  & 

T    /ni         fT  '"  '^'''  P*""*'  "'■^  '"^"'^  •^y  "^"««  «'"-«  "^-<Je  by  M'  Golden  to   ht 
reduced  Officers  &  Soldiers  under  His  Majesty's  Proclamation ;  This  will  Jf  course  open  su  h 
a  s    n    of  ht,ga  .on,  as  I  am  afraid  will  defeat  the  expectations  of  forwarding  the  settlement 
.n  that  part  of  the  Country  to  prevent  which  it  is  our  humble  request  that  His  Majesty' 
pleasure  m.ght  be  known  how  far  to  the  Southward  of  the  46''  Degree  any  French  grants  are 
to  be  allowed,  for  they  have  no  settlements  to  claim  under  which  (which'  am  i    onne     ^ 
an  absolu  e  condU.on  of  their  Grant,  as  they  paid  no  Quit  Rent)  &  the  quantity  of  Land   n 
mos    of  the.r  Grants  far  exceeds  that  which  His  Majesty  ha.  been  pleased  to  aLw  to  tho  e 
menfoned  .n  the  oap  oviso  which  was  not  to  exceed  20.000  Acre,  to  each  Person  whe     a'n 
actual  settlement  had  been  made.  -^ciooii  wuere  an 


J 


I 


r1 


i 

[ 


N»4 


Sir   William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Ililhlorough. 

[  runtnllon*  General  (  8.  P.  O. )  OCU V.,  Ho.  4  ] 

fort  Stanwix  Oct'  23.  17C8 


My  Lord 

I  was  in  hopes  that  about  this  time  I  should  have  been  enabled  to  transmit  your  Lordship 
the  Agreable  Account  of  my  having  settled  the  Boundary  Line  between  Us  &  the  Indians,  but 
a  tram  of  unforeseen  Accidents,  together  with  a  variety  of  obstructions  given  to  it  by  the 
Spaniards  and  French  at  the  Mississipi  and  others  lurking  amongst  the  Indians  have  fs  •  t 
denyedlne  that  pleasure  &  rendered  it  a  matter  of  difficulty  sufficient  to  deter  many  from  he 
prosecution  of  it.  ■' 

Not  expecting  to  have  been  detained  here  so  long  or  to  have  occasion  to  write  to  yorr 
Lordship  before  my  Return,  f  have  neither  your  Lordships  Letter,  nor  my  own  at  this  pLe. 
but    recollect  that  my  long  letter  N"  2  was  of  the  20  of  July,  and  that  I  since  wrote  to  you 
Lordship  about  the  begimng  of  last  month. 

On  the  19  Ull"  I  arrived  at  this  place  having  Appointed  th'^  20"-  for  the  Indians  to  meet  me  •  - 
the  Comm.ss.oners  from  Virginia  set  out  befor.  me.  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey  Accompanied 
me,  and  I  was  followed  by  the  L'  Governor  of  ,  ei.silvania  the  Governor  of  New  York  thought 
It  uneccessary  to  send  Comiss"  as  I  was  to  transact  the  business -After  waiting  here  several 
days,  during  wh.ch  the  Indians  came  &  encamped.  1  heard  that  the  Shawanese.  Delavmres  & 
Seneca,  with  many  others  were  still  at  a  considerable  distance  &  that  several  private  Affiiirs 
&  conferences  which  they  held  at  the  Towns  they  passed  thro'  would  retard  them  for  a  much 


i 


i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 
longer  time  than  coul.l  l.ave  been  exnertpH    l.v  h,     k     •     •         . 

I-iians  here,  but  the  much  gre!trpTofl^\H  ^^'""'"^  "^ '''''  ^^''''^  ^'  ^'^  ^05 
dispatched  Me««eMgers  to   LySnC^rV'''''^  I 

SenecaChief  andU,attheco„dol  e'ulr  "u  ."'"  "''"™"'  "' '''  '"""'^^  ^^'^  °^  » 
more  in  the  Senecas  Country  will  t.evi  L  h  ''TT  """''^  ''''''''  '^'^'^  «°'"'^  ''''y^ 
occasion  by  reason  of  the  g  'ar  ol  Ziln  r  '  "'""''  ^  "'"'  """'^'^  ''''''"^''  °"  *'''« 
tl.e  Maintenance  of  those  Indians  o„e«r  '"■'"'"'?  '^  '^'  '"''^^y  ^^^P^"'=««  ^"^''^'ng 
to  93C.  each  of  whom  consume  11  mo  e?hr„r  "T'"'  """""^^'^  '^  '''  ''  °^  "-  '-^ 
extremely  dissatisfied  if  stintlut  fZl'';;  'T  °'"""''7  ^^^"  ^'"-g^t  Us.  and  would  be 
was  very  disagreable  from  the  di  h^ult^o  "ett  1  "'  '"'  .'"'°'  '^'^ ^'^ 'ance  alone 

Albany,  &  very  little  there,  excels     irCaU^'^^^^^^  ''"'  '""«  "^"-^  "^^^  ^'-> 

to  be  uneasy  from  the  certain  discoverrnld  m  H      ''f^'''''  P"''^  '  '-^  y«t  more  cause 
the  private  Belts  &  Messag  s  p  s  If^om    h  f  "\      "  ."""''  ''^  """y  "''  '^'^  '"•''-«'  "f 

Councils  &  of  the  false  Reports  &  Mi!  !  T       '  "  ""'"'  '"'"^^  P^'-^"'''  "'""^eir  several 

and  former  letters  wi  sh  ^  Ltia  ointm  ^  h"!  '''"f  "^  ^"""^^^  ''^^'"'  ^«  ^^  '-^ 
they  had  been  promised)  wTtl  d  So  the  '  r  "/'"  '"'  '''"'  '^'"""°  "''"P^^^  <- 
proper  power  in  the  Depa.tlnt  for  1  ."  '""  '"  ^'^'=" "-''''"-«  ^^  their  situation  with 
more  than  that  it  has  had  a  vi"  bt  ffect  u  Tk  °'  'T  ^Y"'""  ''"^'''  '  "-'^  -'  to  add 
therefrom  have  a  bad  tendancy  wl  e  ,'u  is  i7  ^""/"'  ""'^  *'''''  *'"''^  suggestions  arising 
'Tauds  which  they  must  ^^Zt'Z'^::'^:'^''''''-:''''^-^'^''''^ 
encouragement  thereby  given  to  ourn.tur.l  r'  .  P"'""""'  '"'^  regulations  the 

withdraw  the  Indians  fVom  u!  will  n n^l  ^""^''  ^"^  '"'  ''''''''  "^  ^'"^'^  endeavours  to 

this  is  realy  the  case  at  nreslT  a m  t  """,7  '  'T7  ''  ^""'=""  ^'"^"  "^  ^^P^^  '^^Pt 
representeci  the  Secret  practTces  Vend    ^"'^  "'^'  .^"'f"''''  ^  '-^e  for  a  considerable  time  p,-.t 

of  their  respective  SeCs  to  -^^^^^^^^  '  "  "''"'"''  ""'  ''"'"'  '"  ""  "''""'^ 

to  persuade  them  to  re  J^rstt  under  ,"  '°  "'V'"'""  *°  """''  ^''^'"  "S--'-.  & 
they  would  airord  them  tL  Ct  ^s  ot  t^TeT'.:'  ^ir tt^t',"";:  '  "'°^^,  '''"'  ^^"^'^^'^ 
every  circumstance  in  the  Affairs  of  Ameri.n   1.  ■  '  "'^^y  •■*""''  ^^emsehes  of 

uneasiness  manifested  by  the  I„d  at  ''""^  '"f"'''  °^  ""■• '"  ''•"^'■"^""^  &  "^ -very 

txpences  in  the  Indian  Departm  n  Z:  h  T"T  °'  '""'^"^  ""'  '"''  ^^^trenchment  o^" 
of  Our  parsimony  neg  ectld  con  ^^  ;."  ?  ^^^^ -P— ted  by  their  Agents  as  instances 

or  our  injustice^  disregard.  rtrit^l^cZlf  r^lL^T^/r  T"^^""l"r^^ 

nothing  within  the  compa  fZ  kn  w,:;  "'  ;"?"?  °'  *^"^  •"•*'''"^'-  I"  «'-t  there  is 
means  of  Agents  of  muclfiluenupporl^df  M  ^  ""'  '""  '"'  ""'^*'  "«^  "'-'  »'- 
presents,  all  this  is  carried  on  ^^^ ^I^^ ^I^^^^IT''  ""'  'r''^''  ''^  ^""^-- 
in  general  are  ignorant  hereof    &  un,n,.r .  T  l  '"'^  dangerous.  The  I'ublic 

represented  .sbel  suits  t       V  Lfo?^^?^^^^^^^^^^  "'-    ^'"-'-^    Affairs    are 

a..i  is  n.ost  certain  that  the  Co^In^l  1!.  ^^1^:^  M./V'"^  ^^^  "^"'^r 

-.-  to  an  K.my  so  p.wer.H  ^l^^  r^rs!  ;-    ^ -^l  ^  J^^  ^r 


Vol.  VIII. 


'  luteroat.  Johnion's  ifSS.,  XVI. 


I      1 


14 


'  Ssutimeuts.  UiJ.  —  Kd. 


106 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


# 


improbable  that  the  French  or  Spaniards  should  act  this  part,  and  still  more  so  that  they  should 

Act  by  Authority,  whilst  a  peace  is  subsisting  between  the  British  Crown  and  them,  but  be 

this  as  it  will,  certain  it  is  that  not  only  several  known  Partizans,  &  many  Traders,  but  also 

some  Officers  of  their  Troops  (as  the  Indians  affirm)  have  actually  come  into  the  Indian 

Country,  where  they  have  conducted  themselves  as  is  represented,  and  their  Councils  have  not 

only  greatly  retarded  the  measures  we  are  now  taking  but  threaten  this  Country  with  farther 

Calamities.     The  Indians  who  seemed  most  desirous  of  a  Boundary  Line,  are  now  either 

indifferent  about  it  or  are  apprehensive  that  we  have  something  thereby  in  View  which  may 

be  dangerous  to  their  libertys     The  French  and  Spaniards  have  given  a  formal  invitation,  and 

used  every  means  in  their  power  to  draw  them  to  a  general  Congress  at  the  Mississipi  and  I 

have  undoubted  Authority  for  assuring  Your  Lordship  that  had  not  my  Belts  and  Messages 

arrived  when  they  did  to  the  Southward  the  Chiefs  would  have  complied  with  the  invitation. 

Besides   Indian   Information  In  proof  of  this   I   have   now  before  me  several    letters,  & 

intelligences  which  1  received  since  my  arrival  at  this  place.     The  accounts  from  all  Quarters 

corroborate  the  Indians  dissatisfied  with  Us  for  the  reasons  I  have  given  &  intoxicated  with 

the  Storys  and  promises  of  designing  men,  seem  to  wait  the  Event  of  this  Congress,  as  of  an 

Affair  which  is  to  determine  their  Conduct,  and  to  expect  at  this  time  some  final  &  certain 

assurances  of  an  attention  to  be  given  to  their  Affairs,  and  a  Redress  to  their  Greivances  to 

which  the  Boundary  is  foreign  being  a  single  object  the  advantages  of  which  (if  the  Colonists 

should  pay  due  regard  to  it)  cannot  be  felt  by  any  of  the  Indian  Nations  for  some  time,  and 

are  at  best  local,  &  confined  to  one  Confederacy. 

Notwithstanding  this  disagreable  aspect  of  AHiiirs  the  difficulties  I  have  to  encounter,  &  the 
want  of  Authority  for  giving  the  Indians  a  satisfactory  Assurance  on  many  Subjects  of  their 
concern  I  am  determined  to  persevere  in  the  execution  of  my  orders,  as  well  as  in  every 
endeawrour  which  shall  appear  to  me  necessary  at  this  Juncture  to  the  best  of  my  Judgement, 
&  the  utmost  extent  of  an  influence  which  properly  supported  could  I  am  fully  persuaded  do 
his  Majesty  &  the  Public  good  Service,  &  afford  me  better  pretensions  to  your  Lordships 
friendly  regards,  an  honor  in  the  highest  estimation  with  my  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

Most  obliged  obedient 
The  Right  Hon"'"  and  faithful!  humble  Serv' 

The  Earl  of  Hillsborough.  •  w.  Johnson 


Fort  Stanwix  October  26.  17G8 
P.  S.  This  letter  having  lain  by  till  this  day  for  want  of  a  good  opertunity,  I  have  only  to 
add  that  our  proceedings  appear  loaded  with  fresh  difficulties  from  the  several  Belts  in  the 
Indians  Hands  &"     I  have  only  opened  the  Conference,  and  the  Indians  continue  comeing  in, 
their  number  here  now,  is  little  short  of  three  thousand. 


I 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


Governor  Moore  to  iU  Earl  of  IlilUbormgh 


107 


(N''2D.) 
My  Lord, 


[New  Totk,  CLX.,  A.  4U, ) 


Fort  George  November  T""  17G8. 


„.<  Lordship  ,1,.  b...  .„,h„ri,i«  „e  hj,!  f„  1     r  e"  „„  L  Z  i    '"  '"''  ""T' '"  ""'  "• 
Boundary.     I  have  here  incio.M  the  I-,,™..  /     T  It  ^  ^  ^"  '  """^  •»  IheirNorthern 

apprehend  that  upon  this  interpretation  of  the  Duke  of  vfrU?!..     ♦■  ^    ""'  ''*'''""" 

decided  in  our  favor  the  Countroversy  between  thsProv„;;  T  Z  ''"""  '"^  '"'''' 
Grant.  The  Possessions  of  the  Dutch,  a'nd  Te  Pro  laLtLn  of  1763  ^Z  d  "'f  "^  '""'^ 
own  Assembly,  are  the  authorities  by  which  we  ascerCL  liJf  ^  J. '^;r".^'='«  "^  ""■• 
which,  our  claims  mentioned  in  th't  Pos  s"pt  I  runded  '^^  e^R  v  7rr"'  "" 
Connecticut  have  never  vet  been  trm.M  t„  .K  •  '"""led,    The  Rivers  of  Hudson  and 

grea.  way  .reher  .„  z";'!'!::, ;;  v^Sirr/i  xtir "''  T\  '"* : 

than  to  the  45"'  Degree.  ^  ^  "^"  ^^^^^^  *°  "'«  ^G'" 

me».„r-d,  which  wa.  ,he  ease  of  .o  many  oth  r      2  ,he  Ze  T  ,  e     T,rH   T"  """""' 
Uiver  I,  ,„pp„.M  ,o  be  .o  fa,  to  .he  No.lh.ard  Iba.  a  line  drTw^  f    '    ,t  ""''""" 

the  Coanecicu.  Ri.er,  agreeable  .o  .he  Dak.  of  v!V  '''•"'"  f™  .hence  .0  .he  head  of 

n.o,e  Of  ,he  French  0,1.  ...tilLig   .f  ob  i„:eT:;e":h  t  ^^Cv'T"'  "\T' 

.be  aran.  .0  .be  Do.e^f^r^-rarcbt'h";:".";',';;::  SeT  '"  ""'^  "'  "''°"  °' 
1  have  the  honor  to  be  with 


the  greatest  Respect 

My  Lord, 


Earl  of  Hillsborough.  Secretary  of  State. 


Vour  Lordship's  most 

Obedient  and  humble  Servant 
H.  Moore 


108 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


(No.  23.) 


Sir, 


Eavl  of  Hilhshorongli  to  Governor  Moore. 

I  New-Tori;,  CLX.] 

Whitehall.  IG"-  Nov'  17CS. 


You  have  already  l.een  acquainted  by  a  letter  from  M'  Pownall  that  your  Dispatches  to  me 
from  N°  'i-2  to  25.  had  been  received,  since  which  they  have  l.een  laid  before  the  King;  but  as 
i  have  not  any  thing  in  Command  from  His  Majesty  upon  the  subject  of  those  DiMmtclios,  I 
have  only  to  inform  you,  that  the  Queen  was  happily  brought  to  bed  of  a  Princess  on  Tuesday 
ast,  and  that  both  Her  Majesty  &  the  young  Princess  are  as  well  as  can  be  desiied  ;  I  most 
heartily  congratulate  you  upon  this  increase  of  the  Royal  Family,  an  event  that  affords  the 
greatest  sat.ofr.cliou  l„  all  His  Majesty's  Subjects. 

Inclosed  I  have  tiie  honor  to  send  you  His  Majesty's  Speech  to  His  Parliament  at  the  opening 
of  the  toession  on  the  S-  instant  together  with  the  Addresses  to  the  King  from  both  Ilouses 
that  of  the  House  of  Lords  passed  nemine  coiitradicente,  &  that  of  the  House  of  Commons 
without  a  Division.-This  happy  Unanimity  an.l  the  Resolution  to  preserve  entire  and 
inviolate  the  supreme  authority  of  the  Legislature  of  Great  Britain  over  every  part  of  the 
British  Empire,  so  strongly  expressed  in  these  A.ldresses,  will,  I  trust,  have  the  happy  efUct  to 
deleat  and  disappoint  the  wicked  Views  of  those,  who  seek  to  create  disunion  &  disaffection 
between  Great  Britain  and  Her  Colonies,  and  that  all  His  Majesty's  subjects  in  America ;  who 
wish  well  to  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  British  Dominions,  will  give  full  credit  to 
1  ari.ament  for  that  true  affection  towards  the  Colonies  which  appears  in  their  Declaration 
that  they  will  redress  every  real  grievance  of  His  Majesty's  American  Subjects,  and  give  duo 
attention  to  every  complaint  they  shall  make  in  a  regular  manner  and  not  founded  upon  claims 
and  pretensions  inconsistent  with  the  Constitution. 

The  King  having  observed  that  the  Assembly  of  New  York  has  for  some  time  past  fallen 

into  a  very  irregular  method  of  appointing  an  Agent  to  solicit  the  affairs  of  the  Colony  in 

Kngiand,  &  His  Majesty  being  apprehensive  that  this  Deviation  from  the  mode  of  appointing 

an  Agent  approved  of  in  other  Colonies,  which  has  usually  been  by  an  act  of  (Jovernor,  Council 

.V  Assembly,  specially  passed  for  that  purpose,  may  in  future  create  difficulty,  embarrassment 

and  disappomtn.ent  in  transacting  the  Aff-.irs  of  New  York  both  in  Office  &  in  Parliament-   I 

have  His  Majesty's  commands  to  mention  this  to  you,  &  to  desire  you  will  reconunen.i  it'to 

the  Assembly  as  a  Matter  u,  which  their  Interest  is  concerned,  that  for  the  future  they  would  in 

the  appointment  of  an  Agent  follow  the  Rule  observed  in  the  Jslnn.ls  in  the  West  Indies  & 

...  \,rgin>a,  Carolina  ami  (Jeorgia,  which  His  Majesty  conceives  to  be  the  only  proper  and 

constitutional    Mode   &   the   King   has    the    better    hope   of   their    compliance    with    t li 

recommendation,  as  His  Majesty  finds  it  to  have  been  the  Metho.l  formerly  practised  in  the 

t.o lony  of  New  York  itself,  an.l  is  certainly  the  only  one  by  which  any  person  can  he  properly 

authorized  to  represent  the  Province  and  to  act  for  it  in  all  matters  which  concern  its  interest 

in  general. 

I  would  not  he  understood  by  what  I  have  sai.l  ooncerning  the  appointment  of  an  Agent  to 
insinuate  .he  most  distant  .iisapprobation  of  M'  Charles,  who  appears  to  have  execnie.l  his 
Duty  with  the  utmost  regar.l  to  and  zeal  for  the  Interest  of  the  Colony,  and  with  every  m-.rk 
of  proper  respect  and  deference  to  (uiverninent. 


\J\ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


109 


Ddancey  i„  the  place  of  IrAlexlnde'r  '  '''°"'  ^  ''"  '"  ''''-'  ^'^•"■^^■°"  «'' '^'^  •^--» 

Sir  Henry  Moore  '  ^ni  &<"• 

IlrLLsiioRorGH 


N«7 


Sir, 


J^url  of  irmorouffh  to  Sir    Wmon  Johmon. 

[  runlallnn.  Oeneral,  ( 8.  P.  O. )  CCLI V.,  No.  7.  ] 

Whiteliall  Nov'  the  15.  17CS 


Since  the  departure  of  the  h,st  Packet,  your  letter  to  me  \<.  1  h„o  t  •      . 

Itefore  the  King.  ^  '""  '^    ^  ""^  I"'*'"  received,  and  laid 

Tlieunfriendiyand  unsettled  disposition  of  the  Western  Indinn..         a     ,     r, 
and  (;overnment,  occasioned  as  you  represen     U  the   U  i  7"        "*"  ^"^'^''  '"'''^^^'« 

Spn.nards,  is  a  n.atter  of  a  ver    serious  Ilu^'in  it^    ^^W  Uis  "^^  of  the  French  * 
«"  reference  to  the  present  inconveniences  arisinur  0^01  Ih  .  '^""^^"'•'red   whether 

other  Gratifications  to  keep  them  <,uiet,  or  in    eferen      to  t  e    '"      "''"'"  "'  ^'"""'^  ""'^ 
from  an  open  I^upture  with  them  "  ^'on-equence  that  would  follow 

rel;3":rz;Lrr;:;';;;:,rM^:;::''' ""«"•  ^-^  ^--^  "•«  ^^--'-  ••«  - 

-.-V  Subjects  are  the  Authors  of  al    t      M  J  ^  'f        V^'"""''  ^""""  '"  """'"'^•^  ^''"'  «"^  "-" 

i..   ...e  Indian  Country  ^Z:^ C^ ^"^^ '^^^^'IT  "''" r'T ''^^  ''^'''"^ 
severely  punishe.l.  ^  watched,  nor  their  treachery,  if  detected  to 

nllowances  (or  your  Department,  and  the  continu  t  c     of    h     m"^  .  *  '"'  '''"''"  '"  "'^ 

Houses  one  of  which  A.ldresses  past  n.  ,i  7    .        "'"  ^''''f'"'"'-''  «"  t"'-   King  from  both 

I  '."ve  the  pleasure  t o  in      „  T,:^:''''^-^^      ""^  ^"«  "^'^  -'"-t  a  division. 

on  Tuesday  last  and  that  1...^:.^^^^       :;;;"!:  "^  «ht  to  bed  of  „  Princes, 

<lesired.     I  most  heartily  co,,«ratulate  vo.  Ll           -^     "'''  '''"•"•■"'  '"-  ""  ^^*""  ""'•'"' l'« 
t..".  a„o.ds  the  greatest  ^atish^ti"':;;^"  •Z^.:;;;':;-- ;'^  •"^  ""^•'"  ^^ 'y  «"  event 

I  nm  &• 

ilii  Lsnonoi'dii. 


110 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


h  t 

I- 


f  I 


N"  5. 


/i^/r   WUliam  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough. 

I  I'lanmioDj  Ocnfnil  (B.  1".  O. )  CCLIV.,  No.  6.  ] 


,.    ,      .  Johnson  Hall  Nov'  IS.  1768 

My  Lnrd, 

I  had  the  honor  to  write  Your  Lordship  (N°  4)  from  Fort  Stanwix  Just  before  the  opening 
the  Treaty  wherein  I  represented  the  many  difficulties  in  the  way  to  the  Settlement  of  the 
line,  which  however  I  have  at  length  surmounted,  &  settled  in  a  manner  which  will  I  hope  be 
agreable  to  his  Majesty,  for  the  particulars  of  which  I  beg  leave  to  refer  your  Lordship  to  a 
Coppy  of  my  Transactions,  which  I  have  now  the  honor  to  enclose,  together  with  a  Deed  of 
Cession  to  his  Majesty  for  the  Lands  yeilded  up  to  the  Crown. 

Your  Lordship  will  find  that  the  Six  Nations  insisting  on  their  right  to  the  Lands  as  far 
Soulh  as  the  Cherokee  River  have  [Ceded]  the  same  to  his  Majesty  and  notwithstanding  that 
the  [{eport  of  the  Board  of  Trade  spoke  of  Great  Kanhawa  River  as  their  Southern  bounds,  I 
found  from  what  passed  at  several  private  Meetings,  that  I  could  not  deny  them  the  liberty  of 
asserting  their  pretensions  to  the  Southward  without  highly  r'isobliging  them,  and  preventing 
the  Settlement  of  the  rest. 

From  many  former  enquirys  and  disputes  on  these  Subjects,  I  never  could  find  that  the 
Cherokees  claimed  to  the  Westward  of  the  Great  Mountains,  or  North  of  the  River  of  their 
Nams,  but  that  the  Six  Nations  always  did  claim  thereto,  I  therefore  Judged  it  for  the  Interest 
of  his  Majesty  to  acquiesce  for  these  reasons,  that  by  their  Cession  of  the  Country  below  the 
Kanhawa  to  his  Majesty  their  pretensions  must  in  future  cease,  Whereas  should  the  Cherokees 
now  er  hereafter  under  colour  of  a  claim  further  North  be  treated  with  &  surrender  it  up,  it 
would  occasion  much  Expence  &  trouble  to  obtain  the  Consent  of  the  Northern  Indians  who 
are  a  much  more  formidable  iVople,  All  which  is  as  I  apprehend  prevented  by  the  present 
Cession  which  is  nevertheless  Submitted  by  His   Majesty. 

The  next  point  I  have  to  observe  to  Vour  Lordship  is  the  continuation  of  the  Boundary 
line  Northward  from  Owegy  the  necessity  of  this  I  formerly  remarked,  and  the  Indians  insisted 
on  it,  it  is  now  carried  to  Canada  Creek  where  it  falls  into  Wood  Creek,  which  last  mentioned 
Water  empties  into  the  Oneida  Lake.  I  found  it  extremely  difficult  to  get  it  so  far  to  the 
Westward  from  its  vicinity  to  their  own  Towns,  and  indeed  the  whole  of  the  line  as  it 
approaches  them  cost  me  more  pains  &  trouble  than  can  be  conceived,  whilst  at  the  same  time 
the  necessity  of  establishing  it  where  intrusions  would  be  most  affecting  to  them  was  self 
evident.  Their  Towns  &  Settlements  are  therefore  secured  to  their  satisfaction  by  extending 
the  line  to  the  Waters  which  discharge  themselves  into  Lake  Ontario,  but  it  is  not  continued 
80  as  to  Close,  First,  because  I  found  that  many  of  them  were  for  closing  it  by  running  to  the 
next  Faltented  Lands,  which  would  have  limitled  the  i'rovince  of  New  Yoik  in  such  a  manner 
as  must  have  produced  some  coujplaints,  Secondly  because  aa  the  Country  North  ii  the 
Properly  of  the  Oneidaes  &  .Mohawks,  It  can  at  any  time  hereafter  be  closed  at  a  very  moderate 
Expence,  should  his  .Maj"  re(|uire  it.  As  I  find  that  the  .Mohawks  arc  desirous  to  have  it  closed, 
and  could  be  brought  to  do  it  most  ndvantagiously  on  any  future  occasion.  I  beg  your 
Lordship  will  bileive  that  in  all  these  .Matters  where  I  had  not  particular  Instructions  I  have 
Acted  to  the  best  of  my  Judgement  or  his  Mnjestyx  Interest,  The  Difllciillies  I  had  to 
Btrugglf  with  by  the  artiliceg  of  the  IVople  at  the  .Mississipi  &  the  douhts  and  surmises  of  the 
Indians  themselves,  thro'  the  late  Misconduct  of  the  Frontier  Inhahitanti,  &  the  length  of  lime 


i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 

trf3;::ArA3^::t^rp^'o7tt;  -'  -'-  --'^ '-  ^--"  ^^  ^^-^  -^°  --« ^'' 

Chiefs  of  every  Nation,  wherthe  '^r  no  1,  .r""  '"""'''  '^  '""''  """"''  "'''  *'' 
committed  to  writing  or  compr  seS  inTn!  JT  T T'T'  "P""  *  ^'^^"^^^'^  ^""^  -'  ^^ 
with  the  Indians  that  the  Seve  a   Ar  icie7,h      H  ^T'"'    ^  ''''  '''''''^  "^^  ^^P"''"-" 

the  Charges  attending  ^^^1:^^^^^ ^^1;^ :!'  "'T^' '  "'^^""  ^^'■^•^■ 
been  ineffectual,  they  have  at  length  relied  o n  „  v  T  ""  ^"^^^^^^^^  ^vould  have 

regard  paid  to  them  will  be  the  "5  v  uritv  for ^H  ■"■'""'  '"'^  ^ '^'^  '^°"'^''«"'  ""■»'  ^^e 
likewise  rely  cheifly  on  his  Majes^yVZ  T  !nVl '  r  '''"''''  "'  '^'  ""«•  '^'^  '-"'-"- 
Matters  and  for^thei^uture  ha  ness  and  sTuHtv.hr"  '"  ''^  P-formance  of  those 
the  Colonies,  v^hich  I  have  e-lZured  t„  '  "^^  7  ^'?  "'^"^  ^PP^«^-"«'»"« -""cerning 
have  experienced  how  far  riT  e  e^.t  o^r^  i""'  "  ^  '^"^^"''  ^-^'  '^  -  "-' 
are  governed  by  different  Maxims  and  To    ick    Tl  \  ^  "°'  '^"°'''"'  ''^^'  ^''^^  Colonies 

where  they  apprehend  they  d  served  red"  a  L  not  ^7  "  °'''"  ""P"'"^^'^  '"  '^^^^^^ 
when  it  has  been  once  abused.  '^'  ^"  ''P°'"  ^  confidence  a  second  time. 

t  Jn::;r  o^idir^r"::;"  ^^cr't"''"\''''^  ''^-'^  --  "--'^»^'«  '^o-^ 

given  on  the  part  of  the  Crown  was  the  Zmf  T'     ^  """""'  °'  ""  «°°'^«'  «-'  ^ash 

^.  «ome  others  frSi':  w  i  e^^f^lin^^^lj/^'tf  I'^T'^^^!  "  '"^  ^'^^^'^^^  ^^'--e« 
times  desirous  to  Communicate  by  tleT.  Lt  oL  r  '"  '°  "'-'^  C-">''y. -"i  at  the  san.e 
for  the  present  .lefe^  saying  any  thi  g  fie'nT  •''■''  T  '""'  °'  '"^"^  importance.  1  n,ust 

your  Lordships  ^avouraLe^eceVt  V  tp  :/  :7„'"'f '^^  ""'  ^l"'  "  ''"'''''  ^••"""-  «" 
possible  Ilespect,  ^'"''l"'"'  ^"g  '''•■»^«  to  subscribe  my-self  with  all 

The  IMght  ".„^..  "^  ^"'■'^  ^^°"''  ^'"'■•^^^'■P«  '^»°«t  Obli.-ed  &  most 

The  Earl  of  Hillsborough.  '^*'"''^""  ""'»'^'e  ''^«rvant 

VV.  Johnson 


JioutuUii'tf  Line. 

tPlMltUwit  (l.nornl,  XXX.,  BunJIo  V.  T  ] 

lo  Hi.  M,,jj,;..  ri;:' '""°  "•'""■  •"•  '^°'»"'"  "»i  i».ii.»..  p.r.ua„. 

*  Th.  wo^^,  wiU,io  brMk«U  u»  iupnli.,j  f,„„  .,..  „.---,..  ,     ,  ^       . 

'  T-'tca  m  /9*ii»«4  jif&a,  XVI.  — Kb. 


[f 


112 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


other  Gentlemen,  wiH,  20  Boats  loaded  with  the  Goods  intended  for  the  Present  to  be  made 
by  the  Cession  of  Lands  to  the  King.  The  Co.nmissioners  from  Virginia  were  already  there, 
and  on  the  21"  arrived  Lieuf  Gov'  I'enn  with  Comm"  from  Pensilvania  &  several  other 
gentlemen.  The  same  day  .Mess"  Wharton  &  Trent  of  Pensylvania  delivered  in  an  account  of 
the  Traders  losses  in  17G3,  together  with  their  Powers  of  Attorney  for  obtaining  a  retribution 
in  Lands,  pursuant  to  an  article  of  the  Treaty  of  Peace  in  17G5 

Several  Indians  came  in  &  informed  Sir  W™  Johnson  that  those  of  Susquehanna  were  near 
at  hand,  and  gave  him  sundry  intelligences 

On  the  29'*  some  Delawares  arrived  from  Muskingham  who  left  the  Shawanees  at  Fort  Pitt 
on  their  way  to  Fort  Stanwix 

30'*  The  Bounds  between  the  Mohawks  and  Stockbridge  Indians  were  adjusted  to  mutual 
batislaclion,  and  the  latter  returned  home 

At  the  beginning  of  October,  there  were  800  Indians  assembled  &  continued  coming  in  dayly 
till  after  tlie  Treaty  was  opened.  The  upper  Nations  still  remaining  behind  thro'  evil  Reports, 
an.l  Belts  sent  amongst  them.  Sir  William  dispatched  Messengers  to  hasten  them  and  held 
sev-eral  Congresses  with  those  on  the  spo  utecedent  to  the  Treaty,  for  adjusting  differences 
and  preparing  them  to  enter  heartily  upon  business  on  the  arrival  of  the  rest 

On  the  I.5">  of  Oct'  Gov'  Penn  urged  by  the  AfKiirs  of  his  Province  set  olf  for  Philadelphia 
leaving  behind  him  as  Commissioners  Mess"  Peters  &  Tilghman. 

By  the  22-  there  were  2200  Indians  collected  and  several  large  Parties  coming  in  the  next 
day,  amongst  whom  were  all  the  cheifs  of  the  upper  Nations.  Sir  William  prepared  to  open 
the  Congress  on  the  21""  ^ 


At  a  Treaty  with  the  6  Nations  Shawanese  Delawares,  Senecas  of  Ohio  &  Dependants  &c. 
opened  at  Fort  Stanwix  on  Monday  the  24  Oct.  17CS. 

Present— Hon""  Sir  W"  Johnson  Bart  Superinf' 

ilis  Kxcell'J'  W-  Franklin  Ksq"  Gov'  of  New  Jersey 

Thomas  Walker  Esq"  Comm'  from  Virginia 

Honb''  Fred.  Smith  '  Ch.  Justice  of  New  Jersey. 

Kich"  Peters  &  James  Tilghman  Comm"  from  the  Province  of  Pensylvania. 

Deputy  Agents  of  Indian  nffiiira 
George  Croghan  Esq"  Daniel  Clans  Esq" 
Guy  Johnson  Esq"  Dep:  Agent  as  Secretary. 
With  sundry  Gents:  <rom  dillerent  Colonies 

Interpreters     John  Butler  Esq"         M'  Andrew  Montour         Philip  Philips 

'r.......  K  SwrTH.  the  Ia,t  rl.i,.f  Ju,.i„e  of  ,ho  i',Aouy  of  New  ,.or,..y.  .u-cecl..,.  ..|.i..f  ,t,„tlc.e  H 1  „„  ,|,..  ,,..„.,.  ,.„  „.. 

I  ah  (.0  nho,,  17«4.  ..,,1  ,..„„..,H,..|  in  „fli,.„  .,„,i,  the  «.l,,,li..„  „f  th«  CWi.uti,.,..     In  .77.  h.,  w.,  k,., ,.„,    ,        "  Z 

^  h.n  ...Revn  ,...,.„  tn,k.  ou.     o  r.,„„ve,l  ,.,  I.hil.,.,.l,hi..  wh,...  I...  ,,ie,l      I.i.  ,..,„t„L,.  ».  .  j,„,«..  L.  h  «   ly  re        u! 


il}| 


^ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI, 


118 


^P 

P*   "^a 

i 

*"'^H 

4 

j^B 

'^IH 

^S 

1 

A 

I 


Abraham 

Kaoadagaya 

Kendrick 

The  Bunt 
Tewawmit 

Guastrax 


fianaghquieson 
Nicholasera 


Tagaaia 
Skaiiarady 

Saquarcesera 


Killbuck 


Indian  Cheifs  Present 

MOBAWKI 

Aroghiadecka 

Kayenqujregoa 

Tobar-hoga 

Orordasu 

Diaquanda 

SnfKOAs 

Odongot 

0KIID4a 

Senughsis 
Cajuheta 

CunoAB 

Atrawawna 

TmOABOMt 

Kanigot 

MlNtlM  of  OUlo 
BlIAWAMMI 

Benevissica 

DiiAWAin 

Turtleheart 


'<■  'I 


Onohario 
&c  &c  &c. 


Tawawshughti 
&c.  &c 

&c  &c  &:c. 

Tagawaron 
&c  &c  &c. 

&c  &c  &o 


Tyngawehe 
&c  &c  &c 


IndianH  concerned.  Vou  are  required  to  a  nd  Vr  ^^'"'y'""'*,  *^  '"«  "everalNations  of 
under  the  direction  of  Sir  William  :  I:  1 ,  «  ,o  h'T .•  .  ""  '"  ''"'  ''"^''°«'' 
n^e  ^0  pay  due  regard  to  the  Interest  of  Hi.  ^.^^^r^^;  Jlni::::^::::'::^ 

i"  .lM.cl,.i.,  Which  hoc.11.,1  .h,  •n^.nb.rl.n.lg.,."  .L  ,;!"'•«.  7   '  •"'  ''"""''  *  """•^"'■'"  '•'T-Mion 

K..u,.k,, ,...  which  oo,. ,,  it  i. ...,,,,!:.  hw„  ,  1  :,^ "  i;:t  "',":•'  '■".'  '•■••">  -•-  ""<•  wh.t  i. „„; 


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NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


M. 


frorn  me.     Given  under  my  hand  &  Seal  of  the  Colony  of  Williamsburgh  this  17"-  day  of  June 
in  the  eighth  year  of  His  Majesty's  Reign.     A.  D.  1768." 

John  Blair." 
Mess"  Peters  &  Tilghman  being  lii^ewise  admitted  as  Comm"  for  Pensilvania.  Sir  William, 
then  by  Abraham  Cheif  of  the  Mohawks,  addressed  the  Indians 

Bretheren 

I  take  you  by  the  hand  and  heartilybid  you  all  wellcome  to  this  place  where  I  have  kindled 
a  Council  Fire  for  affairs  of  importance.  The  Gov'  of  New  Jersey  and  the  Comm"  of  Virginia 
&  .  ensilvan.a  do  likewise  welcome  you  here.  Lieuf  Gov'  Penn  came  hither  to  meet  you  & 
waited  a  considerable  time,  but  was  at  length  by  business  obliged  to  return  home,  leaving 
these  Gentlemen  as  Comm"  on  behalf  of  Pensylvania 

Both  the  Gov  &  Gentlemen  Comm"  as  well  as  myself,  having  waited  here  a  month  to  no 
purpose  began  to  be  impatient  never  the  less  you  see  that  their  desire  to  meet  you  prevailed 
over  every  other  consideration  and  induced  them  to  stay.  I  hope  therefore  that  you  are  now 
come  ful  y  prepared  and  with  Hearts  well  inclined  to  the  great  business  for  which  we  are 
convened,  and  in  order  to  prepare  you  the  better  for  these  purposes,  I  do  now.  agreeable  to  the 
antient  custom  establish-  by  our  Forefathers,  proceed  to  the  oeremony  of  Condolence  usual 
on  these  occasions 

And  first:  With  this  String  of  Wamp:  I  do,  on  behalf  of  His  Majesty  &  all  His  subjects 
wipe  away  the  Tears  from  your  eyes  which  yoa  are  constantly  shedding  for  your  late  deceased 
Cheifs,  and  I  clea-  your  sight  that  so  you  may  look  cheerfully  at  your  Bretheren,  who  are 
come  from  Several  of  the  Provinces  to  attend  this  General  Congress  ordered  by  His  Maiestv 
to  be  held  by  m    ;  in  order  to  settle  some  necessary  points  between  him  &  you 

With  this  String  I  clear  the  Passage  to  your  Hearts  that  you  may  speak  cheerfully  and 
candidly  on  the  several  subjects  which,  during  this  Congress,  will  be  treated  of,  as  well  nr  to 
remove  all  sorrow  &  uneasiness  from  you 

With  this  last  string  I  wipe  away  the  blood  of  your  friends  from  off"  your  Births,  that  you 
may  on  your  return  rest  with  Peace  and  comfort  on  them  Gave  the  3  Strings 

Brethren 

I  am  greatly  concerned  for  the  many  losses  you  have  sustained  in  your  several  Nations  since 
our  last  meeting  &  sincerely  condole  with  you  for  them  all  '  i.  A  Belt. 

Brethren 

With  this  Belt  I  light  up,  anew  your  several  Council' Fires,  that  the  Cheifs  still  remnininR 
may  upon  all  occasions  .it  comfortably  by  them  and  consult  on  the  several  matters,  which  may 
come  before  llieni.  «»■,,. 

2.  A  Belt 

Brethren 

As  I  have  by  the  former  Belt  kindled  up  your  several  Council  Fires,  I  do  now  by  this  Belt 
desire  that  you  the  Councillors  will  duly  assemble,  when  the  affairs  of  your  nations  require 
It,  &  then  jealously  apply  yourselves  to  every  measure  which  may  tend  to  your  Peace  and 
Interest.  »  „  , 

A  Belt 

Brethren. 

With  this  Bflt  I  di.pe!  th«  darkness  whirl,  for  some  time  past  hath  overspread  your  «ev«r(J 
(-ouni.ies,  by  reason  ol  your  many  &  groat  Losses,  and  now  heartily  wish  you  may  enjoy  « 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI  ,-,c 

IjLa 

SunTetS-  '■  "  ""'  '"  "''  '"  ""'  ''  "'  ^°"  ^^^''""  '''""  »^«  Sun  rising  to  cl.e 

^  4  A.  Belt 

Bretliren, 

eJLlT^\^""\"'!'^  f  •''"''''  '"  *'^''''  "'^^  ^"y'  ^""^  ^l^^'  y"""-  Ancestors  have  from  the 
earhest  t.me  directed  and  recommended  (he  observation  of  a  Sett  of  Rules  which  thev  laid 
down  for  you  to  follow  .  do  now.  agreeable  to  that  custom,  take  oJ  th      I  aT       w    er'      d 
therewth  cleanse  your  .nside  from  all  Filth  and  every  thing  which  has  given  you  con;em. 
Brethren  6  A  Belt 

ty.lc!:%f'-'''%'^"'  ^""  ^""^'""  *  Councillors  will,  as  occasions  may  require  consult  with 
the  Che.fta.ns  of  your  young  men.  as  they  are  in  general  men  of  sense  and  experience  and 
you  che.fta>ns  and  Warriors  to  pay  a  due  regard  to  your  Sachems  and  Counci  lor  who  J  sn«e 
advice  will  seldom  or  never  be  amiss  iuui.ors  wnose  sago 

6  A.Beit 
Brethren 

are'LutrCoundl  p"r°"'"  '  T^'  °"''  ''''  "^"^^""^  ^''''  ^'^-^  -^  that  as  there 
are  but  two  Council  i  ires  for  your  confederacy,  the  one  at  my  house  and  the  other  at  Onond.c. 

I  must  desire  that  you  will  always  be  ready  to  attend  either  of  them,  when  caUed  upon  bj 
which  means  business  will  I  hope,  always  be  attended  &  properly  caried  on  fo  our  mulu.l 
Interest,  and  this  I  earnestly  recommend  to  yru  all  \  [  Bdt 

Brethren 

I  must  also  advise  you  to  be  unanimous  amongst  yourselves  &  reside  in  your  respect!-. 

th^P  acTi'c'f  ""'  "'  "'""""'"^  °^  ""'"'«  ^'"°"«^'  °^^-  ^''^--'  -  has'been  too  nlh 
the  1  ractice  for  some  years  past,  to  the  great  weakening  of  your  confederacy. 

Brethren  8  A  Belt 

I  give  you  a  Pouch  with  a  String  of  Wampum  in  it,  which  you  are  to  make  use  of  wh^n  v  , 

to'To.:  T  l"V'  ""'  °'  ":  '°"'^"^^"^^''  ^"'^  ''-  "P  «"  «-•'  occasions  wtoudajrorT 
to  condole  for  the  same,  and  remove  the  concern  thereby  occasioned 

Brethren  ^  Strings  of  Wampum 

I  now  supply  you  with  a  torch  or  candle  which  you  are  to  travel  with  hv  ni„i.f  . 


^Kk 


At  a  Congress  with  the  several  Nations  on  Tuesday  SS"  Oct' 
Pkesent—  as  before. 

.:3:T::;rr,:,-%:r,;"::tr;-7"rv'r;-™' 


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NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Gov  F.'anklin   shook   him   by  the  Hand  &  returned   him   thanks.    Then   Canaghquieson 

proceeded  to  answer  the  ceremony  of  Condolence  as  follows 

Brother 

We  congratulate  you.  the  Gov'  and  the  rest  of  the  Gentlemen  on  your  safe  arrival  at  this 
Place,  w  ere  we  are  heartily  glad  to  meet  you.  Then  after  repeating' what  Sir  Wil  am  h  d 
h  R  h  '*"' •^'•'"S^yesterday.  he  said,  they  did  on  their  parts  wipe  away  the  Tears  which 
the.r  Brothers  the  hngl.sh  were  shedding  for  their  losses  as  also  the  blood  of  their  friends 
from  the.r  seats  cleansing  their  hearts  that  they  may  be  able  to  attend  the  important  affairs 
which  were  to  be  transacted  r.        o  L  • 

in  .  J    1,   .       ,.    ,.  ""*'e  3  btrmes 

1  hen  repeated  all  that  S.r  William  had  said  on  the  Black  Belts  given  at  the  Condolence  for 
all  which  he  returned  thanks  and  said 

Brother 

We  are  much  concerned  at  the  losses  you  have  met  with  since  our  last  Congress,  and  we 
smcerely  condole  with  you  upon  the  occasion  for  them  all.  A  Belt  of  9  RovJs 

Brother 

We  thank  you  for  rekindling  our  several  Council  Fires,  whereby  we  are  enabled  to  proceed 
to  busmess  as  formerly,  and  we  shall  endeavour  to  render  our  Meetings  useful  to  the  Public. 

Brother  ^  fi«'t- 

We  thank  you  for  the  advice  you  give  us.  to  assemble  duly  when  the  publick  affairs  require 

ood  ord'r  °"'"''  ^°"  ^"  '''*'  ^''*'''  ""  *'^°"^'^'''  *°  '^'  'maintenance  of  Peace  and 

^°°    °'  ^''  A  Belt 

Brother 

We  are  much  obliged  to  you  for  dispelling  the  darkness  that  surround-  our  several  Nations 
on  account  of  our  many  losses.  This  we  take  very  kindly  of  you,  as  we  were  in  great 
heavness  for  some  time  past,  and  all  our  Nations  join  in  thanking  you  and  performing  the 
same  on  their  parts.  '     „  ,      ° 

^  A  Belt. 

Brother 

We  all  express  our  thanks  to  you  for  the  remembrance  of  our  antient  ceremonies.  We 
consider  them  as  the  cement  of  our  union,  and  as  you  have  cleansed  us  with  water,  we  do  in 
like  manner  take  of  the  ccarest  running  stream  &  wash  your  inside  thoroughly  therewith 
cleansing  you  from  all  impurities  ^ /j. 

Brother 

We  esteem  the  advice  you  have  given  our  cheifs  to  consult  the  young  men  as  occasion  may 
require,  and  you.  oirections  that  they  should  on  their  parts  pay  due  regard  to  us.  and  we  shall 
observe  whatever  you  have  recommended  to  us  ^  ^g^ 

Brother 

We  are  sensible  that  we  have  but  two  great  Council  Fires,  the  one  at  your  house,  the  other 
at  Onondaga  We  shall  a  ways  be  ready  to  attend  at  either  for  the  public  Good,  and  we  hope 
that  you  will  continue  to  be  ready  to  meet  us  often  as  the  general  Peace  requires  it 

A  Belt 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


iM  :;:j»-!ri 


117 


Brother, 

We  give  you  thanks  for  recommending  unanimity  to  us.  We  know  that  our  living  together 
18  necessary  to  our  happiness  and  that  it  gives  us  strength  We  will  follow  your  advice,  and 
we  recommend  it  to  the  English  to  be  unanimous  in  all  good  works  A  Belt. 

Brother 

We  are  happy  to  find  you  so  observant  of  our  ancient  Customs,  that  you  give  us  a  string  in  a 
Pouch  to  make  use  o  when  we  have  occasion  to  communicate  our  losses  a^d  condole  for  them. 
We  request  you  w.l  be  equally  observant  of  these  matters,  that  so  our  Grief  may  be  timely 
and  properly  removed  .   ,^,  ,  ^ 

A  belt. 

Brother 

We  also  give  you  many  thanks  for  supplying  us  with  a  Torch  to  travel  with  on  emergencys 
We  assure  that  we  sh.    make  proper  use  of  it.  &  communicate  every  necessary  intelligence  ,o 
you.     A  1  the  s.x  Natio  s  with  the  Shawanese.  Delawares,  &  all  their  dependants  as  far  as  to 
the  great  Plams  of  b.oto,  give  you  thanks  for  your  good  word,  which  were  a  cordial  to  them 
and  they  all  request  that  you  will  continue  in  the  same  good  sentiments.         3  Strings 

The  Ceremony  of  condolence  being  ended  Sir  William  gave  them  a  short  exhortaf  after  which 
the  Che.fs  arose  and  shook  hand  with  Gov' Franklin  &  Canaghquieson  addressing  him  said 
that  as  he  had  given  hnn  his  own  name,  he  hoped  that  he  would  endeavour  to  acquire  as  much 
reputation  with  .t  amongst  the  People  as  he  had  done  The  Governor  returned  them 
many  thanks 

Then  adjourned  till  the  day  following. 


At  a  Congress  Wednesday  Oct.  26. 
Present—  as  before 

Conoghquieson  stood  up  and  said  that  the  Six  Nations  not  being  satisfied  with  his  having 
given  Ins  own  name  to  Govern'  Franklir.  had  met  upon  it,  and  in  testimony  of  their  sense  of 
h,s  and  his  Peoples  ju.t.ce  in  causing  the  murtherers  of  some  Indians  to  be  put  to  death 
w.  hm  h.s  Government  did  now  confer  upon  him  the  name  of  Sagorighweyoghsta.'  or  the  Great 
Arbiter  or  Doer  of  Justice,  wishing  that  he  and  the  people  of  his  G^verltnt  migl  t  onti  I^ 
to  act  w.h  the  same  Justice  they  had  hitherto  done.  Whereupon  Gov' Franklin  returned 
them  thanks  for  the  favor  and  assured  them  both  himself  and  the  people  of  his  Government 

tTenl   usZ        °'"'''°"'  "'"""'''  ^^"''  ''''""  ''"  ""  ^"'"'"'  '"'^  ^^''''  '"'^'""^tion  to  do 
Then  Sir  William  addressed  them 

Brethren 

We  have  now  mutually  p'formed  the  Ceremony  of  Condolence  as  a  proof  of  the  regard  we 
have  for  the  Customs  of  our  Ancestors  &  of  the  concern  we  feel  for  each  others  losses.    I  think 

'  Fro,,,  the  Tcrb  Oarih^aM.,«^,  to  do.  or  render  j,..tice;  «l.i.h  i.  compounded  of  Oari/.>^a.  «  thing  ,nd  «„>„■  iust     IW 

'C:i;  w  tv:::;i:!:'r  ^"  """"^- '""' '--' '--'  ^-'-  -  ^"-  -« - «--  --^  -^  ^-^-  -™^-'  4- 


118 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


H 


.    < 


f  '^ 


It  highly  necessary  in  the  next  place  that  we  farther  stren-then  the  Union  between  us  and  with 

that  view  I  do  therefore  by  this  Beit  in  the  nnme  of  your  Fnther  the  great  King  of  England  in 

behalf  of  all  his  American  Subjects  renew  &  confirm  th,3  Covenant  Chain  subsisting  between 

us,  strengthening  it,  and  rubbing  off  any  rust  which  it  may  have  contracted  that  it  may  appear 

bright  to  all  Nations  as  a  proof  of  our  love  and  Friendship,  &  I  hope  that  all  of  you,  sensible  of 

the  advantn,  «s  of  this  union,  will  after  the  example  of  the  English  have  it  always  before  you 

&  keep  It  fast  that  it  may  remain  firm  and  unshaken,  so  long  as  Grass  shall  grow  or  waters  run 

Belt  of  the  Cdv«  Chain  15  Rows  with  human  figures  at  each  end. 
Bretheren 

I  persuade  myself  that  you  are  all  sensible  of  the  Benefits  which  result  from  o-.ir  strict  Union, 
&  that  hav  ^  it  always  before  your  eyes,  you  will  be  careful  in  preserving  it.  This  will  protect 
you  from  all  dangers,  &  secure  to  you  the  blessings  of  Peace,  and  the  advantages  of  Commerce 
with  a  people  able  to  supply  all  your  wants.  And  as  this  is  a  considerat"  of  much  importance, 
which  depends  on  the  friendship  subsisting  between  us  &  a  free  open  and  safe  Communication 
for  all  our  people  to  you,  I  do  now  by  this  Belt  clear  the  Rivers  &  Paths  throughout  our 
respective  countries,  of  all  obstructions  r -moving  Trees  out  of  our  Creeks  &  Logs  Briars  & 
Rubbish  out  of  our  Roads,  that  our  Canoes  may  pass  along  witho-t  danger  and  that  our  people 
may  travel  freely  &  securely  by  night  or  by  day  without  any  risk  or  impediment  whatsoever 
—And  I  recommend  it  to  you  all  to  contribute  to  this  good  work,  &  to  assist  in  keeping  it  free 
and  open  to  the  latest  Posterity  ^  Large  Belt. 

Brethren 

Hearken  to  me  who  have  good  words  to  speak  to  you,  such  as  are  for  the  benefit  of  your 
whole  confederacy  and  of  your  children  yet  unborn. 

You  all  remember  that  three  years  ago  I  signified  to  you  His  Matys  desire  to  establish  a 
Bo.in.lary  Line  between  his  people  and  yours  and  that  we  then  agreed  together  how  some  part 
of  that  Line  should  run,  whenever,  the  same  came  to  be  settled 

You  all,  I  am  hopefull,  recollect  the  Reasons  I  then  gave  you  for  making  such  a  Boundary 
ne;er  the  less  I  nhM  again  repeat  them.  You  know  Brethren  that  the  encroachments  upon 
your  Lands  have  been  always  one  of  your  principal  subjects  of  complaint,  and  that  so  Car  as  it 
coull  be  done  endeavors  have  not  been  wanting  for  your  obtaining  Redress.  Bu)  i  w,-  ■ 
difficult  lask,  and  generally  unsuccessfull  — for  altho'  the  Provinces  have  bounds  bet-  .  eaeh 
othe-,  there  are  no  certain  Bounds  between  them  &  you.  And  thereby  not  only  several  of  our 
people  Ignorant  in  Indian  Affairs  have  advanced  too  far  into  your  country,  but  also  many  of 
yc-ur  own  people  through  the  want  of  such  a  Line  ha.  -  been  deceived  in  the  Sales  they  bave 
made  or  m  the  limits  th.y  have  set  to  our  respective  clain.s  This,  Brethren,  is  a  sad  Case. 
which  h.s  Irequen.ly  given  us  much  trouble,  and  turned  many  of  your  heads  ;  but  it  is  likely 
10  continue  so  untill  some  Bounds  are  agreed  to,  fixed  upon  and  ma.ie  public  between  'is  The 
Great  the  good  King  of  England  my  master,  whose  friendship  and  tender  regard  lor  your 
Int.  rests  1  wish  you  may  ever  hold  in  remembrance  has  amongst  other  Instances  of  his 
Grodness  alter  long  deliberation  on  some  mean.s  for  your  releif,  and  for  preventing  future 
disputes  concerning  Lands  at  length  resolved  upon  fixing  a  general  Boundary  Line  between 
h,s  subjects  and  you,  .nd  that  in  such  a  manner  as  shall  be  most  agreeable  to  you,  in 
consequence  of  which  I  have  received  his  Royal  commands  to  call  you  together  for  the 
establishment  thereof,  and  after  conferring  with  the  Governments  interested  hereupon,  you 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI.  -..^ 

of  Virli'T/""  '''•''°''  "^  '''  '"'''''  "^«  Con.missioners  on  behalf  of  Aseregoa  •  Gov' 

wjiat  L!in<la  8hall  (nil  lo  him-Bpon  ll,e  whole   I  hope   that   vour  dellberalion.   will    l» 

I'lirZrtr" ''™'""°""  "■="  - «''  ""^  '""^  ""■•^"  ••  p™»f'  of  yor;:.:" :; 

Th.  Importance  of  .h„  nin.lr  now  before  „,  „,„i,e.  .he  „o.t  e.flonT  ntltn '^   I  wll, 
h  II   ;:  Wn'ThoT    '  ""'  T  ""'''"  """"  '"'"  '"  ''"""'y  """>•  »"-         -fore  w 

ndr^ed^ht"""    """'   "'   "'"   •""'■"""  """■  """"""8  """'    •'*"   ^^'"'»"'   ""■'    »«l 
Brother 

We  give  you  thanks  for  what  you  have  said  to  us  at  this  time,  it  is  a  weighty  affair,  and  we 
Shan  agreeable  to  your  desire  take  it  into  our  most  serious  consideration  •"^' ''"^  «'« 

We  are  glad  that  so  many  great  men  are  assembled  to  bear  witness  of  the  transaction  ■,„d 
we  are  now  reso.ved  to  retire  and  consult  on  a  proper  answer  to  be  given  to  al  j"  e  s.id 
&  o  soon  as  we  have  agreed  upon  .  ...  ,„„  give  you  notice  tha^  we  may  again  sen  ' 
and  make  ,t  known  to  ycu  a  ,.  ....  are  all  uuch  obliged  to  you  that  you  have  di  c  d  s  J 
»  .^..  tins  great  <..,..  .„„e  „t  this  time  hat  our  minds  might  not  be  burthened  or  diverted 
''^"''■■-      '.        ■  •"■-6  to  anything  else. 

Then  Coi  .ghquieson  addressed  the  w'ole  and  desired  that  the  several  Nations  might  look 
towards  t  .  Onondagas  who  .ouul  appoint  him  a  time  and  place  for  taking  tht  nat  tr 
into  consid'  ration  °  "laiur 

After  wl  -ch  adjourned 

of  L^r  7!!  "I  "'!!  '^:  ^'^"'*'=°'^««  ^'^'^  Captain  Ogden  and  explained  to  them  the  affair 
of  the  Sale  of  the^^  L.ndsof  w:„„.  the  approved,  as  well  as  of  the  price  which  [is]  06«  Dollars 

4.  100.9  9  Cur-  so  that  a  balance  of  415  Dollars  or  X  IGG.2.3  Currency  remains  due  (,y  said 
Ogden  wluo  he  is  to  pay  to  the  cheif  of  the  Nanticokes  as  soon  as  may\e  and  then  they  e 
to   mpower  him  to  dispose  of  the  remainder  of  their  Land  in  Maryland  ^ 

Ihursday  the  27'^     Deiaquande   Cheiftain  of  the  Onondagas  with  SC,  arrived  an.l  came 
mme  lately  to  Sir  Williams  Quarters  to  pay  him  the  usual  compliments  which  having     tu3 
he  ordered  them  paint.  Pipes,  Tobacco  &  a  dram  around  and  dismissed  them  ' 

hnday  the  2S""-The  weather  being  cold  Sir  William  clothe.!  the  old  cheifs  of  every  Nation 
for  which  th..y  returned  many  thanks  &  told  tl,..,i,   that  he  now  enabled  then,   to     let 
consider  of  the  (ireat   affair  before  then,  with    pleasure,  and  assured  him   that  tl,  71' 
^deavour  to  do  every  thing  for  the  best,  and  that  with  the  utmo.t  expedition-The  'told  Si 
W.lham  that  they  were  yesterday  employed  in  hearing  news  brought  them  by  the  sJawltse 

'  Sw  Mole  .'i,  IX  ,  Vilfl.  ~  liu. 


I 


£ 

m 

1 

J 

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NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


and  receiving  the  Belts,  that   this  day  they  would   take   into  consideration   the  Boundary 
Line,  and  seriously  deliberate  thereon  aa  they  were  determined  to  make  it  binding 


m 


i|i 


At  a  Congress  with  the  several  Nations  on  P'riday  the  28""  day  of  October  17G8 

Present —  as  before 

The  Indians  continued  in  private  Council  till  4  P.  M.  when  they  sent  to  let  Sir  William 
know,  that  they  would  be  glad  to  speak  with  him:  being  all  seated  the  Speaker  addressed 
Sir  William 

Brother 

We  have  been  for  some  time  deliberating  on  what  you  said  concerning  a  Line  between  the 
English  and  us,  &  we  are  sensible  it  would  be  for  our  mutual  advantage  if  it  were  not 
transgressed,  but  dayly  experience  teaches  us  that  we  cannot  have  any  great  dependance  on 
the  white  People,  and  that  they  will  forget  their  agreements  for  the  sake  of  our  Lands — 
However  you  have  said  so  much  to  us  upon  it  that  we  are  willing  to  beleive  more  favorably  in 
this  case. 

Brother 

You  remember  when  we  spoke  last  concerning  this  Boundary,  that  we  did  not  agree 
about  the  way  it  should  run  from  Oswegy'  — This  is  a  point  that  must  now  be  settled  for  to 
what  purpose  could  it  be  to  draw  a  Line  between  us  &  the  country  of  Virginia  &  Pensylvania 
whilst  the  way  to  our  Towns  lay  open  We  would  therefore  know  what  you  intend  to  propose 
as  a  Boundary  to  the  Northward  that  we  take  it  into  consideration  and  we  shall  be  glad  that 
you  explain  it  fully  to  us,  that  no  mistake  may  be  made  on  either  side. 

To  which  Sir  William  answered. 

Brothers 

I  have  attended  to  what  you  say  and  do  admit  that  it  is  reasonable  the  Line  should  be 
closed,  &  I  persuade  myself  that  His  Maty  will  approve  of  it  All  these  things  I  had  in 
consideration  before,  &  I  recommended  the  Line  to  you  generally  at  (irst  according  to  your 
own  practice  as  an  Introduction  to  the  rest  and  in  order  to  render  the  whole  clear  &  plain  to 
you,  I  have  prepared  a  Map  on  which  the  Country  is  drawn  large  &  plain  which  will  enable 
us  both  to  judge  better  of  these  matters.  I  would  therefore  recommend  it  to  you  to  send  the 
cheifs  of  each  Nation  to  my  Quarters  where  I  shall  lay  the  Map  before  them  &  confer  with 
them  upon  it 

The  .Speaker  then  thanked  Sir  William  for  what  he  had  said  which  they  all  greatly  approved 
of,  in  consequence  of  which  the  Cheifs  of  each  Nation  came  soon  after  to  his  Quarters  when 
Sir  William  laid  a  Map  on  the  Table  &  after  explaining  to  them  the  nature  of  his  orders  & 
the  desires  of  Government  he  spoke  as  follows 

Brothers 

Here  is  the  Map  of  which  I  spoke  to  you,  where  all  that  Country  which  is  the  subject  of 
our  meeting  is  faithfully  laid  down.  The  Line  here  described  between  the  Kanhawa  [fiver  & 
Oswegy'  was  what  we  spoke  about  — The  King  hiis  not  fixed  upon  any  particular  place  to 


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121 


continue  it  to  It  therefore  remains  for  me  to  obtain  a  continuation  of  that  Line  which  will  be 
secure  to  you  and  advantageous  to  us  on  which  subject  we  now  meet- 1  have  likewise  to 
observe  lo  you  that  the  piece  of  Land  in  the  Forks  of  Susquehanna  is  very  much  desired  by 
the  Commissioners  from  Pensylvania  and  would  be  more  advantageous  to  them  than  to  you. 
besides  as  it  is  or  will  be  soon  partly  surrounded  by  Settlements  it  will  be  a  very  difficult 
matter  to  get  any  people  to  go  far  to  the  Northward,  &  leave  such  Land  as  it  were  behind 
tl,em-I  would  therefore  propose,  the  Bounds  from  Fort  Pitt  be  continued  up  to  the  Ohio  to 
Woglubugh.lum  Creek -Thence  up  that  Creek  &  along  the  eight  mile  Carrying  Place^  to  the 
iTnr  f  1,  '^"^'l"*^''-"'^  thence  along  that  River  to  the  Allegany  Uidge.  Thence  along 
Suso^  hfnn°I  r  '"'?,""  '°  '''  ""u''"^"  """'='  "^  '^°""  '*^«  ''^'  t«  '"«  ^--^t  E-t  Branch  of 
La  tward  to  the  Delaware  R.ver.  which  is  very  near  it  at  that  Place  and  for  that  part  of  this 
add.tiona     Cession   which    will   fall    to   M'   Penn.   you   will  receive   a  large    &  ban  Iso    e 

LiZ  fZ  :r  T,  ""'  '"""  "'^  '^^'^^  ^•'^"'  ^''""^y  ^"''  -  t°  "^«  conUnuation  of  It 
Pxnl.  r/  n  r.  '°  "'  '"  ''"''  •'•  ^  "'"'*  ^''''^  t°  ^'^'  ^'-^t  yourselves  think  &  I 
expe  t  that  your  Resolutions  will  be  advantageous  to  us,  &  that  you  will  make  proper  allowance 
for  the  increase  of  our  People  whereby  you  will  recommend  yourselves  to  the  King,  and 
become  so  pleasing  to  his  subjects  that  it  will  greatly  contribute  to  the  due  observance  of  the 
uounaary  Liine. 

To  which  the  Speaker  made  the  following  answer 
Brother 

We  have  hearkened  to  all  that  you  have  said  and  we  thank  you  for  your  advice  which  we 
beleive  is  well  intended-But  this  is  a  great  Cession  of  Land  which  will  require  much  tl  oult 
and  attention  and  therefore  we  shall  defer  the  consideration  of  it  till  tomorrow  ^ 

Brother 

Before  we  answer  you  about  the  continuation  of  the  Line  we  must  say  something  to  you 
concerning  the  extent  of  it  to  the  Southward  which  we  find  is  no  further  than  Kanhawa  River 
Now  Brother,  you,  who  know  all  our  affairs,  must  be  sensible  that  our  Rights  go  much  farther 
to  the  Southward  and  that  we  have  a  very  good  &  clear  Title  to  the  Lands  as  far  as  the 
Cherokee  River  which  we  can  not  allow  to  be  right  of  any  other  Indians  without  doing  wron^ 
to  our  losterity  and  acting  unworthy  those  Warriors  who  fought  &  conquered  it.  We 
therefore  expect  this  our  Right  will  be  considered. 

Brother 

We  are  now  to  speak  about  continuing  the  Line  as  you  said  from  Delaware  so  as  to  close 
It,  and  you  recommend  it  to  us  to  give  you  plenty  for  the  people 

We  were  formerly  generous  &  gave  the  white  people  in  many  places  Lands  when  they 
were  too  poor  to  buy  them.  We  have  often  had  bad  Returns.  Nevertheless  we  would  still 
act  generously  and  mean  to  do  as  much  as  we  can  without  ruining  our  Children 

meaai"„f' ''"hlrH"  T'"  '':''  "{''""''''""""''■     Ti'  «  o„rn,pti„n  of  the  In.lia,,  nan.o,  Mochulbu.tison  or  Mooholpaki.on. 
1  liis  c-OMig  place  u  in  tl,«  present  county  of  Indiana,  l-onnsyWania.  •  Sic.  Owewy. 


Vox,.  VIIL 


10 


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NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


-"I 


Brotlier. 

You  know  that  ll,e  country  from  Oswegy-  quite  to  Oswego  is  full  of  our  Towns  &  Villages 
aiKl  that  It  IS  very  dear  to  us  so  that  we  cannot  be  expected  to  part  with  what  lies  at  our 
Doors,  besides  your  people  are  come  already  too  close  to  us.  We  therefore  think  that  the 
Line  should  run  up  the  Delaware  to  the  Swamp  &  from  that  run  across  to  the  Governors 
(Coshys  Land)  and  then  go  away  to  Lake  George  which  we  can  not  but  think  a  fair  ofler 

lo  which  Sir  W"  auswered 

Brothers 

We  have  heard  what  you  said  and  shall  answer  it.  Tn  the  first  place  I  acknowledge  to  have 
heard  of  your  claim  to  the  Southward  before  this  time  The  King  does  not  deny  your  clain.s 
He  IS  not  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  exact  e.xtent  of  them  and  finding  that  they  may  be 
I.able  to  some  dispute  with  the  Southern  Indians,  he  being  an  enemy  to  strife  directed  the 
Lme  to  be  run  in  the  manner  he  thought  least  liable  to  it.  But  of  this  I  shall  take  further 
notice  to  you  having  no[w]  to  speak  to  you  in  answer  to  the  course  you  have  proposed  for 
continuing  the  Line  .from  Delaware 

Brothers 

I  know  very  well  how  you  are  situated  „nd  it  is  not  His  Mnjestys  inclination  to  disturb  you 
therein,  at  the  same  time  you  should  consider  what  is  reasonable  on  your  parts  and  that  the 
Lands  are  even  patented  further  than  you  propose  the  Line,  and  that  the  more  people  are 
confined  the  more  readily  will  the  transgress  the  bounds  so  tliat  I  must  desire  you  to  think 
the  better  o(  it  and  speak  more  favorably  at  our  next  meeting,  till  when  I  shall  propose  nothing? 
further,  as  I  could  not  consistently  propose  any  other  Line  than  such  ai  would  bring  ub  to  or 
near  Lake  Ontario. 

They  then  withdrew  taking  with  them  a  Map  in  order  to  consider  the  affair  in  private. 
At  night  Sir  William  had  a  private  conference  with  the  Clieifs  of  the  most  Inliuence  with 
whom  he  made  use  of  every  argument  to  bring  matters  to  an  agreeable  issue 


ri 


Saturday  Oct  SO"" 
The  Indiana  continued  in  Council  all  the  forenoon  the  Cheifs  having  given  the  Belts  to  the 
Warriors  for  their  opinion  concerning  the  Boundary ;  several  of  the  Indians  particularly 
tI.eOneidas  gave  great  obstruction  to  the  business,  and  Sir  William  heard  that  n  clergyman 
sent  by  M'  Wheelock  from  New  England  who  ha<i  delivered  him  a  memorial  on  the  \V  Instant 
"  p'ay.ng  that  the  Line  might  not  he  extended  far  North  or  West  but  the  Lands  reserved  for 
"the  purposes  of  Religion"  was  very  busy  amongst  the  Indians  for  that  purpose.'  Informal  i..n 
was  likewise  given  to  Sir  William  this  morning  that  this  riergvinan  !iad  in  .onver.salions  with 
CM  iMtch  M'  Peters  Junior  and  others  told  them  that  he  h.a.l  done  what  he  could  to  opose  lh« 
Cession  of  Territory,  and  would  continue  to  obstruct  it  to  the  utmost  of  lii.s  Power,  and  that 
he  had  shewed  the  Indian*  the  folly  of  giving  up  their  Lands  &  cautioned  them  against  it 
In  (ore  he  led  Oneida 

Sir  William  tliis  day  cloathed  several  of  the  Cheifg  with  wliom  lie  had  several  conferences 
the  Majority  of  them  continued  in  Council  together  to  consider  farther  on  the  speeches  made 


'  .*>'r    Owc.'V. 

'rt..o  .V«,.)Wt  />..cHmr„(.,rn  l/:,t,„y.  Hvo.,  IV.,  IHH     ilim,  f..r  ,„.,.,.,-  ilh»lf;,tiv«  of  »ll,rH  I.h,..  r.f.rr...)  .«.. 


•  Ki.. 


lili 


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W  11        . ".        ^  "!■  '^"  ^"°"'^'«'  ^  ^^"^-''^  ^^'''^'  ^'^'^  ««^«'-''»'  ^'^^'^  waited  on  Sir 

AV  ilham  w.tl,  a  Message  from  the  whole,  importing  that  as  it  was  a  very  weighty  &  interesting 
nffa.r  ,t  required  some  further  consideration  they  therefore  requested  tha'  he  and  h! 
Oent  emen  w.th  h.m  would  wait  with  patience  till  monday  morning  when  they  hoped  to  be 
able  to  give  an  answer  '       i-  "  >•"  "c 

Sir  William  told  them  that  he  was  really  become  very  impatient  through  the  delays  which 
was  g>ven  to  business,  that  the  security  of  their  Lands  depended  upon  their  despatch  and      e 

edom  of  the  Cession -That  he  would  however  wait  till  Monday,  when  he-  hoped  to  ., 
from  them  some  thing  that  might  make  up  for  their  delays 

At  night  several  of  the  Cheifs  came  to  Sir  Williams  Quarters  to  let  him  know  the  purport 
0  Intelligence  and  Belts  received  from  the  Shuwanese.  which  was  that  accorZ.g  to  l7old 
agreement  subsisting  between  the  several  Indian  Nations,  they  were  all  to  unite  and  attn  k 
the  .  nghsh  as  soon  as  the  latter  became  formidable  to  them  That  several  of  the  Nations  to  the 
bou.h  and  West  greatly  alarmed  at  the  Power  and  increase  of  the  E.-.glish  and  irritaLd  t 
the  .11  treatment  they  had  met  with  had  expressed  a  desire  to  meet  the  rest  to  deli  e^a^e  o„ 
what  was  to  be  done  That  the  Spaniards  &  French  had  for  a  long  time  urged  tl  m  t„ke 
up  arms  and  given  them  repeated  assurances  of  a  powerfuil  assistance     TiL  they  h  d   "ow 

led    hem  to  a  meeting  at  the  Mississippi  near  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio  for  that  purpose.     That 

y  <  li\r'^  ^'^'"'  "'"°"«  ''''  '"'"""'•  "  ^-'^^  P"'  "f"  w'"""  were  just  ready  to  set  ou 
vH.a  .,r  Williams  n.essage  came  to  them,  and  that  they  waited  the  event  of  the'  Tr  a  y" 
Jot  ^tanwu  be  ore  they  would  come  to  any  further  resolution  with  a  variety  of  oUie 
pa  t.culars  all  ten-'ing  to  corroberate  the  former  Intelligence  received  by  Sir  William  John  o, 
I.,  the  morning  the  Indians  again  met  in  Council,  when  the  Warriors  came  an     1  idt I 

i"  tt'T    rrr"  Vr  '^^""^^'-''"-  y^-^^^'^^y  — "i-g  tl.  Northern  p  r 
Line  who  directed  lour  o(  their  Sachems  vi.  Tyaruruante.  Ganaquieson.  TyeraLra.'  an. 
Jagawaron  to  wait   on  Sir  William  and  communicate  the  same  which   was,  that  tie  Lie 
.hould  run  from  Oriscany  to  Tianderbah.^  and  down  that  River  to  the  Susquel  it 

«  straig  t  Line  to  the  Hills,  and  so  to  the  Delaware  Branch  &  down  the  same  to  w;;: 
the  ce  down  the  Susquehanna  to  Shamokin.  and  so  along  the  West  Branch  of  that  Jtiv  r  t^ 
Kitt  nning  dec  .ing  they  would  .ot  part  with  any  Lands  to  the  Westward  of  Ori  ca. ; 

t.rci;r"'"'"«  ^  ''^ '''"''  '•'^'"'' "-  ^-^  — ^^  ^'-  ^-^  -^  --  country^:; 

But  Sir  William  finding  that  some  busy  persons  had  been  alarming  those  Nations  moH 
.".mediately  alfected   by  the  Line,  and  that  many  others  could  be  induced  to  set  e       .11 
advantageously  he  in  a  long  and  war.n  speech  to  the  Cheifs  shewe.I  the.n    h       h     Li   e  w 
ot  proposed  to  ...jure  then,,  but  that  for  a  handsome  consideration  it  was  inten  e  ,  .       bui 
Ce..ono    as  much   Lan.l  as  would  give  the  people  Room  on  the   Frontiers  ascertain. 
>o  n.ary  at  the  same  time  between  then.-that  with  the  help  of  proper  Laws  it  wo    d  . uTt 
'-■..hie  to  ...trusion-that  the  Line  proposed  at  Oriscany  interfered  with  a  pa    ,     g     . 

Mn.  h.  he  lad  l,..(ore  shewn  then,  That  these  (Jentlemen  and  all  others  concer..e.l  would  hav. 
re  .on  ,0  bhune  h.n.  (or  agreei..«  to  lines  so  i.,inrious  to  their  Rights,  and  that  the  conti   u 

t"  <...r  settlements,  as  to  render  i.s  duration  very  uncertain  fron,  the  great  'crease  of 


"I   .  Ml     I 


ill'  I  Hio  '  ,t.ul,ll„,  ngi«,il.l.»  t..  the  ti.Roi  UaeiU  .|i«l,d 


'  *■..    0*' 


124 


NEW  YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


people,  whereas  by  giving  them  more  room  the  Boundary  would  be  so  well  known,  and 
secured  by  Laws  before  there  would   be  occasion  to  invade  it,  that  people  would  'act  with 
exlreem  caution  and  rather  go  to  other  unsettled  parts  than  attempt  to  transgress  an  agreement 
80  well  defended  — That  it  had  been  long  in  agitation  and  was  now  according  to  their  own 
desires  ordered  by  His  Majesty  to  be  settled,  as  the  surest  means  of  putting  and  end  to  Land 
D.aputes,  and  that  if  they  rejected  this  opportunity  now  offered  them  and  drew  the  Line  so  as 
to  interfere  with  Grants,  or  approach  alimost  to  our  settlements,  he  could  not  see  that  any 
thing  more  effectual  could  thereafter  be  proposed  for  preventing  encroachments,  and  the  Crown 
after  b.-uig  already  at  a  very  heavy  expence  on  this  occasion  must  find  its  good  intentions 
and  reasonable  proposals  totally  defeated.     He  therefore  recommended  it  to  them  to  consider 
this  point  farther,  and  as  his  Majestys  Bounty,  or  that  of  the  Colonys  would  be  proportioned  to 
the  extent  of  their  Cession,  a  rule  which  he  should  observe  upon  this  occasion  —  That  he 
hoped  for  a  more  favorable  Answer  as  it  would  be  more  to  their  immediate  advantage  and 
would  tend  to  the  better  observance  of  the  Line  hereafter.     After  these  and  many  other 
arguments,  &  farther  explaining  the  several  courses  laid  down  on  the  draft,  they  agreed  to 
take  the  Map  back  to  their  Council   Hutt  for  farther  consideration,  promising  to  use  their 
Interest  with  the  rest  for  a  more  favorable  Line  then  withdrew  Sir  William  assuring  them  at 
parting  that  they  should  be  particularly  rewarded  for  their  services  or  endeavours  to  shew  the 
Indians  the  reasonableness  of  the  requisition. 

At  night  Tagawaron  returned  with  the  Map  to  Sir  William,  informed  him  that  they 
were  then  debating  on  the  subject  but  much  divided  in  opinion,  and  added  that  he  thought 
his  .Nation  disagreeably  circumstanced  the  rest  having  thrown  so  mu«  ,  of  the  transaction 
to  the  .Northward  on  their  hands,  nevertheless  he  would  do  all  he  could  to  obtain  a  more 
favorable  settlement 

After  which  Sir  William  had  many  other  private  conferences  which  occupied  a  great  part  of 
the  night- In  particular  Six  Cheifs  of  the  Oneidas,  came  to  him  at  nine  of  the  clock  at  night 
and  they  very  much  doubted  the  validity  of  the  pun  base  above  Orisea-But  through  S' 
Williams  solicitations  and  to  shew  their  good  disposition  towards  compleating  the  work  in 
hand,  they  would  agree  that  the  Line  should  run  from  the  Susquehanna  North  across  at  Fort 
^ewp„rt  near  Fort  S.anwix  where  the  Boats  are  launched,  and  from  thence  to  the  Northwest 
corner  of  the  late  purchase  for  Lord  Holland  &  others- Sir  William  thanked  them  lor  the 
Amendments  but  told  them  that  he  could  not  think  it  would  answer,  that  it  did  not  even 
include  the  carrying  place,  and  therefore  desired  them  again  to  consider  the  matter  and  that  as 
they  could  extend  it  much  farther  to  the  westward  without  any  sensible  inconvenience,  he 
expected  they  would  do  so,  (or  which  their  Nation,  over  and  besides  the  rest  should  have  five 
hundred  Hollars  &  a  handsome  present  (breach  of  tiie  cheifs.-They  promised  to  use  their 
best  endeavours  for  that  purpose  &  withdrew 


Monday.  Oct  iJl" 
At  10  A  M.  The  Oneidas  returned  to  Sir  Williams  Quarters,  and  told  him  that  their  people 
pos.itively  refused  to  agree  to  any  other  Line  than  they  had  proposed  the  last  night,  <V  that  as 
(iame  beuan  lo  grow  scarce  in  their  neighl.ourhoo.l.  they  ha.l  come  to  a  Uesol'ition  to  keep  the 
carrying  I'lace  lo  theCaniuhi  Cre.k  in  their  hands,  as  by  Keeping  llorm..  „n.i  c;arriages  there 
us  th.-y  proposed  to  do  (or  the  li.tur.-  to  carry  over  tlio  Traders  (loo.ls.  they   ini'lit   .urn 


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125 


Bornewhat  for  the  support  of  their  families.     Sir  William  answered  that  he  thought  it  somewhat 

hem  and  the  wh.te  people,  which  His  Maty  was  so  very  desirous  of  preventing  and  had  fl.    a 
upon  the  Boundary  as  the  r^eans  of  doing  so.     That  they  should  not  stop  at  what  wa    bu    a 

so     ;  as  to?h'      ■;  "  f '^"'T"  ^  """^^^  '°  '''  ^"^"^^  -^  '^^'  ^'  wished  they  wo  ,d 
80  act  as  to  shew  their  love  and  respect  for  the  King  &  friendship  for  his  SMhi.,.f«      7i    .T 

iJt%lw'7°\"'''T""'  '"  '°"'""  '"'■"^'""  "P°"  '■'•     They  shortly  after  returned  and  said 
that  S.r  W.lham  had  been  so  desirous  to  have  the  Bounds  further  extended  thp  1^      ^ 
Unng  they  could  say  was,  that  provided  they  were  allowed  an  e;arus        '  h  ,  g'l^^^^^^ 

F       whi  h  '  '"    "  ''^"  "'^  """'"'  ^""'^^  ^«  '"^  '^"»^-  --  ^-'  beside    tltvra 

Fees  wh  cl   were  g.ven  .„  private,  they  should  extend  the  Line  to  Canada  Creek  Sir  Wmiam 

.n.l,ng.     bes    notto  urge  .his  matter  farther  told  them  that  he  acquiesced  for  the    re 
eav,ng  .t  to  be  confirmed  or  rejected  by  His  M.jesty     They  answered  that  t  ey    onsi  er" 
nd  unan.mous ly  .esolved  that  whatever  Boundary  Line  was  now  agreed  to  should  be  f  r      e 
,    d.ng  &  conclusive  on  both  sides-That  no  province  should  on  any  pretence  invade  tLne 
d  that  whatever  transaction  might  thereafter  be  necessary  should  be  with  the  King  or  th  1 
by  hirn  directed  to  treat  with  them.  ^ 

A  Messenger  then  arrived  to  call  them  to  attend  the  consultation  about  the  rest  of  the  line 
At  mght  Canaquu-son  came  to  inform  Sir  William  that  they  had  further  considered  thn 

general  suject  of  the  Line  &  would  send  a  cheif  &  Warrior  from'each  N  ton  Th  r  f.  ^ 
esolves  wnch  they  would  .ieliver  in  public  the  next  day-They  accordingly     ame  to  S 

W,ll,ams  (Juarters.  when  Sir  Willian,  told  them,  he  hoped  they  were  now  come  with  such  .n 

hat  what  they  had  to  say  was  the  (inal  resolves  of  all  the  Nations,  then  said  at  the  same  t 
tracmg  .t  on      e  Map  that  they  .ould  agreeable  to  their  just  Claims  begin  the  LnTatI' 
mouth  of  the  Cherokee  River,  then  go  along  to  the  South  Kast  side  of  the  Ohio  to  Ki tta     ing 

ron   thence  to  the  Ifead  of  the  West  Branch  of  Susquehanna  thence  down  the  same   o     ah 
Lagle  Creek  thence  across  the  Uiver  at  Tiadaghta  Creek  below  the  great  Island,  th'n  e  bv 
H.ra.ght  L.ne  to  Burnett's  H,lls  and  along  the  «an,e  to  the  mouth  „'f  ^,.,  Jcr    k  on    h 
We.t  .s.deof  the   Kast  Branch  of  Susquehanna,  thence  up  ti.e  stream  thereof  to  Oswegv" 
hence  Las  ward  to  the  Delaware  River,  thence  up  the  strean.  thereof  till  they  come  oj.po!  .i, 
to  te  mouth  of  T,auaderah  Creek  emptying  into  Susquehanna,  thence  up  the  West  s2  of 

cr^'trwo':  cL'r' " '-  ^'""'^'^ ' -''  -" '-- "-- '« ^••^  --^  ^^  ^'--i" 

HeniniVlf'Tl  ''''""■'■''''  "   ''""':  ''""'    ''"'"•"'""*'"■"•   ""''J^'Ct   to  several  conditions  for   the 
HMurii)  ,,f  their  i,08se«su,iis  and  engi.gements  enter, ,to.  and  for  that  part  which  would  tall 

'  <Si>,  ()w.gjr.  —  y.u. 


126 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


within  M'  Penns  Gov'  they  insisted  on  having  10,000  Dollars  Sir  William  told  them  he 
would  take  the  matter  into  consideration  and  would  assemble  them  all  tomorrow  and  after 
parting  conferred  with  the  Commissioners  of  Pensilvania  concerning  the  same  who  approv"  it, 
and  agreed  to  the  consideration  on  behalf  of  the  Proprietors. 


At  a  General  Congress  with  the  several  Nations  at  Fort  Stanwix  Tuesday  Nov  l'«  1768 

Present —  as  at  the  former  Meetings  » 

Being  all  seated  they  desired  to  know  whether  Sir  William  was  prepared  to  hear  them,  and 
on  being  answered  in  the  affirmative,  the  speaker  stood  up  and  spoke  as  follows 

Brother 

We  are  hopefull  that  you  will  not  take  it  amiss  that  we  have  delayed  till  now  our  public 
answer  on  the  subject  you  recommended  to  us,  This  was  a  great  and  weighty  matter  requiring 
long  deliberation,  and  should  not  be  undertaken  lightly  — We  have  accordingly  considered  it, 
and  are  now  come  to  give  you  our  Onal  resolutions  thereon,  to  which  we  beg  your  attention 

Brother 

We  remember  that  on  our  first  Meeting  with  you,  when  you  came  with  your  ship  we  kindly 
received  you,  entertained  you,  entered  into  an  alliance  with  you,  though  we  were  then  great 
&  numerous  and  your  people  inconsiderable  and  week  and  we  know  that  we  entered  into  a 
Covenant  Chain  with  you  and  fastened  your  ship  therewith,  but  being  apprehensive  the  Bark 
would  break  and  your  ship  be  lost  we  made  one  of  iron,  and  held  it  fist  that  it  should  not  slip 
from  us,  but  perceiving  the  former  chain  was  liable  to  rust;  We  made  a  silver  chain  to  guard 
against  it  Then,  Brother,  you  arose,  renewed  that  chain  which  began  to  look  dull,  and  have 
for  many  years  taken  care  of  our  affairs  by  the  command  of  the  (Jreat  King,  &  you  by  your 
labors  have  polished  that  chain  so  that  it  has  looked  bright  and  is  become  known  to  all  Nations, 
for  all  which  we  shall  ever  regard  you  and  we  are  thankfull  to  you  in  that  you  have  taken 
8uch  care  of  these  great  affairs  of  which  we  are  allways  mindfull,  and  we  do  now  on  our  parts 
renew  and  strengthen  thr  Covenant  Chain  by  which  we  will  abide  so  long  as  you  shall 
preserve  it  strong  &  bright  on  your  part.  ^  q^^^ 

Brother 

We  are  glad  that  you  have  opened  the  River  and  cleared  the  Roads  as  it  is  so  necessary  to 
us  both.  We  were  promis-  that  when  the  war  was  over,  we  should  have  Trade  in  plenty 
Goods  cheap  and  honest  men  to  deal  with  us  and  that  we  shoul.i  have  proper  persons  to 
manage  u!|  this.  We  hope  that  these  promises  will  never  be  forgot  but  that  they  will  be  fully 
performed  that  we  shall  feel  the  benefits  of  an  intercourse  between  us  — that  the  Roads  and 
waters  may  be  free  and  open  to  us  all  to  go  to  the  Southward,  or  for  our  friends  from  thence 
will,  whom  we  are  now  at  peace  lo  visit  u.,  that  we  may  have  proper  persons  in  ourConntrys 
to  manage  uffiurs  and  smiths  to  mend  our  arms  and  implements-nn.i  in  the  expectation  of 
this,  we  do,  now  on  our  parts  open  the  Roads  and  waters,  and  promise  to  assist  in  keeninir 
them  90.  »  „  , 

,,„         ft  .         ..  A  Belt. 

1  heu  after  repeating  all  that  hud  been  said  concerning  the  Line  proceeded 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


127 


Brother 

We  have  long  considered  this  proposal  for  a  Boundary  between  us.  and  we  think  it  will  be 
of  good  consequence  if  you  on  your  parts  pay  due  regard  to  it,  and  we  in  consequence  thereof 
have  had  sundry  Meetmgs  amongst  ourselves  and  wiih  you  and  from  all  that  you  have  said  to 
us  thereon,  we  have  at  length  come  to  a  final  resolution  concerning  it,  and  we  hope  that  what  is 
now  agreed  upon  shall  be  inviolably  observed  on  your  parts  as  we  are  determined  it  shall  be 
on  ours  and  that   no  further  attempts   shall  be   made  on   our  Lands  but   that  this   Line, 
be  considered  ,s  final  and  we  do  now  agree  to  the  Line  we  have  marked  upon  your  Map,  now 
before  you  on  certain  conditions  on  which  we  have  spoken  and  shall  say  more  and  we  desire  that 
one  Article  of  this  our  agreement  be,  that  none  of  the  I'rovinces  or  their  People  shall  attempt 
to  invade  it  under  color  of  any  old  Deeds,  or  other  pretences  what  soever  for  in  many  of  these 
things  we  have  been   imposed   on,  and  therefore   we  disclaim   them   ail,  which   Bounds  now 
agreed  to  we  begin  on  the  Ohio  at  the  mouth  of  the  Cherokee  Kiver>  which  is  now  ou.  just 
right,  and  from  thence  we  give  up  on  the  South  side  of  Ohio  to  Kittanning  above  Fort  Pitt 
from  thence  a  direct  Line  to  the  nearest  Fork  of  the  West  Branch  of  Susquehanna  thence' 
through  the  Allegany  Mountains  along  the  south  side  of  the  said  West  Branch  till  we  come 
opposite  to  the  mouth  of  the  Creek  called  Tiadaghton  thence  across  the  West  Branch  &  along 
he  Las    side  of  that  Creek  and  along  the  ridge  of  Burnets  Hills  to  a  Creek  called  Awandae 
thence  douM,  the  same  to  the  East  Branch  of  the  Susquehanna,  and  across  the  same  and  up 
the  Last  side  of  that  River  to  Oswegy,  from  thence  Eastward  to  Delaware  River,  and  up  that 
River  to  opposite  where  Trinaderha  falls  into  Susquehanna,  thence  to  Trienaderha  and  up  the 
West  side  thereof  and  its  West  Branches  to  the  Head  thereof  thence  by  a  straight  Line  to 
the  mouth  of  Canada  Creek  where  it  emptys  itself  into  Wood  Creek  at  the  end  of  the  lon^ 
carrying  place  beyond  Fort  Stanwix,  and  this  we  declare  to  be  our  final  Resolves  and  we  expect 
that  the  conditions  of  this  our  Grant  will  be  observed  a  Belt.    ' 

Brother 

Now  as  we  have  made  so  large  a  Cession  to  the  King  of  such  a  valuable  and  Extensive 
Country  We  do  expect  it  as  the  Terms  of  our  Agreement  that  strict  regard  be  paid  to  all  our 
reasonable  desires- We  do  now  on  this  on  behalf  and  in  the  name  of  all  our  Warriors  of 
every  Nation  condition  that  all  our  Warriors  shall  have  the  liberty  of  hunting  throughout  the 
Country  as  they  have  no  other  means  of  subsistance  and  as  your  people  Mve  not  the  same 
occasions  or  incIinations-That  the  White  people  be  restricted  from  hunting  on  our  side  of 
the  Line  to  prevent  contensions  between  us  ^  gyu 

Brother 

My  this  Belt  we  addi  .rs  ourselves  to  theCreat  King  of  England  through  You  our  superintendant 
in  the  Name  and  in  behalf  of  all  the  Six  Nations  Shawanese.  Delawares  and  all  other  our 
Friends,  Allies.  &  Dependants.  We  now  tell  the  King  that  we  have  given  to  him  a  great 
and  valuable  Country,  and  we  know  that  what  we  shall  now  get  for  it  must  be  far  short  of  its 
va  lie- \Ve  make  it  a  condition  of  this  our  Agreem'  conceruing  the  Line  that  His  Majesty 
will  not  orget  or  neglect  to  shew  us  His  favor  or  sulfer  the  Chain  to  contract  Rust,  but  that 
he  will  ,|,re<-t  those  who  have  the  management  of  our  anairs  to  be  punctual  \n  enewing  our 
uulient  ugreemenls.     That  ni   the  Mohocks  are  now  within  the  Liuo  whici-  we  give  to  tlu' 


'  V(.«-  ..,.11,..|  {),,  ■iMiii. 


'^HO*      A'lllfM^V.    -    1"' 


128 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


pin 


King,  and  that  these  people  are  the  true  old  Heads  of  the  whole  confederacy  their  several 
villages  and  all  the  Land  they  occupy  unpatented,  about  them  as  also  the  Residences  of  any 
others  >n  our  confederacy  affected  by  this  Cession  shall  be  considered  as  their  sole  property 
and  at  their  disposal  both  now,  and  so  long  as  the  sun  shines,  and  that  all  grants  or  engagements 
they  have  now  or  lately  entered  into,  shall  be  considered  as  independant  of  this  Boundary  so 
that  they  who  have  so  little  left  may  not  lose  the  benefit  of  the  sale  of  it,  but  that  the  people, 
with  whom  they  have  agreed,  may  have  the  Land-We  likewise  further  condition  on  behalf 
of  all  the  b.x  Nations  and  of  all  our  allies,  friends  &  Nephews  our  Dependants  that  as  we 
have  experienced  how  difficult  it  is  to  get  justice  or  to  make  our  complaints  known  and  that 
It  18  not  in  the  power  of  our  Superintendant  to  take  care  of  our  affairs  in  different  Places 
without  the  Kings  help  that  His  Majesty  will  give  him  help  &  strength  to  do  us  justice  and  to 
manage  our  affairs  in  a  proper  manner.  We  all  know  the  want  of  this,  and  we  make  it  a 
^T\  J'-^""^  consequence  on  which  this  our  present  Agreement  is  to  depend  and  without 
which  Affairs  will  go  wrong  and  our  heads  may  be  turned. 

Brother 

We  likewise  desire  that  as  we  have  now  given  up  a  great  deal  of  Lands  within  the  Bounds 
that  M  I  enn  claimed  a  right  of  buyint  *' «t  he  may  in  consequence  of  the  agreement  now  entered 
into  between  us,  enjoy  what  we  have  given  within  them  Limits.  And  as  we  know  that 
Lydius  of  Albany  did  in  the  name  of  several  persons  lay  claim  to  Lands  in  Pennsylvania, 
which  we  know  to  be  unjust,  and  that  (•  e  Deeds  he  pretends  a  right  to  were  invalid.  We 
expect  that  no  regar.i  will  be  paid  to  then,  or  any  such  claims  now  or  hereafter,  as  we  have 
fair  y  sold  them  to  the  proprietors  of  Pensylvania  to  whom  alone  we  shall  sell  Lands  within 
ha  I  rov.nce,  and  we  shall  now  give  them  a  Deed  for  that  &  other  Lands  there.  And  in  order 
to  shew  that  we  love  justice,  we  expect  the  Traders  who  suffered  by  some  of  our  dependants 
n  the  wars  five  years  ago,  may  have  a  grant  for  the  Lands  we  now  give  them  down  Ohio,  as  a 
satisfaction  for  their  losses  and  as  our  friend  M'  Croghan  ■  long  ago  got  a  Deed  for  Lands  from 
us,  which  may  now  be  taken  into  M'  Penns  Lands,  should  it  so  happen,  we  request  that  it 
may  be  considered  and  get  as  much  from  the  King  somewhere  else,  as  he  fairly  bought  it.- 
And  as  we  have  given  enough  to  shew  our  Love  for  the  King  and  make  his  people  easy,  in  the 

allolrd'o:  ^'  '"'""'  "'"'  ""  "'"^  """"  ""'''''  ^'  '^''"'°^'  "'  "*^^  encroachments  may  be 

Brother. 

We  have  now  gone  through  this  matter  and  we  have  shewn  ourselves  ready  to  give  the 
King  whatever  we  could  reasonably  spare.  We  on  our  parts  express  our  regard  L  him  an.i 
we  hope  (or  His  favor  in  return.-Our  words  are  strong  and  our  resolutions  firm  &  w.  expe.t 
t  a  our  request  will  be  complied  with  in  so  much  as  we  have  so  generously  complied  ii.h 
all  that  has  been  desired  as  far  as  was  consistent  with  our  Existence  A  Belt 

Sir  Will.am  then  thanked  them  for  what  they  had  said,  and  assured  them  that  it  should  all 


'Hc«  note,  YII.,  082.  — E». 


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129 


_.      ,      ^  Wednesday  November  the  2" 

The  day  being  very  rainy  the  Indians  did  not  meet  in  Council. 

S.r  W.il.am  cloathed  a  number  of  cheifs  and  Cheiftains  of  several  Nations  and  was  this  dav 
busy  in  preparmg  the  necessary  Papers  for  the  Next  Meeting  ^ 

J'  f  .;^'^,^""'^'"  "^f  'he  Mohocks  and  other  cheifs  and  endeavoured  to  persuade  them  to 
extend  the  Lme  more  favorably  to  the  West  of  New  Yorli  observfr  tU.f  .h  J        m       . 
to  extend  it  further  down  the  Wood  Creek  on  the  South  sietat  he         eS  ^y  Z^^Z 
n  run  below  the  Canada  Creek,  on  the  North  side  of  Wood  Creek  but  Zlil  M  '^'ZT  1 

and  that  they  were  for  Cosing  it  at  the  point  of  the  ^::^^^:el^    :?^:^nt 

Mltyl'-Zsidlar:  ''-'  ''  '''   ''-''   "'■  ^^-^^  '-^'  ^  -•-  ''^«   -ainderT-H- 

that  would  L  !  K    •  °'    ?  P"'  "  °"  '^'  '"■"''  ^°°''"S  with  Fort  Stauwix,  as  a  measure 

Keep  up  they  could  be  no  inconvenience  to  them  They  answered  that  they  had  nothing 
to  com,,  am  of  against  the  keeping  up  Ontario,  on  the  fooLg  it  was  for  some  time  pas  2 
would  they  make  any  dilliculty  about  the  others  whilst  they  were  civilly  rented  "'1'^  3 
no  encroachments  made  on  their  Lands  which  Sir  William  p'romis-  should         u^^^^^^^^^ 


This  day  was  partly  employed  in  prepar^  the  several  Speeches  It  DLdTceLi^  '^ 

Z^U^Cq^ZIT  «»"«eq"ence  thereof  he  had  directed  Coll  Claus  the  Deputy  Agent 

A  Belt. 
At  a  Congress  with  the  several  Nations     Friday  November  4'" 
Phese.vt—  „s  at  tho  last  Meeting 

IJroiliers 

^.       ,.^,,  '      '  "ringing  this  weighty  afhiir  to  a  deliberate  conclusiou 


III. 


17 


130 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


■W* 


Brother 

I  am  glad  to  find  that  you  remember  your  old  agreements  so  particularly  and  I  wish  you  mny 
always  observe  them,  and  with  that  view  I  should  have  been  glad  to  have  heard  you 
confine  your  answer  to  my  Belt  for  keeping  the  Roads  open,  to  that  subject  alone,  as  a  (ree 
and  safe  intercourse  between  us  is  so  necessary  to  you 

The  promises  formerly  made  you  of  the  happy  change  which  would  be  produced  by  the 
Reduction  of  Canada  you  have  in  many  respects  experienced  as  far  as  it  was  in  the  power  of 
His  Majestys  Servants  you  likewise  have  had  a  considerable  number  of  Traders  amongst  you 
which  has  so  far  lowered  the  Prices  of  Goods  that  several  of  them  are  become  Bankrupts  and 
a  many  of  the  Posts  they  are  to  be  bought  at  as  low  rates  as  at  our  Towns  Notwithstanding 
the  distance  and  expence  of  Transportation.  I  am  to  inform  you  that  it  has  been  judged 
advisealle  by  the  Government  to  commit  that  part  of  business  regarding  the  management  of 
the  Incnn  Trade  to  the  care  &  charge  of  the  several  Colonies  who  1  make  no  doubt  will 
endeavour  to  do  every  thing  they  can  for  your  Interest  a  Belt 

You  have  of  late  made  several  complaints  on  account  of  the  ill  behaviour  of  some  people  on 
the  Frontiers;  those  that  regarded  Pennsylvania,  I  have  reason  to  think  I  finally  settled  and 
gave  a  handsome  portion  of  their  bounty  upon  the  occasion,  and  in  consequence  of  the 
information  I  gave  the  Governor  of  Virginia  thereon,  his  Assembly  passed  several  Votes  in 
your  favour,  which  are  now  before  me,  whilst  the  Governor  sent  this  assurance  of  their  good 
faith  and  friendship  for  you  and  of  their  intentions  to  prevent  you  from  being  ill  treated 

Here  shewed  and  explained  the  Resolves  of  the  House  of  Burgesses  likewise  a 
paper  under  the  Great  Seal  of  the  Province  of  Virginia  authorizing  Sir  William  to 
give  to  them  those  favorable  assurances,  and  proceeds 

Brothers 

I  hope  all  this  wil!  convince  you  that  they  are  your  friends  and  as  further  proof  of  it  the 
Gentlemen  Comm"  from  those  Provinces  will  at  their  return  take  proper  measures  for  your 

uture  gooil  treatment  &  for  the  due  observance  of  the  Boundary  Lin;  by  proper  Lawl  for 
these  purposes,  according  his  Matys  desires  which  I  shall  recommend  to  their  remembrance 
Brothers  A  Belt. 

I  am  glad  the  Boundary  is  at  length  agreed  upon.  &  as  1  have  great  reason  to  think  it  will 
be  duly  observed  y  the  Knglish.  1  recommend  it  to  you  to  preserve  it  carefully  „ 
remembrance  to  explain  it  fully  to  those  that  are  absent  and  to  teach  it  to  your  children.  Thi 
Boundary  is  intended  to  be  lasting  but  should  it  be  found  necessary  by  His  Majesty  o 
yourselves  to  make  any  future  additions  or  alterations  he  will  treat  wiih  you  by  those  iZ 
have  the  management  of  your  afiairs.  And  never  permit  any  privat.  ipplication  this  I  have 
received  in  command  to  tell  you 

As  to  the  several  reservations  you  make  in  your  Cession  to  the  King  and  the  other  points 
you  recommend  you  may  be  assured  that  His  Maty  shall  be  made  ac.,,iainted  with  them,  as  I 
sha  1  ransm,  to  him  a  copy  of  our  transactions  at  this  place  &  I  may  venture  to  asaur  you 
that  they  will  meet  w.th  all  possible  regard  from  a  Prince  of  His  clemency  &  Justice  &  I  now 
give  you  this  Belt  to  strengthen  ratify  and  confirm  the  Boundary  to  all  transactions  necessary 
^'"'■'""-  A  Belt. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS;    XLI. 


131 


Brothers 

The  speech  which  you  addressed  pRrticuIarly  to  His  Maty  shall  be  faithfully  transmitted  to 
him  with  the  rest  of  your  proceedings.  I  have  attended  to  the  whole  of  it  &  I  persuade 
myself  that  every  reasonable  article  will  be  taken  proper  notice  of  &  that  he  will  take  such 
measures  as  to  him  shall  seem  best  for  your  benefit  and  for  the  rendering  you  justice-1  likewise 
consider  your  good  intentions  towards  the  Traders  who  sustained  the  losses  &  your  desire  to 
Julhll  all  your  other  engagements  as  instances  of  your  integrity.  I  wish  that  you  may  on  your 
parts  carefully  remember  &  faithfully  observe  the  Engagements  you  have  now  as  well  as 
formerly  entered  into  with  the  English,  and  that  you  may  every  day  grow  more  sensible  how 
much  it  IS  your  Interest  to  do  so  And  I  once  more  exhort  you  all  to  be  strong  and  stedfast  to 
keep  hrm  hold  of  the  Covenant  Chain  &  never  to  give  attention  or  credit  to  People  who  under 
the  Masque  of  inendship  should  come  amongst  you  with  stories  which  may  tend  to  weaken 
your  attachment  to  us,  but  to  keep  your  eye  stedfaftly  on  those  whose  business  &  inclination 
It  IS  to  tell  you  truth  &  make  your  minds  easy  ^  Belt. 

Brothers  the  Shawanese  &  Delawares 

I  now  particularly  address  you.  in  that  you  live  far  to  the  Southward.  &  may  at  some  times 
be  disturbed  by  bad  men  who  taking  advantage  of  your  distance  from  us  &  the  Heads  of  the 
Confederacy  may  by  Belts  Messages  or  Stories  invented  to  create  mischeif  impose  on  many  of 
your  people  &  through  their  means  mislead  other  Nations     I  am  not  ignorant  that  this  has 
happened  &  I  have  good   intelligence  that  there  are  people  who  have  been   lately  deceiving 
some  of  you  with  stories  of  Kevolutions  in  American  affairs  &  of  French   Fleets  &  armies 
with  which  you  have  been  so  often  deceived  that  I  wonder  any  of  your  people  should  credit 
them  — Be  assured,  Brothers,  that  those  who   were  able  to  conquer  Canada.  &  drive  their 
enemies  out  of  their  country,  will  always  have  it  in  their  power  to  defeat  their  future  projects 
should  they  be  weak  enough  to  make  any  future  attempts  to  regain  what  they  lost.    "l  do 
therefore  exhort  you  by  this  Belt  to  pay  no  regard  to  such  deceivers  for  the  future,  but  continue 
to  live  peaceably  &  let  me  know  who  they  are,  &  from  whence  that  attempt  to  impose  upon 
you.     I  likewise  desire  you  to  remember  all  your  engagements  with  the  English  to  observe  the 
treaty  of  I  eace  with  the  Cherokees,  to  avoid  any  irregularities  on  the  Frontiers  &  pay  due 
regard  to  the  Boundary  Line  now  made,  &  to  make  all  your  People  acquainted  with  it.  &  to 
keep  the  Roads  &  Waters  open  and  free  whereby  you  will  enjoy  the  benefits  of  Peace  & 
Commerce,  the  esteem  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain  &  the  friendship  of  all  his  subjects  &  I 
desire  you  will  remember  &  often  repeat  my  words  a  Belt. 

Brothers  the  Indians  of  Canada 

With  this  Belt  I  recommend  it  to  you  to  remember  what  has  been  done  at  this  &  all  former 
Ireaties  and  to  make  the  same  public  among  all  your  people  on  your  return  to  Canada 
recomniendiM.r  it  to  them  to  continue  to  promote  peace  and  to  discountenance  all  evil  reports 
&  Id  e  Stories  which  may  be  propagated  by  ignorant  or  bad  men  &  to  communicate  all  usefull 
uilelhgence  to  me  from  time  to  time  as  a  proof  of  your  regard  for  your  engagements  &  a  means 
of  recommending  yourselves  to  the  esteem  of  the  King  and  people  of  England. 

Brothers  of  the  se\'  Nations  here  AHseniblfd  ^  ^'^"' 

TheCov'of  New  Jersey  being  called  hence  by  some  urgent  business  has  desired  me  to  inform 
you  that  he  can  not  think  of  taking  leave  of  His  Brethren  the  Six  Nations  without  once  more 


182 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


.■x,>n.H.s,„g  tin.  Il,.p,„„..s«  ho  h„8  received  from  lln.ling  that  thoy  entertain  auci,  right  8entimen(« 
ol  l.iH  .,usl,..e.  &  that  or  the  goo.!  ,,eo,,U,  nn.ler  hi«  (Jovernn.ent  He  has  himHeif  the  highest 
rT  ''':7;'''*'';^':''l'"'-l"'''^""''''«""">'"-""lerre,l  on  hi.n  &  douhts  not  hut  that  future 
■overnors  &  the  ched  men  &  inhuhitants  of  New  Jernev  will  he  ever  carefull  to  .h-nerve  «o 
.l.H2'-l.-l  a  T.tle   an.on«   the  Indian  Nati.n.  a,   n.n   .f  Sagorrihwhionghstha  •     Doer 

the^lr  17*  sir  n]  '"'""'"  r''"""'"'  ■""  '"  '■""*"*  y"''  '^'''  "^  '  '^''•-'y  '-''»  »t  ^'-'-  in 
year  17.,,^   he  Delaware^  and  other  Indi.nn  who  had  any  pretentions  to  Land  in  New  Jersey. 

d..i(..r  a  valnahle  eonsuierat.on  give  a  general  release  for  all  the  Lands  in  that  iVovince  eicep 

....  parts  as  were  reserved  hy  Law  for  the  use  of  those  Indians  who  chose  to  live  under  the 

.ee  ,.m  o.  that    .•..vern.n..     This  was  done  in  public  Council  in  the  presence  of  many    f 

the  .s.x  Nations  and  the  Uoven.or  would  therefore  he  glad,  that  .t  Mn»  ^o.,„es8  (where  are 

present  so  .nany  cheifs  of  the  dil.erent  NatK.ns  helo..ging'to  the  Confederacy  .J^Z   ^g",  e 

..n.daryl  .„e  he.wee..the.d.jec,sof  ins  lUittannic  Majesty  in  America  JtheirHrethr,t^ 

...s  .s  to     .,    .,,led)  you  would  do  the  Province  of  New  Jersey  the  justice  to  con.ir.n 

e  sa.d  Itelease  hy  ackoowledgu.g  ,n  pul.lic  that  that  I'rovince  is  entirely  free  fron,  all  Indian 

-;..;.  .-x-pt  as     elore  n.ent-     ill.  Reason  for  this  request  is  that  thi'  n.atter  .nay  I 

r...ne...l.n.n..e  hy  all  the  nat.on..  present  &  by  that  means  be  more  surely  handed  down  to 

^  A  Uelt. 

Mrothers 

I"  oonse.,uence  of  n  Belt  I  have  just  received  from  the  Senecas  which  I  formerly  gave  them 
'-  '"-1  .I.-.,,  together  I  do  now  think  it  hi.ldy  necessary  with  this  Belt  to  bind  yo,.  aT.og  t  " 
'■•"•""""•"f ■  "  '"  >-  "•'  '0  "voi.l  wandering  and  to  continue  at  vour  several  villag^a   e      he 

T,  k  ;"'"'"'  '-^  '■^"';'!'"''^'  "'"'  "'"'  y"'"-  t^">"'eils  and  opinions  will  be  thereby  disuni.ed 
-lake  therefore  ,ny  a.Iv.ce  and  .lo  not  sulVer  yourselves  to  be  lead  away  with  any  i,na«i  .  v 
prospects  o.  advantage  hy  sca,.eri..g.  hut  continue  by  ,hi«  Belt  in  your  several  p  .  v  7a  e 
tollow.ng  your  connnerce  and  all  peaceable  p..rsuits  A  Large  BlLk  Belt 

Brotlii>ra 

The  business  of  the  Treaty  being  so  far  happily  brought  to  a  conclusion  it  only  remains  that 
y.  ..  execu  e  a  deed  o.  Cession  to  His  Mn,ies,y  &  whatever  else  is  necessary  on'hi  s^n 

w   u.h  I  shall  del.ver  over  to  your  IVople  the  large  Present,  toge.he'  with  th^^^u        f 
•Mon  y  the  amount    and  value  of  which  I  have   already  explained  to  you-The  Cov"  l„d 

'v:'rz:rzT '"'  r^^^-"-""  -••  --""« ^'-your  good  conduct  izx 

,.  nri  reco,„n,end  what  .s  necessary  to  them   h,  your  presence  for  its  further 

.H-..r..y  &  on  the  part  of  New  York  I  take  upon  myself  to  promise  you  that  every  tln« 

U'cessary  .hereto  shall  he  recom.nen.ied  and  I  ,nake  no  doubt  greed  ,„  by  the  Legis  atu  e "f 
us  rronnce.hear„ly  wishing  that  the  san.e  may  on  your  parts  L  as  care.Ully  t  ll^'d^^, 

» lH>u  Mr  U  .ll.am  addressed  the  Co,'  of  New  Jersey  &  the  Commissioners 

'  S<>t'  iiota,  luprti,  ]).  1 17.  —  V.u. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


133 


Gentlemen 
Agreeable  .0  Hie  Matys  intentions  signified  to  me  by  the  secretary  of  State  and  for  the 

.U,.s(actu,n  of  the  several  Nations  here  assembled  I  take  the  liberty  to  recommend  it  strongly 
to  your  several  Provinces  to  enact  the  most  effectual  Laws  for  the  due  observance  of  this  line 
&   he  preventing  a!   future  intrusions,  as  the  expectations  thereof  and  the  reliance  the  Indians 

.we  „„  your  ..st.ce    rom  the  Assurances  I  gave  them  on  that   head    hav     proved   great 
uulucemen  s  to  the  c.ttlement  of  the  Line  now  established  between  the  Colonies  and  them 
par  s  to  th    r,^""""  f  ^Commissioners  answered  that  nothing  should  be  wanting  on  their 

Then    Sir   William   at   the   desire   of  the    Gentlemen    Commissioners   from    Pensylvania 

mZlrsTo  """•''"%^'r  ".T  '''  ^°'"-«---  had  a  present  ready  to  the  amount  of 
600  Dollars  to  g.ve  ,n  full  satisfaction  of  the  Conostoga  Lands,  which  by  the  death  of  that 
leople  became  vested  in  the  Proprietaries-That  they  freely  gave  this  sum  as  a  farther  Proof 
of  the  regard  0  that  Province  for  them  and  of  their  concern  for  the  unhappy  fate  of  the 
C  nostogas.  Then  Sir  William  told  the  indians.  that  as  the  proprietaries  did  not  knlw 
whether  they  would  chuse  money  or  Goods  for  the  addition  of  Land  to  Pensylvania  they  were 
then  nnprovuled  but  that  Sir  William  Johnson  would  be  answerable  for  the  speedy  payment 
of  the  purchase,  &  would  propose  to  them  either  to  receive  it  in  money  to  be  sent  on  the  Com" 
return  or  .n  goods  speedy  as  possible  or  to  wait  till  the  next  spring  by  which  time  they  could 

;h:i:dTe:mi!;;;ti::  ^  '"-^^  '-^  '"^  -""'  -^--^ '-  '^"^'--^  -"'^^  -« -^-^-^  to 

As  it  grew  late  Sir  William  dismissed  the  Indians  till  the  next  day  when  they  were  to 
suhscr.be  to  the  Dee<l  of  Cession  &  receive  the  consideration  ^ 

At  night  the  cheifs  came  to  Sir  William  told  him  that  they  had  considered  the  proposals 
n.a  e  by  the  Lomnussioners  of  Pensylvania,  &  preferred  the  receiving  the  purchase  in  Ca«h. 

in  Six  Weeks"'  ''"'""""'  """''  ""  '■"""'  "'  ""  """^^  «*^^"^""'  "'^  «""-  «'-"'''  ^^  P-^ 

Nov'  5"" 
rhe  Present  being  placed  in  public  view  around  the  Buildings  within  the  Fort  early  this 
".ornmg  the  whole  assembled  in  the  Area,  to  subscribe  to  the  Deed  &  receive  the  consider^on 

At  n  Congress  with  the  several  Nations    Saturday  Nov  6 
PnESEXT—  as  before. 

CoIgL!'"lS"  ""'"   ''''"''"^  "''"*  ^"'  '''  '"'  '°  ^'""  °"    ""'  «^«t  Belt  at  the  last 
Brother 

We  thank  you  for  what   you  have  said  &  we  are  hopeful  that  you  will   observe  vour 

ZcZTT'  "7"  *"  '':  ""  ""^  ''"'''-'  ''"'  "«  ^'"«  ^"'  '"  »  ereal  measure  depend  u,: 
he  Colonies,  We  now  desire  their  llepresentatives  here  present  to  do  every  th  ng  for  preserv  ng 
those  engagem"  and  keeping  their  people  in  good  order  ^  a  Belt 


134 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Then  repeating  what  was  said  on  the  second  Beit,  said 
Brother 

We  thanii  you  for  the  advice  you  have  given  us  not  to  listen  to  evil  reports  or  lies. 
Brotlier 

We  approve  of  your  caution  and  shall  observe  it,  and  we  shall  from  time  to  time  give  us'  the 
the  earliest  intelligence  of  any  such  Reports  &  from  whence  they  come  A  Belt. 

Then  in  answer  to  Gov'  Francklin's  Speech 
Brother 

We  are  glad  to  see  that  Governor  Francklin  is  so  well  pleased  with  our  having  bestowed 
one  of  our  own  names  upon  him  &  are  well  pleased  [to]  hear  you  promise  that  he  will  always 
be  ready  to  do  us  justice  We  hope  that  all  future  Governors  will  act  the  same  part.  We 
acknowledge  that  several  of  our  Nations  now  present  were  witnesses  to  the  transaction  at 
Easton  &  therefore  acquit  that  Province  of  any  demand  and  we  have  only  to  desire  of  him  to 
loilow  your  example  in  his  future  Conduct  towards  us,  which  will  sufliciently  recommend  him 
and  his  people  to  our  esteem  ^^  jj^,]. 

Brother.  The  advice  you  gave  us  yesterday  to  continue  firm  and  united  and  to' live  together 
as  formerly  we  think  it  very  salutary  and  intended  for  our  Good.  We  are  therefore  intended 
to  follow  your  advice  shall  lodge  your  Belt  at  our  Fire  place  at  Onondaga  to  the  end  that  all 
our  confederacy  may  have  recourse  to  it  &  act  accordingly 

The  Deed  to  His  Majesty,  that  to  the  Proprietors  of  Pensylvania,  with  that  to  the  Traders 
being  then  laid  on  the  Table  were  executed  in  the  presence  of  the  Gov'  Commissioners,  &  the 
rest  of  the  Gentlemen 

After  which  the  Cheifs  of  each  Nation  received  the  Cash  which  was  piled  on  a  Table  for 
that  purpose  and  then  proceeded  to  divide  the  Goods  amongst  their  People  which  occupied  the 
remainder  of  that  day 

P  M  The  Governor  &  Commissioners  took  leave  and  returned  to  their  respive  Provinces  and 
that  n.ght  Sir  William  took  leave  of  the  Cheifs  recommending  it  to  them  to  remember  what 
had  been  then  transacted  &  cautioning  them  against  committing  any  Disorders  at  their 
Departure  but  to  pack  up  their  Goods  &  return  home  in  peace  &  Good  Order 

Sunday  Nov  0"" 
The  Indians  began  to  decamp  &  Sir  William  sett  off  on  his  return  for  Johnston  Hall  where 
he  arrived  on  the  ninth  of  that  iMonth 


A  True  Copy  examined  by 


G  Johnson  Deputy  Agent  as  Secretary. 


-Sic.  —  Ki,. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLI. 


185 


Letd  determining  the  Boundary  Line  between  the   Whites  and  Ind 


Km,?. 


I  ri«ntallont  Oeneral,  ^'"i''  '"  J 


To  an  to  whom.   I  hese  presents  shall  come  or  may  concern.     We  the  Snche.ns  &  Cheifs 
of  the  S.x  confederate  Nations,  and  of  the  Shavvanese.  Delawnres.  Mingoes  of  Ohio  and  o 
Dependant  lr>es  on  behalf  of  our  selves  and  of  the  rest  of  our  Sever'  Nations  the  Chei  s  & 
Warr.ors  of  whom  are  now  here  convened  by  .Sir  William  Johnson  Baronet  His  M       tyt 
buper.ntendant  of  our  affairs  send  GuEE-rxxo.     W„kuba«  His  Majesty  was  gracilly     ea  eJ 
o  propose  to  us  .n  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixt^  five  thatVoou  dary  L 
hould  he  fixed  between  the  English  &  us  to  ascertain  &  establish  our  Limitts  and  Iv     t 
those  .ntrus.ons  &  encroachments  of  which  we  had  so  long  and  loudly  complained  and  to  pu 
a  stop  to  the  many  fraudulent  advantages  which  had  been  so  often  taken  of  1  in  Land    ff^i 
wh,ch  Boundary  appearing  to  us  a  wise  and  good  measure  we  did  then  agree  to  a  par        a 
L.ne  and  promised  to  settle  the  whole  finally  when  soever  Sir  William  Johnson  .should  be  fully 
empowered  to  treat  with  us  for  that  purpose     Asv  Wh.hhas  His  said  Majesty  has  at  length 
given  S>r  W.iham  Johnson  orders  to  con.pleat  the  said  Boundary  Line  between  the  Provinfe 
and  Indians  .n  conformity  to  which  orders  Sir  William  Johnson  has  convened  the  Cheifs'& 
Warnors  of  our  respective  Nations  who  are  the  true  and  absolute  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  in 
question  and    who   are   here   now   to   a   very  considerable   Number.     And  wikheas  many 
uneasinesses  and  doubts  have  arisen  amongst  us  which  have  given  rise  to  an  apprehension  that 
the  Line  may  not  be  strictly  observed  on  the  part  of  the  English  iu  which  case  matters  may 
be  worse  than  before  which  apprehension  together  with  the  dependant  state  of  some  of  our 
Tribes  and  other  circumstances  which  retarded  the  Settlement  and  became  the  subject  of  some 
Debate  Sir  William  Johnson  has  at  length  so  far  satisfied  us  upon  as  to  induce  us  to  come  .o 
an  agreement  concerning  the  Line  which  is  now  brought  to  a  conclusion  the  whole  being  fullv 
explained  to  us  in  a  large  Assembly  of  our  People  before  Sir  William  Johnson  and  in  the 
presence  of  His  Excellency  the  Governor  of  New  Jersey  the  Commissioners  from  the  Provinces 
of  V  irginia  and  Pensilvania  and  sundry  other  Gentlemen  by  which  Line  so  agreed  upon  a 
considerable    Irac    of  Country  along  several  Provinces  is  by  us  ceded  to  His  said  Majesty 
wh.ch   we  are  induced  to  and  do  hereby  ratify  &  confirm  to  His  said   Majesty  from  t  e 
expectation  and  confidence  we  place  in  His  royal  Goodness  that  hewill  graciously  comply  with 
our  humble  requests  as  the  same  are  expressed  in  the  speech  of  the  several  Nations  address  d 
to  His  Majesty  through  Sir  William  Johnson  on  Tuesday  the  first  of  the  Present  Mo  th  o' 
November  wherein   we  have  declared  our  expectation  of  the  continuance  of  His  Mae 
Favour  and  our  desire  that  our  ancient  Engagements  be  observed  and  our  affairs  attende.  to 
by  the  ofhcer  who  has  the  management  thereof  enabling  him  to  discharge  all  these  matters 
properly  for  our    nterest      That  the  Lands  occupied  by  the  Mohocks  around  their  villZs" 
well  as  by  any  other  Nation  affected  by  this  our  Cession  may  effectually  remain  to  them  Z   o 
heir  Posterity  and  that  any  engagements  regarding  Property  which  they  may  now  he      d  r 
may  he  prosecuted  and  our  present  Grants  deemed  valid  on  our  parts  with  the  several  o 
humble  requests  contained  ,n  our  said  Speech     As.  Wh.h.as  at  the  settling  of  the  sa  d  .    ,  e 
t  appeared  that  the  L.ne  described  by  His  Majestys  order  was  not  extended  to  the  No,   w  rd 

the  L.ne  to  the  Northward  on  a  supposu.u.  .hat  it  was  omitted  by  reason  of  our  not  having 


136 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I 


come  to  any  determination  concerning  its  course  at  tiie  Congress  held  in  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  sixty  five  and  in  as  much  as  the  Line  to  the  Northward  became  the  most  necessary 
o(  any  for  preventing  encroachments  at  our  very  Towns   &  Residences  We  have  given  the 
Lme  more  favorably  to  Pensylvania  for  the  reasons  &  considerations  mentioned  in  tl,e  Treaty 
we  have  likewise  continued  it  South  to  Cherokee  Uiver  because  the  same  is  and  we  do  declare 
.t  to  be  our  true  Bounds  with  the  Southern  Indians  and  that  we  have  an  undoubted  right  to 
the  Country  as  far  South  as  that  River  wlUch  makes  our  Cession  to  His  Majesty  much  more 
advantageous  t^han  that  proposed,  NW  thekekohe  know  ve  that  we  the  Sachems  and  Cheifs 
aforementioned  Wative  Indians  and  i>roprietors  of  the  Lauds  herein  after  described  for  and  in 
behalf  of  ourselves  and  the  whole  of  our  Confederacy  tor  the  considerations  herem   before 
mentioned  and  also  for  and  in  consideration  of  a  valuable  Present  of  the  several  articles  in  use 
amongst  Indians  which  together  with  a  large  sum  of  money  amounts  in  the  whole  to  the  sum 
of  1  en  thousand  (our  Hundred  and  Sixty  pound,  seven  shillings  and  three  pence  sterling  to  us 
now  delivered    and   paid   by  Sir    William  Johnson   Baronet   His    Majeslys    sole   Agent  and 
euper.ntendant  of  Indian  affairs  for  the  Northern  department  of  Amerila  in  the  Name  and  on 
beha  f  ot  our  bo.e-reign  Lord  George  the  third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Britain  France 
and  Ire  and  King  Jefender  of  the  Faith  the  receipt  whereof  we  do  hereby  acknowledge     Wf 
the  said  Indians  Have  for  us  and  our  Heirs  and  Successors  granted  bargained  sold  released  and 
conhrmed  and  by  these  presents  do  Grant   bargain  sell  release  and  confirm   unto  our  said 
Sovereign  Lord  King  George  the  third.  All  that  Tract  of  Land  situate  in  North  America  at  the 
Back  of  the  British  Settlements  bounded  by  a  Line  which  we  have  now  agreed  upon  and  do 
hereby  establish  as  the  Boundary  between  us  and  the  British  Colonies  in  America  beginning 
at  the  Mouth  of  Cherokee  or  Hogohege  River  where  it  emptys  into  the  River  Ohio  and  runnin« 
from  thence  upwards  along  the  South  side  of  said  River  to  Kitlaning  which  is  above  Fort  I'itt 
.rom  I  ence  by  a  direct  Line  to  the  nearest  Fork  of  the  west   branch  of  Susquehanna  thence 
through  the  Allegany  Mountains  along  the  South  side  of  the  .aid  West  IJranch  untill  it  comes 
opposite  to  the  mouth  of  a  Creek  caMek  Tiadaghton  thence  across  the  West  Branch  an.I  along 
the  .south  Side  of  that  Creek  and  along  the  N..r!h  Side  of   Burnetts  Hills  to  a  Creek  called 
Awandae  thence  down  the  same  to  the   Fast  Bran,.!,  of  S.UM,uehaniia  an.)  across  the  same  and 
uptheLa.t  side  of  that  River  to  < ».swegy  from  thence    Fast  to   Delawar  Iliver  and   up  that 
River  to  opposite  whore  Tianaderha  falls  into  Sus.|uelianna  thence  to  Tianaderha  and  up  the 
\\est  side  of  Its  West  Branch   to  the  head  thereof  and  thence   hy  a  direct   Line  to  Canada 
Creek  where  it  emptys  into  the  wood  Creek  at  the  West  of  the  Carrying  Place  heyon.l  Fort 
Manwix  and  extending   Fastwani   from    every  part   of  the  said    Line   ar   far  as   the   Lands 
ormerly  purchased  so  as  to  comprehend  the  whole  of  the  Lands  between   the  said  Line  and 
he    purchased  Lands   or  settlements,    excep.    what    is  wahin    the    iWince  of  iWlvania. 
together  with  all  the  Hereditament,  and  Appurtenances  to  the  same  belonging  or  appertain    « 
...  the    u   est  &  mo.t  ample  manuerand  all  the  Fstate  Right  Title  Interest  Pr.fperty' P..  * 

Beneht  claim  and  Demand  either  in  Law  or  F.p.ity  .,f  each  &  every  of  us  of  .'„  or'to  the  sine 
or  any  part  thereof  I,,  have  and  to  hold  the  whole  Landn  and  Premises  hereby  granted 
bargained  so  d  released  and  confirmed  as  aC.re.aid  with  .he  Here.litamen.s  and  appurtenance, 
hereunto  belonging  under  the  reservation,  made  in  the  Treaty  unto  our  said  Sovereign  Lord 
'"'"»  *'""^«"  "'"  ""^ '  "'--^  •^""■«««-"  <o  and  for  his  and  their  own  proper' se  and 


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LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


137 


m'r/.t  T.U  'r,-''"'""  "''"'°'  ''''  ^"^  ^■''^''■^  ''  '"^  Confederacy  l.ave  hereunto  Bet  our 
mark  andt,  asat  OKT  SrAxw.x  the  (iflh  day  of  November  one  Thousand  seven  hundred 
and  sixty  eight  in  the  ninth  year  of  His  Majesty^  Reign  "unurert 


for  the  Mohocks 


TyoRHANSEUE  als  Abraham 


[  L.  s] 


CANACnqriESON 


for  the  Oueidas 


for  the  Tuscaroras 


Sequahusera 


OTsiNooniyATA  als  Buy 


NT 


Tegaaia 


for  the  Onondas'a 


for  the  Cayugas 


[  L.  s  ] 


-A»      [  t.  9  ] 


n 


[   L.  S,  ] 


f  r-  s  ] 


for  the  Senecas 


CUASTIIAX 


Sealed  and  delivered  and  the  consideration  paid  in  the  presence  of 
\V"'  Frank       'Governor  of  New  Jersey 
Fre.  Smyth  Cheif  Justice  of  New  Jersey 
Thomas  Walker  Commissioner  for  Virginia 
Itichard  IV'lers      )     r  .,     r.         .,     . 
James  Tilghman  |  "^  ^'"  ^°"""'  °^  '''-•nsylvania 

WHtt'etf "''  ^'"^  """'  '"'""''  '"  '"^  ^''''"'"''  '"'  ^'''  •-'•'^"^^'•^  ">"  ''^V  and 


[    L.  S    ] 


W 


year  above 

JolINSO.V 


Vol.  \  IK, 


18 


188 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


m 


i  1 


Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  the  Priinj  Council. 

[  New-Tork  EDtrlen,  O.,  436.  ] 

To  the  RigHt  Honorable  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  His  Majesty's  most  Honorable 
Frivy  Council  for  Plantation  Affairs. 

My  Lords. 

PursuaD«  to  your  Lordships  order  of  the  28""  of  September  last,  we  have  taken  into  our 
consideration  a  letter  to  tlie  Earl  of  Hillsborough,  one  of  His  Majesty's  Principal  Secretaries 
of  State,  from  Sir  Henry  Moore  Baronet,  Governor  of  New  York,  dated  June  26,  relative  to 
an  Act  passed  by  the  Council  and  House  of  Assrtinl)ly  of  that  Province,  during  the  course  of 
the  last  Session,  for  the  repeal  of  two  Acts  concerning  Insolvent  Debtors,  to  which  Act  the 
said  Governor  had  refused  his  Assent,  as  being  contrary  to  the  13""  Article  of  his  Instructions 
forbidding  the  repeal  of  Acts  passed  there,  altho  the  royal  Assent  had  not  been  given  to  them ; 
and  submitting  whether  in  matters  relating  entirely  to  their  internal  policy  and  in  which 
neither  the  particular  interests  of  the  Crown  nor  its  Power  and  Dignity  are  concerned,  a 
relaxation  of  this  Instruction  may  not  be  thought  proper,  and  be  attended  in  many  circumstances 
with  benefit  to  the  Province.     Whei-^apna  We  beg  leave  to  report  to  your  Lordships  :  — 

That  upon  a  representation  here'orore  madi.  by  the  Council  and  Burgesses  of  Virginia 
wherein  amongst  other  matters  they  p^  ly  that  His  Majesty's  Governor  may  be  permitted  to 
give  his  assent  to  all  such  Acts  as  may  alter  tr  repeal  any  others  which  have  not  received  His 
Majesty's  Approbation,  and  which  relate  only  u  Jie  people  of  that  Colony,  wherein  the  Royal 
prerogative  or  the  trade  of  Great  Britain  shall  not  be  atfected ;  thia  Board  did  in  their  report 
of  the  20""  of  May  1761,  give  it  as  their  opinion  that  the  restrictions  contained  in  His  Majesty's 
in.'ftructiona  to  his  Governors  of  all  th(  plantations  and  from  which  the  Colony  of  Virginia 
tnen  desired  to  be  relieved,  were  proper  and  necessary,  as  a  general  rule,  and  that  it  was  by 
no  means  advisable  to  take  away  or  even  relax  any  of  them.  As  we  see  no  reasons  which 
have  since  occurred  for  departing  from  this  opinion  and  advice  of  our  predecessors  in  olFice, 
we  have  hereunto  annexed  so  much  of  the  above  mentioned  Report  as  relates  to  the  case  in 
point,  and  beg  leave  to  refer  your  Lordships  thereunto     We  are,  My  Lords 

Your  Lordships  most  obedient 

and  most  humble  Servants 

IIlLLSBOaOUOII 
SOAME    JkNVNS 

J.  Dyson. 
Whitehall  W"  Fitzherbert 

Nov'  22.  17G8.  Thomas  Robinson. 


{N»24.) 


Earl  of  JliUsborough  to  Oovemor  Moore. 

lN««>rork,  CLX.  1 

Whitehall,  December  the  10'*  1768. 


Sir, 

I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive,  and  lay  before  the  King,  your  Letters  to  me  N*  20,  27  &  28. 
and  have  it  in  command  to  signify  to  you  llie  satisfactioa  it  gires  Hia  Majesty  ta  find,  that  HIb 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI.  -jgn 

graciouH  approbation  of  the  Act  for  quartering  the  Troops  is  likely  to  be  30  well  received  and 

Tf  Ssr;:;^ ;;^::  v5  -  -  ^  -^  °^«^^  ^^^^-^y^  p-«-'  ^^.^^^  ^or  the  :z:';::i 

The  Embarrassment  which  you  state  in  your  Letter  N»  27.  to  have  arisen  from  some  doubt, 
in  the  Counc,  as  to  the  Construction  of  the  Order  for  ascertaining  the  Boundary  Linrbetween 

The  shghtest  revision  of  your  Letter  upon  that  subject  will  shew,  that  it  answers  itself  as  to 
the  po.nt  upon  which  you  desire  an  explanation;  for.if  the  claimso  theE  gl    ir^h  IstF^^^^^ 
was  .n  po.sess.on  of  Canada,  extended  to  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  it  is  evident  ttaH    he 

wL'tTr  ^^  ""  ^''''•'^^''  '""""""'^  '"''^  ^'^"''  '"'  ^°''^'  "fl^'-'^'J^  y«»r  Letter  concerning  M' 
1  IS  Majesty    hat  M'  White  should    be  appointed  to  that  station  so  that  there   will  be  V> 

I  am  Sec" 

Hillsborough 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  milshorough. 

[Now-Y<.rk  Poptre,  BudJIo  Rr,,  No.  68.] 

My  Lord.  '^'ew  Yorh.  16  Dec'  1768. 

As  I  have  always  thought  it  my  duty  not  only  to  give  His  Maj'^'-  Ministers  information  of 
every   h.ugw, eh  passed  here,  but  also  to  lay  before  them   any  plans  I  could^rforthe 
benefit  o    the  I  rov.nce  under  my  care.  I  hope  that  the  proposall  now  take  upon  me  to  make 
to  your  LordP  m  tins  letter  may  be  looked  on  in  no  other  light  than  the  effLt  oTtlat Tea! 
u!.c   should  animate  every  officer  in  His  Maj.',  service  to  merit  the  Royal  appro  ..io^^'  ""' 
he  Commumcat.on  between  lliis  1  .ovince  and  Canada  has  been  hitherto  chiefly  kept  up 
by    he  various  m  itary  post,  which  have,  b.en  establish:!;  as  many  of  these  have  bee    or 
Will  shortly  ne  reduced.     My  intention  was  to  obviate  the  uifTiculties  under  which  we  mu     of 
course  be  laid  by  this   reduction  by  substituting   some  other  means  of   keeping  open   U.is 
communication,   w  ich   would   not  be   attended   with    the    expence   to  whid,   all    milit  "y 
establishments  are  liable.     For  this  purpose  I  apprehend  that  the'buildingof  a  T  .^  a  Cr  Jn 
lomt  on  Lake  Champluiu  on  the  plan  I  hove  here  enclosed,  will  be  .tu-nded  with   mnnv 
advantages  to  the  Province  and  that  His  Maj.'.  service  will  also  be  particulaHy  b^n     tteT ly' 
.     lie  Lands  on  both  sides  of  lake  Champlain  and  extending  from  thence  many  us   o 
the  southward,  have  been  granted  chieftly  to  reduced  olllcers  a-id  disbanded  soldTr  f  w  o    „d 
Hervedin  America    n  obedience  ^o  His  Majo-  IVoclaniatiou  in  the  year  170;3.     T  e      h     Is 

^vlI,ch  IS,  that  great  part  ol  them  still  remain  uncultivated,  and  will  continue  so  lor  some 


140 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


years  to  come,  unless  proper  steps  are  taken  to  encourage  the  settlements  there.  The  Town 
now  proposed  at  Crown  Point  would  induce  the  Proprietors  of  those  lands  to  clear  and 
improve  them,  for  the  immediate  advantages  they  would  reap  by  their  situation;  the  lots  of 
Land  in  the  Town  should  be  granted  on  the  easiest  terms,  to  whose  who  would  build,  and  if 
some  particular  priviledges  we  to  be  given  to  them  for  the  first  seven  or  ten  years,  so  great  a 
number  of  people  would  be  drawn  together,  as  would  contribute  greatly  to  settling  all  that 
part  of  the  Country,  and  by  making  roads  on  the  side  of  the  Lake  remove  one  great  difficulty 
we  labour  under  at  present  in  having  no  other  communication  with  Canada  but  by  water,  for 
this  is  interrupted  twice  every  year,  in  the  beginning  of  the  winter  when  the  Ice  begins  to 
form,  and  in  the  spring  when  it  is  breaking  up,  during  wh'''  time  no  assistance  could  be  given 
to  them  or  had  from  thence  in'  the  distresses  of  either  province  or  any  intestine  commotions 
should  require  it.  The  Plans  now  offered  to  your  LordP  were  drawn  by  M'  Adolphus  Bentzell* 
who  has  been  employed  as  an  assistant  I'^ngineer  here  during  the  last  war,  and  as  his  residence 
since  that  time  has  been  mostly  at  Crown  Point,  no  one  is  better  able  to  give  your  Lordi"  an 
Account  of  that  part  of  the  Country,  for  which  reason  I  have  desired  that  he  would  deliver 
them  himself,  that  he  may  at  the  same  time  have  an  opportunity  of  giving  any  information 
which  maybe  thought  necessary;  I  have  had  the  honor  once  before  of  mentioning  M' Bentzell 
in  my  letter  to  the  Lords  Commiss"  for  Trade  and  Plantations  dated  January  10""  17G7  as 
acting  under  a  Commission  I  had  given  him  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  the  Pine  Trees 
reserved  for  the  Navy  in  those  part[s],  as  we  had  no  person  in  this  Prov'"  at  that  time  who  was 
impowered  by  any  authority  from  England.  This  Commission  M'  Bentzell  executed  very 
faithfully  and  with  great  trouble  and  inconvenience  to  himself,  though  at  the  same  time  he 
was  well  informed  that  it  was  not  in  my  power  to  anu'^x  to  it  any  fee  or  Reward.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect,  My  i^ord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  and 

humble  servant. 

H :  MoouE. 


N"  6. 


Sir   WiUium  Jolimon  to  (he  Earl  of  lUlUhorowjK. 

[  FUntaUoiu  Oenertl,  No.  0.  ] 


My  Lord 

On  my  return  from  Fort  Stanwix  I  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  Lordships  of  13""  of  August 
(N*  5)  with  the  enclosures  concerning  the  application  to  His  Majesty  for  a  grant  of  Copper 
Mines  near  Lake  Superior  directing  me  to  make  Enquirys  concerning  the  same,  to  which  I 
should  have  paid  all  due  obedience  sooner,  but  the  pacquels  and  dispatches  I  had  to  make  tip, 
and  the  multiplicity  of  Affairs  I  had  to  order  &  regulate  in  consequence  of  the  late  Treaty. 

■  Rxc.  if. 

*  AnouMiL-a  Bknzel,  «on  of  Archbishop  Benr.el,  of  U|)9a1,  in  Swcilon,  pfttiio  f"  Amniicn  in  1749  ixnit  sottlml  nt  Wilinini,'toii, 
n«l.,  whcr*  hf  married  in  VtWl;  hi' was  proniotiMl  to  n  I.ioiitf nancy  in  the  '.i>l  liattalimi  "f  tile  i»t  I'ocit,  or  Kovnl*,  2il  Jannar}', 
1757,  then  siMviiiK  in  Aineriun.  Hi'  lull  the  army  in  1770,  liavin^  been  a|i|>oiiiti'd  im  the  recumnienihitioii.  anions  otlicrs.  of 
the  Sw>  illfh  Aniliawndor  at  [.unilon,  to  lie  inspcvlur  of  Ilia  Majesty 'h  wuoiIh  and  fureatH  an'l  iiiiapproprialed  Isnila  un  I,al4« 
Chnmpluin  and  in  Canada,  at  a  salary  of  i'SOO  sterling,  beaiJea  traveling  «xp«u>e«,  »iid  as  many  depuliea  sa  be  chuae.  —  Eu. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLI. 


141 


I  now  proceed  to  consider  the  Subject  of  your  Lordships  letter  and  the  papers  therewith 
tr  n.n,tte  and  first  as  to  the  ore.-I  have  long  since  been  well  assured  that  the're  is  no  onTya 
large  quantity  of  Copper  ore  .n  the  environs  of  Lake  Superior,  but  that  on  trials  made  on  sampL 

a  ,     t  rr  T^.  ''  ''^  '"'•"  '"""'  extraordinary  good  and  rich.     I  likewise 

about  three  years  ago  saw  an  Estimate  of  the  Expence  of  taking  up  and  transporting  &c»  the 

but  hisTt'i     t      r ? r •     1't ,'  "^'  ^'''"  "^"^^'^ '''''  ^'^  '«  '''  ''PP-—  -^i-  Rocks 
but  this  estimate  which  I've  unluckily  mislaid,  was  to  the  best  of  my  recollection  founded  on 

t  .nL'orT  d       fi    ",' ;' "°""  ''°"'r"  '°  '"  °'''^'"^'  "'^"^  ^«"y  g-^^  ---•  -d  that  it  could  be 

the  reduction  of  that  country  may  now  be  much  doubted,  admitting  that  t.  e  veins  of  ore 

would  continue  equally  rich   &  accessible.-I  have    likewise   nnderftood    that   the  India" 

emseves  would  at  a  verry  trilling  rate  procure  large  quan.itys  of  it,  to  which  I  may  aos": 

ha    the  Indiaus  are  a  la=cy  people,  naturally  enemies  to  labour,  and  therefore  it  is  much  to 

f  tZc     T  r'"''>"  '^""  '"  ''  "°"'^  ""'  ^"^'"^^^  ^'^h  advantage,  altho  the  Indians 

of  that  Co  intry  can  be  satisfied  on  much  more  reasonable  terms  than  those  who  are  more 
accustomed  to  receive  favours  from  the  Europeans,  particularly  the  French.  -I  have  also  heard 
a  some  persons  in  Canada  did  formerly  bring  away  a  good  deal  of  Ore  from  thence.  &  tat 
they  lost  by  i  ,  bu  whether  ihis  was  owing  to  the  expence  of  bringing  it  down  or  to  bad 
nianngement  I  can't  say.  The  River  Ottawa  being  obstructed  by  4I  portages  small  i  great 
rr    u:7;tvT"r    r'  ^^''T  '^  ^---P-^-^'-  «^  -  ^eavy  an  article  /give  place  to X 

3i  r  w  MU  ""'''""°"  "'''"  '""°"^'  "^^  ''^"^"^  ^"''  «-«^''y  °f  ^'-  -'"ters  at  Lake 

S  perior  w  II  likewise  require  consideration  both  with  regard  to  the  provision  to  be  made  for 
1 1  o       h,t  should  remain  there,  and  for  their  cattle  &  beasts  of  burthen,  and  the  verry  low  wages 
o    la  t  emen  and  all  labourers  in  the  time  of  the  French  when  compared  with  the  usual  hi 
at  this  time,  is  also  a  matter  that  should  be  attended  to. 

I  come  now  to  consider  what  ettect  it  might  have  as  to  His  Majesty's  Interests  wUh  respect 

to  the  Indians,  touching  this,  I  am  of  opinion,  that  if  the  object  in  vfew  is  deemed  worthy  tie 

..rsu.t.  It  cannot  hereafter  be  prejudicial  to  Ilis  Majesty's  Interests  with  the  Indians,  p  ovi     d 

t  H  ir  consent  is  first  obtained,  that  the  utmost  care  is  taken  to  prevent  their  being  wronged  or 

^ hat   s  barely  necessary  (and  this  too  with  their  previous  consent)  until  the  times  become 

more  favourable,  all  which  may  be  enectually  prevented  by  the  residence  of  an  Officer        the 

ndian    Department,    on    the    part    of  the  Crown    &    by  such    instructions  &  authoriti  s    0 

0   c'lhi':    ;   "J  °[  7""  °''"  ""■'^■'^^  "''  '""  ^^"^^'^  "^  '^  "'-'  ''^'^•y  to  remove  any  cau 
of  complaint,  &  afford  rhem  justice,  and  for  the  farther  satisfaction  of  the  Indians,  &  removing 

any  suspicions  they  might  er.tert.in  from  the  conduct  of  any  of  the  Companys  residents  o^ 
Zld  JireX'  "'  '''''"  '"'■'"  '^^  '^"""  ""^  -P-'"t-^J-t,  or  such  oLer  as  the  CrlZ 

\Vith  regard  to  the  ne^i  consideration  as  to  the  proper  mean,  to  induce  their  agreement  to 
such  Kstab  shments  as  won  d  he  nece.ary  for  ob.aini^  the  advantages  stated  to      i"e  1 
the  ,.rop„sals  as       understand  it.    the  principal    advantages   that    may  be    expeC-d  de 
I"."  the  value  and  impor.an,  e  ..good  Mines  rich  i„  Copper,  as  any  advantages  to'  His  M„je    ^ 
neress  w,.      ,ho   Indians   n.uhing  from   ,1,.  IVoposals  must   be  the  ellect  of  ,i„,e,  Tvil 
solely  depend  upon  the  ..od  eunduc,,  civil  trea.ment  &  strict  integrity  of  the  Company' 


14S 


NEW-YOHK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Factors,  who  if  they  can  be  expected  to  concurr  in  so  doing  will  doubtless  by  degrees  acquire 
the  esteem  of  the  Indians,  and  give  them  favourable  prepossessionsof  the  English,  to  which  the 
adding  some  small  presents  occasionally,  or  n7aking  it  in  some  measure  their  interest  would 
greatly  contribute,  but  this  must  be  as  yet  mterlj   matter  of  speculation  &  uncertainty.—  ;  >n 
the  other  hand,  the  neighbouring  nations  who  are  not  interested  in  any  advantages  wluch 
those  of  Lake  Superior  may  be  supposed  to  enjoy  will  probably  prejudice  them  as  much  as 
possible  against  it,  &  use  endeavours  from  time  to  time  to  distress  the  Company  in  which  they 
may  be  sometimes  successfull,  for  it  is  most  certain  that  the  jealousy  of  the  Indians  augnK  nts 
as  we  encrease,  and  however  they  may  outwardly  appear  reconciled  to  such  settlements,  they 
consider  everry  Beginning  of  ours  in  a  verry  dangerous  light,  &  are  thereby  led  to  commit 
acts  of  violence  before  they  allow  us  sufficient  time  to  manifest  by  a  series  of  good  treatment 
the  purity  of  our  inten'ions.  —  I  judge  it  my  duty  to  remark  what  may  happen.  At  the  same 
time  I  am  of  opinion  that  provided  the  object  is  worthy  attention,  and  that  the  distance  from 
the  sea,  with  y*  other  obstructions  &expences  attending  it  do  not  render  the  plan  unprofitable 
a  circumstance  on  which  I  cannot  positively  decide,  The  Indians  may  be  reconciled  to  the 
opening  &  working   those   mines,  and   that  if  strict   care  be  taken  to  do  them   justice  in 
the  manner  I  have  already  proposed  without  any  attempts  to  private  sett!-,  menls  or  insisting 
upon  Charter  Rights  as  conveying  property  of  soil,  there  is  a  prospect  of  it's  being  enjoyed  in 
security;  and  that  to  obtain  their  consents,  the  Cheifs  of  those  Nations  interested  should  be 
assembled  when  the  whole  should  be  laid   before  them  without  disguise,  or  making  any 
promises  but  such  as  could  &  would  be  fully  performed,  and  that  on  giving  them  a  present,  & 
obtaining  their  consent  some  persons  of  interest  amongst  them  should  accompany  timse  who 
are  to  prosecute  the  design,  and  carrying'  the  plan  into  execution,  the  future  success  of  which 
must  depend  upon  the  manner  in  which  it  is  conducted,  and  upon  the  temper  of  the  Indians. 
I  could  have  wished  it  were  in  my  power  to  have  more  diligently  enquired  &  to  have  ofterred 
more  particular  remarks  regarding  this  proposal,  but  when  it  is  known  that  I  have  scarcely 
had  a  moments  leisure  from  the  number  &  importunity  of  Indians  since  my  return  last  month 
from  the  Treaty  at  Fort  Stanwix,  I  persuade  myself  I  shall  be  in  some  measure  excusable, 
should  it  appear  that  I  have  not  been  able  to  give  it  all  the  attention  that  was  necessary,  and 
as  I  was  desireous  of  complying  as  soon  as  possible  witli  Ills  Majesty's  orders  by  ottering  my 
thoughts  upon  the  matter,  which  with  the  hopes  of  your  Lordship's  favourable  indulgence  I 
row  humbly  submit  to  [His  Majesty's]  '  consideration. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be 

with  the  most  profound  respect, 
My  Lord, 
Johnson  Hall  Your  Lordship's 

Decb'  23"  17G8.  most  obedient  &  most 

Devoted  Humble  servant, 
The  Right  Honourable  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough.  W.  Johnson. 


*  earry.  Johnson  Manunerijils,  ivi 


'TJiV.— Ed. 


■i  .ili 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII.  1 40 

Govei-nor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  HilhhorougJi. 

[  Now-Yiirk  I'apen  (8.  P.  O. )  CLXL] 

My  Lord.  ^'^^  ^°'''^-  *■  January  1769. 

I  am  very  sorry  to  inform  your  LordP  that  I  have  been  under  a  necessity  of  puting  an  end 
the  ate  Assembly  by  .  dissolution.  My  duty  would  not  permit  me  to  pass  over  unfegnrded 
tl  extraordinary  resolves  the  house  of  Assembly  had  entered  on  their  Journals,  and  I  ha  e 
here  nclosed  a  copy  ot  them  together  with  a  speech  F  made  to  them  on  the  occasion  I  did 
once  flatter  myself  that  moderate  measures  would  have  been  pursued  throughout  the  whole 
8ess,on.  but  a  small  Faction  has  found  means  to  inti.nidate  the  r'est  of  the  n.embers.  &  bnl  ^ 

I  Members  ""'"^   '"   ""   ''"""'    "'''"""   ""'   '"'*^"^''^"   °^  '^«   S^^^"  P-^'of 

In  order  to  explain  this,  I  must  inform  your  f.ordP  that  the  remains  of  that  licentious  Ilabble 
who  durmg  our  late  disorders,  called  themselves  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  had  formed  a  d  si    soj: 
after,  the   meefng  of  the  Assembly   to  disturb   the   tranquility  of  the  City   by  carryhg  th 
e  hg.es  of  certa.n  persons  thro'  the  Town  in  procession,  and  afterwards  burningthem  Luic  v  • 
he  Magtstrates  of  the  Ci,       .erted  themselves  so  much  on  this  occasion,  that  i   could  ,0     br' 
some  ttme  be  earned  into  execution,  but  their  vigilance  was  at  length  eluded.  &  wile    hey 
were  assembled  in  one  quarter  of  the  Town    expressly  for  this  purpose,  the  project  w  .1 
executed  tn  a  hasty  manner  in  another,  and  the  contrivers  made  their  esc  pe  witl,     o  m 
precp.tat.on.  that  the  Constables  could  not  be  informed  of  their  design  time'eno.;gh  to  s 
any  ol  the  persons  concerned  in  it.    A  pompous  account  of  this  was  printed  in  one  of  our  weekly 
papers,  and  any  one  would  suppose  by  the  relation  there  given,  that  the  greatest  part  of  the 
C.ty  was  concerned   in   it,   but  this  proceeding  having  been  disavowed  by  the  Inhabitants, 
the  Mayor  published  a  true  relation  of  the  transaction,  which  shew'd  that  it  was  done  bv  a  fevJ 
of  the  lowest  people,  &  by  surprize.     I  immediately  upon  this  attempt   being  made,"  issued 
a  proclamation  oHering  a  Reward  for  the  discovery  of  the  Authors  of  this  project ;  and  on  my 
acqua.nt.ng  the  Assembly  of  it   by  a  Message  received  their  thanks  for  w  ,at  I  had  done,  and 
an  Address  wh.ch  is  set  forth  in  the  30-^  page  of  the  printed  Journals  which  accon.p     y 

tins  U,ot,  had,  by  the  d.v.s.on  of  the  house  on  the  Address.  &  I  make  no  doubt  be  surprise.! 
that  five  Members  of  any  Assembly  whatsoever  could   be  found  in  any  part  of  the  Kind's 
Dom.mons  who  should  be  so  weak,  to  declare  against  the  support  of  Covernment  and  good 
order  m  the   Town  where  they  lived.     When  this  design  had  so  evidently  failed,  a  sett  o 
structtous  to  the  C.tty  Members  were  drawn  up,  and  carried  about  the  Town  to  be  sigLd. 
Mos   of  the  Inhabitants  of  any  consideration,  refused  to  set  their  names  to  it,  but  a  number  of 
the  lower  sort  were  procured  who  did.  and  your  LordP  may  easily  imagine,  what  the  tenor 
of  such  Instruct"  and  dictated  by  such  heads  must  be;  however,  these  were  constantly  held 
up  to  view,  and  as  the  greatest  part  of  the  Assembly  is  composed  of  plain  well  meaning  Men 
whose  notions  from  their  education,   are  extremely  confined,  their  fears  of  being  exposed  to' 
the  contempt  of  their  Countrymen  for  not  joining  in  what  were  called  constitutional  measure 
and  theirapprehens.ons  of  being  particularly  pointed  out  as  Knemies  to  their  Country,  ..M«aued 
them  in  measures  which  they  never  wished  to  see  adopted,  but  had  not  resolution  eno.igh  ,„ 


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144 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I'[ 


oppose,  for  the  reasons  I  have  just  mentioned,  notwithstanding  they  had  a  considerable  majority 
m  the  house.  The  same  Faction  was  particularly  instrumental  in  keeping  up  a  heat  in  the 
House  which  would  not  otherwise  have  prevailed,  and  upon  entring  the  resolves  on  their 
Journals  proposed  to  make  them  still  stronger  by  an  addition  to  Ihe  third  Resolve,  as  iC  they 
were  apprehensive  that  there  was  not  suflicient  ofience  already  given  in  the  former  part  of  it 
but  this  was  rejected  by  the  house  and  the  division  on  the  question  may  be  seen  at  the  bottom 
of  the  74'"  page  of  the  Journals.  Towards  the  conclusion  of  the  Session  they  shewed  plainly 
what  their  real  intentions  were,  by  opposing  the  support  Dill,  without  any  cause  being  assigned 
for  such  a  proceeding,  as  will  appear  by  the  Divison  on  the  G9'-  page  of  their  Journals,  and  I 
am  very  clear  in  my  own  opinion,  that  the  present  misconduct  of  the  Assembly  is  intirelv 
attributed  to  their  violent  measures. 

On  Saturday  the  31"  of  December,  on  my  sending  for  the  house  to  pass  some  Bills,  the 
mclosed  resolves  were  put  on  their  Journals.  On  my  receiving  them  from  their  Clerk  on 
bunday  morning,  I  immediately  sent  out  orders  for  summoning  His  Maj'^'  Council  co  meet 
before  whom  I  laid  the  resolves  on  the  morning  of  the  next  day ;  the  minutes  of  that  day  are 
hkewise  here  inclosed,  and  about  six  o'clock  in  the  same  evening  I  dissolved  the  Assembly. 
I  cou  d  have  wished  that  I  had  been  better  supported  on  this  occasion  by  the  Council,  for  your 
Lord  will  see,  that  of  the  eight  Members,  wh-  were  present  that  day.  the  voices  were 
equal  y  d.v.. -d,  and  could  I  have  had  their  concurrence  for  the  dissolution.  I  am  perswaded 
that  It  would  have  given  such  a  blow  to  the  Faction,  as  would  have  been  attended  with  the 
most  favourable  consequences  to  the  Colony.  Being  disappointed  of  that  aid  which  I  required 
&  expec  ed  from  them.  I  took  the  matter  upon  myself,  and  as  I  had  spared  no  pains  during  the 
ZT.  f  P  r°"  'u  f"'  "^'  '"  the  Assembly  the  Uock  they  would  split  on,  and  laid 
nnol  d°  ^?^"^">^"* ''^'^»':«  ^f^-  ««  -on  -  '  -w  on  their  Journals,  that  a  Committee  wa, 
St  c  ?""  "P  Constitutional  resolves,  I  cannot  charge  myself  with  having  omitted  the 

least  circumstance  which  could  give  them  information  of  the  danger  into  which  they  were 
running;      therefore  thought.  I  was  called  upon  by  the  dut,  of  my  Commission  to  Act'n    1 
m  nnerl    ave  done  and  shall  be  extremely  happy  if  my  conduct  on  this  occasion  meets  w   1 
HiB  Majesty's  approbation. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect 
My  Lord, 

Your  Lordr*  most  obedient 

and  humble  servant 

H:  MoouB 


(N-S) 


Sir, 


Earl  of  miUlwongh  to  Sir  WiUiam  Johnson. 

C  PUbuHom  0»n»nl,  OCLV.,  No.  8.  ] 

Whitehall  4"'  Jartry  i;C9 


I  have  received  your  Dispatches  N»  4  &  5  and  have  laid  them  before  the  King. 

His  Majesty  has  observed  with  great  satisfaction  the  judgement  and  zeal  you  have  in  general 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 

from  your  letter  that  to  this      r   '   ;t  "n  e&to  tr     T       "'  '''  ""'^"""'^y  '^'^^^^  ««  ■''  «PP--« 
to  depart  from  the  Boundary  d  ree  e^   bv  th!  t ""  '!  T.  ''"'"^  ''""'  ^°"  "''«  '"'^"-^ 

Trade  &  Plantations,  which  upon  the  wi  oie  Ir  '^T  '  !'''  '"''''  Commissioners  for 
upon  political  an.' commercialpri  dpi!  t  b  ""'     r"'"""°"' '^"'^  ^^•'"  ''^'-"-^^ 

Majesty's  commands  you  was  ins  Z  d  to  'dh  "f  ,  -T "'  °"''  ""'  ^°  ^^"^"'^  ^^^  "- 
■ine  is  contrary  to  th^  opinion  of^s  1^  tyt ^4r  I  s^:^;;;'"/^^  'ff''"  ^^""^  '^"' 
large  an  additional  tract  of  land  in  that  mr    of'thl        ?  .        "''"     '^^  "Staining  so 

productive  only  of  disadvantage  and  embark™ L    ^^   '"^  ''"''''"''  ^^  *'--  '■'« 

probably  produce  jealousy  and  disilfSio  Z  ^  '^  ""^  °^  ''  '''  '^'''  *'  *'"  "«'  ""ly 
^ndo  and  throw  i Jto  confusion  tlrtuZ e  rs^l'^  :  L'ntr ^  ^  !h'  "'^°  "^^  '^ 
Boundary  Line,  which  the  Superintendent  for  the  S..uh        n  ^  °'^"  P'"""'  "'^  '''« 

&  «o  precisely  according  to  his  Instructions  Department  has  concluded  so  ably 

I  have  received  His  Majesty's  commands  to  lay  your  letters  thp  nr        ^• 
and  the  Deed  which  was  the  result  of  them    ^7         .^    ^ '^      '''^'"^' "^ '"^^  C°"g^^««. 
Superintendent  of  the  Southern  DlartLl..  °.    "  ^'«P»'^''««  ■•«'=«ived  from  the 

of  Trade,  in  order  that  the     I    r^sh  'J   Z  ,at  i"  T^  ^"'"'-"^  "■"^'  "«^"^*'  ^'^  ^^-^ 
to  His  Majesty  their  opinion  what  n    a  u  es'i  ^     '  "'°  ""^  -"-'-'"ion  &  report 

I  can  venture  to  assure  you  that  if  yo     c    '  ^m  "°^  ^'"^"'  '°  ''^'-     I"  '^e  mean  thne 

according  to  your  Instructions,  t  loud  be  v  v  satisf  7  ""'J,°'  ^'"  '"  ^^"''^  '"«  '^■■- 
to  me  .hat  this  might  be  done  n  such  .  „,  ^  '''f^'^'y  '^  H.s  Majesty;  and  it  appears 
thom  understand  that  Hist,"  T  .1  ""  \  'T'  ^°  ^'"  "'^  '^■'>"°-  -  '»  -^^e 
to  -nake  to  Hi.  out  of  His  ^Z^;Z^::Z:l  '^  '"^^'^'^""""-'  --•-'  "-y  wish 
not  from  any  doubt  he  enterfains  of  Li^'grto    L  h':'  7  "'  ""''^  ""^'"^''^  ""'^ 

The  unwarrantable  conduct  of  the  KrenrI,  nn.J  «    '        \ 

i.*.n..,,..„v„u,..,„.,„M„„.;;::,L   :  2::::;^:;:,"';  '""■: '-  "'•  '•'■i-xy 

not   Ihut  you  will   ea„li„„e   ,o   „,„   ,|,,   ,„„,,  !»    ,  r  "'"""''■'""°"' "'"" ''""I" 

io..i|:,.-nco  or  .„y  .oe„  ^i-covl;:.  °::r, '  .:^;;:^:;S;^"":' '"'  ••-  '^-  - -' 

".ore „„o„  „„„  .„„j„., ,  :;:':.':,„  a  ;rK::7„::;:: "•' >t'  - '° ■"•■  -^ 

ev.ry  „.pporl  „„d  ,,rou,,.|i„„  i„  n,,  .,„,„,,'     "l  ""  '^'  ?  '°  '"""«  )™.  lh«l  you  .hull  !„,,, 

beuelit.  or  vory  g.u■^,»,,o::|',:,;tLT  °"'  "  ""'  "■•"  ■"•  ""'•">■  •"'"•  '»  P""-"" 

Sir  W"  Johnson  Uar«  '  ""'  *<'• 

Hlf.LSOOKOHOIf 


Vot..  vin. 


10 


I 


146 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


LisMtenant-Oovemor  CoUen  to  the  Earl  of  IlUklorough. 

[  Now- York  Vi,\»n  (  S.  V.  0. )  CLXI.  ] 

New  York,  7  January  17G9. 
My  Lord,  ^ 

I  should  have  acknowledged,  by  the  preceeding  Packet,  the  honour  you  did  me  in  your  letter 
of  the  9""  of  July  to  Sir  Henry  Moore,  of  which  he  sent  me  an  extract  of  what  relates  to  me ; 
had  he  not  delayed  to  inform  me  so  long,  that  I  did  not  receive  the  extract  till  the  day  after 
the  Mail  was  closed ;  tho'  from  the  date  of  your  LordP's  letter  he  must  have  received  it  four 
or  five  weeks  before  that  time. 

I  have  never  given  Sir  Henry  the  least  personal  offence  since  his  arrival  in  his  Govern',  and 
yet  his  canduct  with  respect  to  my  obtaining  a  recompence  for  my  losses,  from  the  Assembly, 
has  been  such  that  I  cannot  imagine  from  whence  should  arise  that  part  of  your  Lord^'s  let'er, 
wherein  you  direct  him  persevere  in  his  recommendation  of  my  case  to  the  Assembly.  He 
has  been  entirely  influenced  by  the  popular  parly  which  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  oppose. 
He  refused  formerly  to  send  in  my  account  of  Losses  to  the  Assembly,  tho'  I  informed  him 
that  it  had  been  always  customary  for  the  (iov'  to  send  in  by  Message  from  himself  such 
accounts,  as  he  recommended  to  be  paid,  and  that  the  Assembly  expected  he  should  do  so. 

On  the  SI""  of  last  Month,  he  sent  in  my  ace'  of  arrears  of  salary,  and  losses  by  the  Mob  in 
1766.,  with  a  Message,  recommending  the  payment,  but  without  the  least  mention  of  his 
having  received  any  directions  for  that  purpose.  At  their  next  meeting  after  Xmas,  the 
Assembly  agreed  to  pay  my  full  arrears  of  Salary,  but  made  no  resolution  as  to  the  payment 
of  my  losses.  The  reason  I  am  told  was,  that,  some  objected,  that  I  had  put  tlie  i'rovince 
to  a  great  expence  in  having  the  Cannon  on  the  Batteries  unspiked,  which  J  had  ordered  to 
be  spiked  up.  All  the  Artillery  of  the  Army  which  had  not  been  brought  into  the  Fort,  were 
spiked  up  at  the  same  time.  Your  Lord''  knows,  I  could  give  no  direction  for  that  purpose. 
The  Cannon  on  the  batteries  would  have  been  unspiked,  in  the  same  manner  that  the  Artillery 
of  the  Army  was,  whenever  it  should  be  thought  prudent,  without  any  expence  to  the  I'rovince; 
but  the  Asaembly  look  the  direction  of  the  Cannon  on  the  Batteries  on  themselves  and  ordered 
them  to  be  unspiked. 

Your  Lord'-  can  judge  whether  it  be  for  the  interest  of  Great  Driltain  that  the  Oflicers  of  the 
Crown  in  the  Colonies,  depend  on  the  Assemblies  for  every  recompence  and  Ueward  of  their 
services.  I  have  the  snlisfaclion  in  mind,  that  I  luu'  during  my  Administration,  my  duty  in 
obeying  the  King's  instructions  and  the  welfare  of  the  I'rovince,  only  at  heart;  and  1  am 
coMfident,  no  instance  can  be  given  of  my  acting  otherwise.  The  senlimenta  which  by  your 
LordP*  letter  to  Sir  H.  Moore,  his  Maj"  entertains  of  my  past  con-luct,  does  me  the  greatest 
honour,  and  gives  me  the  greatest  pleasure  I  am  capable  of  receiving. 

As  the  (Jov'  has  dissolved  the  Assembly,  no  doubt  you  will  receive  from  him  an  account  of 
their  conduct.  It  may  however  be  proper  to  inform  your  Lordn,  that  llie  City  of  New  York  is 
now  (livi(le<l  into  two  parlies,  which  violently  oppose  each  other.  One  consisting  of  the  new 
Members  chosen  into  the  last  Asscmliiy,  and  the  oilier  supposed  to  he  favoured  by  the  (Jov'; 
both  sides  had  the  preserving  their  popularity  in  view  It  is  supposed  this  opposition  will 
continue  at  the  ensuing  election. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII 

Your  most  obedient  &  /aithful  serv' 

Cadwallader  Colden 


aovernor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  IlilUoraugU . 

t  Now- York  Papern  (8.  l\  o. )  CLXI.  ] 

My  Lord,  New  York.  SO  January  17G9. 

yo^^  u^^:  ::::'^r^^r  ts:;^°'r  "^''^  r  "°^  ^-^---^  ^°  ^^  '---'-^  - 

instruction  relative  to  the  insertion'o  Wo    '   Z  ttwe^T  ^-^    Ir^,''^,  ^^'«  ^'"J-'^'^ 

the  several  duties  and  impositions  on  aoZL    '"  ^^^  ^^f*  ^"'^'''^  ""he  Act  for  granting 

complyed  with  and  the  alte'rai      mad     'bu   m    suT'  '"  ^'^^  ''"^"    ''  "^^  ^^"'^"' 

-.confirmed,  and  the  Bi„  entire.y^top.d^r::^  .rf^rhrernT:  ad   "^  "'"'^  ^"'  ^^ 

t..e^r  :hi:^  ::vr;it"  ^^zr  °'  '"^  r  •  r''^- --'^  --  -  ---« 

your  LordP.  letter  o  me.  „d  it  w.s  b  oudti  T^l'  '"  ''''  ''"'  '"  ''''■  ^"^"^  P°'"^-'  °"'  ■" 
of  the  right  of  chu«ing    1  "1  rs  t,     h  n  iv'.  .°  °""'  ^'''""'  "">'  '"^"^'-'  ^*"%'  '-^^^ 

contested  Kiections  at  fh  ".;:',, J"''^'^"  T  """'^  ''''  "'^''  "'^  C^'^"  '^'''^ 
Letter  employed,  and  a  sldZ'  S'  w  s  p^rt':  :,l\7."-'' ['--'.ich  might  have  been 
diHsolution  which  took  place  soon  nfter  The  rL  .  "^  "^'"  '"■'"'■''  ^''•'  ''""«''•  ''^  "'« 

not  been  the  case  in  a  p'robl  ;  t  '  m  „  I'Mn"'"  "Tr'  ""  '""'^  '""^"'"^  '  ""'^  '"'« 
have  laid  me  under  a  new  difficu  v,  UW  r '""''"' ^"""''  "'  ""  ^-"'"^  ''"'« 
extent,  that  it  was  proposed  by  the  b  I    to  div         .  "'  ^"-'"-y  "<'W  in  question  is  of  so  gr.at 

-Hi  the  Hill  would  have  passed  i.-^fl;,     '     '  ''''"'"'"  "'"'  ''^•'"^'  ^'-'"'-• 

Your  Lordn's  letter  of  iss  ing  w  it  ^  ElTcUon  rin'r'"'r'"';'  ",""'"  "'^  ''"•*''  '""'  *^"-"  ^'^^ 
I  could  not  take  upon  me  to  do  any  th  n.  t     Z.        '  T  ""'  "  """  '"''"'"""'  ^^-'"^' 

would  be  expected  from  theCrowTi    Z  ''       "'  "'  ""  ''''""'  '^i^'^il-'t'""  "C  favour 

Where,  his  L,..  Comman!^":;;  3:;;!:^,--.^:^ r^ '''  '"  ^^^  ^-"^'- 

unde:J;^r;-:i;-:-;:x^^^ 

meeting,  on  account  of  some  .i.l  litio.w.l  nr„  •  ■      "^  ,'  '""""  "'nn  ihe  usual  time  of  their 

t"e  '.oaor  of  receiving\:::;;;;r 'iZ;:z  ^rr;:^ ':  :;i7r '  'r '  ^"""  ^-^^ 

concerning  the  division  of  the  County  of  Albany.  "'"  '"'"  '"*^"»'""«d 

I  have  the  honor,  ettc. 

n  MooiiE. 


148 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


^  ft-'; 


Governor  Mom-e  to  the  Earl  of  llilUhorouglu 

I  New.Tork  r«per«  ( S.  P.  0. )  CLXI.] 

ftrv  f.ord  ^^^  ^or\.  21.  January  1769. 

Immediiitely  upon  receipt  of  His  Majesty'^  orders  for  the  admission  of  M' Hugh  Wallace  and 
IM'  James  de  Lancey  into  the  Council  of  this  Province,  in  the  room  of  M'  Walton  and  M' 
Alexander,  the  members  of  the  Council  were  convened,  and  M^  Wallace  took  the  oaths  and  his 
seat  at  the  Board,  l)ut  M'  de  Lancey  declined  the  honour  that  His  Maj'^  had  intended  him,  & 
after  declaring  before  the  Council,  that  he  could  not  accept  of  the  appointment,  withdrew 
without  any  further  ceremony,  nor  was  there  any  reason  given  either  by  himself  or  his  friends 
for  such  a  proceeding.     I  have  the  honor  of  returning  to  your  LordP  here  inclosed,  the  Royal 
mandamus  m  favour  of  M^  de  Lancey,  and  must  leave  to  that  Gentleman  the  explanation  of  so 
singular  a  conduct,  as  I  should  be  extremely  embarassed  to  determine  what  extraordinary 
engagements  he  could  possibly  have  entered  into,  which  could  be  either  incompatible  with  his 
duty  to  his  Maj'y,  or  inconsistent  with  his  attendance  on  the  service  of  his  Country  at  the  Council 
Board  ;  I  hope  that  1  shall  have  your  LordP's  pardon  for  what  I  am  now  going  to  say  in  favour 
of  my  former  recommendation,  and  that  the  anxiety  of  mind  1  am  under,  lest  I  should  be 
supposed  to  have  recommended  an  improper  person,  may  plead  my  excuse,  for  troubling  your 
LordP  with  any  thing  further  on  this  head.     My  connections  in  point  of  acquaintance  and 
private  friendship  with  M'  Rob'  Livingston,  in  whose  favour  I  had  wrote,  are  by  no  means  so 
strong  as  with  many  Gentlemen  in  this  Province,  whose  names  I  have  never  mentioned  to 
your  LordP,  and  the  following  are  the  true  reasons  of  the  preference  given  to  him  on  this 
occasion.     He  is  a  branch  of  the  most  considerable  family  in  this  ?rov«;  his  father  (who  is 
very  far  advanced  in  years)  possessed  o'  a  very  great  landed  Estate,  which  will  come  to  him 
undivided,  as  he  is  an  only  son.     He  is  married  to  the  richest  Heiress  in  this  Country  whose 
Father  is  likewise  very  old  and  infirm  ;  so,  that  in  all  human  probability  he  must  very  shortly 
be  the  greatest  Landholder  without  any  exception,  in  this  province  ;  the  very  large  Estate  which 
must  center  in  him,  cannot  fail  of  giving  him  great  weight  here,  and  put.  it  very  much  in  his 
power  to  support  Govern',  which  all  my  letters  to  His  Majty's  .Ministers  have  shewed  to  be 
very  weak  and   to    stand    much   in  need  of  every  assistance    which    can   be  obtained      M' 
Livingston  is  a  Member  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  established,  &  very  well  affected 
to  His  Maj"'-  person  and  Govern'.     He  is  at  this  time  one  of  th..       Iges  of  the  Supreme  Court 
and  has  there  given  frequent  proofs  of  his  abilities  to  serve  his  C.  .intry.     He  has  likewise  been 
for  several  years  a  Member  of  the  House  of  Assembly,  where   I  must  acknowledge  myself 
indebted  to  him,  for  his  readiness  and  assistance  in  some  difficulties  I  laboured  under  during 
the  troubles  I  was  engaged  in,  on  my  first  arrival  here,  and  from  the  whole  tenor  of  his  conduct 
I  thought  he  deserved  recommendation  I  had  given  him,  being  at  this  time  fully  perswaded 
that  If  he  had  been  a  Member  of  the  Council  during  the  last  Session  of  Assembly  I  sh"  have 
oeen  better  supporleii  than  I  was  by  that  Board,  when  the  resolves  of  the  late  Assembly  were 
aid  before  them,  which  brought  on  the  dissolution.     Thus  much  My  Lord,  I  thought  myself 
hnund  to  say.  from  the  apprehensions  I  was  under  that  M'  Livingston's  character  ha.i  been 
misrepresented,  &  that  I  had  fallen  under  the  censure  that  of  having  wrote  in  favour  of  a  person 
undeserving  His  Maj'"  notice,  but  I  hope  that  I  shall  never  be  thought  to  have  merited  such 


III' 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII 

149 

command  here.  ^  ^  '°"'^"'''  ""''"  '  ''"^«  ^««»  honor'd  with  the  Chief 

trespass  any  further  on  your  Lord 's'tf^.       '    ""'"  """"'"«  "'"  ^°  ^""^^'-t  I  shall  not 

I  have  the  honor  to  he  with  the  greatest  respect, 
My  Lord 

Your  LordP''  most  obedient 

and  liumbie  servant 

H :  MoouE 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  IlUhhorough. 

[  New-Tork  P.jwr.  (  8.  p.  o, )  CLXI,  ] 

^'y  Lord.  New  York  27  January  17G9 

b.  tr;:d!r!:':r.:::t:r'hr::^  '-'r  °^^^^'"«  ^^^'^--^^  -  ^^-  >-<'«  ceded 

His  Mnj...  Instruction,  but  „  d  h:.,  Iwe  arVaf  "'"  '^  T"^  '"  '""^  '"'-"^  ^'^^-ed  by 
being  granted.  Out  of  the  vast  Tr  t  Tf  La,  d  15^^  T'^^"  '''"''''''  '''^'^  -^-^s 
iirittain.  a  very  inconsiderable  por  Ln  n  '  h  ,  h Men  t  J  "  ""  ""  ''"^  ^^"""  "^  ^^^ 
partifon  line  has  not  been  carried  fart Ir  to  the  N  r  I  \  T  I'"''  ''  '''^  P'-''^'"ce.  as  the 
place  not  above  three  or  four  n.iies  he  VVe  ^  rd  fT:  r,',"  "T'"^'  '^'^"'^'"^  ^^ »'-' 
1708.  as  a  considerable  sum  of  money  h".s  been  1  M         T  "'"''  '°  '""^  "'°  "«  '" 

Congress,  it  is  humbly  requested  tim  H     M.^t,^^    nl  '  ""l'  '"  ^'"  '"'^''^"^  '^^  »'-  ''^'^ 

to  the  conditions,  on  which  the  Lands  arbglnh:  C  .  ""'"'  ''"'^^'"  '"  '''''' 
tbe  Govern,  for  a  reimbursement  of  the  sums  exp^de  for  set'tli  "r  T  ^  '^  ^'^"^'^  °"  "^ 
proportion  they  would  have  paid  in  case  the  lands  hnd  .  ,      ^  '"^""'  ''"''•  '"  '''«  «■■'"'« 

the  share  they  would  pay.  would  be  so  co  si  ale  '1  T"  ""■•  T'  ''^  ""'"  "' '''  '•"^'■"-. 
that  it  would  not  be  wo.th  attending  to    ^   he     h  7'  "   ""'  P'"''"^"""  ^°  »'-  ^'^'ole 

nnd  so  distant  from  the  capital  are  attended  w   h  '""'',«:"'^-"''"'  '"-'«  on  the  Frontier  * 

necessary  and  common  expences.  w  I  "ectua^l  d  '""'  '""""•  ""^'  ""^  '"^^"^^  "^  '"« 
them  from  all  farther  pJeeding  „„;";«       fn'^n'oT    '""  r""°  ""  """"^  '"  ^^-''^^  '" 

--'  was  sent  to  me  by  s.^ ^^...'^::-i;:ir:T^r^.  tJ^'^^r:!- 

'  IIknkv  White  wm  a  comniiMary  in  the  Hn(l.l.  .  ,  , 

co,„i,n.e.,  of  ,1,0  Toa  .....t  ,o  that  lily      uj"  r  '"''  '  •"■"'"'"""'  •""■^''"•"  "'  Kew-Vork   a.ul  w» 

.u«,.ter  of  r.derick  and  «ran..  ,,»..„„„  of  Jacol.n    V.    ;;:";::;"":';'  '"   '''«•     '»  '"'^  Mr,  W.  .„..,:  t; 
«    ....:«..  ,„  tho  «.„1.  ro,i„K.„t  of  F.,„,  then  .-rvi,,,  i„  A,neH       ,  ',  ^         ,'?  '^-  ""^  "'  "'"  """'•  -«  "'T«into,.  in  ,:„' 

1  or  .lan«l,U.r  A„„  „„„Ho,.  Si,.  ,1„,,„  „„,,;„,„,  M„'.,.n     1.  .:'!:'  ,"'   ^--^..^k   i„    ,H;„-„  at   ,l,o  «,,v,.„«.,i  .Igo  „f       ' 


I  i 


150 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Assembly  and  only  shews  so  much  of  the  line  as  relates  to  this  Province.  Pennsylvania  is  now 
bounded  on  the  North  by  the  East  and  West  line  drawn  from  Owegy  to  the  Delaware,  but  the 
lands  to  the  Northward  of  that  line  do  not  fall  into  this  Province,  as  was  expected,  but  we  are 
still  confined  to  our  old  boundary  the  Delaware  for  many  miles,  and  the  line  is  continued  up 
the  course  of  that  River  to  the  Northward  till  it  comes  to  that  spot  which  is  due  south  from  the 
Mouth  of  the  Tienaderha'  Creek,  which  falls  into  the  Susquehanna ;  a  due  North  line  is  then 
drawn  to  the  Mouth  of  that  Creek,  and  continued  up  its  course  to  the  head  of  it,  and  from 
thence  by  a  straight  course  to  the  Mouth  of  Canada  Creek,  where  it  terminates.  Your  LordP 
will  see  on  inspecting  this  draught,  that  in  this  Province  we  are  rather  sufferers  than  gainers 
by  this  settlement,  as  we  shall  now  be  confined  by  a  line  fixed  in  so  solemn  a  manner,  at  no 
great  distance  from  our  Lands  already  patented,  and  to  have  it  our  power  to  extend  farther  to 
the  Westward;  whereas  the  necessities  of  the  Indians  were  constantly  obliging  them  to  make 
sale  of  their  Lands  for  their  support,  which  of  course,  would  extend  our  Frontier  and  drive 
them  back  further  into  the  Country. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect 
My  Lord. 

Your  Lord'''s  most  obedient 

and  humble  servant 

H:  Moore 


iSir   William  Johnson   to  the  Earl  of  JlUhhorough. 

[ rianlotions  General,  CCLV.,  No.  7. 1 
N°  7. 

Johnson  Hall  Feby  15""  17G9. 
My  Lord, 

Since  my  last  of  Decb'  aS"*  N"  G.  I  have  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  Lordship's  letter  N"  6 

in  answer  to  mine  N"  8.  containing  His  Majesty's  commands  that  I  should  make  out  some 

certain  Estimate  of  what  I  thought  the  Department  might  require  in  order  to  the  determining 

whether  any  greater  sum  should  be  allowed  than  that  recommended  by  the  Board  of  Trade. 

And  that  in  the  mean  time  the  annual  expence  should  not  exceed  that  sum.     The  first  is  already 

done  as  I  long  since  transmitted  a  short  estimate  for  that  purpose  to  General  Gage,  who 

informs  me  that  the  same  is  now  before  His  Majesty.     The  second  is  in  part  and  will  verry 

soon  be  entirely  complied  with  by  the  total  removal  of  the  Commissaries  &ai"  other  Ollicers 

of  the  Department  at  the  out  posts  &  frontiers,  but  as  on  the  first  receipt  of  the  plan  for  the 

reform  it  was  judged  most  adviseable  by  the  General  and  myself  that  the  Provinces  should 

have  some  little  time  to  consider  in  what  manner  they  should  carry  that  part  relating  to  Trade 

into  execut'  yn,  as  the  withdrawing  those  Ollicers  abruptly  without  any  to  supply  their  places, 

would  beyond  all  doubt  have  proved  of  verry  ill  conse(|uences;  It  was  not  till  the  receipt  of 

your  Lordships  letter  of  the  IQ'"  of  Octohe,'  that  we  could  withdraw  them,  and  some  must 

of  necessity  remain  until  the  Lakes  &  Rivers  are  open.  — I  am  extremely  happy  to  find  that 

those  remarks  which  I  I unbly  offered  on  the  subject  of  the  Reform  have  been  honoured  w"- 

'  Sc«  note  2,  »tt;)iii,  ji.  123.  —  En. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 
Kingdom  from  a  large  exDencebvfrnn,r-!.  appeared  to  be  the  releiving  the 

on  a%upposiuo„:h'artre^cirt::,r  :r^^^^^^^^ 

experience  in  these  matters  here  joined  to  my  opertSnf^^  'T'^  '^''''"'  ^"'  ''' "^^ 
at  this  time  gave  me  reason  to  appreheLZtwrV'' '''''°''^"'''^"  ^«"-'" 
to  be  frustrated,  or  would  not  be  carr  ed  o"     o  -T  '"T  "  ««^«'-""^«"'  --«  'inble 

Publick  Security,  I  thought  it  my  D    v  to  off'  m     '"^^  "^''^  S""*^  Intentions,  or  the 

in  a  matter  of  so  much  mome„r        '  "'  ''""^''^  '°  '^"''^  ^  '^''^^S^  "^  -"---s 

subject  laid  before  .rnlltTh  n  y  urTrTr   °' ^^^/^-'l-"-   «=  i-Portance  of'a 
iTacticeof  those  Who  gr^nt  l:eTrorp":b;;:t:L7:tTri:    it^ir'a^'^"^^'""  " 

extreme  parsimony  ad  barw  're  nes    1  h'  "TT  '°  ""^-»>'«'J  ^"thorities  to  proyelheir 
stake,   bu^  I    persLe^^trtllre:     g^^^^ 

concerning  their  conduct  in  matters  whirhnnnlrr,  to  justify  my  apprehensions 

they  are  In  general  totally  ^rZl   .dill'?  '  .^''r^^"^"'^^'  -  'he  subject  of  which. 

expence  as  Ldless,  it  is^nVIty  'to      pT     „"    ZV:^.X  T''^''  '"'  ''''"''  '"'^ 
Crown.-I  gave  Sir  Harry  Moore   a  I  ,,"';''''' "'^  >t  may  in  its  consequences  affect  the 

am  since  informed  done  nothinc  therein  r.rth.r  f  I       7  'Assembly,  And  they  have  as  I 

to  the  Albany  Representativ  I  kew  1  "  ''"^"'"'"end  the  consideration  thereof 

New  Jersey  &  PeLlvani^  l^d  from  I  ,H  77"  .""  '''  '"'J*^''  "'^"^  '^«  Governours  of 
Assemblys^il.  ..  whar^^y  t^JZ:::.:!: Z  t:  t^i^suSe^  'T^^  ''1  "? 
n  stands  at  present.     Whatever  resolutions  they  may  take  I  shall  dl-M  "  "'^  ^°"^' 

&  promote  them,  but  I  found  that  the  Dutys  eZcted  from  fir  '"^  ''"''''  '°  '''°'"' 

with  many  others.  &  the  execution  of  them    so  u       rl  „  "»      r^f  "'T  ^""'P''-'-' 
Lordship  will  pardon  me  for  the  libertvT  "  ,       "'  .  '^'  P«'-«"''^'^e  myself  your 

Kvent.-!  If  the'^Duty  of  ComL ';:r^:    ,      ::^.  I^:,:;  ^  t  M 1,  Z  '''■'''''  ''  ''  ^"« 
provision  for  OITicers  of  that  kind    The  s-    t  s  T  i  ^      T  ^'rov^nces  make  som« 

w..a ..  ...u'::  t:^:r  :;:zi.^- ::-x:s:--- 


152 


NRW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


t 


lonal    viowH  &  interuHta,  if  tli.7   becumo  the   piirelmaors,  would   linvc  grently  retarded  the 
proceeding,  &  possihly  have  rendered  the  CorigreHs  iihorlive,  which  must  have  ^really  incensed 
the   Indians  who  were  aHsenihU-d  (roin  a  ^reat. distance  for  that  purpose,     The  Indians  did 
(or  the  niOHt  part  desire  that  a  Line  shouhl  be  settled,  to  which  the  prospect  oCn  inrRe  present 
was  no  inconsiderahio  ?notive,  but  as  i  observed  in  a  former  letter  the  length  of  time  from  its 
being  first  proposed  'till  the  iinal  orders  for  it's  settlement,  created  so  many  doubts  amongst 
I  hem,  and  gave  such  opertnnity  to  evil  minded  persons  to  misrepresent  it,  that  the  Indians  were 
verry  far  from  being  so  unanimous  as  at  first,  and  the  Variety  of  dilViculties  arose,  on  wliicli 
occasion  I  did  the  best  I  could  for  the  Interests  of  the  Crown,  and  I  persuade  myself  that  on 
thui  consideration  of  these  dilliculties,  &of  the  value  &  great  extent  of  the   Cession  beyond 
what  had  been  over  claimed  by  us  in  right  of  purchase,  it  will  appear  to  be  n  verry  reasonable 
consideration,  and  in  order  that  the  Crown  might  be  reimbursed  give  me  leave  to  suggest  to 
your  Lordship,  that  an  Instruction  lo  the  Covernours  of  the  Royal  Colonies,  directing  that  all 
lulure  grants  within  such  Cession  bo  liable  to  a  fine,  supp-so   ten   pound*  sterling  for  each 
thousand  acres  over  &  besides  Fees  &  tiuit  rent  (which  sum  is  about  the  usual  rate  of  the 
Indian  purchases,  &  will  on  everry  Million  of  acres  produce  ten  thousand  pounds  sterling)  That 
in  such  ease,  the  Crown  will  verry  soon  be  reimbursed  without  reckoning  the  income  annually 
nceruing  from  the  (Jrants.— This  is  humbly  ollered  in  case  His  Majesty  should  not  demand  a 
reimbursement  from  each  province  of  its  particular  quota.     And  the  private  grantees  can  have 
no  reason  to  complain,  as  the  terms  I  have  suggested  are  full  as  moderate  as  Indian  purchases 
have  been  for  some  years  past. 

I  am  glad  that  His  Majesty  is  pleased  to  approve  the  continuing  the  Boundary  Line  so  as  to 
include  the  Province  of  New  Vork,  as  I  could  not  receive  His  Majesty's  Cominands  in  sullicient 
time,  &  as  I  found  that  the  Indiana  more  imedialely  allected  by  it,  were  for  continuing  it  in  a 
manner  1  looked  upon  to  be  verry  disadvantagious,  1  thought  it  best  to  stop  ut  the  mouth  of 
Cauatla  Creek  till  1  received  the  King's  commands,  which  possibly  may  now  be  carried  into 
execution.  On  which  occasion  I  shall  consult  Sir  Henry  Moore. 

Since  the  receipt  of  the  plan  prepared  by  the  Uords  of  Trade,  I  did  conceive  from  some 
letters  I  had  the  honour  to  receive,  that  either  that  plan,  or  sonietliing  similar  thereto  would 
have  been  adopted,  which  I  communicated  to  the  Indians  as  Information  w*-  must  prove  highly 
satisfactory  to  them,  as  they  consider  tiie  interposition  &  management  of  their  affairs  by  the 
imediate  servants  of  the  Crown  as  best  calculated  for  their  happiness  &  interests,  from  the  verry 
high  opinion  they  entertain  of  His  Majesty,  which  I  thought  my  duty  always  to  promote.  It 
was  therefore  natural  for  them  to  found  their  Expectations  on  such  a  plan  as  seemed  best  (or 
their  interests,  this  is  all  that  was  meant  by  the  observation  in  my  former  letter,  In  order  to 
shew  as  I  thought  it  my  duty  lo  do,  tha*  y'  hopes  &  desires  of  the  Indians  were  founded  on 
an  establishment  under  the  imediate  direction  of  His  Majesty's  servants.  Not  as  any  remark  of 
mine  on  a  reform  which  is  the  b.'st  calculated  for  releiving  the  kingdom  of  a  heavy  burthen. 

As  the  present  plan  seems  calculated  for  the  purposes  &  from  the  circumstances  mentioned 
in  your  Lordship's  letter  it  is  my  duty  and  inclination,  and  it  shall  be  my  particular  study  to 
recommend  it  in  the  most  favourable  light  to  the  Indians  &  to  promote  the  execution  of  it 
to  the  utmost  of  my  power. 

The  reasonableness  &  necessity  of  the  small  additional  expence  I  have  proposed  will  I 
presume  appear  evident  for  the  enabling  me  to  execute  the  several  duties  which  fall  under  my 


%  \ 


<tent  of  my  power  &  the  fund  aHowed, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XIJI 

«..pnri„ten.h.ney.  which  I  shall  discharge  to  the  utmost  ex 
as  hecom.-s  a  good  sui.j.ct,  an.!  your  Lordship's 

most  obedient 

&  most  faithful!  humble  Servant 

W.  Johnson 


153 


The  Right  Honourable  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough, 


'SV/-    miluim  Johmon  to  the  Earl  of  mUorough. 

(  iV"    S.  )  '  Plnnlnlloni  Oencral,  COLV.,  No.  8.  ] 

My  Lord,  Johnson  Hall  Febr''  2.5">  1709 

■lill  n !««.  Day,  ama.  '         '        '  "">"'»™'"  "'ndi  I  did  not  receive 

obtain  Biieh  evidence  n(  r.^,.fa       1     ..       •  V  endeavour  as  far  as  in  me  lyes  to 

inlorma.ionor,   da  smi^  ;:,:';;;;7  ""^  '"   "'^°'^*^''   '"   --3^  !>"«-"-.  -  the 

are  at  such  a  distance  &     I  wi  |    !„  "'•  '""r""'  '"■°°''  ^  "'"^'^  ^^''°  '"t"g»e  with  them 

.i.Mn..us,ration   of  Tt'^;vm.,H'    ..*'""  ""'  "^  ^''^'^^  "''"'^  "-"  "^^  '"■«'  -•»'- 

--..-"CCS  .irnr:;;;;:::';!';;!  ;,^-;r^ ,:  m::rr7s"^^°"'"/""  -''- 

by  Authority  of  the  French  or  Spanish  CourU    t  i.    iU         ^  ^      ,     '       u        Proceedings  are  not 
circumstances  exaggerated  b„     he  efT"  •  '^  f «  v>«e  Prol.able  that  they  may  be  in  some 

are  all  by  authoriJ^oH  ^  Til,  ^h';:'"^ '"  ?";f'".'"  ""'"^  "*"'^'^''  "^''^ '"^^ 

to  them  farther  confirm  then,  ^    ''''""  ""^  '"'"'^  '""""^  *'"'*^'  '«  ^ime  made 

There  are  a  m::!!    'o  Z  ^        i:^:::^  Cu  ;7  '""'l  ^""^^  ^"7  '^^'^""  ^•'-"'"-- 
Western  r  ake  .V,-   .n,,,,      ,     ^    '°  »•/'■'"  I' &  ('^i-'ad.ans  who  resule  about  the  Mississipi  &  the 

T,:r:, ':t  tj, :::  ,:::it  u'lirvrv "",'  ""'""""• '-  '-^  »'■ "» <'°'°*- 

i»  «.real,le  l,„tl,   ,„  ,1,,     il  „    ,   7        "         '    "°  ■'"'''"""S''  '"  e'erry  „,,,t„re,     An.l  a.  it 
-As  to  an  V  a  ce       ;.n  ,      r         ,"""'/  ""''^  "' '""'  '^°"'"  ""  '■'"y  P''^'  <"  "-  ^-"'i— t- 

™ -•'-■— --™:-^^ 

*"i.  \  III.  .,„ 


i 


•f- 


154 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


assurances  at  those  periods,  whilst  they  acted  the  like  part,  and  tho  their  disavowall  of  such 
seductive  practices  prevented  the  good  effect  of  the  intelligence  given  of  them,  yet,  the  event 
justified  the  informal.on  :  Everry  war  is  of  some  advantage  to  those  who  would  rival  us  in  trade, 
&  stops  the  sale  of  the  Briltish  Manufactures,  but  in  case  of  a  rupture  with  the  Crowns  I  have 
mentioned,  as  a  revolt  of  the  Indians  would  then  be  of  the  greatest  importance  to  Ihem  it  is 
their  interest  to  render  the  Indians  during  a  peace  dissatisfied  with  our  Government,  &  to 
continue  to  seduce  them  till  they  have  occasion  for  their  services,  to  counteract  them  in  time  is 
our  business  but  this  cannot  be  done  without  some  expence  and  employing  several  persons  of 
integrity,  influence  and  capacity  in  the  Indian  Country  or  at  the  out  posts 

I  humbly  offer  my  most  dutifull  regards  for  the  King's  Speech  and  the  Addresses  which  I 
had  the  honour  to  receive,  The  firmness  of  the  former,  &  the  unanimity  expressed  in  the  latter 
ollorded  me  the  highest  satisfaction  and  gave  me  reason  to  hope  that  the  unhappy  disputes 
excited  by  some  turbulent  zealots  in  this  country,  will  be  speedily  terminated  in  a  manner 
consistent  with  the  honour  of  Cro^vn,nnd  the  true  happiness  of  the  people— It  gave  me  infinite 
pleasure  to  hear  from  your  Lordship  that  Her  Majesty  was  happily  brought  to  bed  of  a  Princess, 
1  beg  leave  most  sincerely  to  congratulate  your  Lordship  upon  an  event  which  must  add  to  His 
Majesty's  Domestick  happiness,  &  that  of  all  His  faithfull  subjects. 

1  am  with  the  most  profound  respect, 
My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most 

,„,     „.  ,  Obedient  and  most 

1  he  Right  Honourable  r..:.i  r  ii  tr      i ,    c 

.1,    V    1    f  TT>>  .  faithfull  Iiumble  Servant 
the  Larl  of  Hillsboroucli.  ,,r   t 

"  VV.  Johnson. 


Earl  of  JlilUhorovgli  to  Governor  Moore. 

[  Ntw-Tork  I'apcrs  ( S.  I>.  O.  )  CLXI.  ] 

Sir, 

Your  duplicates  N-  31.  &  32.  were  received  on  the  11-  of  February,  and  having  been  laid 
before  the  Kmg.  I  have  his  Majesty's  Commands  to  communicat.  that  which  relates  to  the 
very  extraordinary  proceedings  and  resolutions  of  the  Assembly,  to  such  of  His  Mai'^'  servants 
upon  whom  his  Maj'.  relies  for  their  advice  in  matters  of  the  greatest  importance ;  and  1  expect 
IliTM.i-ill'"'  "''*'"  '""^"'"^"'^  '"  '''^''''  ^°  l'»^««   proceedings,  will  be  reported  to 

As  to  the  propositions  for  building  a  Town  at  Crown  Point,  which  is  the  subject  of  your 

llnl/r  -1     r  r  ''""''  ',"  ""  ^*'"''"'  ''*^^^  °^  ''•  '"^  ''^  "  "^''''«'"-«  ^'>'^'''  »■  vvell  executed, 

ca  no   fail  of  being  productive  of  much  public  advantage;  &  if  upon  further  examination  of 

hy  the  Board  of  In,  e,  to  whom  His  Maj-^  has  directed  it  sh-  be  referred,  it  shall  appear  to 

oZThereup^r     '     '   '   "'""    ""^'"    "°"  "'  '"-'  "'"^   ^"  ^''""   ^'"^   "'«   Majo-' Lther 

March  1,  17G9.  '  ""^  •^^''^• 

Hii,LsuoROt;Gir. 


ai:. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII  •  ,-- 

155 

Lords  of  Trade  to  Governor  Moore. 

[  New-York  Eiilrlei,  Q.,  4.13.  ] 

To  Sir  Henry  Moore  Baronet  Governor  of  New  York. 

Sir 

have  that  title  confirmed  ""'^'"^  ""  '"'^''''"  ''''«•  ^"^  P'-«ying  to 

several  matters  alleged  therein,  the  situation   Te    en    of  I       'r  tl      ''     '  ^ 

the  property  of  them  was  originally  acquired    whether  .1  '''"''«•  ^''^  "'^""'^^  '"   ^^''ich 

Your  most  obedient 

and  most  humble  Servants 
Whitehall  Hillsborough 

March  1.  17Gf)  ^'"    flTZHERBERT, 

T1IO.MAS    ROBI.NSOJV. 


I    .1 


&rl  of  inihhorongli  to  Governor  Iloore. 

(  Now. York  Pnpert  ( s.  I',  o. )  CLXI.  ] 


Sir, 


Whitehall.  24  March  1769 


violent  a„d  unwarrantable  remlut'        .  ,  i     ,    ^"«  ""*'"'  S™--"  concern,  the 

December  laat.     wCrcorare  ,h    .  Tr  ^'"'  ^°"'""  "'  ""  *""'"")■  »"  '>"  »'" 

Govern,  e.prce.  In  l^^'Z::^: ;:7T :^:'C!  •:^!°'  ""  '^°"«'"^™  ■"*' 
those  Ilesolutions,  1  am  at  a  loss  to  rnL.t  1  ,  f  ?    '  ""  ""^'^  contrary  spirit  of 

alteration  in  thecours   of  siVr.U      7  ""'  "°"''^  ^'  '^''  '"''''  °''  ««  extraordinary  an 

the  time,  that  p    se     f    :  oTe  to  tlTe  oU '"  "'"  *^-"'/'-'--  ^ad  happened  ;  for  altho'u gh 

'  ^eo  VII.,  498,  note  1.  —  Ed. 


,  '"*■  i .    'X  .<  I 


^.    w 


ii 


156 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


'%" 


they  had  manifestly  adopted;  nor  on  the  other  haiHl,  that  there  would  be  weakness  enough 
on  your  side  to  allow  them  lo  give  attention  to  any  such. 

It  is  however  worth  the  while  to  make  enquiries,  and  to  find  out,  if  possible,  whether  any 
methods  hr.ve  been  made  use  of  and  by  whom  from  this  sirie,  to  stir  up  such  a  .pirit  as  shews 
it.-lf  m  those  resolutions,  and  if  you  can  n;ake  any  such  discovery  you  will  be  pleased  to 
communicr.te  them  to  me,  to  th«  end  that  his  Majestys  Servants  may  be  upon  their  Guard  with 
respect  to  Men  of  so  mischievous  and  treacherous  a  disposition. 

M'  Charles  having  put  into  my  hands  the  Petition  to  '..e  King  of  the  New  Assembly  of  New 
\ork  on  the  subject  of  the  Revenue  Laws,  I  lost  no  time  in  presenting  it  to  His  Maj'-v;  and 
altho  the  Kmg  consider?  the  Assembly  sending  a  Petition  to  His  Maj'>  through  any  othe- 
Cnanne„than  that  ot  his  Gov' as  irregular  and  disrespectful,  yet  His  Majesty  was  graeiously 
pleased  to  received;  and  His  Maj-r  having  .vcM  weighed  and  considered  the  purport  thereof, 
has  commanded  me  to  signify  to  you  that  he  does  disapprove  of  it,  as  containing  declarations 
and  asseru.ng  claims  inconsistent  with  the  Constitution  and  tending  to  deny  and  draw  into 
question  the  supreme  authority  of  Parliament  to  hind  the  Colonies  by  Laws  in  all  cas^s  whatever 
•  Before  I  received  your  Letter  N^  ,;L'.  His  Mmj'^'  had  upon  the  n commendation  of  the  Board 
of  Ira.le,  appointed  M'  Whi.e  to  be  of  the  Council,  it  nppe,.ring  that  there  were  many 
prece.ients  o(  Councils  in  several  of  the  Colonies,  consistinir  of  13  Members  exclusive  of  the 
i.ieul'Gov-  but  as  the  continuing  that  number  in  New  York  is  not  Judged  necessary,  M' 
W  hue  must  be  considered  as  coming  in  the  pl.w-.of  M'  De  Lancey,  an.l  consequently  what  you 
urge  in  favour  of  V.'  Livingston,  mu.t  remain  (or  the  ccnsideralicn  of  the  Board  of  Trade, 
when  another  vacancy  hiippens. 

His  Maj'>-  considers  in  the  most  gracious  manner,  the  attention  shewn  by  the  Assembly  to 
what  was  recommended  to  them  respecting  an  alteration  in  their  in.post-Law,  anu  hopes,  that 
when  iheyfind  it  p-cessary  lo  receive-  the  Militia  Law,  it  will  be  framed  according  to 
instructions  you  iiave  received  upon  that  subject. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  if  the  .\ssemhly  think  fit  lo  erect  th.ve  Counties  in  the 

district  se    of    .rom  the  County  of  Albany,  insi.ad  of  one  as  was  a.  first  pr„p..<ed,  the  issuing 

writs  to  all  three  to  send  Representatives  would  be  a  very  proper  step,  considering  it  merely 

in  the  light  of  equal  justice   to   them;  but  the  making  so  considerable   an   a.hiition   to  the 

number  o!  ll.e  Assembly,  is  a  measure,  ti,e  general  e.xpe.lien.y  of  which  ought  to  be  well 

weighed,  nnr,  tlu.  influence  and  effect  of  it  well  considered,  before  any  resolution  is  taken,  and 

therefore  it  .s  His  Maj'>'  p.easure  Dint  such  ad.lition  should  not  be  made  until  you  shall  Ir.ve 

transmitted  a  further  Ifeport,  an.l  have  reeeive.l  His  M;,,'.'.  Commands  in  con.seque.ne  thereof. 

As  the   Lords  of   Trade  have  now  under  t' eir  consideration,  as  well  the  propriely  of  Sir 

Will- Johnson's  proceedings  touching  the  boundnty  line,  nsthe  ar.angements  it  m.-  be  pn.per 

to  make  in  case  the  cession  of  Lands  by  the  Indians  is  confirmed.  I  must  wait  for  their  Report 

upon  <h!u  busineas  before  1  can  give  any  answer  to  your  letter  N"  ;i(l.  which  entirely  relates  to 

that  subject,  a„.-l  .r.»kes  n  part  of  the  papers  upon  whid,  their  Lor.l-."  are  to  report  their  npinion 

The  in.'losed  Memorial  of  .M'  Cummingh  having  been  hrd  before  the  King,  I  nm  to  signi'v  to 

you   H,.  Ma,'>-  commands,  that  in  case   nnv  Hill   of  the   nature   of  that  point. ut   hj-  M' 

Cummin^  .l;all  be  proposed  in  the  Assembly,   you   shouhl  give  it  all  proper  countenance 
and  facility. 

I  nm  ettc. 

,..,,,      ,        ^  nii.r.sHtiKouoii. 

■  flit  (ill?  r«viK>.  —  r;i>. 


St'-. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 


157 


Governor  Moare  to  the  Earl  of  Ililhborovglu 

[  New-Vurk  P,ip,  rs  ( S.  P.  0. )  CLXI.  ] 

%  r^ord,  New  York.  30  March  17G9. 

-.cl.  favourable  appearances  at  th  o I'n  J^f  h  r^"  ' /  ",'  expectations  formed  upon 
■•^  faction  inconside'able  in  itself  as  to  n  her  ^  ,  "'  '""'''  '"  ^°  ^"'''^''"'^  '^''''troyed  by 
of  the  persons  concerned  in  i  I  V  ^  n  'T"  T""'  fornndabie,  from  the  ahilitie; 
in'iuenee  tho  House  of  Ass^miy  i/.r^i.^^rt'^^  •"  '^'^^'•""'  here,  bo.  much 

readily  a  Ilash  and  intemperate  nieaurennn  r      ''"'''   '""'^  °"  ^^"'^'^  «^'^«^'  "'"^   ''"w 

^  h.ve  already  bad  the  boTor  T^  "^."PP^'^^'^'l  °f  >"  one  will  be  adoped  in  the  others. 

be  under  a  neceLty  of  ..  ^  ,1  Iw  vlll.T  '""  '"'"  '"  '^  ^"^'"^  '^«-  ^''at  I  should 
to  be  made  for  His  Maj."  tIps  i^  if  r  ^  '°°:*  °"  "^■^•°""'  °''  -"-  ^-"'-  Provision 
n-eting.  at  which  tin.e'l  s  .  il  vi  recZ""!  I^'T''''  ""^^  '^  ''''  ''">'  ''--'  '-  ^'-'r 
an  Act    f  ,e,shuure,  as  directed'.:;;H„::r;::::;'  ri:!':  ""^"'"""^"'  "'•  •^"  '^^-^  ^'^ 

a.i^::  ^:'^'^;r::i::::^;':z::r.  -- .;,--  --^^  ^o  your  urd.  .be 

I  1-ve  the  honor  to  be  with  the  J^tlf  i;;';  '  ''"''  "'"  ""'  «"^''  ^«  -"y  «'o  "-"  l-nor. 

Wy  Lord. 

Vour  Lordi-s  most  obedient 

and  liumble  servant 

11 :  M(joiiE. 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  lUlhhorov.jh . 

t.Nc«r.V,,rl(  l'<iliiT.(S.  P.  O.)  CI.XI.] 

%  f'""-.!,  New  Vork  13.  April  ITO 

tnu.l:i:i:^:;o:r  ur  j;;;:::^:;';;:  ^f-^^  r'  ""*  """"'"^  -^ '"« ^-""-^  -^ 

'  -'■-■'•''  ""  <l-  occasion.     Vo  /;,:':;  "'  ""I  r*''^^'""  '".^-"'-  -i"-  "-  Addr.;.. 

»•-•  ^'-.l-Ts  of  tbat  bouse  are  If  „o  .  v v  1^  1' ' "  "'  "'"  ■'^•■"•"'''>'  '"'-  --"""« 
-pine,  of  .be  Council,  and  .  L  el  :  d^^  '-n  assumed  by  , hem,  through  the 
•'•rough  it.     In  this  case  I  have  been  oMi.e  ^       7^   """''"'  '"   '">'  '"'""^   '"  ''^"ak 

'-•-l-">y  i-e.an  to  take  1     ^  e;     ^       .rr:  ! ' '     'T'''" ''^  ^"'"^ 
pursued;  tbey  have  hitherto  proved  m    II     ,u         .  T  y     ''"'  ""  """"'-•  '''-"''"i""  if 

»''••">  '"tally  so.  and  to  preve  .    if   L         J        "i '7  '"""^  ^''""  '"'  "''■-'''  ''>•  "'"  ">  ^"..der 

prejudicing  the  wh.,1..  r.lny  '  ""''^'"'""^  ^^""""'  "'  »  '-.  '"'lividuals.  fron, 

1  i.ave  the  honor  to  be  witi,  the  greatest  respect  ,My  f.ord 

Vour  Lord'"s  most  obedient 

and  humble  servant. 

ii:    Alooiii;, 


158 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Lords  of  Trade  to  the  King. 

i  ritnlallons  Ooncral,  CCLV.,  B.  15.  ] 

Representation  of  the  Board  of  Trade  to  the  King  upon  Sir  William  Johnson's 
Treaty  with  the  Indians 

To  the  King's  most  Excellent  Majesty. 

May  it  please  your  Majesty, 

We  have,  in  obedience  to  your  Majesty's  Commands,  taiien  into  our  Consideration  the 
reports  made  by  your  Majesty's  Superintendants  for  Indian  Atlairs  of  their  Proceedings,  in 
consequence  of  your  Majesty's  orders  signified  to  them  for  finally  fixing  a  Boundary  line 
between  those  Lands  comprised  within  the  Limits  of  your  Majesty's  Colonies,  upon  which 
your  Majesty  has  thought  fit  to  allow  Settlement  to  be  made  by  your  Subjects,  and  the  lands 
claimed  by  tiie  said  Indians,  as  their  absolute  property,  and  which  they  insist  should  be  reserved 
to  them  for  their  Himting  Grounds  ;  And  as  we  humbly  conceive,  that  the  Proceedings  of  your 
Majesty's  Superintendants  in  this  Business  do,  each,  relate  to  Bodies  of  Indians,  having 
seperate  and  distinct  interests,  and  that  such  Proceedings  have,  as  far  as  they  have  hitherto 
gone,  been  carried  on  without  any  inter-Communication  or  Concurrence,  We  humbly  crave 
leave  to  consider  the  Transactions  of  each  Superintendant  separately,  and  tu  represent  to  your 
Majesty,  what  has  occurred  to  us  thereupon. 

It  appears  from  a  Deed  executed  at  Fort  Stanwix  on  the  S"-  of  November  1709,  in 
the  presence  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  by  the  Governor  and  Chief  Justice  of  New  Jerse- ,  the 
Commissioners  for  Virginia,  and  two  of  the  Council  of  Pennsylvania,  on  the  one  part,  ni.;1  by 
the  Sachems  and  Chiefs  of  the  Six  confederate  Nations  and  of  the  Shawanese,  Delaware?, 
Mingoesof  Ohio,  and  other  dependent  Tribes  on  the  other  part;  That  the  said  Indians  in 
consideration  of  Goods  and  Money  given  to  them  to  the  Amount  of  Ten  Thousand  four 
hundred  and  sixty  Pounds,  seven  shillings  and  three  |)ence,  and  also  in  consideration  that  your 
Miijesty  will  comply  with  certain  Conditions  expressed  in  their  Speeches  made  at  the 
Conference  with  Sir  William  Johnson,  have  ceded  to  your  Majesty  all  the  lands  on  the  back  of 
the  British  Settlements  bounded  by  a  "line,  beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Cherokee  or 
"Ilogohege  River  where  it  empties  into  the  Ohio  River,  and  running  from  thence  upwards 
"along  tiie  South  side  of  said  River  to  Killanning,  which  is  above  Fort  J'ilt;  from  thence  by 
"a  direct  line  to  the  nearest  Fork  of  the  West  Branch  of  Susquchannah  ;  thence  through  the 
"  Alleghanny  Mountains  along  the  South  side  of  the  said  West  Branch,  until  it  comes  opposite 
"  to  th(!  Moulh  of  a  Creek  called  Tiadaghton  ;  thence  across  the  West  llranch  and  along  the 
"South  side  of  that  Creek  and  along  the  North  side  of  Burnet's  Hills  to  a  Creek,  called 
"Awaiidiiej  thence  down  the  same  to  the  Fast  Branch  of  Sus(pie!iannali,  and  across  the 
"same,  and  .,>  the  Fast  side  of  that  Itiver  to  Owegy  ;  from  thence  Fast  to  Delaware  River, 
"and  up  that  River  to  opposite  where  Tianaderha  falls  into  Suscpiehannah ;  thence  to 
"Tianaderha,  and  up  the  West  side  thereof,  and  the  West  side  of  it's  West  Branch,  to  the 
"  Head  thereof;  and  thence  by  a  direct  line  to  t'anada  Creek,  where  it  empties  into  the  Wood 
"Creek  at  the  West  end  of  the  carrying  place  beyond  Fort  Stanwix." 

With  regard  to  those  conditions  upon  which  this  Cession  is  made,  and  for  which  the  Deed 
refers  to  tile  Speeches  of  the  Indians  at  the  Conferences  held  with  them  by  Sir  William 


it] 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 


159 

Cherok™  River.  ""  ^""""^  «''»"'  "'  'I'"  OI'i».  ««  f=r  »«  the  Mouth  of  Ihe 

2.  An  Expectation  on  their  part,  that  their  ^^^^™  i.„,i.  /> 
heretofore  .nnnnged  by  an  oJer  or      J    p  .po       '^     Co.„,ere.al  and  Political  shall  be.  as 
Smitbs  to  „,end  their  Am.  &  l.^^en^el'^Z'^M^Zu    '"'  TT''  ''^'°"^'  ^"^ 
occupy  unpatented  within  the  Line,  as  also  the  1.7,         ^  ^  '^''  """^  '""  "'*^ '''""'«  ""'y 

affected  by  this  Cession,  shall  be  co  s  cl  '  H  !',"''  °'  '"^  °"''"  ''''  ^'"^*^  Confederacy 
and  that  certain  Grants,  made    J  d^di.     l^  ^''^rr''  '^"'^  •'"  ^"^  ^^  '^i^^Po-^' 

Johnson,  and  to  certain  Lidian /rader     „  CoZpn  °         /°"""'  "  "'"P^'^  ""''«■•  ^''-  ^^illiam 
shall  be  confirmed  by  your  Majesty  ^°'"P''"^"''""  ^"'-  Lo««es  sustained  by  them  in  1703, 

As  the  Indians,  whose  atfliirq  Un  f.>r  o„  .i  i 

Country )  are  under  the  immed"tl:^rXw;r  51^  '''T  ''''''''''  ^'^'^  ^^'^ 
at  least  in  respect  to  the  Boundary  Li       pro.^Ld  /^" 

reasonable  to  have  supposed,  that  the      g  *:    ,  t,:r"  """,1  ^°"^^-''--T.  it  was 

distinct  in  itself,  and  by  the  precision  and  n  T  "''°"  '''  ^  ^"l'°«ition  clear  and 

every  perplexity,  that  e'en  a  oTsp  „  t  r  Z;.  r"?'""^?'^'-^  ^"-"--^  ^-^^  ^-m 
on  and  concluded  without  much  dillicZ  ™  '    '''"''"''' '"'s'''  ^'■'"'  ''*''""  '^^"'^^^^ 

f-  has  not  been  the  case,  but  o't:lrl^Z:2^Z':Z  '-'"  ^"-  '^  '^^o-  stated,  that 
the  Cherokees  in  the  claims  of  the  «ix  A .  fon   ^  1  T'''''''  '°  ''"  A",uiesce„ce  of 

ofthe()hiomver.(whichdoubtswerst.trht  '■''''''''■''''"  '°  '''"  "'«  ''""'«  -""' 
than  as  a  circun.stance,  ooncurr  nju  h  „  ,  '  to  f ''".  "  T'"" '""■'•"'>'  "'"'  "°  °"-"  view 
Kanhawa  River.)  have   been        pro       Iv      u  '  n  ?  """^  ""  "°""''''^^  '^^  '^'  "'^' 

ti.e  impressions,  iade  upon  themTy^lllrrrV;;''"^^^^^^  '"  "^-  """""^'  ->'' 
lH.t  made  a  ground  for  tlu3  final  SettL  en    «    a       ,;         °"'.>'  ;'"/"""'-v-'d  -'""l  unren.oved, 

yonr  Majesty's  .nstrucions.  and  no  ,:::;;;:  :;;,"'[  'iT'"''  '"'"  """  "'^^"^''  "^ 

Cherokees  by  M' Stuart'  h.r  (ormin.  one  iir.     ^        r  ''" ''^^'"''^  "''""  ^^ith  the 

That  the  Indians   have   be  nlrdtlrr  ''""'''""  "'''^'"f'"^'-'^'""- 

conditions  ac.uiesced  in  by  z  :^;X'i::z::rrr' """  ""^"''''"  •«  «-•""' 
0...  to  the  .an  proposed  i?,..  Jh,c^  piai::;::- r;:;;!  :E;;:.r  L;;z::;;td 

"-^ >■ ""'  ""'J' " ^^•' '-.  f^-r  iti.o ,„,.t  :,r; :  :::::*:"  ^ :  ""r  ■":  ^"■"''•''  '•""  '^""•"  ^^ » 

".r..f.  ft.r  ,1,0  «o,„l„..  >.,.p„r„„ont     AlVr  l,i,  „.,„ ,„'„  „,,;,..,     ,l„'.,-    "  '*':"."''';-"""'  ^"'-'iM,,,,!,,,,  „f  ,,„,i„„ 

tl.«  r..vol„„.,„ary  c,„„„,t  m,.  s„„.,t  r..tir..,|  ,.,   11.  ,i,|„    „.,,   .  "  Y'^""'*  ^■""'"'•'-  ^"'  •«■'".  i>'l,m.     ):.„lv  i„ 

' •  «•'"•  i^  •■■  "■.•  --".  r, ,i..,.,  „f , :,  i,.:,:s  ;;':;;;',:''■''■•'•  *"",""'"^^  •  >•'- «n„, :,.:, 

™..I.,chU.J.  A'«4,„,,_Ko.  '•■'""".* '//•''"•■.'/-/ .SWA  (■„„■/, 11,  UT.I-Ijsl.     III.  „(„,,.  ,vas 


160 


NEAV-yORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


with  that,  which  your  Majesty  has  now  adopted,  and  which  has  been  so  fully  explained  in  your 
Majesty's  Instructions. 

That  stipulations  have  heen  made,  by  which  particular  bodies  and  tribes  of  Indians  have 
been  excepted  out  of  the  General  Conditions  of  the  Treaty  ;  and  hstly, 

That  the  claims  and  interests  of  private  persons,  not  stated  to,  or  approved  by  your  Majesty, 
have  been  allowed  to  mix  themselves  in  this  Negotiation,  and  to  be  introduced,  not  as  propositions 
submitted  to  your  Majesty's  Determination,  but  as  Rights  derived  from  the  Indians,  your 
Majesty's  acquiescence  in  which  is  demanded  by  them,  as  a  condition  of  the  Treaty. 

It  is,  We  humbly  presume,  unnecessary  for  us  to  recite  all  the  passages  in  the  minutes  of  the 
Proceedings  with  the  Indians  at  FortStanwix,  that  verify  the  foregoing  observations;  the  Facts 
will  be  found  in  the  Talks  of  tlie  Ciiief  Speakers  on  the  part  of  the  Indians,  made  at  their 
Conferences  with  Sir  William  Johnson  on  the  SS'"  and  31"  of  October,  and  ]"  2'^  and  G"- 
of  November. 

As  it  was  the  original  object  &  intention  of  this  Board  in  forming  the  Proposition  of  a 
Boundary  Line  between  your  Majesty's  Colonies  and  the  Indians,  that  there  should  be  one 
genera!  Line  of  Separation  united  in  all  it's  parts,  it  becomes  necessary  for  us.  before  we 
consider  the  step  it  may  be  advisable  for  your  Majesty  to  take,  in  consequence  of  the  Cession 
by  the  Northern  Confederacy  under  the  circumstances  above  mentioned,  to  take  a  view  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  Superintendant  for  the  Southern  District,  and  humbly  to  state  to  Your 
Majesty,  what  has  passed  between  him  and  the  Southern  Indians  on  the  subject  of  the  Boundary 
Line  between  the  lands  of  the  said  Indians  and  the  Colonies  of  West  Florida,  Fast  Florida, 
(ieorgia,  South  Carolina,  North  Carolina  and  Virginia,  with  respect  to  most  of  which  the 
Settlement  of  a  Boundary  Line  had,  antecedent  to  the  Data  of  your  Majesty's  Instructions,  been 
not  only  nn  object  of  Negotiation,  but  brought  to  a  final  conclusion  ;  and  therefore  did  not,  as 
in  the  Northern  District,  stand  upon  the  ground  of  a  Proposition  undefined  and  left  to 
future  discussion. 

Under  this  circumstance  therefore  all  that  remained  for  M'  Stuart  in  consequence  of  your 
Majesty's  Orders,  was,  to  ratify  by  proper  Treaties  and  Acts  of  Cession  what  had  heen  before 
agreed  upon,  with  such  trivial  alterations  only,  as,  when  the  Lines  canu-  to  he  marked  and  run 
out,  should  ajipear  to  he  necessary,  from  the  natural  state  of  the  country  &  from  local  situation 
and  circumstances  ;  accordingly  We  find,  that  M' Stuart  lost  no  time  in  carrying  your  Majesty's 
orders  into  execution  ;  and  it  apjiears  by  Treaties,  which  he  concluded  with  the  Cherokees  and 
Creeks  on  the  14"'  of  O.toher  and  I:.'"'  of  .Novem'  last,  that  the  Boundary  Line  between  the 
Country  of  the  said  Indians  and  your  Majesty's  said  Colonies  of  West  Florida,  Fast  Floritia, 
(ieorgia.  South  ('arolina.  North  Carolina,  &  \irginia,  was  settled  in  manner  following,  that  is 
to  say,  that  the  laiuls  in  the  Colony  of  ( ieorgia  ceded  to  your  Maj.-sty  hy.the  Creeks  shall  he 
ceparateii  and  distinguished  from  the  Lands  reserved  to  the  said  liulians  for  their  own  use,  as 
Iliiiiling  (iiounds,  by  a  "Line  beginning  where  little  Iliver  discharges  itself  into  Savannah 
"  Ifiver,  and  up  the  main  Stream  of  litlle  IMver  to  the  Forks  made  by  the  Confluence  o' 
"  Wdliauis  Creek  with  the  said  ifiver,  then  up  Williams  Creek  about  seven  miles  t.)  a  placi 
"called  William's  old  settlenu'iit,  thence  by  an  Iiuiiau  limiting  Path  in  an  Fast  Course  thirteen 
"  miles  distance,  to  the  S,)iitlieriii<)>t  Branch  of  Iptou's  Creek,  and  up  said  Branch  to  the  lop 
"of  it,  and  Ihence  in  a  straight  line  in  an  Fast  (•oiirse  fourteen  miles  distaiwe,  to  the  middle 
"  liraiich  of  Briar  Oeek,  and  down  the  M  in  Ntreaui  ol  Briar  tJieek,  eighteen  miles  three 
"<|iiarleis  distance,  to  the  phice  where  it  is  iiilersecled   by  the  Itoad  or  Trading  Path   leailing 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 

"  thence  a,on/the  n,ai„  ^:.'T^Z^^tZ^:i  "^7  ""^  ^^''^  «°-^^  -^--t«  'N  and 
"  is  crossed  by  a  Road  or  Path  lead  nff  1  S     ?pf  ^  '^"''''"''  ''  '^'  ^^^'^  ^^'^^^  '' 

•' Creek  Nation,  and  from  Ogee  hi  RL?r,;!r'r,^^"^^^^^^^  or  Savannah  River  to  the  lower 
"  course,  sixty  one  miles  disCe  to  CoJoot^^h^       7  ""  '^'^''  '"  '  ""'''  ^^  «"»'  »'»"■  -«* 

••  srr;:-;  rcibr  ES-^^^^^^^^^  --•'•  ^"""°" '°  ^'• 

be  intersected  by  a  straight  line  drrifflro.  IP  'i,''°'"' °'  ^'^  """y'"  "'^^^'  -»^'^f'  «»^«" 
which  falls  into  St.  Johnl  River  tt'e  ol  of  h'  ^'T'''"""'"  '''  ^°'^'  °'  ^'"^'^  ^-^^ 
into  the  Alatamaha,  and  the,  e  ta  st  I  t  H  ^  '"'^"'""'''^  ^^-l^'  ^^ich  discbarges  itself 
black  Creek  aforesaid  .nd  fVoTco  li^s  2  t  oH^^  .^^  .  I'''^  ^'""^'^'""  '"  ^^«  ^-^«  "^ 
River  Acklawaugh  into  St.  JohnX  Rilr  jhn       t  r'^''^'  '^''''"""  '°  '''«  ^""••''"'^^  "''he 

.  trading-Honse,  L  from "  tl.tce  up '         v:e^^B^r   ^st  *^;1  "^^7  '"'"'"^'"^'^  "''^- 
thence  all  along  the  Coast  of  East  Fioridrto  .1      p  a     ^      '  """  '°  it's  source,  & 

Rivers.  Creeks,  and  Bays  as  hig't  thlltin"  o^' ^f  tI  "^'"''°'^'  '''-'  '"^  ^'"■-^- 

in2::.i;rbe  d- t!:;^;:u  :::.:;^;t.rr  l-  r  ''-^-'^  '^  ^^^ '°--  --^ 

as  their  Hunting  (Jroumis  by  a      f  ine    o  h  ^     '    ■>"      '"'""'''"'  '"  ''""  '''^  '^''''  "«^' 

••  behind  East  Florida  terminates  act  "      J  t .  'I'r  ^^  'T  ^f-^'-"'-'"'  -'--  the  Lin 

••  of  the  Tide,  to  the  River  CI  aXTh  i   '  "^"'^"^J^  -''  ""y«'  »«  '%'h  as  the  flowin 

.'  terri.0^  Of  the  said  lower  CrM:.r;:  t^rra^r^X"  ''"  '"^"  '^'^  """  ^'-^  '^ 

-^'^t'!::c!:i^::::::^^^^  ^  virgima.  ceded .« yo. 

use.  as  their  hunting  grounds    bv  a    -lie  '""'"^  '°  "'**"^  ''"•  ^''^'^  «^n 

..  Northern  Hank  of  SaLmall  iti^l  nnd^      .„   flZtrfr  r?"''''p*  J""'"""'-^  ""   '"« 
••  called  Dewisses  Corner,  or  the  Yellow  Water,  ,fnd  U.e     e    .  ,  1  '       """"  "  "  ''''"" 

"  Elm  Tree,  on  the  So.,th  side  of  Iteedv  Riv       w         .^  ,  f""""^""""  '»  ^anglu.e  or 

'•  north  course  to  a  Spanish  Oak  Ik    [  w    h  ufe   Til  ttT       'r"?'"*'  "^  "'"  '^'^^''  '"  "^ 
"  Carolina  Co.nu.issioners.  and  several  other  Tre  s  J      7  ""  "'  ""  '"''""''  "''  "»'  ^-'" 

"Sahiy.Ecuv.and  oU.er  D.pu.ies  of  th..  ('  '  '  k    %  "T"  ""*'  '""^'^'  "''  ''"^^  ''''•'""•'. 

"  now  called' rryon  Mountein,  w  ere  t  «  ,     !     V  M  '  ""  ""  ''"^  "'' "  •''"""•""• 

'•  tluMop  of  Tryon  Mountain    tTlenredT^^^^^  'r""'''?  '""""^  i-P-vious.  „n.l  from 

••  by  East  (bourse  to  Colone  C  .1  we  ,' «     1  7^1 ""  Z'  '"  "  *'""«'''  Line  about  a  North 

••and  tVom  thence  in  „  straSi:  u!!:  'oZ'lu:^':^:::^:::'''  Kanhawa  River. 
•'  diseharg-s  itself  into  this  Itiver  "  Kanhawa  Uiver.  where  it 

nni,..d  Moundary  between  y     r  M      stv"    s      H  "'":  T""*^'  "'"'  ''-nption.  .,  to  for„,  one 

wi.h    (     ^:,M^as^^.s.Tibedi^,ur    E^^^  "•^'   In-lians.  corresponding 

"lt-.i.„g  only  ,„  what  is  th    nio;,u"'''r*';'"' '.""•'  ^""^  '^^-J^'^'^  '"^"PTinten.lan' 

Vo,    Mil  ^  "'""''  ''"""'^•"""«'  I'""  in  the  negorialion  with  the 


lie 

6 


162 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


r'*^ 


Indians  upon  that  object,  discreetly  avoided  mixing  any  otiier  matter,  or  suffering  it  to  be 

clogged  with  any  other  conditions  than  a  Confirmation  of  thos^  ingagements  in  the  Treaty 

concluded  at  Augusta  in  1763,  by  which  each  party  binas>  itself  to  reciprocal  Acts  of  Justice  and 

friendly  correspondence  ;  Had  the  like  attention  to  the  real  ohjejt  of  iNegociation  been  shewn 

by  your  Majesty's  8uperii>tendant  for  the  \orthern  District  and  the  same  discretion  used  by 

•iiim  in  treating  npon  it  with  the  Northern  Indians,  this  didicult  and  embarrassing  business 

would  have  been,  we  humbly  conceive,  brouglit  to  a  happy  Issue,  the  Jealousies  and  suspicions 

of  the  Indians,  which  have  produced  constant  enmity  and  hostility,  would  have  been  removed; 

their  Affections  regained  ;  and  the  Interests  of  both  established  upon  a  lasting  basis  of  mutual 

security  and  advantage;  but  unhappily  this  has  not  been  the  case;  on  the  contrary,  a  new 

object  of  jealousy  has  been  sufiered  to  present  itself,  and  to  operate  to  such  a  deviation  in  the 

Boundary  Line  proposed;  as  has  given  birth  to  fresh  ditficuities  and  new  claims  on  the  part  of 

the  Colony  of  Virginia,  r.-quiring  in  the  opinion  of  Vour  Majesty's  Governor  and  the  Council 

of  that  Colony  an  alteration  in  that  part  of  the  Line  proposed  to  be  settled  with  theCherokees 

which  pursues  a  north  course  from  Chiswell's  mine  to  the  mouth  of  the  Kanhawa  IMver. 

The  ground  stated  by  your  Majesty's  Governor  &  Council  for  this  opinion  is,  that  many 
settlements  have  been  made  under  legal  Titles  &  publick  encouragement  upon  those  Waters 
which  united  from  the  main  stream  of  the  Kanhawa  &  Cherokee  Uivers  &  which  settlements 
as  they  lye  considerably  to  the  Westward  of  the  line  now  proposed  to  be  run,  would  in  case 
that  line  is  established  be  cut  oft"  from  the  Colony  and  the  Inhabitants,  who  have  settled 
themselves  there  under  the  faith  of  Government  be  exposed  to  the  disagreable  alternatives  of 
either  abandoning  their  possessions  or  remaining  at  the  mercy  of  the  savages. 

Whether  it  may  or  may  not  be  adviseable  under  these  circumstances  to  consent  to  an 
alteration  of  the  line  with  the  Cherokees  as  it  affects  Virginia  must  be  submitted  to  your 
Majesty ;—  If  your  Majesty  shall  think  fit  upon  consideration  of  what  is  suggested  on  this  subject 
as  well  by  the  Governor  &  Council  of  Virginia  as  by  your  Majesty's  .Siiperintendant  for  the 
Southern  District  in  his  letter  of  the  12"'  of  February  last  to  allow  of  an  alteration.  We  would 
humbly  recommend  that  your  Majesty's  said  Superintendant  should  be  instructed  to  enter  as 
soon  as  possible  upon  a  negociation  with  the  Cherokees  for  such  an  alteration  of  the  Boundary 
Line  with  Virginia,  as  is  proposed  l)y  him  in  his  said  letter  ;  that  is  to  say  "  that  such  new  Line 
"  may  begin  at  the  point  where  the  North  Carolina  Line  terminates,  and  run  thence  a  West 
•'  Course  to  Holsleins  River,  where  it  is  intersected  by  the  Line,  dividing  the  Provinces  of  North 
"  Carolina  and  X'irgiuia,  and  thence  in  a  North  East  by  North  Course  to  the  Confluence  of  the 
"  Kauhaway  &  Ohio  Rivers;"  which  line,  he  is  of  opinion  will  cover  all  the  Settlements 
nclually  made,  and  ma/  be  proposed  without  exciting  the  jealousy  of  the  Indians. 

It  is  however  our  duty  to  observe  to  your  Majesty,  that  M'  Stuart  has  stated,  that  surh  a 
proposal  cannot  be  made  i,.  the  Cherokees  u|)on  the  Ground  of  any  title  to  those  Lauds 
derived  from  the  Cession  of  the  .Northern  Indians,  but  must  be  done  by  way  of  purchase,  the 
amount  of  which  he  estimates  at  Two  thousand  I'ounds  Sterling,  and  adds,  that  the  allowance 
for  the  ordinary  expense  of  his  Kstablishment  will  not  bear  any  part  of  the  expence  of  such 
new  negotiation,  nor  indeed  ought  it,  in  our  humble  <)|)iiiion,  to  be  any  ways  chargeable  upon 
this  Fund,  but  ought  to  be  born  by  the  Colony  of  Virginia,  and  provision  made  for  it  by  iliat 
Colony  before  any  steps  are  taken  with  regard  to  the  alteration  proposed;  which  we  are  further 
humbly  of  opinion  should  not  be  made,  or  tlie  Line,  as  now  sellled  with  the  Cherokees, 
altered,  unless  the  Colony  of  Virginia  consents  to  pay  the  expence. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 
i;e.M  U,.„„"ve.  executed    'S  ,„°r  ""  ""  ,'"'"'  ''"'"   '''  "  "'"" °"°"  «'  -I" 

.i»je,,yu».i..,i.:r:i,'v:;.,':',::ri:;''i:r'''"  '"^"""■"""' '° "- '-  >-' 

elate    to  the  Indians,  sta.ul  upon  no  other  ground  than  that  of  a  propositiu,     Z      , 
humble  opinion,  ought  to  be  rejecu-d.  propositioi.,  that,  in  our 

With  regard  to  what  is  expri-sse.!  by  the  Fn.lians  in  their  spee,.hes  of  their  expectation    th-.t 
t-r  Interests,  both  con.mercial  and  political,  should  be  under  H.e  n..nagene„r;" 
..n-r.  and    upon   the  san>e  establi.hn.ent.  as   heretofore;   it   does  appeal  t,       S  r    Vi 
J-,     son,  ,n  answer  to  those  speeches,  acpain.ed  them,  that  what  regarde.    the  n,    .! 
of  the  Indun,    1  ra.Ie  was  conunUted  ,0  the  care  of  the  Colonies,  and  referred  t^^ 
assurances  given  by  the  Commissioners  fron,  the  several  (.olonies    tint  thev  si,  n 

'■"..imon    of  the  Cession,    which   we  humbly  subn.it  ought  not  to    be    conlir me  1      ! 

of  tlnirtrm '"""'•  T'"  """'  """""'^  '"  '^"''""'  •'"'-'^""  "-  '"— 1  tHe  expence 

hl;s"^^':r  z  w: ::::;'::::::  :  rr'  °^  ^^'^'-'^  ^^ '"  ^"^''-■--"  ^^ 

Trnnsnction.  ^  '"  °'^"  ""^  °P'"'°"  "P°"  '^at  part  of  the 

All  which  is  most  humbly  submitted 
Whitehall  IIir.i..s|»„ioraH         Thomas   IfoniNsoN 

April  83'^  17(39  '''""  ^''''''"''  -^""^  ifonni.rs 

LiaUUHNE. 

'Si'.'  h.il..,  \  11,  UN'2.  _  Ku, 


«J* 


n 


164 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Lords  of  Trmh  to  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  the  Privy  Council. 

[Pi»ntaUoinQen«ialEnlrie»,  XLVI.  (N.  )p.  3««.  ]  • 

To  the  Right  Hon"''  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  His  Majesty's  most  Honble  Privy 
Council  for  Plantation  Affjiirs. 

My  Lords, 

Pursuant  to  your  Lordships  Order  dated  the  24  of  last  Month  We  have  prepared  and 
herewith  beg  leave  to  lay  before  your  Lordsiiips  Draughts  of  an  Additional  Instruction'  to  the 
Governors  of  His  Majesty's  Colonies  and  Plantations  in  America,  conformable  to  ine  Directions 
of  the  said  Order.     We  are 

My  Lords 

Your  Lordships 
•  most  obed :  &  most  hum:  Serv" 

Hillsborough 

W"    FiTZHERBERT 
SOAMK    JeNYNS 

Geo:  Rice 

,„,  .    ,    „  Ed:  Eliot 

Whitehall  , 

LiSBURNE 

May  11.  1769.  ,         „ 

'  John  Roberts 

i^  ■«  ♦■«■.-»- .  • 


Skrl  of  HilUhorongh  to  the  Oovernora  in  Atnerica. 

/p  X  I  PI«iii»lloni  General,  CCLV.] 

^''■''"''"-  Whitehall.  May  13""  1769. 

Inclosed  I  send  you  the  gracious  Speech  made  by  the  King  to  His  Parliament,  at  the  close 
of  the  bession  on  Tuesday  last. 

What  His  Majesty  is  pleased  to  say,  in  relation  to  the  measures  which  have  been  pursued 
in  North  America,  will  not  escape  your  notice,  as  the  satisfaction  His  Majesty  expresses  in  the 
Approbation  His  Parliament  has  given  to  them,  and  the  assurances  of  their  firm  support  in 
the  prosecution  of  them,  together  with  His  Royal  opinion  of  the  great  Advantages  that  will 
probably  accrue  from  the  concurrence  of  every  branch  of  the  Legislature  in  the  Resolution  of 
maintaining  a  due  execution  of  the  Laws,  cannot  fail  to  produce  the  most  salutary  effects. 

From  hence  it  will  be  understood  that  the  whole  Legislature  concur  in  the  opinion  adopted 
by  His  Majesty's  Servants,  that  no  Measure  ought  to  be  taken  which  can  any  way  derogate 
from  the  Legislative  Authority  of  Great  Britain  over  the  Colonies  ;  but  I  can  take  upon  me  to 
assure  you,  notwithstanding  Insinuations  to  the  contrary  from  men  with  factious  and  seditious 
views,  that  H.s  Majesty's  present  Administration  have  [at]  no  time  entertained  u  Design 
to  propose  to  Parliament  to  lay  any  further  Taxes  upon  America  for  the  purpose  of  raising  a 
Revenue,  and  that  it  is  at  present  their  Intention  to  propose  in  the  next  Session  of  Parliament 

'  For  tliu  IiiatrucUou  eve  ponl,  y.   174. Ki>. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII.  jgg 

leen  hif  '^'  ^"^^  1!''°"  ^'"'''  ^'P'""  ^  ^°'°"'-^'  "^ °"  consideration  of  auch  Duties  havin. 
been  laid  contrary  to  the  true  principles  of  Commerce.  ^ 

rhese  have  always  been  and  still  are  the  Sentiments  of  His  Majesty's  present  Servants,  and 
[thePrmcples]'  by  which  their  conduct  in  respect  to  America  has  been  governed  and  his 
Majesty  rehes  upon  your  prudence  and  fidelity  for  such  an  explanation  of  His  Measures    a 

who  ::     "neTslo  tl  '"^"''"^  T'  '*^^^  '''"  ^""''^'^  '^^ '^«  mi^representatfons  of  t  o 
Who  are  enem.es  to  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  Great  Britain  and  Her  Colonies    and  to 

srp- fdeTer '-''''''''  -[''-'-'  "p-  -'■-'  ^'^  -^-y  and  sZ;:;  t,;: 

•  I  am  &c' 

Hillsborough 


Mi'l  of  IlilhbormtgJi  to  Governor  Moore. 

I  N«w.Tork  Pupen  ( 8,  P.  O. )  CLXt.  ] 

Sir,  .         Whitehall.  13.  May  17G9. 

On  the  17'»  of  April  I  received  and  laid  before  the  King  vour  letters  \«  17  .^a  -to 
I  have  only  to  observe,  that,  as  yourformer  letter  N"  36.  iJZlTo^L'l^ 
what  condU,ons  the  Lands,  ceded  by  the  Indians  at  the  late  Treaty,  are  to  be  grald  now 
■es  before  H.s  Maj.  for  His  Royal  consideration.  I  trust,  no  countenance  or  a  tf^  1  ^Z 
has  been  or  w>l   be  g.ven  to  any  application  for  those  lands,  either  upon  the  ground  of  p  ia  e 
agreements  ,,th  the  Indians,  contrary  to  the  directions  of  the  Proclamation  of  1763  an    n 
w    ranted  by  any  orders  from  His  Majesty  or  upon  pretence  of  orders  from  His  Maj.  in  Coun  i 

it7v;;Tr;i;e:r "'"' ''  '°^"^ ''-''  ^^^"^  -p^-  '""^«'  '-^^  -^-'-^  ^«  ^^^  «-„' 

I  am  ettc. 

IIlLLSBOROUOH. 


N"  10. 


Sir, 


J'Mvl  of  IlUhhorovylt  to  Sir  William  Johnson. 

[  riantiiUoiu  Otnenl,  CCLV.,  No.  10.  ] 

Whitehall  13  May  17C9 


b  nee  my  letters  to  you  of  the  4-^  of  January  and  24«^  March  last  N-  8.  and  9.  the  Lords  of 
Ira  le  have  made  the.r  Report  to  His  Majesty  upon  the  proceedings  of  the  Superin.endants 
Indian  c;u,a!y."  '"  "'""« '^ ''"'''   """"'"^^^  '-«  '-^^  «-  ^^'J-t/s  Colonies.  &  the 


166 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


This  report  has  been  referred  by  the  King's  Command  to  the  considernfion  of  such  of  His 
.Servants,  upon  whose  advice  His  Majesty  relies  in  matters  of  the  greatest  Importance;  &  I 
am  thereupon  to  signify  to  you.  that  if  you  iiave  not  been  able,  in  consequence  of  my  letter  of 
tt,e  4"-  of  January  last  N"  8,  to  induce  the  Six  Nations  and  their  Allies,  to  except  out  of  the 
Cess.on  to  H.s  Majesty  the  lands  lying  South  of  the  Ohio,  below  the  Kanawa  upon  the  Ground 
and  Argument  suggested  in  that  Letter,  or  if  you  shall  be  of  opinion  that  insisting  upon 
such  an  alteration  will  have  the  effect  to_excite  Jealousy  and  discontent ;  in  that  case  His 
Majesty,  rather  than  risk  the  defeating  the  important  object  of  establishing  a  final  Boundary 
•  Line,  will,  upon  your  report  of  this  matter,  give  the  necessary  directions  for  the  confirmation 
of  It  as  agreed  upon  at  Fort  Stanwix.  It  is  not  hovvever  His  Majesty's  Intention  that  the 
Settlements  of  His  Subjects  should  be  carried  beyond  the  Boundary  of  Virginia,  as  proposed 
to  be  fixed  near  the  Kanawa  River. 

As  to  the  Grant  of  Land  made  to  the  Lidian  Traders,  and  to  M'  Croghan  it  is  His  Majesty's 
pleasure  that  you  should  acquaint  the  Indians  that  His  Majesty  does  not  think  fit  at  present  to 
confirm  those  Grants,  reserving  that  matter  for  further  consideration,  when  those  persons  shall 
"lake  application  to  His  Majesty  thereupon,  and  when  the  nature,  extent  and  situation  of 
tiie  grants  themselves,  and  the  foundation  on  which  they  have  been  solicited,  shall  be 
further  explained. 

With  regard  to  what  appears  in'the  proceedings  at  the  Congress,  of  the  wishes  of  the  Indians 
to  have  their  commercial  as  well  as  their  political  con^  rns  managed  in  the  manner  suggested 
in  the  Plan  of  1764,  I  have  already  so  fully  explained  to  you  the  reason  and  necessity  for 
departing  from  that  plan  that  I  have  only  in  command  from  the  King  to  desire  that  you  will 
not  fail  in  your  endeavors  to  represent  this  matter  in  such  a  light  to  the  Indians,  as  to  convince 
them  that  His  Majesty  adopted  the  Plan  at  present  commenced  for  regulating  the  Trade  by 
Laws  of  the  Colonies,  not  merely  upon  what  was  suggested  by  those  Colonies,  but  upon  full 
consideration  of  what  was  represented  to  be  most  desireable  for  the  Interests  of  the  Indians 
themselves,  in  respect  to  their  Commerce  with  His  Majesty's  Subjects,  the  improvement  and 
extension  of  which  for  the  benefit  of  the  Indians  will  ever  be  an  object  of  the  King's  attention 
and  regard. 

I  have  only  to  add  that  I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  your  letters  N-  7  and  8. 
but  have  not  any  commands  from  His  Majesty  to  signify  to  you  thereupon. 

Sir  William  Johnson.  '  .r 

illLLSUOROUGII 


m 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  UllUborough. 

•  [New-Turk  rapere(9.  r.  0. )CLXl,] 

My  Lord,  ^""^  ^'''^'  ~°-  ^^"^  l'°^- 

On  Saturday  last  the  Assembly  of  this  Province  was  prorogued  after  my  assent  had  been 
given  to  twenty  Bills,  in  which  number  there  are  four,  which  require  something  to  be  said  of 
tliem,  especially  as  I  apprehend  that  some  of  them  are  liable  to  material  objections.     Upon  the 


m 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII,  -.gy 

first  view  of  the  Bill  entitled :  "An  Act  for  regulating  the  sale  of  goods  at  public  vendue  "  it 
appeared  to  n.  t  at  the  Manufactures  of  Great  Britain  might  be  afflcted  by    hXl'h 
.  a.d  on  goods  sold  there,  but  His  Maj'^-  Council  were  of  a  diHerent  opinion  and  delved  th 

1  ordP  thnt  Hi»   \i.  .y  .  J     ■  .    ^  *     ""*  "^  ^°°"  ««  ^  ^"8  informed  by  your 

I-.tab.ishme„t  itself.  I  have  endeavoured  by  every  mefns  in  my  ^w     to  corr"  '^t  vl;  I 
abuses  wb,ch  had  crept  into  that  Office,  and  in  the  late  Assembly  refused  my  assent  to  a  .' 
which  was  brought  in  for  continuing  that  Act  for  five  years  'till  some  nlt!r  r  ?^ 

in  it,  declaring  at  the  same  time  in'presence  of  t  Jou  ll  d  of  t  H  T  T  .  ^  "''" 
that  I  would  readily  pass  it  as  soon  as  it  was  an.ended  A  ;  I  uni  e  o!s  Tw  1  ""  '"' 
construction  was  put  on  what  I  then  said,  and  to  serve  a  par  c^'lar  p"  rel  ".s  "  ""'"'' 
in  some  parts  of  the  Province  as  an  Enemy  to  the  Bill   w     .h  T      i         ,  represented 

really  beneficial  to  the  Country.  rU.si::^t::'lZ:t^:^U:^Z'tT"'Z 
corrected  in  some  places,  but  the  power  of  the  Justices  is  greatly  e  hoedn  it  m'  ""'^ 
now  enabled  to  take  congni.ance  of  sums  to  the  amount'of  te  ,0!^      1  '7  ''' 

the  whole  Province,  will  severely  fee,  the  ejects  of  this  bIi  as  /  ci  .,  f  s:  Zllt'T 
must  necessarily  be  entr..sted  to  n.any,  whose  abilities  are  bv  naZlL      .  ^^''^^ 

task,  but  such  is  the  prepossession  in  favLr  of  it,  that  1  lllTnot^h  eT Z  ;d  rtl^^u^t  ^"'  '' 
the  greatest  uneasiness,  especially  after  the  Reports  which  had  been  p  op  J^.    7  ^""' 

on  the  late  dissolution  of  the  Assembly.  This  increase  of  a:',  ty  g  e'  C^^^^^^^^^^^ 
peace,  very  naturally  suggested  to  our  Law  Makers  an  enlargement  of  the  power  n  I  • 
Courts,  and  gave  rise  to  another  Bill  for  preventing  suits  be  "^  roul      in    .Te  S  "r  "" 

for  any  sun,s  not  exceeding  fifty  pounds;  as  this^Bill  was  cfrrie:  ;  "u'  'cXi^Td 

Assen.hly  no  w.thstanding  the  many  objections  to  which  it  is  liable,  botlf  „  tc„nn  of  e 
largeness  of  the  sum,  and  the  difficulties  it  must  nut  lb  >  suitors  under  I  did  nn.    h  . 

.op  with  me.  as  any  arguments  against  it  wouir.  have  beerf::t;;       r^i n^t:: 
lea  t  convictmn  among  those  who  wish  to  see  but  one  side  of  the  question      1111." 
no  arther  on  your  Lord^'s  patience,  than  to  mention  one  Act  more.enti   ed  ""au  A     L       7'' 
nnd  amend  an  Act.  entitled  an  Act.  for  re-rulatin-  Flection,  nfJ  ^n  Act  to  explain 

Assen,blypassedthe8-ofMayl099"~AltDthe  tl^M  r.  'TT'''''''"'  '"  ^'"'''^ 
to  exp  J,'and  amend  an  Act^I^,  .0 1!!  ^  ^  ^^ ^  t^ ' '^  LI^^u'T '"""'^^^ 
yourLordP  and  to  every  unprejudiced  persm/ that  the  C  ^es  i  n  d  d  T  "''"""' 
real  explanation,  or  that  any  doubts  could  possibly  arise  concl^g  r^  r;;;?;'"::  U  l^ 
expressly  declared  therein,  that  all  persons  chosen  representatives  in  the  (C  1  /  ,, 
....  as  t,.e  Electors  themselves.  shaU  be  resident  ij  the  Cir  cllues  ^r  M^Zl'^L^ 


168 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


such  Election  is  made.     The  present  Law  declares  that  the  Representatives  must  be  Resident, 
but  that  the  Electors  aie  not  obliged  to  be  so.  and  gives  an  explanation  of  the  Act,  repugnant 
both,  to  reason  and  Justice,  as  those  persons  whose  usual  residence  is  in  this  City,  and  are  in 
general  best  qualified  for  representatives  in  the  House  of  Assembly,  are  precluded  from  being 
chosen  in  any  Country"  or  Borough,  notwithstanding  they  may  have  a  considerable  Estate  there. 
These  were  not  the  only  objections  I  made  to  the  Bill,  when  I  laid  it  before  His  Maj"'- Council, 
for  It  appeared  to  me,  that  the  explanation  and  amendment  proposed,  amounted  to  a  Repeal  of 
Part  of  the  original  Bill,  but  I  could  not  make  it  appear  to  them  in  that  light,  and  a  very  great 
majority  of  the  Council  joining  in  the  support  of  it,  I  did  in  consequence  of  their  advice  and 
contrary  to  my  own   opinion   give  my   assent  to  it.      Your   LordP  will    perhaps  ask.  what 
inducement  I  could  have  for  acting  in  this  manner?     To  this  I  would  beg  leave  to  make  the 
following  answer.     The  dissolution  of  the  late  Assembly  had  occasioned  great  contests  in  the 
subsequent  Elections,  and  on  the  meeting  of  the  house  of  Assembly,  it  was  but  too  apparent 
how  much  influence  private  pique  had  on  their  proceedings.     Their  Journals  give  the  strongest 
testimony  of  what  I  here  advance,  and  the  Session  was  protracted  to  an  unusual  length  for 
the  season  of  the  year,  by  disputes  which  could  only  affect  individuals.     In  this  situation  the 
Go^r'  of  a  Province  often  finds  himself  under  a  necessity  of  acting  contrary  to  his  inclination, 
and  of  giving  in  to  measures,  which  although  they  do  not  at  first  sight  appear  to  be  proper,  may 
be  conducive  to  the  forwarding  His  Majesty's  service  by  making  that  Ferment  subside,  which 
for  the  present  obstructed  public  business;  two  Bills  were  pressed  upon  me,  one  for  emitting 
the  sum  of  ^120000  in  Bills  of  Credit,  the  other  for  regulating  elections,  which  is  the  subject 
of  this  part  of  my  letter;  His  Majesty's  Instructions  positively  forbid  me  to  pass  one,  except  it 
18  conformable  to  certain  restrictions  there  laid  down,  and  common  sense  militates  very  strongly 
ag"  the  other,  as  it,  must  appear  uppn  the  face  of  the  Bill,  that  it  is  calcullated  only  to  servo 
particular  purposes,  and  is  contradictory  in  itself;  notwithstanding.  His  Maj'^'-  pleasure  might 
be  made  known  here,  before  the  Bill  for  emitting  the  paper  currency  could  have  any  effect,  as 
It  was  not  to  take  place  'till  November,  yet  as  great  preparations  would  be  making  in  the  mean 
time  to  carry  it  into  execution,  a  dissappointment  might  have  been  attended  with  disagreable 
consequences.     The  present  Bill  can  have  no  effect  till  the  next  session,  before  which  time  His 
Maj-M  pleasure  may  be  known  in  respect  to  it.  as  well  as  to  the  Bill  passed  in  1699,  which 
gave  rise  to  it.     In  this  situation,  consenting  (though  at  the  same  time  far  from  being  convinced ) 
to  the  applications  made  to  me  in  favour  of  the  Bill.  I  passed  it,  and  choose  rather  to  be  guilty 
of  an  absurdity  in  passing  such  an  Act,  than  of  disobedience  in  regard  to  the  money  Bill,  and 
rather  have  my  own  understanding  impeached  than  my  duty  to  His  Maj'^  called  in  question. 
1  have  the  honour  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lonii"s  most  obedient 

■■''■j\  -iiitil/le  liervant. 

H:  Moore. 


Sie.  County.  —  Ku. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 


169 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  IlilUlorough. 

[  New-Tork  P.p.n  ( 8.  P.  0. )  CLXI.  ] 

^'>'  ^"'•'J'  New  York.  29.  May.  17G9 

Having  in  n  letter  addressed  to  your  LordP  h^  fV,;. 
reasons  wl.ich  obliged  me  to  give  my  as  en    .7/      nT""."""^'  ^""^'"^'^^^^^  to  set  forth  the 
leave  to  add  a  few  words,  co^eerlgr  fo,  ot    /im:''"r,  T"'''"''''-  '  '""'^  ^^  ''^S 
rejecting.     The  Bill,  to  revive,  and  continue  thT  A  t        '  """'  '  ^""^  ""'^«'-  "^  "^^^^^^'^  of 
passed  for  five  years,  and   ha  ing  n     s    pe„di  .  H  T'"''"«  ''"  ^""^'"'  »"'  »-ing 

Instruction  fell  to  the  ground  of  course  '"'»''"'''"«  ^'^"««  ««  'directed  by  His  Majesty's  huf 

was  a  law  passed  in  this  Coiiny''  T  ^ear  7  5  tolt  hT:'  k^""  '  '^°""'  P""  ''•  Thle 
Protestants  of  Foreign  Birth,  tiL,  andU-e  efoe  i„,.rhV  '^"''''  °'  Naturalization  to  ail 
tl.is  Bill  was  to  quiet  the  minds  of  severa  p  .e  w  o  S  TT  '''^-  ""^  '  '""  '■""■"''°"  "^ 
who  through  their  ignorance  of  the  Laws  of  ^he  I'd  ^nH  ,  'T  °"«'"'"^  '""'^^  ^'^  Aliens 
passed  in  their  favour  &  althouoh  tl74  p  esln  h  ?  .' I"  ^^ 
children,  and  the  Collateral  brunches  o  the  r  1  es  .0''"  .'"  """'  '''■•^^*'"'«  '"  ^l-- 
title  was  originally  deficient,  it  mightocca sioTinZ  '  ''°'^"/''^'"  ''"«  ^''-ince.  yet.  as  the 
Bill  which  is  very  short  is  transmitted  by  i  0  p  V;!  H  "'r, '°  '"  P°«~" '  'I''- 
by  .t.  may  appear,  and  is  much  wished  for  and  de    "d  k^  "^  "''"'  ^'^^  '"''^"^^'^ 

Here.  The  Act  for  making  a  Gold  and  s  1  er  co  „  ,e  "1"^ T  "",".""  "^  ^"^  '"'"'"^''-'^ 
value  on  the  difterent  Coins,  than  that  for  which  thevol  "  "'"""^"  '*  "^^^  "°  °"^- 
busmess,  yet  it  differs  so  much  from  the  Alt  of  PalmZ  '""""f  •"  *''  '^°'"'"°"  '^''""^  "f 
Anne  in  regard  to  the  value  put  on  the  different  oir  '"''"'  """'««"  y^ar  of  Queen 
could  not  possibly  pass  it.  This  Act  was  h  t  e  'd  ToZ:^.^:^^  'here  enumerated,  that  I 
s  under  by  having  no  legal  tender  of  any  kind  in  the  Z-  1  u'"^  '^'""^  ^''^  ^"^'"''^i'  't 

Letter,  relative  to  the  Emission  of  paper  cur  en  v  LTTT '  '  ""'''  ''""^"'^  *"  '-^  '"'"•'""r 
situation  in  that  respect  before  your  Lo  d  "iTL  the  honour  of  laying  our  distressed 
brought  into  the  house  during  the  la  t  Sess io'n  f^  H  P  ""  '"  ''"""'^  °^  "^^  '^"'  ^^ich  was 
of  ,£1.0000.  The  Clamours  raise  the  cl  U  v  '''"""'"  °'  ^'"^  "^  ^^^^'t  to  the  value 
nun.bers  of  families  have  been  latdy  e  .^.^r  ^["d  TT  1  '"  '"''"'''''  '""''  '°  -"-» 
i"  the  Bill  at  this  time,  but  as  theylere  "0  ;tr  f  r,  he  Members  of  the  Assembly  to  bring 
concerning  paper  currency,  they  endeavoured  ton        !  Instruction  I  had  received 

•t  was  liable,  and  thought  i't  was  no  v  I  ^i  sue  '::;:;;""  ''^  '''  °'^'^"'°"^  '°  ^'^^ 
;ny  assent  to  it.  This  Bill  is  sin.il.r  to  tl  wlic  i  h  .  ,  T  '"^'^'  ""'  '""'^'^"^  '"  S^^e 
I-rd.-.  except  in  one  or  two  articles  Zu.Ts  A  "'« ''""our  of  transmitting  to  your 

November.andthefollowingmeth      pLt  T  T  i°  '^''^  ^'^^'^  '"'  »'-  ^^'-'i,  „f 

per  cent  to  be  paid  on  the  whole  I'^^rU^rT^:'  '^  T''-    '"^^  ''^'^'^'^  "^  «- 

part  of  the  Capital  was  to  be  sunk  ad  to    e  c  ntim    d'tf ""'  "'  "  ''"  "''  ^^"  ""«  '^'^ 


170 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


n-inarks  on  the  Bill)  to  cngnge  my  assent  to  it,  and  submit  it  to  your  LordP,  whether  it  would 
not  be  for  His  IMnj'''*  service  that  a  Bill  so  circumstanced  should  pass  into  a  Law,  as  the  money 
arising  from  it  can  not  be  disposed  of,  without  the  concurrence  of  t!ie  Gov'  &  Council,  and  as 
it  wo'.iUl  in  ed'ect  establish  a  kind  of  Revenue  for  fourteen  years,  ^'y  predecessors  in  this 
Covern',  have  not  been  more  successful  than  myself,  in  their  attempts  to  get  a  permanent 
Uevenue  settled  by  the  Legislature,  every  approach  therefore  towards  it,  should  be  attended 
to  by  His  Maj'>''  represe.itative  here,  ami  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  lay  this  matter  before  your 
LordP  and  at  the  same  time  to  mention  the  difliculties  I  apprehend  I  shall  be  under  shortly, 
from  the  ii.ability  of  ihe  Province  to  answer  the  recjuisilions  I  must  make.  The  sum  of 
ilSOO  was  granted  with  great  chearfulness  in  the  late  iSession,  and  the  Members  of  the 
Assembly  expect  that  about  the  latter  end  of  the  year,  a  farther  sum  will  be  demanded  for 
the  support  of  Ilis  IMaj'''"  Troops  here,  wliich  I  am  persuaded  they  will  as  readily  comply  with, 
if  t  iey  have  but  the  means  of  doing  it.  We  have  no  funds  to  furnish  the  su,.ply  whicii  will 
be  required,  and  a  Tax  on  the  Estates  of  the  inliabitants  will  be  impracticable  in  this  time  of 
distress,  when  houses  and  lands  are  daily  selling  for  the  half,  &  sometimes  for  the  third  part 
of  their  value,  and  the  miseries  of  the  people  increasing  to  such  a  degree,  as  to  be  past 
credibility.  If  Ilis  Majesty  sliall  be  pleased  in  consideration  of  the  sufferings  of  his  subjecia 
here,  to  give  leave  that  this  Bill  shall  pass  Into  a  Law  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Assembly, 
and  impower  me  to  make  a  declaration  to  that  edect  on  the  opening  of  the  Session,  the 
Estates  and  properties  of  great  numbers  will  be  saved  from  Uuin,  and  such  an  impression  made 
on  the  people  in  general  as  must  be  productive  of  tlio  most  favourable  consequwices  to 
tne  Colony. 

1  have  the  honour  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect  My  Lord, 

Your  Lord'''8  most  obedient 

nnd  humble  servant 

II;  M(ioiii;. 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Karl  of  Ifillslorou'jh. 

[  NfW.Vurk  rii|ipri(S.  1".  O. )  I'LXI.] 

New  York.  3.  June  17Gi). 
My  Lord. 

It  was  with  very  great  concern  that  I  transmitted  to  yoyr  LordP  the  resolutions  of  ilio  late 
House  of  Asser.ibly,  as  I  was  fully  persuiidcd,  that  so  unt'X|)ectt'd  a  proceeding  could  not  fail 
i)f  being  displeasing  to  ills  M>ij'*.  'i'ht!  sentiments  ol  duly  and  resjiect  lor  the  ('onsiitution 
expressed  in  their  address,  are  so  contrary  to  those  which  are  adopted  by  a  liceticiouN  set  of 
Men  who  call  theniHelves  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  and  who  have  had  very  great  inlluence  on  the 
I'llections  of  Members  for  this  City,  that  1  must  ascribe  the  sudden  alteration  which  nuniifesled 
itself  by  introducing  those  Resolutions,  chiedy  to  tho  motive  of  courting  popularity  among 
those  wlio  had  been  instrumental  in  serving  ihem  in  the  late  Kleclions.  I  have  already  in  ii 
fureter  letter  informed  Your  Lord'' of  the  steps  I  took  to  prevent  the  Kisidutions  being  entered 
,1  their  Jcnirnals,  and  cannot  accuse  myself  of  the  least  uinission  in  that  respect  altlio'  my 
t  iideavours  did  not  nn  rt  with  tin'  (le.siicd  siiiicih. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 

Unic.    a/on,   t:  it "     Z       i  1  ^i:*  G^:   V.-f-  ":'^"^^  "^'"^•"  '^  •"  ™"^« 

manufactures      As  soon  as  one  of  iLJ       ,                          ""   ''^  ""'  >",porting   any  English 

tl.e  Gazettes  of  all  tl^  tl    r    Vovi  .              '''""'T  '"  "'^  P"'^"''  P'-'P*"-'  ''  ''«  -'Pi«d  i"to 

l-ave   alwavs    treated    tl    se    pul  1  :         TT"'  '"""«'"'"'  ^'"  "''°''^  C-'''-"^-     ^ 

endeavouredt.n.k.M-      2.r  t  1    "      /       T'"'''  '  '"°"«'"   ^'"^   '''''''''''  * 

persons  who  were  En  n         "o;  Ito    '  'V  M  ^     "      'f'"'   '^  """  ^"'   "-ndiaries,  and 
are  so  naturally  pron    to  Idk v     ;   v-  \T\  '  "'"^  '"''''  '''''"''"''  '""  ^''^  '"'"-^^  °''  ''^'^" 

i  na\e  the  honor  to  be  witii  the  greatest  respect  Afy  Eord, 

Your  Lor(]i"8  most  obedient 

and  humble  servant. 

II :  MoonK. 


Sir. 


/utrl  of  lIHUoro,i<jh  to  Gavcrnor  Moitie. 

I  Nr«r.Vork  l'Bp,.r,(H.  r.  n.)  ii.xi.  ]  • 

Whitehall  7.  June  17(1!) 


I  linvo  reeeived  and  laid  before  the  King  your  Disnalehps  V  40  .,,,.1  1 1    ,1     r  r    ,  • 


172 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


own  Journals  in  respect  to  the  appointment  of  an  Agent,  particularly  in  the  years  1709  and 
1712,  they  will  be  the  less  tenacious  of  the  present  mode,  which  as  you  Justly  observe  can 
only  have  obtained  by  the  neglect  of  the  other  branches  of  the  Legislature. 

His  Majesty  trusts  that  Your  measures  to  prevent  the  ill  effects  of  the  steps  which  you  say 
some  turbulent  spirits  have  already  begun  to  take  to  create  disturbance,  will  be  attended  with 
the  desired  success. 

Your  letter  iV  41.  relates  to  a  matter  which  the  King  considers  as  of  great  importance,  & 
His  Majesty  very  much  approves  your  concurring  with,  and  assisting  Gov'  Wentworth  in  every 
measure  that  can  be  legally  pursued,  for  preventing  waste  and  destruction  of  the  King's  Woods 
on  those  Lands  which  lye  on  the  West  side  of  Connecticut  River. 

There  is  but  too  much  reason  to  apprehend  that  the  improper  encouragement  given  to  the 
settlement  of  those  lands  has  been  one  principnl  cause  of  the  evil  you  complain  of,  and 
therefore  it  is  impossible  that  the  Board  of  Trade,  before  whom  your  representations  in  respect 
to  those  Lands  now  lye,  will  think  fit  to  advise  His  Maj"  to  consent  to  any  further  settlements 
in  that  part  of  the  Country  until  some  measures  are  pursued  for  reserving  to  the  Crown  such 
tracts,  as  shall  be  found  upon  examination  to  produce  Trees  fit  for  Masting  the  Royal  Navy.— 

I  am  &.C 

HiLLSUOROUGII 


(N»9) 


'Sir   William  Johnson  to  the  Kaii  of  IlilhJm-ough. 

(  PluUtlan*  General,  CCLV.,  No.  0.  ] 

Jolinson  Hall,  June  20"'  1701). 


My  Lord, 

Since  my  last  of  the  25"'  February  1  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  L()rdshii)'s  letter  of 
the  4"'  of  January  in  consequence  of  which  I  shall  endeavour  to  execute  His  Majesty's 
commands  respecting  the  surrender  of  the  additional  Cession  in  the  h.-sl  nianner  possible  so  as  to 
shew  the  Indians  that  the  same  is  solely  declined  from  y'  regard  His  Mnjesly  has  (or  them,  and 
His  tetnlerness  for  their  posterity,  I  make  no  doubt  of  its  being  reatlily  accepted  by  them, 
and  nm  only  concerned  least  the  Virginians  especially  the  TroMtier  Inhabitants  should  take 
possession  of,  &  begin  settlements  on  those  Lands,  If  ihisi  iii  done  after  the  Indians  are 
informed  that  His  .Maj. 'sty  declines  them,  it  will  create  verry  strange  sus|ticions  among.st  them, 
&  doubtless  produce  ill  consequences,  !  ought  to  observe  this  to  Your  Lordship  because  I  have 
been  well  assured  by  fJentlemen  from  the  Country  that  the  Frontier  IVople  who  have  a  great 
desire  for  these  valuable  lauds  woi  '  i  at  all  events  make  settlements  there,  and  as  ii  is  most 
certain,  that  there  are  several  recent  instances  of  tbo  weakness  of  civil  authority  &  the  little 
regaril  paid  to  it  by  these  jieople  togetli.'r  with  the  inclination  of  many  persons  of  conse(|nenco 
to  promote  such  settlements,  &  \\\  that  I  saw  a  Deed  in  the  hands  ol  the  Virginia  CommiHsioners 
for  great  part  of  these  lands  which  they  assured  me  had  formerly  met  with  encouragement 
from  His  late  Majesty  &  \\w  then  Ministry  of  which  iniinbers  were  determined  to  avail 
themselves  forthwith,  it  did  not  a  little  contribute  to  induce  me  to  accept  of  the  (;ession  of 
that  Country  to  prevent  (liu  general  111  conseciuence  which  must  attend  the  Kstablisbniimt 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 
Af  ti.i=  J-  .  .     .     '  "f^Jt^i-"-  "I  'IS  lie  might  think  necessary. 

expected  in  every  CircumsLce  HU  M  .  •  7.  '  "  ^  °'  '°''''^  Instructions  cannot  be 
power  of  His  s^^^^TZn^Uln^r  "^  "'"1^"""  ''"  ^'""'°^^  ""^  '^^^  ''  '"  '^e 
is  more  fully  signified  i^  the  ^ZlHl'  ''"  ^"'  °'  ""^  ^^^^"^^  '^"'  "'^  «°y^'  P'— 

it  would  Lre  app  ar  tl       r   1^^^^^  too  voluminous  to  be  ever  transmitted, 

claims  .0  r  CI.er  ke    R  V  r  t  nt     w  ',"  ""'  ""'"  '^^'"^  °"  ^'^  J^''-  "'^  "-- 

or  to  observe  to  then  t,/  Sr^riT'  "'""  '°  "^'''"'''S'^  ^'^^^  '"  ^  "'S^  degree, 
question,  besides  t lis   &  d"l  "T    :     ""  """'^  ^"""  P-'-^-ns  to  the  lands   in 

S.entioned,  ,  dij  I  n^  once  i'f 'il  t  Te  h7d'^  '7r'  "'"  ^"^  ^ '^^'"''^  ^"'-^  ^^'•"- 
Cession  as  was  practicable.  A:;:dt  o  in  h  ^  , XV  ..^^.rr^"  'V'  ""'■  ^"^"^'^'^  " 
was  made  of  the  Ka„ha,m  Ulrr,-  tn  nr  .      .  ''""°"''  ^°  ^^^eive,  mention 

always  understood   a m,       d''  ^l    /   ^^^^^^^  ^'^^l  ''-  ^herokees  &c»  yet  as  I  had 

acknowledge  that  the  ..vero/r'l  1  :n^;:;^;^^-V''"^^  '^"T.  '''''  "«" 
80  understood  by  the  Colony  of  Virginia   &  as    he  V     ,.  P  '^''^"^'°"«'  "^  »  '""""  it  was 

'till  this  their  claim  was  n.entioned  r  1'  ,  ?"/  \  u'"  '"'''""'  "■""'''  "°'  l^^  «'»'i«fi*'d 
circumstances  in  accr,'  "of  he  ^  'r  ,  ,  .'"'  "^ -7  Judgement  under  all  these 
the  Cherokees  do  clain  o  fhf No  u.^:!""  '"  '"  ^"'''""'^•'  '"  "^  ^^'".1-7  <-  admitting 
reason  to  beleive  they  would  not  „::l;;:^;;r:  '''rv  ''  '""^  "^^^'  ^  ""'^'"  ^  '^'^ 
powerfull,  more  zealous,  more  warlik^.  and  c  nil  ,  ""'  ^'''  "'  "'"  ''''""  •'»^''  "'">•« 

the  former.  I  then  thouuht  the  i  ^^"  ""^  ''"'"«  "'  "'''"''«'^  "'°^«  "'i«cheif  than 

measure  of  the  I  s  cWer  t^  '  fcv"  11  ,'  "  ^'"""  "'  '"'  '"^'""■^^"  ^-'^-'--7  a 
.l.ese  reasons  honor  n      w  t     H^  i     1  .r  Tf  "'''"""'"'  "'^   '^'"J^'«'>'  ^-"  f"-'" 

appeared  best  for  the  serv,!'  ""   '"  ''"■'"""«  ^''^'  ^  °^'-'  ''^  '"  '"7  JU'igen.ent 

I   have  already  observed  tlmt   r  ul,.,ii    c-.i      -.i 

I-r.Nhipsle,,crLthei:^,j,t  ,:,,''"■"''''  l'"  "^''""  '^''"^""»-'  '"  y-" 
endeavouring  to  discover  the  ;;,:.,:    ::7'^  "'"^  ^'.^^'''^  '>"ty  P-Hcularly 

u.  with  danger,  an.ong  other  instan...  o  J  .  j  '"  "  '  '  '"''^•'''-'-"^  "-»'''« 
lately  returned  fron.  The  .Mississippi    „  '  '  "";"  '!",'  ^"'^""'"^"-"  "'■  "  -an  who  is 

t''^"  Indians  arrived  last  January  ,;''":"""'  ^^"''  — '' "^  "'Hr  procee.lings, 

French  Settlements  which  wer  Tnl  1  ."i  T  ''T'''''  "'"'  '"""«'"  '"'"^  '->  "'" 

of  which  tho  kept  venv-    rUa te  w       i    "  '  '    i     ■""'  "'"  '''""'"  "' '""  '"■'^--  ""■  I-P-t 

tl'o-  M..ssin...r     made  1.7.      ^  "     "'°"  ''"  """  ""■••'"'""  '"-"'■  P'--^'    '-t 

Koing  ,o  the  Westward  (L      n^^  ;,':::;  "\  '''rT  r  "'"'  '""  "  ^'"''  '"  "'"  '' '■'"'-^ 

«een,stohave  arisen   fron,   the  cl  ims  ,1^    M  ,      "  """■^  •" '."tKy  then.selves.  this 

»'>l'"l'i<ants  at  that  place    .      ,h      I     /  '"'''  '"  '"•'   P— '<"'«  o''  -"Iry  French 

i-.  U'ood   reason  to  k  't         '     ,'     ;  "PI-  '~'"'  a.-  a,  present  son.ewhat  abated,  .here 

(Quarters  anu,„gs,  w-'    V    e"  u      r       i     7",     """  ""•'"'"    '""  '"'"•"^^""^  '^'"'  '-"   "" 
A>ulrnr  an   Ind   n,  of  g  o     hu  ;  h";    ''"''"^''''V^'""   '^"'^"'^  -■onununicated  by  /f,.. 


1.  J 


174 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Erie  without  leave  had  distributed  two  belts  with  two  kegs  of  rum  amongst  the  Hurons, 
desireing  them  to  retain  tlieir  courage  for  that  they  would  soon  see  their  old  French  Father 
when  they  would  have  occasion  for  it.— These  things  are  so  common,  that  the  best  disposed 
Indians  become  poisoned  with  their  principles,  and  ail  this  arises  from  the  want  of  proper 
regulations  for  Trade  &  the  pernicious  practice  of  permitting  the  worst  sort  of  men  to  go 
where  they  please  into  the  Indian  Country.  The  State  of  things  here  induces  me  to  think 
that  my  going  into  the  Indian  Country  may  be  of  some  service,  I  shall  therefore  set  out 
imediately,  and  at  my  return  which  I  expect  will  be  in  a  few  weeks,  shall  communicate  any 
material  Intelligence  which  I  may  have  received. 
I  am,  with  the  utmost  respect,  my  Lord, 
Your  Lordship's 

most  obedient  &  most 

devoted,  humble  servant 

W.  Johnson. 

Your  Lordship's  last  letter  acquainting  me  tiiat  my  proceedings  were  still  before  the  Lords 
of  Trade  is  just  come  to  my  hands. 

The  Ilight  Honourable  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough 


Additional  Instruction  to  the  Governors  in  America  against  Lotteries. 

Additional  Instruction  to  Our  Trusty  and  VVellbeloved  William  Campbell 
Esquire,  commonly  called  Lord  William  Campbell.'  Our  Captain  General 
and  (jovernor  in  Chief  in  and  over  our  Province  of  Nova  Scotia  in  America. 
Given  at  Our  Court  at  S'  James's  the  [SO"-]  day  of  [June  17C'J]  in  the 
[ninth]  year  of  Our  Keign. 

Wheueas  a  practice  hath  of  late  years  prevailed  in  several  of  Our  Colonies  and  Plantations 
in  Americt;,  of  passing  Laws  for  raising  money  by  instituting  I'ublick  Lotteries  ;  and  whereas 
it  hath  been  represented  to  Us,  that  such  practice  doth  tend  to  disengage  those,  who  become 

'  Lord  William  Caupbell,  younj-e.l  .oi.  of  .tolii,  4tli  iJuko  of  Ai^-yle.  c,.ter«.l  tl.o  imvy,  in  whi-l.  .ervico  he  l.oc«iue  it 
c«|.t„i„  Oh  ll.c  2utl,  „f  AuKU.t,  17112,  (J/i7/«r.>  Almanac,  UC,;!,  Vil.)  «-!„.„  1,«  wa,  |,„t  i„  f,„„„„„„l  „f  ,l,„  NiKhtinK.lo.  20 
Kunu.  lit,it,ou,  N.  n„d  At.  Memoir,,  III,  4!Ut.  In  .M„y,  17(1:|,  h..  ir.uiri.  .1  S«ral,.  ,Uugl,t..r  .,f  1U1|.I,  hnr.l,  of  ChiirleMui.,  )i  C, 
(  l),l,r,ll),  ninl  MCi  was  cl.cti-,1  t„  represent  Ar(J)le«liire  in  the  Il,m»e  of  lon.nions.  J^mdun  C«„rt  lifghltr  nc,5  On 
III.,  .lealh  of  Mr.  Wihnnt  he  vm  «|,|,„inle.l  K"Vern„r  of  Nov.i  So..tio,  an.l  wrw  sworn  into  otVue  on  'iTlh  Xoveniher,  Uiifl  He 
a.ln.ini.tend  the  air..ir«,.f  that  pr.ninee  .mill  ni.'l,  when  he  w«.  ,,r..mote<l  to  the  K<>vorn.ncnt  of  South  CaiolinL  llMhur- 
luH->  Xova  Scotia,  I.,  ..i4a,  JM.  He  arrived  in  the  latter  country  in  Juno,  1775,  during  the  .ittins  of  the  first  I'rovineial  ConK'reM 
whieh  presented  him  a  connratulatt.ry  a.MresB,  l,„l  he  refused  to  ncknowle.li^e  thnt  iM.ly.  Kor  three  mouth,  aller  hi> 
arnval  he  waa  untnoleste.l,  though  iudefatiKnI.lo  in  s,.,.retly  fomenting  ..pposition  to  the  popular  .„e:.,„re-;  hut  in  Sep.,.mher 

di-tru.tful  of  1,1.  personal  safety,  he  relirid  on  hoard  the  Tamar  sloop  „f  war,  w ,.  he  re.naiue,!,  though  invitad  to  return' 

to  rharle.t..n.     In  the  altaek  o„  the  latter  eity  i„  June  177rt.  uu.Ier  Sir  ll.niy  Clinton,  I.onl  Ca ,,11  serve.l  a,  a  volunteer 

on  hoard  one  of  the  llnli.h  sl,i,«,  on  whieh  oee«,ion  h«  re.eived  a  woun.l  that  ultiiuately  proved  ...ort.l.   Kammu'.  //,.<u,v 
of  bouth  Varuhna,  1.     \U  returnd,  'tis  presunied.  with  the  fleet  and  died  Olh  .Sepleniher,  1778.  Dtbftt—V.t,. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII 

SC;:^;ort;i^";,:?^X^  ^  industry  a„d  aUe„tio„  to  their  proper  Callings  and 
appenrn,  that  this  practicl  of  au   1  ^  '"  -^'"""^  ''^P''"''^  '   ^"'^  ^^''^--^^^  '^  further 

extended  to  the  enaC^  ri^e  ^ I^t  "ri"'"  '',  1^'^  °'  ^^^''"'"^^  ''^"'  '^^^  ^- 
frauds  and  abuses  have  been  llZlZ  T  7  T  ^"""■'"'  '^  '"^""^  "^^^^°^  g-"* 
not  give  your  Assent  to  Z  Ac        a  •  V      '^'''^^^'°^«  ^ur  Will  and  Pleasure,  that  you  do 

or  private' Lotteries  wh-.t^^vtuntnvof^  ZT'  '/""^  ''  '''  '"''''''''"''  "^  ^^  P"^'--^ 
Principal  Secretaries  of  Sli      '  P^u  "Dr'Th  '"f  '"^"1'"*''  ""'°  ^^  ''^  °"^  ''^  ^- 

received  Our  directions  thereupon  '  Draughts  of  such  Act  or  Acts,  and  shall   have 


f''W 


Instruction  respecting  tie  French  Seigniories  on  LaJce  Chawplain. 

i  New-Tork  Enlrioi,  Q.,  45J.  ] 

Additional  Instruction  to  our  Trusty  and  Wellbeloved  Sir  Henry  Mo!,"rl^BTnet 
our  C.U^a,n  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  of  our  Province e  Lw  y  ' 
and  the  territories  depending  thereon  in  America.     Given  &« 

within  our  Province  of  New  York  ivehul  ""        '  T  "'  '^'"''^  ^''""P'"'"  "°-  '^'"^ 

said  lands  so  claimed   ^iT  1,^  "  ^.'""''''^.  ■"t'''-''^"'^'^'^  ""'°  "« '''.-^t  several  parts  of  th! 


C'orm.c/r  JA>r„.,  fo  M.  hhrl  of  llUhhorouglu 

I  Ni'w-Tork  Pfl(wr«  ( g,  p.  o, )  CL.XI.  ] 

New  York.  11.  July  ITCO. 


^ry  Lord, 

♦•Ise  to  add  „„   iho   present  state  of  this  IVoviuce,  but  u,y 


i'ti.'  .Ulo  uf  ll,U  J>,i.uiiiotii  i.  |„|,](,,|  f,,,,,,  ..._,    ,.    ,  ,, 


176 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


apprehensions  that  the  late  resolves  of  the  Virginian  Assembly,  will  add  fresh  fuel  to  those 
Heats,  which  have  already  spread  too  far  over  the  continent,  and  influenced  the  rest  of  tho 
Colonies  to  follow  their  example;  these  Resolutions  have  been  already  adopted  by  the 
Delaware  Counties,  and  the  last  accounts  from  Boston  shew,  that  their  House  of  Assembly 
was  well  disposed  to  join  in  the  same  measures.  In  this  critical  situation,  I  cannot  help 
renewing  the  application  I  made  to  your  Lord?  in  my  letter  N"  44.  in  favour  of  the  Bill  for  the 
emission  of  paper  currency  there  mentioned,  as  I  imagine  it  must  be  attended  with  such 
circumstances,  as  will  not  only  benefit  His  Majesty's  service  and  be  of  infinite  advantage  to 
the  Province,  by  enabling  it  to  grant  the  proper  supplies,  which  will  be  wanted,  but  will  in 
relieving  it  from  the  present  difficulties  under  which  it  labours  make  such  impression  on  the 
minds  of  the  people,  as  to  call  forth  the  warmest  expressions  of  duty,  and  at  the  same  time 
prevent  their  following  these  recent  examples  of  opposition,  which  can  only  tend  to  widen  the 
Breach  between  Great  Brittain  and  her  Colonies.  I  hope  your  LordP  will  excuse  this  repetition 
on  a  subject  where  so  much  has  already  been  said,  and  which  nothing  but  my  zeal  for  His 
Miij'*''  service  could  induce  me  to  make,  prompted  by  ardent  wishes  that  the  Province  under 
my  direction  might  Act  in  such  a  manner,  as  to  give  intire  satisfaction,  but  when  all  our  funds 
are  exhausted,  and  the  scarcity  of  money  so  great,  that  a  Farm  of  sixty  acres  of  Land  with  a 
dwelling  house  and  several  improvements  on  it,  sliall  be  sold  under  an  execution  for  ten 
pounds,  and  another  in  the  same  situation,  sold  for  two  hundred  pounds,  which  but  a  few  years 
before  cost  two  thousand  seven  hundred  pounds,  there  can  be  but  little  prospect  of  a  Tax  to 
be  raised  on  Lands  in  a  province  so  circumstanced.  1  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the 
greatest  respect 

My  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient 

and  humble  Servant. 

H.   MOOKE. 


Sir, 


Earl  of  IlilUhorovgh  to  Governor  Moore. 

[  N«w.Tork  Pipcn  ( 8.  P.  0. )  CLXI.  ] 

Whitehall.  15  July  1769 


I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  your  Dispatches  N"  42,  43  and  44. 

The  public  transactions  during  the  sitting  of  the  Assembly  and  tlie  various  regulations 
which  were  the  objects  of  discussion  and  deliberation  are  of  very  great  importance  and  will 
require  the  fullest  consideration. 

The  motions  made  by  M'  Livingston  &  others  for  public  thanks  to  be  given  to  the  Merchants 
in  consequence  of  their  Association  against  the  importation  of  goods  from  (jreat  Brittain,  and 
for  concurring  in  the  violent  resolves  of  the  former  Assembly,  and  the  resolutions  &  declarations 
made  in  consequence  [of  those]  motions,  are  transactions  which,  tho^  you  have  not  thought  lit 
to  point  them  out  in  your  correspondence,  could  not  escape  the  King's  notice,  and  His  Maj'' 
feels  the  deepest  concern,  that  His  subjects  in  New  York,  should,  from  groundless  jealousy  and 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII 

..o  .,,„.  i„  .„k„„  „„  „i:::::;;':;.;::r:,;::  ,:x!if '  - "- "™"""  ''""^'  •"-  ■  ■'■■'"  '»- 
.« ."i;:  y:i"n;;,;:;:,;:f.!;:.";;  'if  r-;;'  i™-  ^^i  '""■  ">■  "■'-'■■  ■ '- "» -^-r^'io" 

no,';:r:r;::,ri;" -:r""  "■  -  ^" "''™'"""'  '■>■ " "--  »^-^»-™"  -v. 

I  am  otic 

IIrM.SBORorGn. 


(ro>'n-nor  Moore  to  (he   h'„r[  of  lUlUhov.m.jh. 

(  New-Yurk  l'«per«  ( !».  p.  o. )  cr.XI.  J 

My  Lord,  New  York,  10  July  1709 

... ':;:':r:::s::;::j:t;:;z;^j?  ''^''"  --i  ^^"^'-^  ^'-^"  '>'  ^^^^  '•-> •-  - 

to  .louhl  ol  ,1...  nM,.r..s.,on  it  had  n.ade,  and  I  a>n  luTHmuIn,! 


Vol.  V(|f, 


Ki.. 


178 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


that  they  will  most  readily  joyn  in  removing  all  those  unfortunate  prejudices  which  have  too 
long  prevailed  here.  No  assiduity  on  my  part  shall  he  wanting  in  the  execution  of  this 
necessary  part  of  my  duty,  and  I  shall  be  extremely  happy  to  contribute  in  the  smallest  degree 
to  that  great  work  of  reestablishing  a  mutual  confidence  and  affection  between  Great  Urittain 
and  her  Colonies,  by  bringing  back  to  a  true  sense  of  their  duty  the  Province  His  Maj'^  has 
been  pleased  to  entrust  to  my  care, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  llespect,  >ry  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient 

and  humble  servant 

H.    AIOORE. 


Governor  Moore  to  the  Earl  of  IIillslorov<jh. 

[Now-Tork  rapcrs  (8.  I'.  O. )  CIAI.] 

-,     ^      ,  New  York,  10  August  17C9. 

My  Lord,  ° 

If  I  thought  it  incumbent  on  me  to  make  an  apology  to  your  LordP  in  my  last  letter  at  the 
.    time  I  transmitted  two  petitions,  concerning  the  Lands  on  the  Connecticut  River,  with  much 
greater  reason  should   I  do   it  now  in   ollering  any  thing  more  on  the  same   subject.     The 
inclosed  petitions  were  preparing  at  the  time  the  last  Pacquet  sailed,  and   notwithstanding  I 
have  informed  the  persons  concerned  in  it,  of  what  your  Lord"'  was  pleased  to  mention  in  your 
letter  by  this  last  Pacquet  concerning  those  lands,  they  still  think  it  an  injustice  done  to  tliein 
not  to  forward  their  case  to  your  Lord^,  if  their  grants  are  refu^-ed  to  be  made  out  by  me  on 
their  application  for  them.     So  much,  has  already  been  said  on  this  head,  that  I  shall  only  beg 
leave  to  submit  the  following  observation  to  your  Lord^.     When  His  .Maj'>'«  order  in  Council 
was  first  sent  over  by  the  Earl  of  .Sheiburru-,  forbidding  any  further  grants  to  be  made  of  the 
Lmids  in  question  it  was  the  general  opinion  here,  that  the  restriction  was  only  Intended  to  be 
laid  on  the  granting  of  any  patents  whicli  could  possibly  affect  the  particular  Townships,  set 
forth  in  llobinson's  Petition;   I  took  His  .Maj'^»  order  in  a  greater  latitude,  &  notwithstandif 
the  repeated   attacks  made  upon   me,  as  well  by  reduced  officers  and  disbanded  .Soldiers.  ..» 
by  the  Inhabitan's  of  this  Province,  I  have  constantly  refused  to  comply  with  their  demanils 
although  the   Lands  for  which   they  applyed    had   never   been   granted  by  the  (iovern'of  N. 
Hampshire,  or  included  in  the  above  mentioned  Petition  ;  as  some  Townships  were  supposed 
to  be  laid  out  on  the  west  side  of  Lake  Champlain  (altho'  there  was  no  other  foundation  for 
8ucli  a  supposition  than  a  Map  printed  in  the  I'rovince  of  Connecticut).     I  observed  the  same 
rule  in  regard  to  that  part  of  the  Country,  notwithstanding  there  was  not  the  least  appearance 
upon  Earth  of  a  siirv.y  having  been  made  there;  it  is  now  above  two  years  since  I  wrote  my 
first  letter  to  the  Karl  of  Shelburne,  in  answer  to  the   Petitions  of  Robinson  and   the  Soci.'ty 
for  propagating  the  Gospel,  during  which  time,  I  have  used  every  means  in  my  power  to  cany 
into  execution  the  plan  I  had  formed  for  making  such   a  coniiniinicatidn  with  the    I'roV"  of 
(Quebec,  as  I  have  already  had  the  lioimr  of  laying  before  your    Lordi',   but   in   our   present 
Bitualion  every  endeavour  of  mine  will  be  rendered  inellirlual,  if  the  Lands  on  the  side  of  the 


i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 

an  obstruc.ion  to  the  making  „f  Roads  on  the  side  o        ell;  .  "T  '''"'  '""""^' 

there.  Our  precarious  communication  wit  t  :  provi  e  o^Que  c^^^^^^^  T  ""  '^  "^^' 
year,  requires  that  the  advantage  of  a  public  Ro.dZ  Id  I  ^""^'"f  ''''''"'  '"^'""^  of  the 
it  is  not  in  the  power  of  Man  to  en...  Jtho'      .  ^'"''''''^  "'  '"""  '«  P"^^"^''''-  ^^' 

undertaking  til.'they  i-ave  '^oper  ;ur  to  11:1::^"^^'  ^^"""^  '"  ^'^''^^  '"^^'^  '•"  ^^  «-" 

The  accounts  which  have  been  given  to  mp  nf  tl,a  f.,ii=       .1      ^ 
nn,ch,  as  these  objects  are  seen  in^i  W  Ti du    bvdie"^         ?"r""'  ^'^^  ^^7 - 
to  see  them  myself,  and  in  expectation  of  1   'vi  1^^^  '"'"\''"^'     "'"  ^^'^'^-^'-'^ 

of  the  Country  bad  made  tL  n.....       ''-'^'^'''"g  "'^  i>I''j'"  commands  relative  to  that  part 

Boats  to  be  buJit  in  t.;:";":^:^^^!;!^ ^f  ^V'^  r ^''"  ^^^ 
:r;:::::t:j;re^^;^:::etr:r  ^?r\r^^^ 

for  the  floating  of  Tim        down   fo     1'",     <"  P^"'':)  '«-  '^-'g-ous  and  inconvenient 
far  shattered  either  byte  m  Zna  eme     of  thTc  '"  °T     '  ''1  "^""'  ''''''  '^''^  ^-"  - 
for  such  a  work,  as  fo  be  to,:iru°:rt     e  le      ^r^e' ^^  '^'""1^^"^''^°^^^  ^^•- 
equally  interested  in  the  improvement  of  fhiJ  ij     •     I  '^'^/  '^"^'"'-•«  °'  ^«w  Hampshire  is 

readiness  to  co-operate  with   nerr„l        •  f"''M"' ''^  '^"""°'-"'   '"''^  ^^'^^^  '"^ 
waited  for  your  LordP's  o  d  "s  to  el'  u  '  """  ?"'"  "  '  ^"''"^  ^'^"'^"''  "-'  '  -"/ 

i.onor  to  belith  the  greaLst  reslroc^Ty  Urr      '  '"  '""  ""''^"""■"^-    '  '^'^  *"" 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient 

and  humble  servant. 

II.  Moore. 


(N"  10.) 
My  Lord, 


>Slr  Wmrm  Johu.nn  to  tU  Earl  of  IlilUorouyh. 

[  riariloll.iiK  r.piural,  CCLV.,  No.  10.  ) 

Johnson  Hall,  August  21"  1709 

.'■.; '»■' or  .M,„ (,x-.  „„',„„, ,  i,,.,..i,,;l^'  ,;;";:;;:/:;"!■;■•  >-; i-^' •- -f 

|..T.N,„I„     ,„,.,|r     ,„;„     „,„,.,    ,|,„..    „|,,,„„„„„/„    y„„;  /,  :     "        °'      "        »»l-l!    I.V.„ 

i::.:n;:;:;:;r;:;;i';:;j:::;:t;::i;;::;;i-'"-*:?'»rz,r': 


II  \f 


180 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


and  tho  I  mny  be  oblidged  to  extract  i..  some  places  the  substance  of  former  letters  yet  I  hope 
the  placing  the  whole  in  one  view  will   attone  for  it.  — In  order  to  this  permit  me  to  remind 
your  Lordship  that  in  former  letters  I  shewed  that  between  the  first  mention  of  a  IJoiindary 
Line  (which  was   soon    heard  of  tliroughout  the   Colonies)  and   my  receivinir  orders   for 
concluding  it,  so  much  time  had  elapsed  as  gave  our  enemies  opertunity  to  misrepresent  our 
mtentions  to  the  Indians,  so  that  after  procuring  and  transporting  a  large  valuable  present  to 
the   place   appointed  for  the  Congress,  I  found  the  Indians  sentiments  so  much  altered,  as 
to    render  the   success   of   my   negociationa    verry   doubtfull,   under  these   disadvantagious 
Circumstances    I    was   oblidged   to   act   as   the    exigency  of   the   affairs   required,  and   the 
apprehension  of  being  oblidged  in  some  measure  to  deviate  from  my  Instructions  gave  me 
great  uneasiness.     My  health  already  reduced  to  a  verry  low  state  from  severe  fatigues  in  his 
Majesty's  service,  was  on  this  occasion  rendered  much  worse  by  being  oblidged  to  set  whole  ■ 
nights  generally  in  the  open  woods  in  private  conferences  with  the  leading  men.     As  here  the 
principal  matters  are  first  agitated,  and  the  sentiments  of  the  rest  best  known,  1  found  that 
their  jealousy  was  not  to  be  removed  but  by  permitting  them  to  make  mention  of  tlieir  claim 
extending  to  the  Cherokee  River,     At  this  time  I  had  suggested  nothing  to  them  on  that 
subject  but  as  from  the  circumstances  of  time  &  place  the  greatest  part  of  the  Transactions  at 
these  private  conferences  can  never  be  committed  to  writing,  &  if  they  were,  their  enormous 
bulk  would  render  them  unfit  to  be  transmitted.— These  conversations  &  previous  transactions 
did  not  make  their  appearance   in   the  copy  I  transmitted,  which   according  to  the  custom 
hitherto  observed  contained  only  the  public  Treaty,  and  therefore  it  might  have  been  imagined 
that  this  was  of  my  first  suggesting,  whereas  I  was  oblidged  to  admit  the  mention  of  their 
claim  thro  necessity,  in  consequence  of  what  had  passed,  and  as  that  was  the  case  I  could  not 
I  am  certain  have  given  them  a   more  favourable   idea  of  His  Majesty's  goodness  than  His 
declining  so  fine  a  Tract  to  remove  the  possibility  of  dispute,  rather  than  from  a  doubt  of  their 
title,  &  I  have  since  repeatedly  found  that  this  was  highly  ..leasing  to  them,  but  as  they  came 
with  fixed  resolutions  on  that  head,  which   I  have  already  observed,  &  as  I  could  not  put  off 
or  wait  the  farther  sense  of  Government  thereon,  without  consequences  for  which   I  couhl 
never  make  atonement,  I  was  compelled  to  act  as  I  did,  and  I  thought  my  conduct  farther 
justified  on  the  following  principles.     First,  That  in  Transactions  with  such  a  People  at  such 
a  Distance  from  Court,  some   latitude  was  often  given  to  His  Majesty's  servants,  and  that  the 
same  was  never  more  necessary   than  on  that  occasion,     Kecond,  That  my  Or.iers  on  that 
Head  seemed  to  be  founded  on  a  beleif  that  the  Cherokees  claimed  a  right  to  that  Country,  if 
this  could  be  made  to  appear  otherwise  of  which  I  was  certain,  it  removed  that  objection.— 
Third,  that  the  Inhabitants  of  Virginia  laid  claims  thereto  in  virtue  of  old  purchases  some  of 
which   had  been  formerly  countenanced  by  the  Crown,  &  that  the  hack   Inhabitants  of  that 
Colony  who  are  a  verry  eurreasing  &  enterprising  people  had  a  strong  desire  to  establish 
themselves  in  that  Country,  had  already  made  many  advances  thereto,  and  in  case  the  Indians 
had  not  ceded  it  would  soon  begin  settlements  thereon  which  would  certainly  he  productive 
of  a  war,  at  the  same  time  I  was  but  too  sensible  of  the  inefficacy  of  any  measures  of  the 
Colony  to  prevent  such  settlements,  and  of  the  Interest  that  many  persons  of' Consequence  had 
in  wishing  them  to  be  extended—Fourth,  That  the  removing   the  claims  of  the  .Northern 
Confederacy  by  a  Cession  to  His  Majesty  at  a  lime  when  they  were  so  much  disposed  for  it, 
wouhl  be  gaming  u  great  point,  the  only  means  of  carrying  on  the  Treaty  &  the  least  productive 
of  any  ill  consequences,  when  I  considered  all  these  points,  &  that  whatever  might  have  of 


I 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIi. 

no  longer  hesitate  as  to  the  par    I  t^  r^^^  ^^^^ 

consideration  orth.p.ennsest!;;Lot^::L.  it  a^n'r"'"':  "^r"' ^'"'  °"  '^'^ 
or  n.y  measures. -l.-or  the  rest  I  have  only  To      !    In        .T      ^^'"  '^  '"  J'""«^'''^'°" 

the  Governonr  an.l  made  according  tn  ti  ;  ^  ''  """''  P"^"*'^  ^"''^^  ™'i"«'l  ''7 

were  two  Crants  or  InS^m     i     :  X   Tt""\"'"^"  '  """  ""'^'"^  '°  '^^  'h^ 
made.     The  one  to  M^  Cro«han  wt    ,1  n  "°'  "'''"''  ""^  ''''•'^^•''""  ^°"''^   ''« 

Indians  particularly  desired  t    ,  X;    ^    I       '-"'""■"r?"  °''  '"°   '—  «-"ts  which  the 

of  I'ensilvania  i„  order  to  the  ohtainin!  T.r  n  in.              ->^'«'--"^tu,n  of  the  Proprietaries 

that  he  had  mentioned  his  oid  preZtn    ^  l:^:'  ^li:  ^l^  ^^';|-  ^^-'"^  - 

Traders  who  sullered  losses  in  the  veir  I7n    v  ^°>^<'«f"P-      1  he  other  Grant  was  to  the 

afHrwavds  and  was  jud^J^v   "Zdent  '  7'^";— ^-'«  "f  the  peace  with  them 

in  the  on,  way  in  ihei;  p::::  iT^ ^ihi.^:  ::ix;'z:t^r"r"" 

hereafter  should  they  commit  deoredations   if  .v...       ii  i     '     '-'^"''"'   ""»'    '"'M'"  he  o(    use 
agreed  to  by  the  IndLs  who  .t    .  '  p Z  'to  ^ "    TeLirr"  "^  ^"^'^^"'"-''  ^  ^'--^""y 
is  in  the  grant,  had  I  not  interpos  df    ^  .ritrnLT  t^  H^^^^ 
malicious  persons,  who  thro' envy  or   11  nature  mi«hrtre'  T  ""'   ""'  ""'""« 

of  the  Transactions  of  that  Trentvbv  rem  7,      T,^'"  ^''^^  occasion  to  lessen  the  importance 
could  not  prove  any  1        to  t  ,e  C  rown  °"  '  ^-^'-'o''^  private  Grant,  tho'  such  grant 

other,  and  'tho  it  wa's  a    a  J  st  ^  &  ,  o  c'r'^    'i       ^  "J  '"■  ''""''  ^^"'^  «^"'  «'  ^^ 

of  the  great  AW«.™.     SomeofZ    ^di^i.^     r^-'!:;       ."      'Tu    """"  °'"  '^""'^'•''"^   '""- 

to  .hew  their  ^..^r.  ^o  .r..y:::^;:.:^j::^^^^ 

observed  to  me  that , Von.  .Lr;!;:;  z^  ^^i;;::;:^,:^!:  ^ii:;  r"  t^^  •""'°'-  '"^^ 

they  could  not  receive  the  10-^  part  of  the  vZ  o         '';'' "^ '•'";'■"  ^'"'^  '^'^y  ^'^^e  sensible 
wronger  reliance  on  His  >n,es.y.i  attentm:  t:  t^lHrnn  r;:!;:.    rJ  1^^::^:;^  '-'  ^"^ 

-.re  animated  than  they  often  a^ :r  ZT^^ZXI  ^Z":;^;  ~::;7""  .'"^"'  -'"" 
acquainted  with  the  particular  n.ode  of  expression  of  tnclr  " '' ^^^P^se  any  man 

moment,  I  was  aware  that  it  niL^ht  be  li.  .  !  confederacy  „,  matters  of  nuuh 

nK.de  ,.r  them  as  savages  w;o:;;;^th:  ^^^^tuo:  Tlr  ;'""   "'"^""^^  '- 
in'iqnM.dancc,  &  who  cannot  as  yet  be  persuaded  to  mve        ,  "'  ''''"''^''"'^  "'"' 

<''"wn.  an.l  any  person  who  wHI  und   Z 1  l  i, 5  .    ' ,  ''"P^'«  &  expectations  fron,  the 

in  all  such  treaties  they  endea  o   ^  o  m        -it.      f "        '  "'"""'^  '""'  '"'"'  '"'"'•'  ^'^^ 
cx,.ressions.  to  which  I  mav  with    rut  la  Id  """  ','"''"""'''  '^  ""'  "'"-^^  '"'•-'''" 

onen  g,os..d  over  belore  they  :^Tl::;!;X  ':X  i;!^ ^^^ ^^^  ^  'T 

t->  -.■ ys. .  i^now  ti:; :: ::  r;  ;  3:::  :::7  ^''-^'  ^^''•■"-  "^'-,g  then, 

^'  ..^■ce.ary  to  their  in.ortance,  y-  .nte^^.  i.'t;;  •;';::-:;:: r;:r;;:::t;:;;;^ 

Jij/tllSUH  .l/u«H.«i'(;;)(.v,   XVll,  IJi, 


1 

.4 


4i 
\<'-'A 


1H2 


NKW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


n-siMitment  to  afleft  a  knnwl.vlgi-  of  IiKliiin  afliiirs.     Ilovvevor  ridiculous  or  partial  tlieir  reports 
might  be  reiuiereil  by  any  conip.'teiil  Judge  as  their  representations  cannot  be  fully  known, 
they  are  not  easily  refuted  at  JOUO  miles  distance,  there  is  scarcely  one  other  subject  where  a 
in;in  of  sense  and  observation  who  baa  been  on  the  spot  cannot  nllbrd  many  remarks  that  may 
l)e  of  use,  but  these  (inalificationa  without  many  others  can  only  mislead  in  Indian  alfairs,  to 
speak  candidly,  it  is  not  during  the  period  of  a  (iovernors  residence  at  an  American  capital,  of 
a  connmmdant  at  an  outpost,  or  of  a  traveller  in  the  country  that  this  can  be  gained,  it  is  only 
to  1)0  ac(iuired  by  a  long  residence  amongst  them,  a  daily  intercourse  with  them,  &  a  ('r'sire  of 
Information  in  these  matters  superseding  all  other  considerations,  that  this  is  not  the  case 
of  any  of  those  orders  of  men  can  be  easily  shewn,  &  consequently  they  are  not  sullicient 
judges,  but  as  this  would  lead  me  farther  than  (I  still  Hatter  myself)  there  is  occasion,  I  shall 
only  assure  your  Lordship  that  alf  1  have  presumed  to  oiler  is  capable  of  nuich  enlargement, 
&  can  be  sudiciently  amplified  &  proved  whenever  occasion  requires,  and  that  1  should  not 
have  presumed  to  add  so  mut     to  all  1  iiave  formerly  said  hereon,  but  from  a  delicacy  arising 
from  a  thorough  conviction  of  the  strictest  probity  &  xeal  (or  my  King's  service,  &  a  perfec't 
disinterestedness,  that  as  it  has  often  procured  me  the  Royal  favour  &  approbation,  renders  it 
my  continual  wish  to  be  favourably  understood,  &  my  peculiar  stuily  to  merit  the  only  object 
of  my  painfull    endeavours.     This,  my  Lord,  is  not  a  bare  assertion,  it  is  easy  for  me  to 
demonstrate  that  private  interest  govenis  none  of  my  representations,  that  they  How  from  duty 
to  the  Crown  &  regard  for  the  public  security,  the  way  to  which  I  am  the  better  enabled  to 
judge  of,  from  the  nature  of  my  ollice  and  my  long  acquaintance  with  the  state  of  y  frontiers 
&  tlie  neighbouring  Indians.     The  honest  motives  w"  induced  me  to  detain  your  Lordship  so 
long  on  this  subject,  will  I  persuade  myself  fhid  a  favourable  construction  from  your  Lordship's 
candor,  on  this  I  must  rest  my  justification  whilst  they  jjlead  my  apology,     I  shall  therefore 
only  add,  that,  I  should  not  have  a  moment  hesitated  executing  my  last  orde' s  for  signifying 
to  the  Indians  His  Majesty's  Inclination  to  decline  that  part  of  tiie  Cession  but  that  1  was 
fearfull  of  the  consecpiences,  when  as  I  knew  that  the  Virginians  would  at  any  rate  settle  on 
these  lands  in  consequence  of  which  the  Indians  would  all  thiid;  the  whole  a  delusion,  &  that 
Bince  the  late  Reform  1  did  not  think  myself  authorized  to  incurr  so  great  an  E.xpence  as  is 
necessary  for  conveneing  all  those  Indians  who  should  attend  on  such  an  occasion  without 
particular  orders,  &  I  have  the  satisfaction  to  find  that  herein   1  acted  (or  the  best,  as  from 
your    Lordship's    last  letter,  I   observed   that  in   case    I   am  of  opinion   that  it  may  be  of  ill 
consequence.  His  Majesty  will  ratify  the   boundary  agreahle  to  the  Treaty,  to  which  I   have 
only  to  add  that  since  my  late  Tour  into  the    Indian  Country,  I  (ind  mv  former  opinion  so 
much  strengthened,  that  I  think  it  highly  prudent  to  decline  the  menlion"  of  the  affair  unless 
1  receive  y'  Lordship's  orders  to  the  contrary,  or  that  some  thing  should  occur  that  may  justify 
me  in  so  doing.  — I  have  the  honour  to  be  with  the  most  profound  respect  &  esteem,  my  Lord, 
Your  Lordship's  most  obedient,  much  ohlidged,  &  verry  humble  C^ervant 

\\T      T 

The  Right  Honourable  the  Karl  of  Hillsborough 


ft^ 


■03 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


188 


'Sir    William  Johv,on  to  the  Earl  of  IlilUovowjh. 

(N"  11.)  ^ '''"'"""'"'>  aenoral.CCLV,,  No.  u,  a,  2-.] 

My  Lord,  Johnson  Hall,  August  2G"'  17oa 

A  lelt  home  op  the  'JG"'  of    Iimo  .,    i     a  "I'uua. 

where  I  found  the  Cheir«&c-  o  t  .rN-jTrwIth  s  '''"'T  "r""'  "^  ''"''"''■''«'''  "'«  '"'^  «''  J^'x 
wi.o  being  in  greac  .ant  of  ^.^^^^2::^^::^:^''  "'"  'T  ""^'"'""'^'"^^  '""^^^ 
that  &  several  other  articles    a.ul   nrl  '"■  """P''  ^  S'^^''''  l'"^™  ''»  sMnnly  of 

my  cannoe  overset  &  i„  aseendin-r  n  I,.,nk  r  r      •  "^^''"""8  ''^"'"  ""e  o(  which  in  the  ni^ht 

leg  which  had  verry  nigh  r"       ^  nc  .  'm      ,'  ""'  ';""  "''  ''^  '"^  ''""  °"  '">'  --"<^-l 

little  easier,  I  held',  ctngre      w   h       e  1^^^       '''r"""^'*  '^°"''^*^^  °"  '"""%'  "0-If  a 

wherein  they  „,ade  many  E.  „   i^s  T  '''^V'^t?  ^''^''  "^T  opened  with  a  speech 

commenced  between  K.Ja„    ''    n  e  &"n'^i  r!;  ""'  "■,""'"  "  "'^^  ^'^  ""'  "''-^  u,  bo 
there  were  n.any  things  t-hicl  ^t^Z:^Z  '  ""'  "'^"  '■'"^^*^"  "^  ^'--  '"'^^ 

Nations  continued  obstinately  btnt  on   v  r  ,  '  T'""^"'  ""  ''''  '^'''  «°""'  °''  l'- 

tl.e  Cherokees  &  others  Ju  w  /„m  t  "y  in     n   T  '""'^'  ■\"°'"''  ^°"""''  ^'-»  '«  <'i«turb 

H"S'^^"H  people  into  rensilvania^wS^/l^taM?'        '  "''^;"''-'"-  »'' ^'-  ^-v 
tl'.-u  it  gave  them  concern  to  find  th  „  .1  '"'"  '°"'''  °^  "'^'^«  '"t"  ^  «••"•.  an.l 

were  ren.oved.   ,  gave  tl  ■  ,  ' 'tu  XtJ^riir       '"  ""'  '""  "'"""^^■'"'"'^  '"'  '"«  ^'-'" 

P'oceeded  for  Cayn..a  where  tlu-r    we  '    .1  '     \'V°'"''  ""  ''"""  ''''^"l- & '"terward.s 

meeting  to  much'tlie  «an  ee't  a    wm;h      ,  ''''"'"  *""'"''''^''  ^^''"'  -""">  ^  '>-•  ^' 

="'v-.ced  into  the  Lulian Vo   n  rv    .h  """'"«"'^'  '^"'^  '  "'-'^^•-'  tl-^t  .he  farther  I 

cii-ourses.     ,  next  went^^Se  2^'  ^^71:7'''  ""  ^""^  """^^--'  '■'  *"-  «---! 
those  Indians  living  near  the  he:d  ^  ^^Jto 'm.^T '^  j'  "1"  1  ^""  '^'^'^'  ^  ^'l^ 
a.nonnt  of  two  thousand  an.l  upwards  before  In       ,    '"''/^''V  ''  ^^^^  ^'"Js  assen.ble.i  to  the 
i"   vvhou.   I   had   always  had     eat^         ''''"' \^''•'''" '"'"  ^''^^^ 
l"houred  hard  for  son  e  nu.n.hs        ke    ,'  ,     .  ,  """'?'"''  "'"^   '"'''  "^  "'^^  'hey  ,„d 

several  belts  which  had  been  n  ^^^cZ^T  '"  "IT"  ^  '"  ""^''"'  "^'^'^  ^^'-"^ 
»-'y  ean.e  to  their  hands,  w'^  IkuI  oc  s bne  '  '.":;"7>'.''="'  '"'^f-'^-^-  hut  that  nevertheless 
''"<•  <•■>  ••l-i..«  the  Congr;ss.  a  ^  ^^    ^'^       ''"°"''^*"  "'"""^^^  '"-''  ^  '  -"" 

<"•  ^^  -HHuber  of  Cherokee  Cheils  who  ver  ,  !  ^TT  Z'"'"'  ''''''''"'  ''"  "PP^"-'"' 
<"H..idaga  the  beginning  of  next  nu.nt  .  tV  T'  ,  nl"'  "  '""''"'  ^""^''''  '"  '^  ''*■'''  ^'^ 
-her  Northern  India.^  were  sZ  ';  Tn^:  '  ^  r'  ''T  "'"n'''  "''"""'"-'■^  """ 
n«sen.bled  the  Senecas  began  with  a  long  deta     o  ,        v     Tl"1         '  "•     ''''"'"    ^^■•^■ 

•I'ey  found  the  conduct  of  all  people  altered   o    .1.  ^  ^'""ed  greivances,  they  said  that 

I-sed  since  the  late  peace  JitI  nr  h        T'""    T^T''^  """"'  *''"'  ""'  "  -'-""  '-' 


184 


NKW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUS(!RIPTf' 


ill  liiuiting,  lliat  they  were  well  assured  that  a  war  was  near  at  liaiul,  &  tliat  they  were  courted 
to  engage  in  it,  whicli  tho  contrary  to  the  sense  of  'lie  ClieiTs  might  ])rohal)ly  he  agreed  to  I)y 
too  many  of  the   warriors  if  those   ad'airs   which   gave   them  so   much   uueasines-   were  not 


mill 


isted,   for   they  saw    tl 


here   was   no    |)rovision 


aile   for  their  redress,  I    tl 


len 


^^\ 


ainiv 


to  them  what  I   had  in  general  made  known  hefore  to  tiie  confederacy  touching  the  present 


system    for    fndi 


tirs,    that   they    would    liiid    the  Coloiiii'S    hear 


tiiy 


I'd    t( 


what  Kslahlishiueiita  were  necessary,  and  to  preve;it  frauds  or  injustice  of  every  kind, 
but  that  they  ought  to  make  allowance  fo'-  the  importance  of  these  matters  as  they  required 
some  time  to  be  put  on  a  proper  footing,  &  that  those  whose  Interests  &  Trade  were 
so  materially  connected  with  them  would  c(>rtainly  pursue  the  wisest  measures  for  promoting 
peace  &  commerce.  Tiiey  answered  that  I  had  told  them  so  hefore,  that  tht-y  well  knew  liow 
slow  our  people  here  were,  and  that  altho  some  of  the  old  people  of  everry  nation  were  still 
disposed  to  heleive  all  this,  they  found  the  !na)orily  of  tho  rest,  particularly  of  the  other 
confederacys  were  not,  they  gave  me  a  long  state  of  the  politicks  of  y*"  other  nations  on  whicii 
they  observed,  that  the  Kact  was,  the  Indians  e.\pccte<i  to  meet  the  same  treatment  from  us, 
which  they  had  done  from  the  [''rench,  that  the  latter  repeatedly  told  them  they  would  not, 
that  they  found  it  too  true  &'  that  they  wer,.  full  of  resentment  thro'  disappointment,  it  may 


not  be  amiss  here  to  remark,  that  when   Iiidi 


ire  disposed  to  ipiarn  1,  they  collect  all  the 


materials  they  can  as  grounds  for  tlieir  conduct,  and  otlen  insist  on  things  as  greiviances  wliii'h 
ill  reality  ha\e  given  them  little  concern,  the  true  cause  is  often  misrepresented  and  therefore! 
the  proper  remedy  is  wanting,  they  are  jealous  of  us,  &  envious  of  one  another,  &  I  don'l 
douht  hut  that  the  late  great  pri'seiit  may  prove  a  means  ol'  dividing  the  CoiinciLs  of  the  Six 
Nations  with  the  rest,  for  tho' the  sole  right  was  in  tliat  (Jonfederacy  (and  douhle  the  sum 
would  not  have  contented  all  who  desired  to  partake  of  i;)  the  rest  will  probably  be  jealous  of 
it,  of  which  1  am  in  hopes  a  proper  use  may  he  made.  —  During  my  stay  at  Seneca  I  saw  & 
spoke  with  several  Indians  from  dillerenl  nations  who  brought  belts  of  I'liion  &  .Messages, 
&-  alter  having  settled  matters  for  obtaining  a  knowledge  of  what  is  to  he  transacted  at  the 
Congress  before  mentioned,  I  took  leave  of  the  Indians  and  arrived  here  ahoiil  len  days  ago 
much  indisposed,  nor  am  I  as  yi't  recovered  from  the  hurt  I  received  at  ( )iii)iidai;a,  so  that  I 
hope  your  Lordship  will  excuse  any  defeels  in  this  short  sketch  which  is  .'xlracted  hastily  from 
my  Journal. — On  my  way  home  I  was  overtaken  with  the  news  of  a  murder  of  a  young  Seneca 
man,  who  was  lired   upon  on  the   Ifiver  Siisiiiiehana  by  some  ef  the  Iroiitier  Inhahit'  willidiil 


lave  since   received  an  account   (nun    I'ensilvaiiia 


tlie   least   jirovocation  given  (of  which   I   1 

as  the  father  of  this  young  man  has  gi'iieraly  lived  within  the  setlleinenls,  vV  with  the  whuli 

Kamily  demonstrated  the  most  /ealoiis  attachment   to  the   Iviirli 


1) 


glisli,  and  were  much  res|)e( 


l.'d 


vend 


by  the  Indians,  the  murder  is  a  verry  unlucky  accident  at  this  time,  hut  it  is  not  alone  si 
others  having  been         'y  commilied  hy  the  iiifaliiated  and  lawless  inhabilanls  on  the  fronliers 


of  \'iri;iii 


W 


lo  as  they  have  hilherio  acted  with  impunity  are  eneonraged  lo  go  mi.  And 
till)  llie  .ticcts  of  all  this  liave  not  heeii  ».  iisihiy  fell  for  some  time,  they  at  length  begin  to 
make  their  appearance  particularly  about  the  Iliiiois,  (Hiio  iVi"  ol  wliicli  your  Lordsiiip  will 
doubtless  receive  Information  Irom  the  Commander  in  iHieif,  the  Indians  having  killed  several 
peojile,  attacked  \-  plundered  several  Traders  boats,  iV  in  short  blocked  up  the  eonimiinieatioii 
of   the  Ohio,  so  that  is  no  loiiuei    praclieahle  for  the  Traders.      Whilst   at  the  same  lime  tli 


ev 


are  endeavouring  to  form  a  more  strict  alliaiiee  than  ever  for  purposes  that  are  hut  li 

Heeniiiig  only  to  wail   the  siieeess  id   llieir  negociations  (in    the  i ineiii  eineiil  ol   lioslibtieH, 


no  OlIVIDIIM, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII 

...iu„. :r::': b.::  .  1:11'::, :  r :,^:t: r"""\' r '"  ■■'""" '°  "■" 

H|)i.'3  I   hilVe   who  will,    m.MV   n.l  -^  '^  '    ""''''  "'■"'''   ''""*»   I"   '"«   ''y    «"'"« 

"'....« or  -  .v::;:"k;7,:1'": -r  r:r\:;r;:':i,';: -:  ;!:;;„:,r7:,r "'  ■"- 

lirlairr'.  h™         r        I        "•''™""r°""  ■■"'"•«!  V^f^'H,,  g.t , I,,  general  m»r,y 
uneasiru'ss  (or  want  of  (.'ominissaries  &-.-  t.,  fl...  \i      i  .•  .  .'''"''^'"  '■'"'"**    "'  "'"    '"'''•'lis 

tl..-  result  of  tlu  ht .    ,.                 ^^  ^                     """  '''"  '"'''"'"'■''  °"  '''"  '""'"'i'^  """"'1-'  to  he 
of  .».(,  r..u,.U,.K.  1„„  ,. ,„,k,„,  „„  „„.  ,,,/,;  "  ,,^"^7 '■    *'"•■';•••  '•' '"'-1  '«■  tl-  rc.|i,.f  of  .....roil  v»i,l,  ,  ,;.,c. 

; '■••  -"• '' ^ ...  Nu...  ^^-:;:;:;wi :";:;;,'""; :;:  tj:  ^  "'•  ■■•;•"  ■•••'; '•  -' '-  -'  -.« 

W1.I.  7  0 .,f  , „„„„,  ,.,;':'•" ""^"    '^'f'     '"  ^'•■'•^  '"■"•■  ''■•  "«  ....|,.,„l  f,.„„  |.|,il.,|.,„,|,i. 

«•••  >•'"• '■' '"  nn.  /w:::j::^  •'::;:' ';;r',;-''r7-"7 '''■••;'-  « .-iu,. 

^r,«,»  /,,./,  177.1,  aiiv-i.;,,.  •      '    "'  •"*■    "'  ''""'•  "'  '•"  ""'  >'<>">  "t  II.-  .N-  ..f  njs, 


Vol..  \  III. 


S4 


i!fl.  iHiii'.  1 


186 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i»* 


received  it  from  tlie  general,  &  very  often  oblidged  to  advance  them  money  before  I  reC'  it 
myself.  Your  Lordship  will  then  judge  how  little  I  ought  to  have  covetted  this  from  any  other 
motive  than  y'  better  e.xecution  of  tiie  public  service. 

This  moment  I  have  advice  that  the  people  have  abandoned  their  settlements  from  Bedford 
to  Fort  I'itt,  in  consequence  of  some  robberies  committed  by  some  partys  of  Indians,  &  also 
fearing  their  Resentment  for  their  own  late  conduct  towards  them,  that  a  party  of  Indians 
coming  from  War  had  robbed  a  House  wherein  there  was  only  one  Woman,  whom  they  threw 
into  the  Potowmack,  on  which  a  party  of  the  Inhabitants  pursued  &  killed  three  of  the  Indians. 
That  they  had  then  resolved  to  augment  their  number  and  proceed  to  cut  off  a  Mingoe  village 
not  far  from  thence,  if  so,  a  war  is  inevitable.  In  short  there  is  but  too  much  licentiousness 
on  all  sides,  for  by  the  sanie  ,  ccount.  I  am  assured  that  Cnlkmhir  a  trader  on  his  way  to  Fort 
Pitt  with  25  horses  loaded  with  Indian  goods  was  attacked  near  Bedford  by  thirty  White  men 
disguised  &  painted  like  Indians  who  destroyed  &  carried  away  the  greatest  part  of  his  goods, 
declaring  they  would  sutler  none  to  pass  on  to  the  Indians,  that  this  circumstance  has  greatly 
exasperated  the  Indians,  &  contributed  to  alarm  the  peaceable  part  of  the  White  Inhabitants. — 
When  we  consider  the  state  &  disposition  of  the  Indiany,  a  people  without  laws  or  government, 
verry  revengefull  &  influenced  much  by  French  Councils  and  verry  jealous  of  us.  We  may 
conclude  that  as  these  people  cannot  in  general  be  kept  in  order  without  an  expence  that  may 
be  deemed  greater  than  its  object,  all  we  can  do,  is,  to  divide  their  Councils  &  retain  a  part  of 
them  in  our  Interest,  which  I  am  pretty  confident  I  have  interest  &  influence  to  do  at  all 
events.  —  It  is  highly  necessary  to  prevent  a  too  general  Union  amongst  them,  &  I  should 
rather  have  declined  taking  the  pains  I  did  to  effect  a  peace  between  the  Six  Nations  & 
Cherokees,  because  we  enjoy  the  most  security  when  they  are  divided  amongst  themselves,  at 
the  breaking  out  of  the  late  Indian  War  I  proposed  to  raise  Indians  to  be  employid  against  the 
enemy,  it  was  thought  giving  them  too  much  consecpieiice.  However  I  took  Ujion  myself  to 
send  out  a  few  parties,  which  notwithstanding  the  pains  generally  taken  to  allow  them  as 
little  merit  as  possible,  contributed  essentially  to  bring  that  War  to  a  conclusion,  for  altho  it 
may  be  said,  and  is  in  \n\ri  true,  that  Indians  are  unwilling  to  fight  against  one  another  in  our 
quarrels,  there  are  many  exceptions  to  this  o|)ininn.  There  are  some  to  be  had  who  will  join 
with  ardour  against  any  enemy,  &  many  more  whom  it  is  policy  to  retain  in  our  service,  who, 
tlio  at  first  unwilling  to  act  oflensively  from  maxims  of  policy,  yet,  if  by  any  means  blood  is 
drawn  will  become  principals  In  the  War,  &  this  the  Indians  are  so  sensible  of  that  there 
is  nothing  of  which  they  are  more  apprehensive. —  I  hope  that  whatever  is  the  issue  of  the 
present  alarms  I  shall  be  able  to  retain  a  large  body  in  His  Majesty's  Interest,  and  even  to  get 
them  to  act  ag"  the  enemy  if  it  is  required  of  me,  and  so  soon  as  I  receive  any  farther 
information  that  may  be  material,  I  shall  communicate  it  iniediately. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  with  the 

most  j)rofbiuid  Hespect, 
My  Lord, 

Your  LorJihip'g, 

most  obedient, 

The  Ilight  Hon*'"  &  verry  Humble  Servant 

the  Karl  of  Hillsborough.  W.  Juiin.son. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


187 


Philip  Ll>dn<,,ion,  Jr.,  to  the  Earl  of  lUlhhormujh. 


t  Now-Tork  Pnpen  (S,  I',  o. )  CLXI.  ] 


INfy  Loril, 


New  Vork,  11 


It  is  with  the  dee 


Sepr  17G!). 


your  Lonii',  that  His  Excell 
three  weeks. 


'pest  concern,  thiit  as  private  Se 


tiir  H 


enry  Moore,  died  on  this  alt 


cretary  to  our  late  Gov^  I  now  acquaint 


ernooii  after  an   illness  of 


Th 


e  great  loss  that  this  Prov'"'  I 


general  grief  diflused  thro'  all  ranks  of  M 

As  the  late  (Jov"'  had   he« 
deliver  it  to  l.ieut'  (\m'  Golden  wl 


las  sustained  in  hi 


en  ainon 


m,  will  he  much  better  perceived,  in  the 
g  IIS,  than  in  any  panegyrick  from  me. 


prov«,  together  with  such  of 


^en  pleased  to  entrust  nie  with  the  Custody  of  th 
■■  •'«  takes  upon   himself  the    Ad 


leiieve 


I  must  beg  your  Lordi"s  pard 


your  Lordi-'s  letters  as  may  I 


le  great  8eal,  I  shall 
niinistrution  of  the 


ly  he  necessary  for  his  correspondence. 


ni)pointed  me  principal   Surrogate  ami  \\ 


pardon   for  farther  acquainting  you,  that   his   late   E 


Authority  to  issue  letters  probate  of 


and  at  the  same  time  f 


egister  of  the   prerogative  Court 
wills  and  letters  ol  administrat 


or   if    that    s 


tlie    (Jreat    Seal   of   Kngland 
continuance  in  this  Department  to  sue! 

vince. 


or  soliciting  Your  Lordi"s  patronage  in  p 


xcell'-''  had 

in  this   I'rov",  with 

ion  on   intestate   Estates, 

rocuring  me  this  oflice  under 


•ould    be    thought    improper,    to   recommend 


commander  in  Chief  of  this  l»ro 


1  CJoV  as  His  Maj'^  shall  hereafter  be 


my 


pleased  to  appoint 


It  is 


;)ein 


I 

edi 


certainly  very  incumbent  on   n 


g  entirely  unknown   to  your  Lord'' 


i«  to   make  a 


m 


n   apology  for  this  request,  my  character 


cation  in  Kngland  and  was  regularly  bred  to  tl 


list  Iherefore  only   inform  you,  that  1 


received  nn 


"i'<i  upon  this  appointm,.ut  immediately  quitted  my 
the  duties  of  my  Department,  upon  which  m 


prof 


ession  of  the  Law  at  Lincoln's  I 


nn. 


profession  and  applyed  myself  wholly  to 


behaviour    th 


ierein,  and  knowledge  of  tli 
i'l'properly  continued.  My  lauiily  connect 
in  this  IVov"  and  altho' a  distant  relation  of 


y  entire  subsistance  depends,  and  trust  I 


rom 


le    nece.ssa 


ry  Ollicial   business,  that    I    may    not    I. 
ions  are,  I  believe  with  great  truth,  among  the  (irs 


my 


rst 


to  b 


dill 
I 


'«'  in  opposition    to    Covern',    yet 


erent  measures. 


my  name  in  the  last  Session  of  Awmbly  appeared 
ions    have    always    pursued    very 


my  nearer    connect 


CI 


ivew.itten   by  this   I'acquet  to  Coll :  Staals   Look  M 


liarring  Cross,  James  Coats  Ksq«  late  .M 


ng  .Morris,'   Henry  Drummond  Esq"  of 


lember  (or  Edinburgh,  and   iiichard  Jackson    I 


'  QftDtril  STA41S    1. 

iviTiior  MiiiriH  nf  N^w  ,1 


N..  .M..,.„M.  „.„  ,.f  .I,„|^,e  r„.wi,  .Mnrri.  nn,l  .all, 


"i: 


••■lii.'iili..|  nt  Viil..  Cill, 


WllS   In 


irii  (111  th, 


Ml    II 


llii'  :itilli  ri({iiiii":ii  ,,f  l.',,„t 
t(i.'  fi.ll..winK_vi'«r  to  ml.,, 
uf  III*  Diiwii^-er  I)ii,!i,>»«  of 
r'l-'iiip-iil,  in  whid,  dio  Kuko  iMit..i-i'il 

"llll    III!' 


l.'"'     il'/iili/ir:i,lM  /'.i/irrt  n/  W, 


Till  Ai 


larin..  St,.,.t*  of  .M„rrU.«ni«.  N.  V.,  „,„I  ^rnn,l,„„  „f 


||^:lHt,  1 7 is,  (  H„ll,m,  llhlnryof  Wr,ul, 


'>'■  :il.l  Mav,  n 


■wertifr  MotrO,  IIHI.     lUv 


Kit  Hilililiiiitnl  n 
•  ■i>r-|i>ii,   M 


"I,  mill  nltmiirit  ilic 


iiiK  ••iiliTiMl  tl,«  Himv,  liP  I 


riiiik  of  III  .j,ir  ill  n 


(Trni 

<r'tfr  Cvunly   ||  ,   jsi.)  nr,l 

lu'cnniis  ciiptnin  in 


V'liKMt  "f  IligliUmlom,  I7  III,  i„i!,„, ,f  ,, 


iiviTiiiiii'iit  tmviiijf  ri'snU,.,! 


.v.TP  mii.i,,,-,.,|  ,,||,|  ,„«p,.|u,,l  t„  Al.iT,l.. 


'«j"r  .Mcun\  111  wl 
ii«<'ii|itiiiii,  l.or.l  Will 


li"""   »li-  liu.l   ll,.,.,l   hllul 

mm  iH  lli<ut(.imiil  an. I  I.uril  (i, 


1.'  I!i>rit..ii  fninilv,   ,it  (li..  kxI 


V  niarri 


'<l, 


iii'ilalion 
wa»  H|.|Hiiii|,.,|    t„  r«i„,  iiiiij 


vhi"! 


at   ll.rnlmy  |„   \„»,,,„|„,f  (, 


ii«<-,ill«d  tli.SDil,  IlijfhIan.l  He.,. 


11,  •n.l  .MH|„r  Mnrri*  r,' 


'.In, 


iirtf"  «»  .■iiKitfii.     In  n  few  WfU 


r.iii.liili.rry  in  ITiU.   /le 


iiii'iit:  Willi  ii  In.  wiilmrki.I.  in  1>.n 
Willi.'  (  /.■.•....".'..  //„f,,ry  „/,/„  /,„.,,i,„,l  a„„.    IV 


I'niiiii.aiiin  (if  l.ieiitoniiiit('<il,.n..|  ,if  t| 


'Piiiln'r,  ntlii,  f„r  III..  Kiiit  liiil 


111'  n«w 
ie«,  ariitij 


'i/«<i«'»  A'urri/  at,,!  Mili 


l.-cl  i«nk  of  Hri«a.|i..r  (Ji.„„r„|.  (  j„,.v  /. 


lary  .\frii,f,irl,   1 1 


;i,'i 


*ll'l  it'  li.'ll 


l.'lliinlr.il„ii,.|    w,.|,|   „„    |,„|f , 


•Cl'oinli.!    ..|„nflortli,.  fii.t  „r,s,i 


I'l)  (111. I  .III  III,,  r.'t 

Hi 


iini  iif  III, 


III.,  'J.W.     On  7lli.liilv,  ITii,!,  Iip 


:nI.  'JS'J.)  an.!  m-rviiil    nt  llu.  ,\,fe  „f 


w«»  opiininU'.l  lo  till) 


in  17  nn,  i, 
tl 


>'<)  Ih 


■III  (il 


pnv,   Hliii»  |„  ,.,,i,ii„i,„,|   „||,j|   |7-|^      11^1 


rfifiiii.iit  lu  KnKlan.l  it  w«.  r.-.liici..i  in  I7(i,v  [llrovm) 


I.Tfli 


l'7'.'.|>..((rnf  III,  M^.,..    ,1,,,,^   / 


I"  ''" IF'.  n|>|.iiinlint'iit  ..l'  II 


■  ■•.•KiiiiPi,!  in  I77H,     II,,  „„,,  ,,,11,,, 


".(line  nmji'r  K,.|i,.riil  in   n 


1,1  w, 


tillln-i).   «|,.>  il!.,,|  ii,    111 


ifli.     lit 


iniriif  Ui,.|,w  |„  |7„7  „,„|  ,„,.,,  j„  ,, 


milk  .if  IJ. nil  ill  ilio  llrili»h  iiriny 


I'ral  M.iriia  wa«  t»lc..> 


"I  ^('j  H  MiB  I'rijiihuU,  whi 


mmri..!,  l-i  i,.  i|„.  K,,,.!,,.,.  „i  ii,.,,i 


ih  I'lirl  .if  III.,  y.iir  Isiiii  ill 


io«nr»i»t,l  h,i-  liiirbunl  Hhniil 


11  \t»r.  —  lii 


188 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANU.«  JRIPTS. 


of  Middle  Tem|)lf,  they  being  sucli  of  my  friends  as  may  most  probably  be  known  to  your 
LordP,  desiring  that  they  would  inform  you  of  my  Character  as  a  private  Gentleman,  and 
should  the  Representation  he  so  satisfactory  as  to  induce  your  Lord''  to  countenance  this 
application,  I  shall  always  retain  the  most  grateful  remembrance  of  your  goodness. 

Since  writing  the  above,  I  have  waited  on  Lieut'  Gov'  Golden  in  the  Country  informing 
him  of  Sir  Henry  Moore's  death,  at  which  time  he  thought  proper  lo  inform  me,  that  I  should 
not  be  continued  in  my  Department,  a  severe  stroke  upon  a  public  Ollicer  of  Govern',  to  be 
removed  without  any  imputation  of  malconduct. 
1  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect 

My  Lord 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  and 
humble  servant. 

Ph:  Livingston  Jun' 


i 


Lieuienani' Govern  or  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  Ililhhorough. 


{  Sew.Tork  Puperi  ( ?.  P.  0.)  CLXI. ) 


My  Lord, 


New  York,  13.  Sept'  1709. 


On  Monday  last  the  ll""  Inst:  Sir  Henry  Moore  Dyed  after  three  afternoon.  I  was  then  nt 
my  house  in  the  Country,  next  day  I  came  to  Town;  Sir  Henry's  Funeral  being  that  day,  I 
delayed  tiie  as8uniin«  the  Adniiuistration  of  (iovern'  to  this  day.  I  hiive  taken  in  Council,  the 
usual  Oathi  as  Lieut'  Gov' &  Commander  inChief  of  the  I'rovince.  I  am  not  as  yet  sutruieiilly 
informed  of  the  State  of  I'ulilic  affairs,  to  write  any  thing  in  particidar,  but  your  LordP  may  be 


assured,  that  it  shall  be  my  constant  endeavour  to  keep  tlie  I'rov' 


in  peace  atid  tranquility 


Since  I  came  to  Town,  I  have  seen  many  of  the  principal  Inliabilunis,  who  give  me  hope  that 
I  shall  succeed  in  my  endeavour,  and  I  have  good  ground  to  hope  that  my  Administration  will 
l)e  made  ea..y  to  me. 

The  appointment  of  n  Register  in  the  prerogative  Office  became  necessary  immediately  after 
the  Gov''  death.  I  have  appointed  M'  IJanyar,'  Deputy  Secretary,  lo  execute  ihatOftke,  who 
executed  the  same  while  I  had  the  Administration  formerly,  and  many  years  before  that  time, 

'  r!.ii.ri)iiiin»-  lUsTAii  w«8  tmrn  in  the  oity  df  I.nnlon  in  tlie  y  »r  17J1,  nii.l  i*  unlil  tn  li*ve  como  to  thin  country  in  17:17. 
Ge»r|/c.lo»i>|.li  Mu..ri',  llpe  I).|.\ily  Au.litt.r  (ipmriil,  Inning  iIimciwI  on  tli«  1h\  I'.liruiirv  171.1-fi,  Mr.  Hanjiir  wan  ii|'|iointa<l 
Ilia  mc'.'i'iii'r,  «n>l  on  llii-  J.l  .liinc,  174«,  A»a«  sworn  in  iiii  l»e|pnly  S.^ri'liiry  of  llie  Province,  l>»|i\ity  Clf  rk  of  tin,'  Council  and 
Ilcpiity  Clrik  of  \hr  Sii|, renin  Court.  ^'rv-York  Cunneil  Minulm,  XXI.,  D'J.  Id  nft'J  ho  rfcivcl  the  coinmiMion  of  I!.'ni«t«r 
of  the  Court  of  Clmnocry,  ( 0<mmi«»-Vm«,  V.,  r,\.}  nnil  in  tin-  followintj  y^o^  llint  of  .linlge  of  I'rubiile  mul  of  Kxiiininvr  in  the 
J'roronntivp  tonrt.  /hiit,  (lU,  63.  II<'  Jlnclmrgeil  the  iluties  o(  tlimie  »i.»criil  olliccs  until  lliu  tcrniiiintion  of  the  Kov«l 
(iovi-rnmi'-.t  in  llio  I'mvino*  of  New-York.  At  lli»  linnkiiiij  out  of  tin  revolution  Mr.  Iliinyiir  rcliriMl  to  iiliiiu'l.ck,  wliiifnT 
Bir  Il.nry  Clint. m  Kent  a  m-iile.I  il.'-pitili  lo  him.  |irevioii»  to  tli..  pnnti'in|.Uti.l  iitliok  ii|.mm  I'jopim,  iiKkin^  for  infornmtion 
M  to  tlip  liMt  nioil,.  of  Rinii'liin;;  lliiit  |.liiop.     Afl.  r  III.'  olR.'iT  iiml  lii^  iilt  hlnnli  liml  In  en  prop,  riy  iiitertainu.l,  Mr.  ll^inyBr 

.|:«iiii*s(.|  tliiin  with  it  i-.-nlcl  l.l'er  fofSir  Il.nry  «hi.h,  on  l.iiiiir  o|.en...l,  WH^foiin.l  to tmii  tin*  liconio  reply,  "Mr.  Hiinvar 

kii.nn  nothing;."     It  ia  iiiipo..»ihV.,  tny,  CJorlmiii  A.  Worth,  t.«  r.llict  oiiu  inoineiit  up<jn  llni  pomlion  which  Mr,  II.  occiipi.d 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


189 
that  white  I  pe,f„r,„  „,y  J,„y.  I  ,".Jl'Z,J,      '    r      '    ,    '"  °°'  '°  '""  '»  ''  »'"'■  »»'' 

.  ha«  „„  honor  ,„  L  wi^,'  .hi  j;!!;'::,::;;';:""' ''°"  '"""■•  ■"""""''"'• 

>'y  Lord 

Your  meet  obedient  nnd 

fQithlul  servant 

Cadwallader  Golden. 


Zieutenant-Oovernor  CoUen  to  the  Earl  of  IlUhhorough. 

t  New- York  Papers  ( S.  P.  O. )  CLXI.  ] 

My  Lord.  New  York.  4.  October  17G9. 

Members   of    Assembly,  I    had    assurances   Zn      h  '«.  ^P^'''^'''-  ""d  several  of  the 

Administration  easy  to^^e.     Notlti ,rbri  7 )  "..  '^"''""'°"    ^°    '""'^'^    '"^^ 

being  eon,orn.ab,e  ^  the  .ene";;'- llli:  t  ^  I^;  I:'::'.::  :;:^;^  r^''  ''  T' 
some  are  of  a  ,nite  diiferent  disposition  ;  but  I  ^',^^l^^:^J^Z^:':^^ 
disposition  to  raise  di(Iiculti,.s  in  tliis  Covern'  *        '"  """'' 

(luring  llie  Revolution,  nnil  llu'  miinrii.r  in  ul.i..i.  i  .         j  .  • 

remov..,!  „f,er  th«  Pen.e  to  Alba,,,..  wluT..  he  nU„v.  took  .  1:.,        '  •'"''^'    ^''"'^""'  "'    "•   ^'-  f-«   in    A-nc-rioa.     It, 

w....,n  .,„,  „i.io„. „ .,,  „,.,.,  „„  nii^i-^itlKriiT;; :;:::. :;:''™';''7'" •  r  '-'^  '^'^ ^ 

til.,  niop,!  j.„|i,.h.ii«  pinn  of  i.L,k,„i,  tin!   rivfr  riRri.-aM        Ti  ■      i  ,         ""  "^ '"""■»'"'"'"  l<  nvor,  «h,Ui.„erAlly  n.  to 

"r^ viv...i  Hi.  u,„  7  ,.r:  .,„, ,;;::;  :c  n, , ;; ::::'  :^  'r;'^ ^'' '"  ?' "^  --•'" ■ -  m. 

of  hi.  ..„„,■  v.nu...  «.„|  i,.„  .,„,„,,,„  .,f  ,  ,i,,  ,,,„,;,";"  '■;';""  •'"'  ■■''  ""'"^'-K  inl,eri,„„»._  ,I„.  rocollveli,,,. 


190 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


in  allowing  the  payments  of  the  money  borrowed,  to  be  made  of  a  tenth  part  every  year.  The 
reason  of  this,  is  that  some  of  the  borrowers  on  the  former  Emission,  suft'ered  by  their  imprudence 
and  had  their  Estates  sold  in  execution  greatly  under  their  value. 

The  Clerk  of  the  Council  tells  me,  that,  the  Acts  passed  last  sessions  of  Assembly,  were 
transmitted  by  the  June  Packet  from  hence,  &  M'  Livingston  Sir  Henry's  Secretary,  says,  that 
the  Bill  for  a  paper  currency  was  transmitted  to  your  Lord?  by  the  last  Packet,  in  the 
preceeding  month. 

My  Lord— You  did  me  the  honor  to  signify  to  Sir  Henry  Moore,  that  his  Majesty  graciously 
attended  to  the  losses  and  sufferings  of  a  meritontjus  old  servan'  of  the  Crown,  and  recommended 
his  insisting  on  a  recompence  from  the  Ass  ,ne  which  I  have  not  obtained.     How  far 

Sir  Henry  interested  himself  in  the  recomn  i,  I  know  not,  but  how  his  Majesty  may 

recompence  me,  by  graciously  suffering  me  to  ■  ...inue  in  the  Administration,  with  the  salovy 
&  perquisites;  if  my  conduct  demonstrates  an  entire  regard  to  my  duty,  and  I  be  able  to 
preserve  the  Province  in  tranquility,  as  it  shall  be  my  steady  endeavour  to  do,  I  hope  I  may 
beg  your  LordP's  favourable  representation  of  my  case  to  His  Majesty  for  that  purpose, 
I  am  with  the  greatest" respect  &  submission 

My  Lord 

Your  most  obedient  and  . 

faithful  servant. 

Cadwalladeu  Colden. 


^  . «  » ».  ♦- 


i 


■i 


Earl  of  lUllshorougli  to  Lieutenant-Governor  Col 


(ten. 


I  \ow-Tork  Popcrt  (  8.  P.  O.  )  CLXI.  ] 


Sir, 


Whitehall,  4.  Nov'  1769. 


Your  letter  of  the  IS'"  of  Sept',  conlaiiiing  an  account  of  the  death  of  Sir  Henry  Moore, 
was  received  on  the  IC"-  of  October,  and  immediately  laid  before  the  King.  ' 

It  will  be  a  great  satisfaction  to  me  to  hear,  that  the  State  of  the  Colony  is  such  as  to  justify 
the  expectation  you  have  of  being  able  to  preserve  the  public  peace  and  tranquility,  and  that 
your  Administration  would  be  made  easy  to  you. 

It  is  as  much  my  inclination  as  my  duty  to  promote  these  salutary  ends,  and  you  may  rest 
assured,  that  you  will  never  want  every  support  and  protection  in  my  power  to  give  you. 

The  only  matter  of  any  moment  relative  to  the  Colony  of  New  York,  which  seems  to  require 
immediate  consideration,  is  the  Mill  for  emitting  ,tl200()0in  paper  liilLs  of  Credit,  prepared  in 
the  last  Session  of  Assembly,  but  which  was  not  transmitted  by  Sir  H.  Moore  till  a  few  days 
before  he  died. 

I  lost  no  time  after  it  came  to  my  hands  in  receiving  the  King's  commands  to  transmit  it  to 
the  iJoard  of  Trade  which  will  be  reassembled  in  a  few  days  after  the  usual  recess,  and  where 
1  doubt  not,  that  it  will  meet  with  all  the  Dispatch  the  importance  of  it  demands. 

I  am  fttc. 

HlLLSUOItOUOII. 


I- 


, ...   ,f 


N"  5. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 
Lieutenant.Govermr  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  IlilUlormigh. 

[Naw-Tork  Papers  ( s.  P.  0. )  CLXII.] 


191 


My  Lord,  New  York.  4  December,  1769. 

Merchant,  „r  ,l,i,  p,  J,  Ji,;;X!,fr„„     rr   '"    """'''"'''y-     ^ince   ,h.,.  >l„,e   ,h, 

people  have  greatly  at  heart,  m  11,11.  of  Credit  ,■  the  pa,„„g  of  „hich  tho 

re„o™™e„.,e.  to  the„,.    .ro,„  thj^^ ,:r  ^a  tr.Xlerrt'h!;  ol'^il'r 

A..e,„bly,  and  I  expect  will  receive  the  Council',  co  "rr.n  e      The  So     T  ,  ,  "'"  °' 

aa„,c  Which  p.,.ed  laat  .e,.ion,  of  which  Sir  Hen^IrLl    t!'     "o'p  "t':  ;::  Lo^i: 

The  greatest  number  of  the  nresent  Asst.n-I.iv  r  ,i,:.  t  ' '        '         ^"'^" 

..e  i„tcre.t  of  the  Colonic.  .^  ^.^  ^i:::::!^  ::::;:z:zz,  'cr:;";-:.- :::, ',;: 

.ome  port,  of  their  proceedin..  which  have  not  »o  „„„J  onngaljout.     I  hi.  may  excuse 

the  present  circumstances  of  this  I'h.ce  it  is  sii,!  .!,.„        .  i       .  ,  '^'''^'"'^'y'  *  ^ ''"=''  '" 

I  hope,  at  theconch,sio„  of  the    es  ion   1  m  v  be  1/     ^  T      "      '"""  '""^"^  ^""'^  '"^''^^  «'• 
an  agreable  account  of  theil  di^Ztio'n        '  '  ""'  """  '^"'"'"^^'  '"  ^'^^  ^""^  ^^^^ 

1  have  tlie  lionor  to  be  with  entire  submib^jon 

My  Lord, 

Your  most  obedient 

and  faithful  servant. 

Cadwallapeh  CoLnE.v. 


192 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


-4 


Jxulge  Livingston  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough.. 

[  New.Tork  Pap«ra  ( 8.  P.  O. )  CLXII.] 

,.    ,      ,  New  York.  4.  Decemb'  17G9. 

My  Lord,  , 

The  Prerogatives  of  the  Crown  and  the  liberties  of  the  People,  being  alike  affected  by  a  late 
transaction  in  our  Assembly,  my  duty  to  the  Crown  as  a  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  to 
the  people  as  one  of  their  Representatives,  obliges  me  to  mention  it  to  Your  Lord?;  and  the 
rather  as  His  Honor  the  Lieut*  Gov'  to  whom  the  votes  of  the  House  are  daily  presented,  has 
suffered  it  to  pass  unnoticed. 

Your  LordP  has  doubtless  been  informed  by  Sir  Henry  Moore,  that  a  vote  passed  last 
Sessions  of  our  Assembly  declaring  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  incapable  of  serving  in  their 
House.  Immediately  after  this  Resolution  I  was  unanimously  elected,  and  in  consequence  of 
this  vote  denied  a  seat,  notwithstanding  an  immemorial  custom  in  this  and  all  the  other 
American  Colonies  for  Judges  to  seat  as  Representatives  when  chosen,  which  they  very 
frequently  are. 

I  take  the  liberty  to  precent  your  Lord?  with  the  arguments  I  urged  to  the  House  in  support 
of  my  right  to  a  seat.  I  think  I  may  venture  to  assure  Vour  LordP,  that  the  People  in  general 
do  not  concurr  with  the  house  in  these  measures.  Some  evidences  of  which  I  have  already 
received  and  doubt  not,  that  to  these  many  more  (when  the  matter  is  farther  explained)  will 
be  added. 

How  much  the  Crown  is  interested  in  this  Transaction,  your  Lord^'s  acquaintance  with  the 
affairs  of  Govern'  will  enable  you  to  Judge,  as  well  as  to  distinguish  it  from  that,  which  in 
the  case  of  Wilks  disturbs  the  tranquility  of  the  Nation. 

Were  1  not  fully  assured  that  no  part  of  my  conduct,  either  in  my  public  or  private  capacity 
has  rendered  me  disagreable  to  tie  people,  I  would  not  now  have  troubled  Your  Lord?,  but 
have  resigned  an  Office,  which  nothing  but  the  Honor  of  serving  His  Muj"'  and  the  Colony 
induces  me  to  hold.  Your  Lord?  will  pardon  the  liberty  which  a  sence  of  duty  has  urged  me 
to  take,  and  will  believe  me  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect,  What  I  truly  am.  My  Lord 

Your  Lordi''8  most  obedient 
humble  servant 

Ron'  R.  Livingston.* 

'  .IiKlge  RoBKRT  R.  r.iviNOBTOH,  of  Clertnont,  wns  tlie  clJeM  son  of  Robert  U,  a  mfrclinnt  of  Nsw-York,  nnd  Mninarct  IIow- 
eidcD  auJ  i»a.  born  in  171».  }Mgalt'k  American  Otnealngy,  IHl.  In  17f,(t,  li,.  war,  avpoinUd  one  of  the  judg.B  to  hold  a  court 
M-  the  trial  of  offcnc*  committed  at  sea,  ami  in  1703  one  of  the  justieou  of  tlie  Supreme  Court  of  New-Y.,rk.  H«  repro- 
•iiited  the  eounty  of  Dutoheas  in  the  AtDembly  from  175lt  to  1708..  On  I7th  May.  170lt,  tlie  House  paaaed,  unaniiiioimly,  a 
rexolution  "  that  no  jiui^e  of  the  Supreme  Com  t  shall,  in  future,  have  a  seat  or  vote  as  a  member  of  lhi«  lIou»e,"  wliioh  was 
enforced  in  November  following  in  the  cnKe  of  Mr.  Juslioc  LivingBton,  who  was  elected  to  represent  the  manor  of  that  name, 
(  a  .vacancy  having  occurred  in  eon»e<|uence  of  the  scat  of  Mr.  Pliilifi  UvinK'fton  huvini;  been  voided  for  non-residence,)  and 
declared  di8.iualified.  Having  been  .cMect.d  in  the  cource  of  the  f,.llowing  month,  his  scat  was  again  declared  vacant,  and 
on  his  reelection  in  177(1,  he  wos  again  excluded  'IMh  January,  1771,  and  again  in  1772,  after  which  he  did  not  present  him- 
self Aunnbly  .hmrnaU ;  sub  avmt.  Judge  J.ivingslon  was  appointed  in  1707,  and  again  in  177:i,  one  of  the  eomTnissioners  to 
agree  to  a  line  of  juri^dietion  between  New-Vork  and  Massacl.nsctU..  and  did  ..f  «p„|,le,vy  at  Philadelphia,  Dec.  'J.  177ft,  aged 
67  years.  Jialph  har,V>  Corrt>po,  d»„e.  192.  He  was  married  to  Margaret,  daughter  of  Col.  Henry  Ileekman,  who  survived 
him  nearly  if,  years.  Of  their  ehildicn,  Robert  H.  wiia  aflerwanls  llie  distinguished  Chancellor  of  New-York  ;  Janet,  one  of 
the  daughters,  marri.d  (i.  n,  r«l  Montgon.eiy,  who  fell  before  Ihe  walls  of  Quebec,  nnd  another,  named  Gertrude,  was  the 
wife  of  Governor  Morgan  Lewis.  Jtulyale.  —  ED. 


Si. 


B',5 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


193 


J^Airl  of  imhhoronfjh  to  Lieutenant-Governor  Golden. 


[NoK-Vork  P.per«(S.  P.O.)CLXl.] 


Sir, 


Whitehall  9.  Dec'  17G9. 


Since  my  letter  to  vou  of  the  V^  nf  l-iaf  n.r,n.i.  t  u  •      .  ^ 

«,  I      •       1    J     ■         .  niontli  I  have  received  your  Dispatches  N"'  2  nn.l  1 

jjij.iru  01    irade    an    extract  of  so  much  of  your  Letter  of  thp  dn-  „f  n  .  i  i 

irom  nis  .M.ijJ"  allowance  ot  the  paper  currency  Bill.  •'  f 

The  main  ohstacle  to  the  wishes  of  the  Colony  as  to  this  Bill,  arises  from  a  doubt  whether 

.^enacung  that  these  B   Is  of  credit  shall  be  a  tender  at  the  Loan  OlHce  and  at  the  Tre        ^ 

H,o   perhaps  not  w.thm  the  meaning  and  intention  of  the  Act  of  Parliament  of  the  4-  of  S 

Ha  -.does  not  however  come  so  far  within  the  letter  of  it  as  to  make  it  unfit  for  the  Kin«  ,o 

nstruct  h.s  Gov'  to  assent  to  the  Bill.     The  opinion  of  the  Attorney  and  Sol liciti    Ge  "Is 

u  uirrttr:,.;  :7T'°"' ";' ":  ^'^^^ '-'-'  ^-^"^  --^"---  ^oubt  than?;!' 

It,  the  matter  must  finally  rest  for  decision  with  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  Council  to 
whom  the  Board  of  Trade  will,  in  .  few  days  make  their  report  upon  the  Bill! 

d     ved   rem  I  Cr  vv^'Tr   "      °"  ^.  "^'^'^  '"'""P''^'"'  "•'^'^•'  «^«  '^'^^^^^  "-'-''ties 
uenved  from  the  Crown  of  France,  unt.l  the  Petitions  &  proposals  for  such  grants,  shall  have 

been  transmuted  hither  and  His  Maj'^'-  pleasure  signified  thereupon. 

Ju  J  1767   forbuldmg  any  grants  to  be  made  of  the  lan.is  annexed  to  New  York  by  His  M.^i". 
etermn,at>on  of  the  boundary  line,  between  that  Colony  and  New  Hampshire,  tcfge^er  w  ,b 

o  z  V  ;;'b  "ti:;;?  t  "ri!"""' "' ''-  ^^'^  °^ ''-' '-'  -  ^"«  -'^^^  ^^  ^'-  '-^"-^ 

ut  vou  1  L  Ilir    f  'V.°    .'''""""•  ""'  '  '■""  ''  •'"■8"">'  ^"  y°"'  the  King's  commands, 

th.   voudo    „     "^  '  "  '■"'^"'""^  •-■°"'"'"^"'  '"    ""•««  -''-^   "S^   Instructions, 

an,   that  you  do  not,  upon  any  pretence,  presume  to  Act  contrary  thereto. 

out  for    it' a      "7^^''^y;"«t'--"""--'-  preparing  for  him,  and  His  Lord-  proposes  setting 
out  for  h.8  Govern'  as  early  u.  the  spring  as  he  can  find  a  safe  conveyance-  ^ 

I  am  etlc. 

HlLLSBOnOUGH. 


Lwitma,it-(f<mmor  Colkn  U>  the   luivl  of  IIilhhorou,jh. 

|\o  (^_  CXfw-York  Papers  (^:.  P.  o. )  CLXII.] 

My  Lord,  ^^^'  ^"'■'^>  l^-  Decemb'  17G9. 

The  Assembly  fron,  the  .M-  of  last  month,  till   last  Friday,  sat  without  entering  upon  the 
prov.s.on  to  be  n.ade  lor  the  Troops  quartered  in  the  I'lace.     They  then  can.e  to  the  LoUuionl 


Vol..  VIIL 


'  Siipin,  |i.  171,  —  Ku. 


194 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


of  which  I  incloso  a  copy,  that  your  LordP  may  receive  ail  the  information  I  can  give  of  their 
present  disposition. 

The  consideration  of  this  matter  was  delayed,  in  order,  as  I  was  told,  that  the  house  might 
be  brought  to  an  unanimous  resolution.  But  your  LordP  will  observe,  that  though  the  resolve 
for  granting  a  sum  of  money  for  supplying  the  Troops,  did  pass,  nem  :  con  :  yet  they  unhappily 
differed  m  their  sentiments  upon  the  mode  of  granting  the  money;  and  the  manner  in  which 
It  was  carried,  was  the  most  that  could  be  obtain'd  by  those,  who  would  willingly  have  given 
the  whole  sum  out  of  the  Treasury.  This  dilference  of  sentiment  I  think  has  arisen  from  the 
attention  which  many  of  the  Members  pay  to  their  popularity;  and  from  the  artifices  of  others, 
who  may  be  unwilling  that  the  Assembly  should  at  this  time,  when  they  have  not  the  lead, 
gain  too  much  credit.  Great  pains  has  been  taken  not  only  in  this  Town  io  intimidate  the 
Members,  but  in  the  Counties,  to  procure  Instructions  against  granting  any  m  ,ney  for 
the  Troops  otherwise  than  out  of  the  money  to  be  emitted  on  loan,  and  1  believe  this  only 
has  innuenced  several  of  the  members,  who,  it  was  confidently  expected,  would  have  voted 
otherwise  than  they  did. 

This  fluctuating  disposition  of  several  of  the  Members,  makes  it  impossible  for  me.  My 
Lord,  at  this  time  to  say  on  what  terms  they  may  now  offer  the  Bill  for  emitting  Bills  of 
Credit,  or  what  will  be  the  issue  of  this  session.  But  I  am  resolved  as  far  as  it  is  my  power, 
to  preserve  the  Colony  in.  Tranquility,  and  I  doubt  not  I  shall  be  able  to  do  so,  notwithstanding 
of  all  the  endeavours  of  some  people  to  raise  up  dissentions. 

I  have  the  lienor  to  be  with  great  submission 
My  Lord 

Your  most  obedient  & 

faithful  servant 

Cadwallauek  Colukn. 


I'fci 


t 


liqn'cs  itatlon  on  the  Non-Importation  and  other  liesolutions  of  the  JVtw  -  York 

Asscmbli/. 

I  Vow.Tork  EoUIld,  LXVlU.,  J9.  ] 

To  the  Kings  most  excellent  Majesty. 
May  it  please  your  Majesty 

Vour  Majesty's  late  Governor  of  the  Colony  of  New  York,  having  transmitted  to  I's  the 
Journal  of  the  proceedings  of  the  House  of  Representatives  Your  Majesty's  Colony  of  New 
York,  in  their  last  Ses,  ^on  of  Assembly,  &  it  appearing  to  us  upon  perusal  of  this  Joiirnal  that 
the  said  house  of  Uq,  e.s  mtalives  ha-1  taken  up  Questions  and  considerations  of  a  very 
extraordinary  nature  we  think  it  Our  duty  humbly  to  represent  to  Your  Majesty 

That  on  the  10  of  April  last  a  motion  was  made  in  the  house  in  the  following  words  Viz' 

That  the  thanks  of  that  house  be  given  to  the  Merchants  of  that  city  and  colony  for  'heir 
rt-pcited  d..siiitere.stod  I'ublic  .Spirit  &  patriotic  conduct  in  dedining  the  importation  or 
reco.v.ng  of  goods  from  Great  Britain  until  bucli  Acta  of  Parliament  us  the  Asbemhiy  'had 


m 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 


195 


declared  uncons  .tufonn  and  subversive  of  the  rightH  and  liberties  of  the  people  of  this 
Colony,  should  be  repealed,  and  that  M^  Speaker  signify  the  same  to  the  Merchants  at  their 
next  Monthly  meeting  m  consequence  of  which  motion  an  Order  was  made,  that  the  Speaker 
s.gn.fy  the  thanks  of  that  house  to  the  Merchants  of  that  City  at  their  next  monthly  meeting 
accordm.ly :  We  l.kew.se  humbly  beg  leave  to  represent  to  Your  Majesty  that  another  motion 
was  made  n  the  words  following  Viz' 

Whereas  it  is  not  constitutional  in  Englant'  for  the  Judges  in  either  England  or  Scotland  to 
s.t  or  vote  ,n  the  house  of  Commons  it  is  moved  that  that  house  do  enter  a  Resolution  on  their 
Journals  that  for  the  future  no  Judge  of  the  supreme  Court  shall  be  allowed  to  sit  or  vote  as 
members  of  Uiat  house  whereupon  it  was  resolved,  nemino  contradicente.  that  no  Judge  of 
the  supreme  Court  nhall  for  the  future  have  a  S.at  or  vote  as  a  member  of  (hat  house 

These  proceedings  may  it  please  Your  Majesty,  appear  to  us  to  he  of  so  unwarrantable  o 
nature  and  to  contain  matter  of  such  High  Importance  that  we  shall  not  presume  to  offer  any 
opinion  what  ma;-  be  proper  to  be  do  ,e  thereupon,  submitting  it  to  your  Majesty  to  pursue  such 
measures  as  Your  Majesty  shall  in  your  great  wisdom  and  with  the  advice  of  your  Council 
tlink  most  prudent  and  necessary. 

Which  is  most  humbly  submitted 

SoAME    JeNVNS 

„,,  .,  ,    ,,  W™  Fitzherhert 

Whitehall  ™ 

_,  „.     ,„„„  J  HOMAS  UOBINSO.V 

Dec:  21.  1769,  .  .  t 


^  ■■  »  f^- 


Iiq)remitation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  regarding  an  Enm-sion  of  JJilU  of  Credit. 

I  New-Vork  F.iilrle«,LXVni.,  84.] 

To  the  Right  Hon'"o  The  Lords  of  the  Comm"  of  His  Majesty's  most  Hon:  Privy  Council 
for  Plantations  Affairs. 

My  Lords 

Pursuant  to  your  Lordships  Order  of  the  tenih  of  last  Month  we  have  taken  into  Our 
Consideration  the  Petition  of  the  House  of  Oeneral  Assembly  of  His  Majesty's  Colony  of  New 
York  by  their  Agent  humbly  praying  for  the  reasons  therein  contained"  that  His  Majesty  will 
be  pleased  to  direct  the  (Jovernor  of  New  York  to  pass  into  a  law,  a  IJill  passed  by  the  House 
of  Assembly  and  Council  of  that  Colony  in  their  late  Session  in  April  for  tl...  emission  of 
^li-'O.OOO  in  IJiils  of  Credit ;  we  have  likewise  in  pursuance  of  your  Lordships  said  order,  tak-Mi 
into  Our  Consideration  the  Copy  of  the  Address  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  said  Colony 
to  the  late  Covernor  ai.nex  d  to  the  abovementioned  Petition  setting  forth  the  absolute 
necessity  which  they  conceive  there  is  in  the  present  .ituation  of  that  Colony  for  his  assenting 
t)  the  Hill  as  proposed  whereupon  we  beg  'eave  to  report  to  your  Lordships 

That  this  Board  having  in  their  hnmhie  repivs.ntation  to  His  Majesty  of  the  O'"  of  Feb-  ]7(;4 
amongst  other  matters  therein  contained  given  an  opinion  at  large  i-ion  th,.  (Jeneral  I'olicy  of 
a  paper  Currency  with  a  legal  tender  in  His  Majesty's  American  Coloni-.s,  agreahle  to  wliich 
opinion  au  Act  '.vas  passed  in  the  4'"  year  ol    His  present  Majesty  to  prevent  paper  Bills 


19G 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


of  Credit  being  .leclared   a  legal  tender  i,,  any  of  the    «nid   Colonies   we  have    nothing  to 

lti:;::Siot:  '"''^ ""''" '''  ^"^-^^'^  ^''-""'^ '''-  ^'"  -^---^ '« <--  «'ove 

On  this  occasion  however  we  think  it  our  duty  to  inform  your  Lordships  that  His  Maiesty's 
late  Governor  of  New  lork  Sir  Henry  Moore  did  in  a  letter  dated  May  the  29-^  nSly 
express  h.s  sent.men.s  with  regard  to  the  expediency  of  this  Measure  we  beg  leave  tlWoe 

of  a  paper  therem  nclosed  containing  the  reasons  which  were  set  forth  by  His  Majesty's 
Co  ncl  of  New  York  .„  their  remarks  on  the  Bill,  to  these  we  shall  beg  leave'to  subj.  ^'1 

fLlTT  ,  ^'"'  ''"''  ''"''''""  '''''''  ''  ^"^^  '"  «f  0'''''^»'r  '-t.  on  the  sam  subject' 
from  al  wh.ch  papers  together  with  those  referred  by  your  Lordships  on  the  part  of  the 
Assembly  Your  Lordships  will  be  enabled  to  collect  the  sentiments  and  op  ions  of 
the  entire  Legislature  of  this  Colony.  opinions    oi 

Having  submitted  these  papers,  to  your  Lordships  we  have  only  to  add,  that  a  doubt  arisin^r 

ZIT:      17'1  ^°  '""  ''''  "^'"'^  ""'  ""^  ^"''  ^^'-'"-  '''^^'^'^  Clause  do      nlef 

the  Act  of  I  arhament  abovementioned  &  whether  His  Majesty  may  or  may  not  consistent 

he  said   Bill,  containing  such    clause  as   aforesaid,   we    did    refer   the    .aid   Clause    to    the 
consideration  of  His  Majesty's  Atto^  &  Sol^  General  who  have  reported  to  us  their  opin  on 

rri;'a7L  toir^r  '''  '^"-/'-^""-  -  annex,  submi'tting  to  yonrL„rdsl,f:: 
gue  such  adMce  to  H  s  Majesty  upon  the  matter,  as  to  your  Lordships  wisdom  shall  seem 

;:j:';x;i:  z;:;:""°"  °"" '"' "-"  *  °"^«  --»'  "^-"■•--  -'■  r-^' ..  r: 

We  are  my  Lords, 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  &  most 

humble  Servants 

Hillsborough 
•^OAME  Jenvn3 
Ed  :  Eliot 
Whitehall  Lism'HNE' 

Dec' 28.  1769  '1"'iom as  Robinson 

VV'"    FiTZlIEKUEKT 


Lieutenant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  mihhorovyh. 


N<>7. 


[  Ncw-Vork  I'apcra  (8.  P.  O.)  CLXII.  ] 


My  Lord,  N<^w  York,  4  January  1770. 

His  Majesty's  order  in  Council  of  the  24-  July  1767  restrains  me  from  granting  the  letters 
Patent  prayed  for  by  the  inclosed  Petition.     ,  am  well  assured,  that  the  facts  are.' s  set  S 

i.;i:::::::;^:r^ri;;;:;: ;:: ';;;:t  ;-;"■  ;r  t\  rr\  -' '"""  -"" '-  -"^ '''"-' «"-''- 

ira.iu  iroin  1,0^  lu  1 ,  ,i,.     11,^  l.onl.hip  died  on  tliu  Gtli  Janimi^,  1800.   Debrtll.  —  Kd. 


I' t" 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


197 


by   he  Pe^foners ;  and  whatever  equitable  claim  to  thoBe  persons  may  have,  who  took  grants 
of  L  nds  from  the  Govern,  of  New  fiampshire,  lying  KastwanI  of  any  Lands  granted  by    M 

Z:7vir  "    'Tr'T  "T'  '°^"""  "  ""^  '"'^'^°'""'"  S™"'«  '•--  that  GoverV' 
r^uuisly.ng  nearer  Hu.lsons  K.ver,  than  lands  .lo,    which  were  granted   under  this  Trov- 

extl,r7l  . nir^  'T  "^"''-^^^"'"y  -»-"  't  -  considered  that  they  passed  ovgr  a  largo' 
xtent  o(  Land,  much  nearer  to  Connecticut  River,  to  come  at  those  Lands,  which  lye  within 

whiirt^e  SeZr""":      ;*' r.'"'^:-   /!'"•'"  «-"-'■  "^-"  -en  seated  themselves'on  . 
ht    W  Tm         :      °r  '"'  •"''"  """«'■'  '"  "'^""''"  "t  '^^  commencement  of  the 

tr     -^  7  '^'""*'''  ^'""'^  '''■°'"  *•'•'  ^^°^«^"'  "f"  N.  Han,pshire,  for  any  of  these 

Lan  s  vv.     out  pay.ng  t  e  least  regard  to  the  prior  grants  and  notorious'claim  of  thisVr  vince 
re  1  em  oners  have  been  at  considerable  expence  in  exploring  and  surveying  these  lands, 
and  have  h.ther.o  been  prevented  from  receiving  the  benefit  of  His  Maj-^'-  bounty      I  t  erefbre 
ought  ,t  necessary  My  Lord,  to  comply  with  their  desire,  that  I  should  transmit  theil  pI  iU  „' 
to  your  Lord"  m  order  to  obtain  His  Maj'>''  commands  thereon. 

Kilir"tn^h^°'"'''r""'  "!'  '"''^'"T'  ""^  '^"'''^••'ti''"  "r"'«  Country  lying  West  of  Connecticut 

tie  17  T7\'  '"■"'''  ''^  ""  ''°^""''  °'  ^^''^  Hampshire,  is  entirely  retarded  by 

orn  er  V  n  n^'  T"      "  "''''"  '^'"^•^"  '""^'^  ^'''"f'^''^'""  -''  "^  C^overnment.    WhenI 

w  stLnt?:/;'"  '  '."^' "^°'^*'"'  °"  measures  respecting  these  Lands,  which 

was  then  as  u red  would  g,ve  entire  satisfaction  to  these  people,  &  would    produce  the 

SHws  "■'"■"'  °'  ""  ''"''''''"  "•'  "  "'^^  considerable  augmentation  of  His  M^jLty-: 

of  cZecIio.rir'"'  '"'"  '""'„'■''''"■  «'■'''"''  ''^  ^'^"''^  ^''"^  '•'«  «°^«^"'  «f  J^-  Hampshire  west 
of  Connect.cu    U.ver.  very  w.lhng  to  take  new  (Jrants  for  the  same  lands  from  this  Covern'  • 

te  expence  of  tak.ng  out  the  Patents  being  the  only  objection.     To  obviate  this,  I  told  aJ 

".any  as  then  apphed  to  me,  that  I  would  give  them  Grants  and  leave  it  to  themselves  to  pay 

me  such  proportion  of  my  fees  as  they  could  conveniently  do.  .S.  that  I  would  use  my  influence 

with  the  other  ofl.cers  of  (,overn'  to  lower  their  fees  in  these  Cases.     This  was  so  agreable  to 

the  people,  that  the  Proprietors  of  several  Townships,  immediately  proceeded  to  take  the 

n.vessary  steps,  for  obtaining  the  new  Grants,  but  I  was  prevented  from  puting  the  Seal  to 

any  of  them  by  the  arrival  of  Sir  Henry  Moore.'     He  afterwards  took  his  full  Fees  for  one  of 

those  Grants,  which  had  been  very  near  ready  for  the  Seals  before  he  came;  and  I  am  told  he 

refused  to  pass  any  without  his  full  Fees  were  paid.     This  gave  great  disgust  to  the  people. 

and  occasioned  those  applications  which  have  since  been  made  to  the  King  on  this  subject 

I  th.nk  It  my  duty  to  submit  my  Sentiments  on  this  matter  to  your  Lordn,  as  I  am  still  of 

opinion  t  at   New  Grants  given  by  this   Govern',  to  those   people   who   have   an   equitable 

pretence,  by  their  former  Grants  from  New  Hampshire,  under  such  fees  of  Gtlice  as  shall  be 

■  Sir  IlK^uv  Moou«.  B«.t..  w«s  gra„,l«,„  of  J.,h„  Jloc.ro.  &,,„  who  settlcl  at  lia.ba.locs  in  the  roi«n  of  Charles  11     a„  1 

survive,!  them,  aii.l  n,..|v.l  us  I.K-utenanl-C.vc.nor  of  that  W«n,l  fro,,.  1750  oiitil   HiU  aiul  f,-,,,,,  n,u,  („*-.•.,      u     ■        . 
atter   porio,,   of   his  .hninisUutio,,   ho  su,,pr«s...,    a„  a,..,.,„i,„  i„.,.ectio,.  J  ^^i^  ^^t^    ll^^L  ^::"!,"' 
hn«la„d,  wh.ro  h,s  enor.y  i„  Jan.nica  pnu-ured  f,„.  ,,i,„  „  „aro,  e.oy  on  the  2Mth  Jannarv    1  a       .^,! 

;i;;r:::;,:;:,^;;:^;;i;%r:;;:-, -,-rr  '^""1  ^^i?  r^  :a  :^.^'::'::L;;r.rrrt:: 
i; ;:.;;:  ::::■;■ ;""  """•  '^'--'  '-;"*  •-"•'^^  -' '"-  ^■-h  ..f  vio.A,„.„;..,y  an, ,.:;,.,  „,  i^i,:::^z 

i.-ian.l.     ll»IWtttto,.|„l,l,.oi,,  «8onHn,iaau«ht«r.     The  forim-r,  Sir  ,(ohn  II.  Moon-  «,i.v..«,i,.,l  t„  tl, ,,;,!»   1    ,r    ,     ■> 


*J 


198 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS! 


no  ways  distressing,  will  be  the  shortest  and  most  effectual  method  to  do  justioe  and  give 
satisfaction  to  the  proprietors.  That  it  will  i.nmediately  produce  the  settlement  of  that  larce 
&  valuable  Tract  of  Country,  and  greatly  increase  His  Majesty's  Ifevenue.  The  ditUculties 
winch  have  obstructed  the  grants  of  those  lands  for  some  years  past,  being  removed,  will  most 
•  effectually  promote  the  Grant  of  that  Tract  of  Land,  designed  as  I  am  informed,  for  the  Society 
for  propagating  the  Gospel,  and  of  other  Tracts,  which  the  Trustees  of  the  College  and  Church 
in  this  City  have  pe[ti]tioned  for. 

These  matters  are  mentioned  My  Lord,  with  entire  submission  to  your  Judgement  and  His 
Maj'J"  pleasure,  by  My  Lord, 

Your  Lord'-'s.  most  obedient 
and  faithful  servant 

Cadwalladeh  Coi.dkn. 


Lieuienant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Ixn-ds  of  Trade. 

[  Ntw.Vork  l'ip«r,  Dundlo  Si.,  No.  «r.  ] 

My  Lor.Is,  ^'"^  ^°'^-  «•  J«""«'-y  1770. 

Yesterday  I  passed  a  Bill  granting  ,€2000  for  supporting  the  Troops  quartered  in  this  place 
with  n.cessaries,  and  a  Hill  for  emitting  ,f  1 20000  ui  IJills  of  Credit  being  ready  fbr  my  assent 

I  called  together  the  Council,  who  all  alle.uled   except  Sir  \Vi n,  .FolniHon.  who  is  at  20o' 

miles  distance.  His  Maj-v.  i„«iruct.on  of  July  l.V  17.i(i  for  creating  and  emitting  paper  liills 
of  Credit,  was  laid  before  then,.  After  having  considered  the  same  and  reasoned  thereon,  the 
Gentlemen  of  the  Council  unanimously  advised  me  to  give  my  assent  to  the  Hill  for  emittini- 
^■120,000  in  Bills  of  credit,  as  being  absolutely  necessary  in  the  present  circumstances  of  the 
Colony;  and  I  accordingly  gave  my  assent  to  it  in  the  usual  form. 

My  Lord  Hillsborough  by  his  letter  o:  the  4'"  of  November,  informs  me  that  a  Bill  for  the 
same  purpose,  passe.l  the  last  session  of  Assembly,  and  transmitle.l  by  Sir  Henry  Moore   was 

on  your  first  meeting  together,  to  be  laid  before  your  Lord ,  for  your  consideration  ;  to  which,' 

the  Bill  have  now  passed  is  in  every  material  part  similar.  But  it  is  my  duly  to  transmit 
without  delay  by  this  I'acket.  the  Act  as  1  have  assented  to  it  under  the  great  seal  of  the 
I  rov".  By  this  means  I  hope  that  the  time  allowe.l  by  the  Act,  before  llie  Bills  can  be 
emitted,  is  ,n  effect  equivalent  to  the  suspending  clause  enjoined  by  the  instruction,  as  your 
Loidw>.  have  had  sutlicient  time  to  consi.ier  the  same,  and  His  Maj-'  approbation  or 
disallowance  may  reach  this  place  as  elVecMially  as  could  be  .lone,  had  the  suspending  clause 
.een  inseite.  1  he  Bills  of  credit  are  to  bear  date  the  10«^  day  of  June  next,  and  are  no.  to 
be  emitted  till  the  last  Tuesday  of  that  month. 

As  1  have  in  n.y  letter  to  Mylord   Hillshoroi.Kl,,  particularly  se.    forth   the  reason  which 

induced  me  (Ogive  my  assent  to  the  Bill  as  it  now  stands  enacted;   I  think   it    n less  to 

trouble  your  Lord with  a  repetition  of  them.-I  hope  they  are  such  as  will  convince  your 

Lunln'   il.a  the  c.rcunislances  of  thistJovern'  considere.l,  I  have  not  acted  inconsislently  with 
my  duty,  or  the  trust  with  which  his  Majesty  has  honoured  me. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 


199 


I  -kew,  e  trnnsnm  to  your  Lord...  another  Act  which  I  have  passe.l  at  this  time,  explaining 
tl  e  duty  of  t  e  Loan  O.Kcers.  it  is  an  appendage  to  theother  Ac,  hut  has  nothing  i^T  1  t  "7 
wh.ch  can  effect  His  MaJ--  interest,  or  deserve  any  particular  remarks.  ^  ' 

.  i"  ~;'ij:.:;;  "t^iiir;::::^^^  '« --  -  -^ «--  -ed. 

.nit'hcl:^- ;  y:;;:'^:s:;,r:^^:^::  '^""°"^  ''^-' '-'""  "•"'-^^'*-  °^  -y  -"^"-- 

My  Lords 

Vour  most  ohediend  &  faithful  servant 

Cadvvalladeii  Golden. 


:ietdenant-Gorernor  CoUhn  to  the  Earl  of  JIUy>orowjh. 


.  N'S. 
My  Lord, 


[N- 


ew-Vork  l'«|ierj  (S.  P.O.)  CLXII.] 


New  York.  G.January  J770. 


1  h 


iue  the  honor  of  your  Lordi's  letter  of  the  4'"  of  November  N° 


dillicuities  in  the  Administration  are  un 
of  your  support  and  protection, 


34.     At  this  time,  wl 


iivoidahle,  the  assurances  your  Lordi-  is  so  kind 


len 


gives  me  strength  in  performing  my  duty. 


to  give 


When  the  Hill  for  supplying  the  Troops  (piartered  in  this  I'l 


y  exciting  the  jieople  to  ap|)ear  against  the  Hill.     For  tl 


Assembly,  the  party  in  opposition,  made  a  vio 

I 

directed  :  "  'I'o  the  I 

liefore  the  last  I'atiket  sailed,  d 

I'rociamations  issued  on  this  occa.^ion. 


ace,  was  brought   into  the 


eut  effort  to  disconcert  nil  the  present  mensu 


8  purpose  the  inclosed  printed  pa|)er, 


)etrayed  inhabitants  of  the  City  and  Colony  of  New  York 


spersed  thro'  the  Town,  I  transmit  your  Lord?  lik 


was,  the  night 


ewise  two 


Tho'  some  ol  our  News 
themselve.s,   on    this    occasion   to   be   nume 


pi.pers    make  the  meetings  of  the  aons  of  Liberty,  as  they  call 


di 


sappointed.     The  numbers  who  appeared   were  t 


Tous   and   of  conse(|uence,  the   party   w 


as   re 


weight,  or  be  of  any  service  to  their  purpose.     They  have  b 


00  small  and  inconsiderable  to  1 


ally 
lave  any 


tt.'inpts  since  made.     I'eople  in  general,  especially  they  of  property 

ingerous  const  pieiices  of  such  riotous  and  mobisli  proceedings. 


leen  (urtlier  disappointed  in  threi 


are  now  aware  of  the 


The  supply  of  the  Troops  is  inipopiilar,  both,  in  'I 


It  18  very  generally  an  unpopular  subject,  in  the  Knglish  ( 
work  upon  the  prejinlices  of  the  People  here.     II 
think 


own  and  (^ountry.     You  know  My  Lord, 


•overii' 


and 


mu 


cli  pains  is  taken  to 


imiiiet 


owever,  the  party  in  the  Assembly  did  not 
proper  to  opp,,se  H't"  x'-Pply  .lir.'Ctly,  but  proposed  that  it  should  be  pai.l  out  of  Mills  of 

ii  ease  that  Act  must  take  effect 

cessary  (or  the  Friends  of  (lovern' 

I'reasiiry,  nnd  another 


Credit,  to  be  emitted  by  a  Hill  then  in  the  House.     In  whici 


liatel 


y  or  there  could  be  no  supply.     This  made  it 


III 


to  compromise  the  matter,  by  granting  one  lb(.usaml  pounds  out  o(  the  'I 


'  Til..  hI 


hImh..  iiii'iiliiiii 


poi 

i\  ii.l.lr.-B  nil.)   prorljiinntinii*  will  1„.  r,,,,,,,)  j„  S.wW.rk  l> 


I  ■  ■■'    •■■     "■•    III    i'tir-  r 

J.mimih  ../  Ih,  (,„„,,>!  .IjirmK-,  ,./  A'.n.    )„(A,  viitfy  lUi'iiiiLir  >».  I  jUU,  _  K 


fiimr>il,„y  //iWi-ry,  8»„.,  HI.,  fi'JS-flnil 


I    I 


200 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIT'TS. 


i> 


thousand  pounds  out  of  these  bills  of  Credit;  and  even  with  this  compromise  the  Bill  for 
supplying  the  Troops,  was  carried  by  a  very  small  majority,  and  it  could  not  have  been  carried, 
had  1  not  given  the  Friends  of  Administration,  expectations  that  I  would  assent  to  the  Bill 
for  emitting  Bills  of  Credit,  if  it  were  in  the  same  terms  with  the  Bill  passed  in  the  preceeding 
session,  and  transmitted  to  your  Lord''  by  Sir  Henry  Moore,  and  six  months  allowed  to  know 
His  iMaj'>"»  pleasure,  before  the  Bills  of  Credit  can  be  emitted. 

Yesterday,  My  Lord,  I  pnssed  the  Bill  granting  .f2000  for  supplying  the  Troops  quartered 
in  this  place  with  necessaries,  and  the  Bill  for  emitting  il:>()UOO  in  Bills  of  Credit,  being  ready 
for  my  assent,  I  called  together  the  Council,  who  all  attended  except  Sir  William  Johnson,  who 
is  at  200  miles  distance.  His  Maj'>»  instruction  of  July  IS'"  l7C.(i  for  creating  and  emitting 
Paper  Bills  of  Credit,  was  laid  before  them.  After  having  considered  the  same  &  reasoned 
thereon,  the  tJenllemeu  of  the  Council  unanimously  advised  me  to  give  my  assent  to  the  Bill 
for  emitting  ^120000  in  Bills  of  Credit,  as  being  absolutely  necessary  in  the  present 
circumstances  in  this  Colony,  and  1  accordingly  gave  my  assent  to  it  in  the  usual  form. 

It  is  the  same  with  the  Bill  transmitted  to  your  Lord"'  by  Sir  H.  Moore  (except  in  two  or 
three  immaterial  clauses,  on  the  appointment  of  Loan  Olhcers,  in  the  Cities  of  New  York  and 
Albany,  &  unavoidable  alterations  in  Time)  which  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade 
and  I'lantations  must  have  had  under  consideration  before  this  time.  The  Bills  of  credit  to 
be  emitted  l)y  this  Act.  are  to  bear  date  the  10"-  of  June  next  ;  the  interest  is  to  arise  froni,an.l' 
the  emission  to  be  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  that  month,  which  is  near  six  montlis  from  this  time. 
Thi3  IS  equivalent  to  a  suspending  clause,  till  His  Majesty's  pleasure  shall  he  known,  for  His 
Ma)'>'  pleasure,  certainly,  may  be  transmitted  before  that  time.  I  now.  My  Lor.l,  transmit  an 
exemplii.ed  copy  of  the  Act  under  the  seal  of  the  Province,  in  a  Box  directed  to  the  Boar.I  of 
Trade  and  plantations.  No  public  business  could  have  been  carrie.l  on  in  the  Assembly  without 
my  assent  to  this  Bill.  The  call  for  it,  both  in  Town  and  Country  was  so  general,  that  the 
Friends  of  Govern',  in  the  Assembly,  could  not  have  been  supporfd  without  it,  and 
the  Administration,  must  have  been  made  very  uneasy  to  me.  Your  Loul"  may  be  assured 
I  discover  nothing  in  it  prejudicial  to  His  Maj-  service,  and  as  the  interest  money  arisinu  from' 
these  Bills  of  Credit,  cannot  be  disposed  of  without  the  (iovernor's  consent,  it  may  be  a  fund 
hereafter  for  supplying  the  Troops.  The  King's  approbation  will  give  general  satisfaction,  and 
v^hen  peopl..  are  m  good  humor,  His  Majesty's  service  may  be  carried  on  more  eilectually. 
than  when  they  are  in  a  contrary  dispoHiii(m. 

1  inclose  another  printed  paper,  that  your  Lord-'  may  see  the  Temper  of  the  partv  who  oppose 
tlie  measures  of  (iovern'.  at  the  same  time  it  may  not  be  improper  to  tell  you.  th'at  no  c;;,;.'  i„ 
Chief  has  been  at  any  time  attended  by  greater  numbers  on  New  Year's  .lav,  than  I  wa«  on  the 
last,  with  the.r  compliments  on  the  season.  When  what  appeare.l  in  this  piace.  in  past  times,  is 
considere.l,  my  mentioning  this,  will  not  be  ihoi.uht  to  proceed  merely  Iron,  vanity 

The  Assembly  are  still  sitting,  ih,.y  have  passed  none  but  the  usuarBills.  rx.vpl  those  which 

I  have  already  mentioned  to  your  Lord-'-what  remains  t d.me  for  His  Ma,'"  service  in 

tins  Sessi.m.  I  expect  will  he  done  without  difVicully.  1  shall  think  m>self  extremely  happy  if 
my  endeavours  in  the  perlormanre  of  my  .li.ty.  obtain  His  Maevstv's"  approbation.  Without 
doubt  your  Lor.ln  perceives  the  dillicuhics  winch  attend  the  Administration  of  Cover,,'  at  this 
l.me.iu  all  the  Colonies,  and  therefore  1  Halter  myself,  with  your  most  favourable  construction 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 
lecessary  fo 
My  Lord, 


201 


°.L'':  ~j:;'  ""'  "'""^"' """-''  '■"  ■"■  »'*•"  ""■--  -^  •"»'  >-  w,,,  „„„„  „„  ,„. 


Vour  most  obedient  nnd 

i'aitliful  servniil. 

Cadwalladeii  Golden. 


!•   13 


N"  30. 


Sir. 


Karl  of  imUoromjK  to  Lievtenant. Governor  Colden. 

t  Ni'»-T(irk  TapiTs  (8.  I'.  O.  )  CI.XII.  ] 

Whitehall,  is.  Jmvy  1770. 


ij',  .11  uie  opening  of  the  bession  on  the  22'^  of  Novemhpr   n.„I  .1,^   \  1 1 
to  you  (rom  both  Houses.  i^ovtmner,  and  the  Addrosst-a 

.et^rt"^:r:;i;i"::t2^r  "^  l^-orjmy  ,.t.ac.,nain,s  .e  that  .y  circular 

t..o  original,  had  l.t^I'ci::  ^^j;  C.3  t^'lnr^^"'"^  ^""  "^"  ""  ^"^^^^^'^  °'" 

liuve   also   observed   that   the   nnmL     ' ,'",   •""^''' ""-^  '""'  g'ven  great  satisfaction,  and  I 

to  you,  and  are,  I  an.  certai     "o  d   T  ?  '"    "       "'  "'  ""^'''"'■'-'  '^""""^ ''''  ""^"""•■' 

you   will  enabl     n.e  to  r;;tlKn  .''"""   T  '"'  '".  '"  ""-"''"«»-'l  '  ""-t  d-ire  to 

to  declare  in  your  s p  !•       ,1         ^^"  «    "I'»"  what    authority   you    have   taken  upon  you 

power  m  to  explain  and   justiCv  tL  „r .       .  ^  ^  '  ^'""  '"''^  '"''■''  ''  '"  >•"'"• 

'-'•'  i "^.""•■^  ->i«..!y  c;;^;:;;^::;:- ;;^.i: "  ^*"""^^  '"^  '"'"--•-  -'•  ^"-  •--■« 

^n.:!!!.:'" 'n;:;;;;:;;;;,'^:::tr\V''''^"''"  """•  • ^"^"  '^^ "-"  ----> «« 

l-i...  onrt.,..d    to  .      .         i .     i  ,  ;         "  "  '"'  "'  "^^  ""■  "'  '•■■"'^  """'—■<'  3"ur 

^.i« done!  the  a:!;:.:;*  :  MM. ; ;:::;:'.  r  '^f "  ^"^"'"  '"■  -^^^-""^  =  ""^ 

pnuvcling  a«  that  of  (raum.,.  a  New      II  .  »""       "'  '"'"'*""'''''  '"'"■  "'  ''•••'■'•"' '^"-  " 

-I  i<-  it  Idl  appe  r  '    ,     :,         ."""""f  ^'r  •""•'""  «•""-•'-'"  io"  of  the  lorn.er  one, 

^vi.'-.- Kyo'r;::dr::;:ru:d ';;;;. .t:r:wyr  "t ""  ""^ " -«• 

in.l'rudence  and  wan,  oC attention    -,«  e anno     ■  '"      ""  "^«'-''^""'""  "'■.V..ur 

-'i.-'"  ^vha.  ,r. <:  I; ::::  :  ;::;'Trn;,rj:;;^'':'-^r"''^!''^ 

••o'l-nrrence,   I  am  at  a  loss  to  m...- .  i    ,   i   .  .  ^"'*''^'"  ""'    <  "uncil'a 

-Tr'T' ; -  -!-:•:;;: ' ,;::  ::;;::t,:;:,:;, '"•'"■"'  "^  - 

,.,„r...i  11,  J  • ;."  "■''"'"";■'  '■>■  ;'"■ ' ■  "■■• v,„,  ,„,! ;, 

'I v:; '  "■'•'  '-^  ""-.■^;'-' .:;: ;:::;:;:"" ^ 

»<'l..   N  III.  na 


I 


202 


NKVV  VOIUv  COLONIAL  Nf ANUSCMMrTS. 


lii.IoH,..!  I  H.Mul  y«>u  111.!  KiiiK'M  Knicioim  h|mm-.-I.  (o  FIIh  I'aHiiim.Mil,  at  lli.-  RCHnion  on  llie  !l"' 
""*'•■   "W '■  ^^i'l'  'I'"  M.MivsN.vs  of  ImiiIi  ||„„h,.h,  1,1,(1  llm  Mij'V  g,,„.i.HiM  aiisw..,'  Ih.-r.lo. 

•I'll.'  King  havin.mlnniglil  lil  to  l„k,.  (Ii.>  Civat  H.'al  ..ni  oltln-  hands  o(  Lord  Camd.M,.  it  was 
.V.'Hl..rday  d..|iv,.r.Ml  lo  M'  ('harl.s  V„ik.-'  an.l  il  is  IIIh  Maj"'  inl.'nlion,  llial  li,.  nI,,,,,!,!  Iu. 
iinnirdiatcly  callrd  n|i  to  tin'  Ininsi'  nl    Luids. 


1  an,  otic. 


Iln.i.sitoitoiKni. 


h'cptrwntdthiii  on  tho   Xdr-Yitrk  Act    fi 


iiiiltinij  JUIIh  of  t'ndit. 


I  N,«.V.irli  lliilih'.,  lAVni. 


p.   I.'.  ) 


'I'll  the  Ki\( 


KXtKM.UM'    MA.IUNiV, 


M; 


ly  il  pliMsi'  yoni   Maji'siy 


'V\w  Lords  of  tl 
lirs  iiavinij  l>y  lln'ii- Order  of  the  Id"'  of  Nov  :  list  dirrclfdiis  t 


«•  (  ommitt.v  o(  yonr  Maj.-siys  most  lion IVivy  Conncil  for  IManlalioii 

o  rc|iorl  to  lln'in  Our  opinion 


All: 

n|ion  a  Hill  |i,issfd  in  M.iy  IT(i!»  liy  III.'  Conn. 'il  ami  H, 


(^niiicii  of  iVi'w  York  for  finitliin,'   (.J-Jii.tiiM)  in 

yonr  >Liji'sty's  l,\i.' Covfrnor  had  r.'lns.'d  his  ass.-nt  without  1 

iliri'ctions  (or  that  |im|iosi'. 


.nisc  ol  K.'iircHcntativcs  ol  your  Majesty's 
paper  noleH  of  Credit  upon   loan,  lo  which  Hill 


lavi 


"« 


Iir8t 


r-ee 


ived  yonr  Majesty's 


We  did  on   til.'  -Jii  ol    Dec'  inaK 
M 


ir  report  thereupon  suhniittinu;   it  lo  tiieir  Lordships  ti 


give  sneli  a.lviee  lo  yonr  Majesty  on  tins  sul.Jeet  as  they  slioiihl  think  lil,  and  in  t 


ai 


1.1  until  your  NLiji'sty's  p!easiiri<  e.ini.l  he  known  the   Lieut'  ( 


111'  mean  time, 


several  steps  wliieli  had  lieen  taken  on  II 


iV  was  actpiainteil  with  tli 


of 


lis  oe.Msion  iV  with  the  dilli.'ulties  which  aro 


hnv  upon  those  Tlauses  of  the   I'.ill  l.y  wliieh  the  paper  notes  to  I 


point 


I'gal  Tender  in  the  'I'reasiirv  an.l  1. 


an  olVice  oC  that  ("ol.niv 


H'  cancelled  weie  made  n 


It  is  Our  <lnty  h.nvever  to  oliserve   t 


given  to  the  Lieni'  (.'ov'  a 


)  yonr   M  ij.'siy  that   notwithstanding  their  intimat 


new  liili   III  n.)  material  points  dilleriiig  (roin  that 


Majesty  has  he.'ii   proposed   in   the  Ass.'iiilily  ol   this  ( 
lu'en  eoncnied  in   hy  the  I'.iuiiiil  Vour  Map'stvs  said   I 


IU)W 


lief 


10(1 

ore  vinir 


olony  \-  having  passe. 1   that  hoiiNe  and 


ys  sai.l   Lieut' Cov' did   think  (it  hy  their  ad 


lli'ii   I'luniw  ^  ,.BKK.  -J.l  «oii  „r  ,.,.r,l  rli 


.K>>li' 


'j.'.l  l.iiio.>lii'»  Inn,  ill   I74J.  hi*  n..t  mil 


aiif.llor  llnrilwii'ln',  wm  1: 


I'm  iMi  llio  .".nth  !»,., 


i.'«ii.i..r>|.l«  itii,!  |.,i|.,.ni  wi.f*  ,i,|ir.'Iy  .l».lr...v..,l,  iiulii,!..,,;  tli,.  vul 


y  vi'ry  imriowly  <>«'«|.i'  I  wiih  In*  li(\.,  I.iit  tli.i  »li.,l«  ,if  jij.  j 


Vlcil 


rJ'J.     At  III,,  tin.  wlii,  I, 


lial  llu'ii  Ut<'lv 


nl<<  llif 


r<'|.ri'»i'nii>,l  lij.jtrti,.  ill  I'rtrlistin-iil.  iiiiil 


|'.iw,<<.<i.Mi  I'f  III,.  Iliii-.|«i,k,' rnuilv,  nil  I   lin.l   I 


r,>»ii<ii.'vl  ilii>  Irtiivr  i.ili 


wn«  iiinl,' S,.li,.i|,.r  (i,n,.riil  m  N,>v,'iiil...r.  V, 


"iiiir 


I'.'  in  N,.v..inl..  r,  17.m.  <iii  wlii.li  ......rt.i.Mi  ••li.-  Imi^i  ,.iii  iiu,,  i,,:,: 


ilii'iiry    of  IiiiiiIk, 

«M«Slii(,.  pniMiTi  „f  |i„^r,.,t  nii.li.,  I.i.nl  (^.llll,.r^  ttlii,.|i 

••.I  in   Mr.  V..ik,''«  .Iminl., ,..      jlti 

I'l  .\llorn.'y-in'miriil  in  17ii|       ||« 


^>'Wll      In  1T«|,  It  i>.t,.Ml   „l  |M-,v,.,li,ii,.,.  o\.r  tl|..  .S.l 


.\llorii.n-»!,.iiiriil  ill  I7ll.^,  I'lii  li.M  tli,  ,.|li 


I'Ciiflt.'ll.Tltl 


I     Wl 


ia"  iin.l  r,'liirn.v|  l,i  llie..nt,.r  Imrnn.l 


.1 


III 


11.1 


.■.vi.t,-,|  A  |...,.r  l.y  111,,  till..  .,f  |l;ir,.n  M.ii.l,.n  nn.l  li.il  1 


ii'p  only  It  yi'iir.     11,.  wn*  inn  lo  U.i-,1  Clinii,',  lli.r  on  tin.   ITlh 


til.'  ISIIn.'itv.il  liKni;,..  U.r,.i-,.  Ill,  |,,it,.nl  linl  |<.i I  tli 


11' .n  i:itf,  lic.1  on  111.,  isth,  |„ii  ,lvi 


wn»  r>.i|>|n>inlt.il 
unnnry,  177...  ninl 


III'  liii.l  I'l'cn  lor 


I'f  lllf  I  r.foiin.l.'.l  w,.||,<     lirr. 


innny  v.^«r«  n  fn,  ii,l  ,.f  Wnrl'iirlon,  ni..l , 


I.'  L'n.itl  «.  nl.  il  .li.l  not  liiki-oir,,'!.  nn.l . 


iiij  on  ill,,  'iiitli  of  till'  mnii'  nionlli.  in 


rm  nt-ViT  nft.rwnr.l 


•  f"!!!!.!,'!!..!. 


rulr  ropfii.   I'ticiik.tm  l\>rlrl|^.t^Jt•l|■f  K 


I  .in.1,',1  ttiili  liin,  At  till'  n^M  ot  tw.'iily,  on  tlio  .ul'jo.'l  ..I  i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:     XLII. 


,       .       ,.  203 

Vonr  M,„..y.  „.  U.  ...i  that  i^V  ,' 'm'    J  li  lu::;""''^';'   "  ""^;""^"  ^'"''^""^  ''^- 
it.  "itluT  upon   th,.  .roimd  of  the  do  .h  «  r       '       "       "  "^'""^  ^""'"  '"«""'>^''>"^e  of 

nature  &  paHBir.g  it  into  an  A  a        .1  ..T  "' 7      •"  "'  """"'"^  "''""  '''  ''^"f"'^'^-"  "''  ^'''^ 

-  to  read,  it   l.efor.  JlZ  p^      '         ?'t;  'I       "T"  ''""■""''""  ^'«""='-'  '"  "'^'  ^'"'""y.  «« 
e.n.ct  that  in  to  «ay  on  th. 'li:;  Tu:!:;,'';.:;;;;;;;  """-'^•^^^  '""  -''-'-  -^  ^h..  1.1,3  can  take 

oe':::/;::;';j:;;;;;:;,:vir'^;::'X^''"  •^"::'""  "•■  ■•-  ^"-«"'  '^^  top,.....„nthi. 

l-r-.nuo  annex.,!,  hat    t  is  (  ur  (urHu       <tV  >        .'  '  """'  ''"'''"^'«  "'  ^''i^^'' are 

tl..'  Kn.un.i  oC  whi,.,h  he     1  •    •    !  ^'^.  '7^"  "'•^"•'•^"  ^''"^  t'"'  '"stru.Mion  of  July  1700,  on 

«"■  ti-  ..aturo  to  1 ;  ai^  ,.o: ::  ci: :"  "  'v'"^  ^'^" """  "^^"^"^^'^  '-^'^  -^  - 

[|.leaHure]  could  be  known  '"  ""'"•'"'""«  "^  "'"^''''^'^  ""^"  >-•  ^'^Jestys 

Which  is  most  humbly  submitted 

lIlI,l,SIloiIOL'fJIt 

Whitehall  ^^^o-  lt"u 

Ftb:  b.  1770.  W"'  Fitzhehueut 

LlSBLUXE. 


ill 


AV/.  Wiili„m  Johumn  to  the  Earl  of  Ifilhborowjh. 

N"    12  l''''"'"li""»  O'licnil  (B.  r.  (). )  tx:i.VI.J 

My  l.or<l,  Johnson  Hall.  lo.  IVhr>  1770. 

Ill  my  last  ol"  the  'JO.  Anu  :  (  N"  \\\  \  „.,.,.,  „,„,,  ,       ,„ 
C.i.ntry  oC  ,!,..  Six  Na.ions    ,o    S  „      ''"^'.    >""'^  '""•'"'  ■"'  ■•'«•"""'  "f  -.V  .i-umey  thro'  the 

-i-u-an .in.wiih.hes,rN  H  "a  •  ::M:;:;:r  ;:: ""; ''''"'"''"'  "•"'=•'' 

.aken  pla.e  a.reable  to  their  .iesire.  ,1  '     \^.  "        7'^  '      """"'"^"i ''''''  "^  -- 

■"•'•'■ssarv  lor  His  MajH'-  inform  , I  ion       \.    ^      I  ''"■'  "'  J'"'^"""  ''  '"*>-''"  '"' 

...  ..,e  s.  Nation.  ettL.  t:r;::;;'2.;  :  zz^!:'::^:^:  ^""'t  -/-?  '^'•'- 

them,  and  farnestlv  to  re.niest  ih'.i  i.,   .  '^  '  '"  ''"''"''''''  """  >"'tween 

•l-r  arn.  wi,h  -h'n    J       V^t    1        r::''''';"''';'  ,'"■"■"  .'""  '"  ^^'^'""^  '■»•••  «•-"''  "-"• 
--las   Knemys  to  I    ,1       .  ,  .  "  '^"""'••'•"  ^^  ^^estern  Nations  who  h„d 

i:::rr;L;:;:;;:;:;:;:::;;dT;:.;;;;:;:.:':'r    -••■.v-'^;":.;;'^:^;":,:::: 

-vordin.ly  their    Depu.y     1.         ,  ;        "  "  '"'"""'  '"'"''■'■"  '"  '">'  '""^ •"•  '""' 

r-iuestin/on  .he  p.   ttl         h  ll    I".""      n    '""'    ^':"'"  '"'  "•"   '''''■'^''^'''^'  -""-"'y 
I  "t  ul  tlu    «hole.  that  I  would  a»  speedily  as  posMble  assemble  the  two 


204 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I    i 


Confederacys,  and  after  hearing  what  they  had  to  say,  give  thnni  my  advice  and  opinion  on 
the  subject.  — To  support  tiieir  request,  they  observed  (hat  we  were  as  much  interested  as 
themselves  in  the  matter  having  sutfered  repeated  insults  from  these  people,  as  they  instanced 
in  M'  Croghan's  being  attacked,  several  of  his  party  killed  and  himself  made  prisoner  by  them 
on  his  way  to  the  Ilinois,  &  in  their  attacks  upon  our  Traders  on  Ohio;  in  short,  I  observed 
that  they  were  much  inclined  to  unite  and  attack  those  people,  which  gave  me  the  more 
concern,  because  I  knew,  that  when  Indians  were  resolved  on  War,  if  they  could  be  diverted 
from  their  favourite  pursuit,  they  would  be  apt  to  turn  their  arms  the  other  way,  perhaps 
against  ourselves  ;  besides  I  was  sensible  of  the  great  expence,  that  must  attend  such  a  Congress, 
altho'  of  their  own  proposing,  and  that  what  could  be  spared  out  of  the  fund  allowed  for  the 
Department,  could  not  defray  the  charge  of  so  large  and  unexpected  a  Congress.  In  this 
scituation,  I  consulted  Gen'  Gage  who  is  of  opinion,  that  as  any  sum  can  be  spared  out  of  the 
annual  allowance  will  be  i«adequat6  to  the  expence  that  may  attend  it,  I  should  first  obtain 
His  Mnj'J' orders  for  that  purpose,  but  as  the  Indian  Deputys  are  very  pressing  and  that  it 
will  not  be  in  my  power  to  have  an  answer  within  sullicient  time  to  satisfy  their  importunity, 
whilst  on  the  other  hand  I  cannot  refuse  their  request  without  occasioning  a  general  discontent 
amongst  them,  I  have  resolved  to  treat  with  some  of  the  Chiefs  only  with  all  the  Economy  I 
possibly  can  consistent  with  the  public  safety,  trusting  that  His  Maj'^will  be  graciously  pleased 
to  consider  the  peculiarity  of  the  occasion,  and  not  sufler  me  to  be  a  looser,  thro'  the  necessary 
discharge  of  my  duty. 

It  is  a  disagreable  circumstance  that  we  must  either  agree  to  permit  these  people  to  cut 
each  others  throats,  or  risque  their  discharging  their  fury  on  our  Traders  and  defenceless 
frontiers,  for  certain  I  am  from  the  disposition  they  are  in,  and  from  the  conduct  of  the  back 
settlers,  the  latter  may  prove  the  case;  but  however  disagreable  the  alternative  is,  common 
policy  and  our  own  safety  requires  it,  and  under  such  circumstances,  I  sliall  endeavour  to 
govern  myself  in  the  manner  that  appears  best  calculated  for  the  general  security  of  all  His 
Maj'''''  subjects  here. 

The  scituation  of  affairs  since  I  had  last  the  honor  of  addressing  your  LordP  on  these 
subjects  has  not  varied  materially,  altho'  the  severity  of  the  season,  and  the  embassy  from  the 
Cherokees  keep  them  at  present  quiet,  yet  the  motives  for  their  discontent  still  subsists,  and 
the  lawless  conduct  of  the  Frontier  inhabitants  is  the  same  whenever  an  opportunity  offers, 
80  that  the  event  depends  upon  circumstances,  that  are  as  hard  to  foresee  as  to  prevent,  and  as 
there  is  no  prospect  of  any  immediate  remedy  to  be  applied  for  these  disorders,  and  the 
licentiousness  of  many  of  our  own  people,  my  endeavours  must  be  directed  to  prevent  their 
operations  on  the  minds  of  the  Indians,  till  a  more  favourable  period,  when  the  orders  of 
Govern'  will  be  treated  with  more  respect,  and  the  people  brought  to  a  belter  sense  of  their 
duty.— I  have  the  honor  to  bo  with  the  most  perfect  esteem  and  respect. 
My  Lord, 

Your  Lordi-'s  most  oi)edient  and 

most  devoted  humble  servant 

W'"  Johnson. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


205 


IV»  37. 


Sir, 


Earl  of  IlilUborough  to  Lieutenant-Governor  Colxlen. 

[  NBW-Tork  I'npcn  (8.  P.  O.)  OI.XII.] 

Whitehall.  17.  February  1770. 


Your  dispatches  numbered  G,  7  and  8.  have  been  received  and  laid  before  the  King. 
Astmhi?r"'   T'  '"  "^'"^  ''^  ^'"'  «-'»^i«f«'=''o"  t'^e  commendable  disposition  of  the 

of  a  F.?.  ?,7      "■""'"^  '°''  "^^  ''"''•'~^'  ^^"  S'^'"^  P"'  °f  t'-  -o-y  for  this  purpos    o 
of  a  Fund  that  was  to  anse  from  the  establishment  of  a  paper  currency  the  Rill  Z  li     i 
was     ependingat  the  privy  Council  Board,  was  a  circun^s.^mceZt  Jou Id   no    e      p  ' Hi 
M^-  olservafon.    &   wh.ch  your  letter  iV  G.   did  not  enable  me   to  explain;   f      ft" 
.mposs.be  for  me  to  suppose  that,  under  the  restriction  laid  upon  you,  by  H  ,  Ma  .>'.  i ,  tr.    t" 

in  M   ^,^cf'  ""  ""r"'  "  •'""  "^^'  ^'"'  ''''  ^*"  -l^'^''  P--d  th    Coun  i    a  d  A         by 
..May    7G9.  was  under  His  Maj-^"  consideration,  you  could  have  taken  upon    ou   w  t S 
further  d.rect.ons.  to  have  given  your  assent  to  another  Bill  for  the  same  purpo  e  wU  out  a 
clause  suspending  ,t's  execution,  until  His  Maj.-  pleasure  could  be  known'T.  d  i     n  ye    . 
a  loss  to  guess,  at  the  reasons  which  induced  the  Members  of  the  TonnHI  tnl     •         ^ 
step  so  contrary  to  your  duty  and  to  your  Instrucf  '°  "^"''  y°"  *°  "" 

Your  co,,duct  on  this  occasion  h.s  jus.iy  incurred  His  Majesty's  displeasure  which  I  am 
commanded  to  s,gn,fy  to  you;  and  to  observe  to  you  that  altho'  the  iJnrco-i^  1^^^^^^ 
preserv.ng  the  Colo,.y  in  tranquility  as  a  very  desirable  and  commendable  obj  cVj't  H  s  M    -^ 

zz:^'z:^::^fr  r^'^'-^  ^^^^-^^  on.  at  the  expencc  of  hi;\ns";:t!  1. 

M  u    !    r    .  "P  ■'^■\"""'  vv'"^''  yo"  state  as  an  excuse  for  your  conduct,  prevail  with  His 

M,y..  to  forbear  any  further  remarks  of  his  displeasure,  trusting  that  you  will  not  foth    future 
But  er  yoursei.  to  be  withdrawn  from  your  duty  by  any  motive  whatever. 

It  .8  necessary  I  should  ac.p.aint  you,  that  the  Bill  transmitted  by  Sir  Henry  Moore   h-,d 

to         Lords  o      rade  .nclos,ng  the  Act  assented  to  by  you.  were  received,  and  that  the  L. 
o    the  Lounc.1  had    as  you  will  see  by  the  inclosed  order,  advised  His  Majesty  to    elect 

p  .tir:;  th  T  "^'^•'^•%«r'»""^  •'"-  ^•'-«-  ••y-hich  ti.  cinsofie^  „r:'  j 

payable  at  the    Ireasury  and  Loan  Ollice,  were  contrary  to  the   Act  of  l'-.rli,n,ent   J'     h 
rest.a,ns  paper  Bills  o,  Credit  fro.n  ..ing  i.ued  as  a  legal  tender  i./p,  1  l,;  L'b 

.uesordeu.ands  whatsoever;  and  therefore  this  objection   does   in    its    .a tu         |,    v  in       J 

I'nder  the  circumstances  of  the    disallowance  of   the    former    Rill    r„r    ,1, 

r:;;::";;:; '"- .ti" •:,'■:; T' ""'•' "•■"■" "- '^' "™.' -"."■-"  .^ : ;::. : r 


'I'-'-  tl.at  nolwuhstanding  the  steady  opinion  of  all  His  M^.'.  H..rv'm"lh,a 


it  is  against  tho 


206 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


true  interest  of  the  Colony  to  have  a  paper  currency  attended  with  any  degree  of  legal  tender, 
yet  I  have  reason  to  believe,  the  Parliament  will  be  moved  to  pass  an  Act  to  enable  the 
Legislature  of  New  York  to  carry  into  execution  the  Bill  they  appear  to  be  so  desirous  of. 

The  request  of  Lieut'  Crukshanks>  and  others,  expressed  in  the  petition  inclosed  in  your  letter 
N»  7.  appears  to  be  founded  in  Justice  &  Equity,  and  I  have  His  Maj'^''  commands  to  refer  the 
sa.d  letition  (together  with  a  copy  of  your  letter)  to  the  Lords  Commiss"  for  Trade  and 
Plantations,  and  I  shall  not  fail  to  recommend  to  their  Lord.'P'  to  take  the  whole  of  what 
regards  the  Settlement  of  the  Country  of  the  West  of  Connecticut  River  into  their  consideration, 
SQ  soon  as  other  matters  of  great  importance,  now  before  them,  will  admit  of  it. 

In  consequence  of  the  death  of  M'  Yorke  a  (ew  days  after  he  received  the  great  seal.  His 
Maj'^  has  thought  fit  to  commit  the  custody  of  it  for  the  present  to  Commiss";  and  the  Duke 
of  Grafton  having  been  permitted  by  His  Majesty  to  retire  from  the  Treasury  Board,  Lord 
INorth  IS  become  in  consequence  thereof,  first  Commissioner  of  that  Board. 

I  am  blic. 

HlLLSBOKOUGH. 


N"  9, 


Lieutenant-Govenior  CoUeti  to  the  Earl  of  Jlilhhorowjh. 

I  New- York  Papers  ( 8.  P.  O. )  CLXII.] 

New  York.  21.  Feb'''  1770. 


My  Lord. 

1  have  the  honor  of  you-  commands  N"  35.  of  the  O'"  of  December,  with  His  Maj'^'-  additional 
Instruct"  to  me,  which  shall  be  punctually  obeyed. 

I  know  not  how  the  objection  made  to  the  Bill  for  emitting  .£120000  in  Bills  of  Credit,  can 
be  removed,  for  unless  the  Pills  be  received  in  the  LoanOllice  and  Treasury,  they  cannot  be 
paid  m  or  sunk,  nor  can  the  Interest  be  applied  to  the  use  for  which  it  is  designed.  The 
making  of  them,  a  tender  is  carefully  avoided  ;  nor  can  they  be  a  Tender  in  any  sense,  by 
this  Act,  in  any  contract  wliatsoever,  the  Loan  Otlice  and  Treasury  only  excepted;  but  tlio' 
those  Ollires  are  obliged  to  take  them  in,  no  person  is  obliged  to  receive  them  from  either  the 
one  or  the  other.  Nor  can  they  he  a  Tender  of  any  duty,  quitrent  or  Fine.  — By  the 
preceeding  packet  I  transmitted  to  your  Lord",  the  Bill  under  the  seal  of  the  Province,  with 
my  reasons  for  giving  my  assent  to  it,  which  J  hope  will  be  satisfactory;  it  is  a  consideration 
of  some  importance  to  the  (Govern'  that  as  the  interest  money  cannot  be  applied,  without  the 
consent  of  the  Gov' the  supply  for  the  Troops  quartered  in  this  Place,  may  for  the  future  be 
secured,  which  has  at  all  times  met  with  opposition  in  the  Assembly,  and  has  been 
dilliculily  obtained. 

The  Session  of  Assembly  ended  the  S?'"  of  Jaruiary,  to  general  satisfaction,  notwithstanding 
the  assiduous  endeavours  of  a  party  in  opposition  to  ( iovernment  lo  embarass  alli.irs.  A  grrat 
number  of  Bills  were  passed  at  that  Time,  lor  continuing  or  receiving  former   Hills,  an.l  on 

'  LifuUimi.t  John  Ci.uR'K-n a.nk.  .,Ltai.u>d  a  cmu.i.sion  ««  K,,,!;,,,  i,>  tl,«  .|7lh  i.'o.,t  1  Mainh,  17.;0   nn.l  .orv.,!  at  the  m...c 

«n^„  „..,,..  l,cH.,u.K.  »  lkM.,.„a,„  p,..vi„u».o  I7«:i,  when  h..  w.ut  .,„  I,„ir,,a^..     I„  17,;-  !,.■  ol„ain?,l  a  ,ra,„  „f  2 ,..;. 

of  ltt,„l  on  Il»l',.„k,ll,  in  tia.  |.r.«cntcuunti-.,f  lic.nni,.;^l.,n,  V.nnonL     His  name  i,  ,l,„,,,,.,l  in  ih.  Am.y  I.Ut  of  1771  _  I'n 


*ONDON  DOCU^ExNTS:    XLII. 


207 

subjects  which   relate  to  nnrticul-ir  Cn„„ii^.  ,■    , 

I-nl..'s  acte..tio„.  except '^1^      1    i/!?"/  V'j  "'^ '=°"-^—  to  deserv.  your 

n.entioned   incapable  of  being   Members  n    th„   r  ,    ^^'"-■'•'"■'"S   <-•*''■'<''"'    Persons   therein 

atte.te,i  copy  of  which  I  inclose;     "the  Ac,''  n     "^"•'  '"     '   "'  ''"  ^'"'^""^«"  — 

the  seal   before  the  l>acket  sJi  s      B    thfs  Act'  .IL  J  T  "1  "^  ""'"  ""^  '^  ^^""^^^^"•^•^  ^- 
other  Officers  of  Gover...  were  n.ade   nc    nit  n  ^^      /  '  ^'"'"''^'^'^  ^""^''  ""^^  «°'"« 

Council  amended  the  Bill  by  str^    1  rt  al     he     ,       r  w,    "'''  "^"""^^  °''  ^^^''^"•'"y-     '^'l- 
the  Assembly  agreed.  ^  ^  '  "''  "''"^'"  ''^^''"'  «<"  ^-^^ern'  to  which  Amendment 

The  reasons  given  for  this  Bill  nre  • 

of  cU;!l':'^°'''''^  '''''--''  "^-'  ^^^'"'^"^  -  ^-^n''-  allowed  to  sit  in  the  house 

samt  ;'!:"  ^"°"  ^°"^^'  ^''^'^'-'°"-  -'^  'h«  E-eution  of  the  Law.  ought  not  to  be  in  the 

they  became  attached  to.  o    Lead    ^o   p  r  il'or  r"    ""•  "''"  '"  "'"^^es  have  had  sent., 
that  they  were  often  by^ssed  i  r  J  dg  men    onTT  ''^  ''°""'  '^'^  '""'^  ^  «"«f--'" 

all  cause  of  jealousy  of  this  kind  o".'  to  L  Glided  ^  '''""''  '"  '"^^""^  ^^^  "  '''^^'^  >"'--'- 

Ihe  present  Assembly  have  repeatedly  refused  to  'idmif  Mr  i  •   ■       . 
the  Supreme  Court,  to  have  a  seat  in  their  I  oil  L'vmgston,  wJ.o  is  a  Judge  of 

former  Session.     This  may  be  a     u     o      I  ,  ,'  "P°"  ^  "^«°'^«  "^"^e  by  them  in  their 

therefore  „,uch  more  safely  velt      in"       c       ",T    ,  '"'T  *"""""'  ''  '''  "  -'""''^  -'  '« 
His  ^l.yr.  i„,,,.,,  ,,,  ,  f„„  J;    -"^  -;       0   t  e     eg.s  ature      At  al,  events.  ,  thought  it  <or 

to  His  .M.j.-»  pleasure,  which  it  vv. s  not.  wh  t      i        ;  ,    "T'''^^^  '""""  -  -"'J-ted 

The  other  Bill  which  nr>v  ,)p«..r  "  '"^  't  ^'ood  on  a  Resolve  of  the  Assembly. 

••Persons  who  ^rli^L^^'^Z:!:!^^^  "A"  Act  to  Enable  al, 

"  l-hl  real  Estates,  notwith  tan  1  mg  •,!,:.  T        ''  7  "'■''"'•ali.ation,  to  inherit  and 

this  Colony  "-While  this   B      w.,      r  °   P"'-'^'>-^«e  nuu\e  before  Naturalisation,  within 

opinion  w.::  franJ  wit        ,,         "   J  t"      :  ^T''  '  l""''  '"""  "'"^'  ^'^°'  '^"'  ^•"  '"  -7 
which  Sir  Henry  Moore  ren.:',  I^; ^  :    :  ;^^;  ?  ^^  "'^-^-«  with  the  Bill  t^ 

could  not  give  „,y  assent,  without  a  s^^i  ^  .J:  '  w.^  "  M^;  "'7  '^  f '^^'^'^  '^  '^'  ^ 
a'nendnu.nt  an.i  the  Assembly  agreed  to  it      On  1    !     '""'''  "'"^  '''''   ''>'  ''"' 

your  Lord...  that  the  reason  oHhf  A  .  b  y  b  '  ^  "rT""'  '  ""f  "  '"^  ''"'^  '"  ""-" 
•"-.  that  such  liills  have  often  hun«  l„„.       L        ^  ,         «"spendmg  clauses,  is,  they  ,ell 

All  .he  Bills  passed  the  las   ^^XnZ    1^77''?  T      "'  '"'"'  ''''"  '"'"  -"-'-'tion. 
I  inclose  Vour  Lord-  the       pJ;,,?  1  f  '"   "  ';-''"-"'«-J  ''7  the  next  Packet. 

pursuanceoftlH-Actof  J.  nZ  tn,;;rr;r'  "'""''  "«'--«-""'  «nge  and  „,e,  in 
<br  the  Troops  chartered  in  this  a^  .  '  h  ^  r' -r:!;:"""  v^  ''\  '"''  ""  "^  ^^-"""^' 
tliisAffi.ir  put  upon   a  certain  I  rem.|.,  ,      "/""  ^'^■^'  ^""'-  ''"^'1"  ph'asure  to  liml 

P-'-tlJlikeLthefutu"  '  """'"  ""   »—•-•■"'<•  which   mu.t  probably 

I  have  the  satisfaction  to  inform  your  Lord-  that  an.ong  the  Bills  ,nssed  .his  ^      •        • 
for  appointiuirConiuiiss'Mo  meet  Commiss"  fmm  .1.    ,    •   i  i  '  '  Session,  is  one 

I"-  '-  -.nhHin,  the  Indian  T  r  Thi":  ;  ^b;'  "'"''''f ''""  ^"  "^  ""  ^•^""•'- 
'"^  ^'''l''^  <:.aci..us  n.,;.r „f  .his  in.p..       ;  .  ^'7^  ?'"''  '"  """"   "'"'" 


i  .    I! 


208 


NEW-YORK  COLOISJAL  MANUSCR*PTS. 


IB 


.  >'•' 


copies  of  our  Act  to  the  Governors  of  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  and  hnve  pressed  them  to 
l)rocure  tiie  lii\e  to  be  passed  in  their  Govern". 

My  Lord,  it  is  my  duty  to  inform  Your  Lord''  that  a  violent  party,  continue  their  assiduous 
endeavours  to  disturb  the  Govern',  by  working  on  the  passions  of  the  populace,  and  exciting 
riots,  who  in  every  atiempt  they  have  hitherto  been  unsuccessful.  The  last,  might  have  been 
of  fatal  consequence,  if  not  prevented  by  the  prudent  conduct  of  the  Magistrates  and  Oflicers 
of  the  Army.  An  ill  humour  had  been  arifully  worked  up  between  the  Towns  people  and 
Soldiers,  which  produced  several  affrays,  and  daily,  by  means  of  wicked  incendiaries,  grew 
more  serious.  At  last  some  Towns  people  began  to  arm,  and  the  Soldiers  rushed  from  their 
Barracks  to  support  their  fellow  Soldiers.  Had  it  not  been  for  the  interposition  of  the 
Magistrates,  and  of  the  most  respectab[l]e  Inhabitants,  and  of  the  Officers  of  the  Army,  it  had 
become  a  very  dangerous  afl'air — as  it  was,  only  a  few  wounds  and  bruif^es  were  received  on 
both  sides.  A  very  respectable  number  of  the  principal  Citizens  publicly  met  together,  and 
sent  42  of  their  number  to  the  Mayor,  to  assure  the  Magistrates  of  their  assistance,  in  preserving 
the  peace  of  the  Town  ;  and  the  Officers  of  the  Army  were  no  less  assiduous  in  quieting  the 
minds  of  the  SoIdLrs,  and  in  guarding  against  every  accident,  which  might  renew  any  dispute 
with  the  Towns  people — since  which,  thj  place  has  remained  quiet.  It  is  not  doubted  here, 
that  these  disturbances  were  promoted  by  the  Enemy  of  Govern',  in  order  to  raise  an 
indignation  against  the  Assembly  (then  sitting)  for  granting  money  to  the  Soldiers,  who  were 
represented  as  ready  to  cut  the  throats  of  the  Citizens. 

The  persons  vho  appear  on  these  occasions  are  of  inferior  rank,  but  it  is  not  doubted  they 
are  directed  by  some  persons  of  distinction  in  this  place.  It  is  likewise  thought,  they  are 
encouraged  by  some  persons  of  note  in  England.  They  consist  chielly  of  Dissenters,  who 
are  very  numerous,  especially  in  the  Country,  and  have  a  great  influence  over  the  Country 
Members  of  Assembly.  The  most  Active  among  tliem  are  iiulependants  from  New  England 
or  educated  there,  and  of  Uopublican  principU-s.  The  friends  of  the  administration,  are  ;  ihe 
Cliurchof  England,  the  Lutherans,  and  the  old  Dutch  congrtgation,  with  severafpr-^byterians. 
From  this,  the  reason  will  appear  of  some  Bills  having  passed  the  House  of  As^  .ibly  in  favour 
of  the  Dissenters,  &  in  prejudice  to  the  few  ministers  of  the  Church  of  :  ,gland,  wiio  have 
stipetids  by  a  Law  of  this  I'rov-  There  was  less  opposition  ^o  them  n  that  house,  from  the 
confidence  tliey  had,  that  they  would  not  he  passed  by  the  (  o-  .u  — they  were  accordingly 
rejected  there.  I  must  leave  it  to  Vour  Lord'"s  Judgement,  whether  theselhings  deserve  His 
MaJ'>'»  attention,  and  1  transmit  to  the  I'lantatiou  Board  a  printed  copy  of  the  journal  of  the 
.Vssembly  to  enable  you  to  fbrni  your  Judgem'  thereon. 

In  my  letter  of  Jjnuary  0"' A"  S.  1  inclosed  a  printed  copy  of  a  libel  directed:  "  To  the 
"  Be-t.rayed  Inhabitants  of  the  City  and  Colony  of  New  York"  with  a  proclamation  I  issued^ 
with  the  advice  of  the  Council,  and  on  an  address  of  the  Assembly,  otlering  a  reward  of  .LlOO 
for  the  discovery  of  the  autiior.  .One  Alexander  McDongal  is  now  in  Jail  ;  committed  on  the 
oath  of  the  Printer  and  his  Journey  Men,  as  the  author  and  publisher  of  that  Libel.  He  is  a 
person  of  some  fortune,  and  could  easily  have  found  the  Bail  required  of  him,  but  hn  ehoose 
to  go  to  Jail,  and  lyes  there  immitatiiig  >P  Wilkes  in  every  t'.ing  he  can.  When  he  comes 
to  his  Tryal   li  v,  lii  nppear  what  dcpemlance  we  ;nay   have  on  a  Jury  (i(    thi 


most    respectable    persons    in    tiie    place,     openly    declare    their 
desi;rves  punishnicnl. 


«   place;    the 
opinion,    that     he    highly 


^ 


LONDON  DOCTTMENTS:    XLII 
\r.,  T      I   r  209 

aiy  bon^  1  now  expect  soon  to  rpmn^a  r,. .u     a  j    •  . 

of  Dnnn.on. ..  It  gives  me  e  sat  Ztt  , t  ^''^^.'''^f  ^-"'  -  ^'^  -rival  of  the  Earl 
nn  opportunity   of   doing  some       I         i  x.''"'''  Administration,  I  have  had 

ngreement  has  been  supported  beriertll'^T:     "'  ^'''   ^'"J"   '''''"'■     '^''^t  ^  good 

of  oovern.  encouraged  i^the;'r::':;e::v;:;:::,:^^^^^^^  ^^''"^« 

my  conduct  will  make  an  old  Man  happv  and  will  nT  !  Ju  t  ''  ^''■'''^'°"'  ^PP^bation  of 
a  sudden  removal  from  Administra,  !':  y  oc  L  ^n"  I'  ""f""^''""«  '"'P---  -'-h 
submitted  by  ^  occasion.     I  his  is  however  with  great  humility 

My  Lord, 

Your  most  obedient  and 
faithful  servant 

Cadwallauer  CoLDE>r. 


lic-premitatlon  agaimt  the  Ne>o- 


York  Act  incapacitatimj  Judges  from  dtting  in  the 
Assembly. 


[NoH-Vork  Enlrles,  LXVIII,  p.  43,] 

To  the  KiNoVs  v'osT  excelle.nt  Majus^ty 


'ay    ■■  : .  ase  Your  Miijesty 
•  ve  have  had  un  er  Ouj^Considerati 


York  in  January  17,0 


in 


■onsi 
tituled 


an  Act  declari 


ion  an  Act  passed  in  Your  Majesty's  \ 


rovince  of  New 


ng  certain  persons  therein  mentioned  incapable 


M.^:;;;  w:;z,'-:d::1:1!;:':";^:;:^;:;;;::,2t:^  -"cceaaodtotheti.,e  „„  t..cj..„,h  or 

Ills  o..,„,n„8io„  „,  (i„v«rn,.r  of  New-Vork  bears  .l„,o  ^.l'  lun-.'.r       --         l\        ^  "^  ''""'-''""  "^  "'«  '•"'  "f  <-»l'ow«v 

commenced  o,,  the  UMl.  Owobcr,   1770,  ami  conti„„e,l  n„,nl\   ,',1      T.   ,%'."'"''''"''""  "^ '''*""■'''"  "^  •''»' I'--"vi"co 
...ceeedUr,UWourt,w..„,,ic.,.i„  n70 ,  a,  .i.ver     /       '    iri:         '       !,'" 'v'""'"'' ^'"^-     ""  "'"  "■"^-■■'-'  '« 

.P,.".nt„...,.|,  which  cireu,„sUno.  ...v.i..,,  s e  „.pioi„„  a,,  ^      V""""      ',"      Tr""  '"  '"■""  '"""'""  ■"••••  "'' 

.ul.sc,,ue,..    o„.|„ct  ,ii,l  n,„  ,orv«  to  allav  those  stLioi,.,,?       .  I        '"  ^  "«'":"'  "'»■■-  '"'  J''  ""t  «rrive  until  177i     Hi, 

(  .^v  4,^r,v,A,  „f  a.or,„  Cro,,..,,  su,,ra,  VII.,  ts3  )  a  7t  1  w  '  k  ,  k"   ,    r"'"   ^^"""■■'  ''■•«""•  "'"'  ••'"■"vlvania. 

natoly  his.ohen.o  wa,  f.,i,e,l  h,  the  ...acitv  a  ,d  n,'  ,1  ■  a        „n  i    <  ,      T  ,  r  "'"""  '^""■^""  """^'  ''^-•'--     ^•-<"- 

l,owesten.se.,lem.M.,i„,77,;but,h,..r„dian,ha4;    ,e  n.^^C^  '?'■";     ""  ^"'""»  «'"  -'-''  Jevutated 

l.y  .ho  bravery  of  the  l-rovi„e,al,  a  poaeo  wa.  eo,.el„  :d  '  hi  """"''  "'  ""  '^'"""'""  ""  '''«  "'"'  "^  Oet„ber. 

of  L„«a„  to  Lord  I,„n„,ore,  ,vho  .ubL..,u,.„, U-  ,  . '  \'        " ^  T''  'Tr  '"T  '"  """''^  ''^  ^"^  '^^■'^■'-'"'  ')--" 

powder  fro,n  the  mn,-a,i„e  „t  Willia.n,  ,„.,  lo  th     ,  „  r  '"      '^"'"  "'"  •*"-""'  '''""'••   ^""•'*-'"'  '-"'^^'y  the  ,m,„. 

-"•'  <--" •<">  '•—  HK.n   a  rebel     Hi  7:1  ;';C'''",,"''  f  ''"^'^"""'  ""'"'"'  "«  ^"•""  «"-  --  '■'«  '-'I  . 

where  he  -ei.-d  tl,e  printi,,,  pr |,  „,.  ,,.    7  n'    , .  l',  l^         "f""^'  T"  ""  '"""''  "'"  ^"^'"'^^^-  '""''^'J  »^  ^^'-'-ll" 

'1-  .lavea  to  join  the  Koval  -tan.U.d.     With  t        n    tiev  ^     b   T  ,"  '''"'•""^'''"  ''-'-"'K'  '-tial  la.,  a„d  i,.w,i„  ' 
^orfolk  on  Ut  January.  ,77.,  hut  w«,  forc.d  to  ret"       o  S,  A L.l;,    '     :,''  "  '"""^  "'  '"""'"'"'  "'"■^■''"-  ""■"  '-"' 

-as  needy  and  ea,„e  over.  ..y.  llaneroft,  to  an.a^  /I  tune. t  T         ''  '"        'T"  "'  ''"  '"""■"'••  "' "  '"""''-■     ''-< 

"    ."i„i„er»,  or  his  instruction^  „  for  the  rZZ^  "       rl        '  ''""',"  '"''  ^"'""'  ""'"•  '"'"'  ""  '""«  f"^  "-  1 'T 

o.vil  and  p.,mieal  privileges.     To  ,et  „,onev  was  .h     r  f  a..,    T  '7"f  l^", '","?  "^i'"''-''^'"""  "f  'I'-'  Colonies,  or  , heir 

<./  ^/..   r«.7e.  SU>»,   V...  «s..     „i,  n.,„/,  ,:„',"";'  "•:'■''-•'"•'>•;'  '-  whole  administrative  eonduct.  /W, 

«lt"M,.ed(ioverm,rofl!ern,udain  17«n  and  di"  li      '„     .    i  ■  "I.'''"'  "'  ''"''"'''y  "'   '•^"-     '"'■''  '>' -e  wa. 

'•"'  ^ •  Kin,  (i.orKc  111.  -_,,•„  '  ''  '"  ^"^'""''  ""  ''''■     "'^  '•""«'"«••  A.u.u».«,  n.arricl  the  Duke  of  Su.se" 

^oL.  \iii. 


210 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


of  being  Members  of  the  General  Assembly  of  tliis  Colony  whereupon  we  humbly  beg  leave  to 
represent  to  Your  Majesty. 

That  this  Act  being  of  a  new  and  extraordinary  nature  &  importance  aflfecting  Your  Majesty's 
Prerogative  &c  and  having  on  the  ground  of  Reasons  not  applicable  to  the  state  of  that  Colony 
made  a  very  essential  alteration  in  its  constitution,  ought  not  in  Our  opinion  to  have  been 
passed  so  as  to  have  taken  effect  until  Your  Majestys  Royal  IMeasure  could  have  been  known  for 
which  reason  We  humbly  beg  leave  without  entering  further  into  the  merits  of  the  Regulations 
it  adopts,  to  lay  the  same  before  Your  Majesty  for  Your  Majesty's  Uoyal  disallowance. 

Which  is  most  humbly  submitted, 

HiLLSBOUOUGII 

Ed:  Eliot 
Whitehall  W"'  Fitzherbekt 

April  11.  1770.  John  Robeuts 


#i| 


N"  3S. 


Sir, 


Earl  of  IliUaborough  to  Lieutenant-Oovernor  Golden. 

[  Now-Tork  Tappra  (  S.  P.  O. )  CI.XII.  ] 

Whitehall.  14.  April  1770. 


I  have  received,  and  laid  before  the  King,  your  letter  of  the  27'"  February  N"  9.  together 
with  the  attested  copy  of  the  Act  to  wiiich  you  have  thought  fit  tOPgive  your  as-sent,  declaring 
the  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  incapable  of  sitting  in  the  Assembly,  and  also  the  copy  of  an 
agreement  entered  into  with  Major  (Jeneral  Gage,  for  the  application  of  the  money  given  by 
the  General  Assembly  for  providing  necessaries  for  the  King's  Troops. 

In  my  letter  N"  37. 1  transmitted  to  you  an  order  of  Ilis  Maj'J-  in  Council  disallowing  the  Act 
for  emitting  ^120000  in  paper  Bills  of  Credit;  &I  now  inclose  to  you  a  farther  order  in 
Council,  disallowing  the  Act  for  explaining  the  duty  of  the  Loan  Ollices,  as  being  consequential 
of,  and  dependant  upon,  the  other  Law. 

It  gives  me  great  concern,  after  having  in  my  last  letter  signified  to  you  His  Maj"'' displeasure 
on  account  of  your  having  assented  to  the  papur  currency  Hill  without  a  suspending  clause,  to 
be  again  under  the  necessity  of  taking  notice  of  a  fresh  instance  of  disobedience  to  His  Maj'-'s 
Instruc'™,  in  the  like  assent  given  to  the  Hill  for  dis<iualirying  the  Judges  from  sitting  in  the 
Assembly  ;  a  13111,  which  is  not  only  of  a  new  and  extraordinary  nature,  in  every  construction 
ot  tiiose  descriptive  words,  but  is  evidently  founded  on  reasoning  and  precedents  not  applicable 
to  the  State  of  New  York. 

What  measures  Ilis  Maj'"  may  think  fit  to  pursue  when  this  Act  comes  before  him 'in  his 
privy  Council,  1  will  not  presume  to  say,  hut  I  have  thought  it  my  duty  to  loose  no  time  in 
receiving  the  King's  Commands  to  lay  it  before  the  Lords  of  Trade,  in  order  that  they  may 
make  such  Report  thereupon  as  they  shall  think  fit,  and  I  shall  i)o  very  glad  if  your  reasoning 
upon  the  Act  shall  furnish  their  Lordi''"  with  any  arguments  to  extenuate  the  impropriety  of 
your  Conduct  in  a  case  of  so  much  importance  to  tiie  King's  Govern'. 

After  the  experience  we  have  had  of  the  little  utility  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  dang.-rous 
use  thai  has  been  made  on  llio  other  of  moelings  of  Commissioners  from  llio  several  Colonies, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 
rrguta.ing  ,1,.  'l„Ji.,„  T,a,l/    2j  „.;;''""  '"*  ^  ''°"''""  '''"  '"«  P"'P»'''  «' 

.0 »..,  La„  ,w  ,„.„ .  p„p„„  „,.:::  Hi';';!;.?;;  ?;,:,?„:  "»• '° "»« s'--  ^»" »-' 

At  the  same  time  that  the  Kine  sees  vvifh  h.'L  -lil  i  ■ 

l"l.n,l»H,  nod  ha.  op«,ale,l,  to  n,„,„„t.  ,  „„ 'i  L  .  ,  '°"''  '"'"'"'  '""  ''""  '««"? 

I-«i.la.,,re,,.  .nclag.  ,hc  K         .'  ."^    J    IZ  T""  ''"  ""'"'  ''™""""  °''  '"" 
coasidared  with  every  auanlioa  da,  ,o  ll.  reHt.  '"■°'"°"'"  °'  '"'""'' "  ™"'  I" 

I  am  ettc. 

Hillsborough, 


IT* 

^"^ 

1 

I 

1 

!■ 
i 

.■      ;i 

*   n    »   «-■»- 


N"  13. 


Mirl  of  UUhlorough  to  Sir  William  Johm 

[  rjimuilj)n»  Gener»l  ( 8. 1'.  0. )  CCLVI .  ] 


■son. 


Sir 


Whitehall.  14.  April  I770 

importance,  and  it  i.  with  concern  hLZ."'  '  T'T  '^  ''"  '"''"'^'^^^^^  '^  "'^  ^''-''t 

Cherokees  is  made  to  .iepej  Z  your    "  in  r  T'  '^'  ""^""^  ^°  ^*^  g'^"   ^^   ^ho 

committed   in  measures,  I    i  h     f    hey    d     t  U,"  "'•■"■  ''  '''''''  '''  ^'"^  ->"  ^'""rf 

and  Western  Indians,  are  irrelilale  wt,  ''""'T  ^  ^^  '  "^''^  "'''''''  ^'^  '^-^'-n 
tluT  tend  to  union  of  India^rte  ;  ".l-r  """',"  °'  '"'"'"^"J'  ""^  "''"  ^'^  -"-7 
Colonies  h,  enahlin,  the  sl^: trrihe-  t: ;;:•  r^:  ^'^^   ^^^''^  ^'^  "'«  ^'^^^^^ 

a.2:  r  s::z. '::  w:;::t:2; -ir  "i"  t-^  '^""-^"■"  ^'----'-^  ^  ^-- 

the  King  howeyer  unwil.ingi;  c  ::;::;:  ^  r  ""'T'  ""  '""''''^'  """  ''--^-« 
making  the  security  of  his  suhj  ts  d  ,.  e.  ^o  U," f'T-'  "'T"'"^  '''  •^"""'^''-'  ""^ 
attention  at  the  Congress,  hut  it  wou.dV^:^  .  1  ^.^'^l  ^l^'  ""^  ''^!;!^''"»'  °'^-'  °^  y^- 
w.t  out  ..ouraging  the  Savages  in  their  harhLllirZ.^^^:^-  ^;;'  '^  ^""'^  ^^  "^^"'^^ 

busiuessof  sodisagreaL^a  n  te  lu  do  "'rTr'r"'"'  "'^  ^'''^J''  ^'^  ^  ^'-'V  in  a 
beyond  what  your  Stated  a,;::';::;;n;\:;::i;;V' ""■'  ""'^^     attended  with  an  expence 

economy  that  is  possihle.  eonsist.mt  wil    t  e    ,u  '  7"'"'"f "'  -'"'  ='"  "-  fn,gali,y  and 

M^U'^  approves  of  your  applyi„.  to  Mn         '   n  r      r  '  l  '""''  '""'"■  "'""  "^^^"'•'""■'■■^-  ^'^^^ 

-pence  shall  he  aLolutnl.  -^J^^rthi::!:::;:'''  ^^""  ^"'  ''-'  ''''-  "•  "'■'^^'>'  ^^ '- 


1^12 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


It  is  to  be  hoped,  that  it  will  not  be  long  before  those  Colonies,  whose  security  depends  upon 
the  good  will  and  affection  of  the  Savages,  will  see  the  nec«»ssity  of  such  regulations,  as  will 
be  ellectual  to  prevent  those  abuses,  which  at  present  give  so  much  discontent  to  them.  In 
the  mean  time  you  will  not  fail  to  exert  every  influence  in  your  power  to  prevent  these  abuses 
from  having  such  an  operation  upon  the  minds  of  the  Indians,  as  to  disturb  that  tranquility 


which  is  so  essential  to  their  true  interest. 


I  am  &c" 


Hillsiiokoi:gh. 


Lieutenant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Karl  of  IlilMorough. 


V  10. 
Mv  Lord. 


[  Now-Tork  rapi.n  (  «.  1'.  O.)  (.I-VU.  ] 


I'o  have  fallen   under  His  Maj"''  displeasure,  as  I  find  I  have  by  your  Lord^'s  letter  of 


the 
lonor  to  serve  the  Crown 


17'"  of  FebrJ'  \"  37.,  gives  me  the  deepest  concern.     1  have  had  the  1 

in  this  Province  near  50  years,  and  have  heretofore  been  happy  in  His.  Maj"*'' approbation  of 
my  conduct.  It  adds  greatly  to  my  affliction  that  I  should  have  forfeited  it  when  I  am  so  near 
the  close  of  Life  ;  but  I  have  this  con.fbrt,  that  however  1  may  have  erred,  it  was   not  from 


any  want  or  neglect  of  duty,  but  from  an  error 


to  the  Dill  for  emgting  Bills  of  Credit,  at  the  time  I  did 


n  judgement,  thinking  that  giving  my  assent 


was  greatly  for  His  Maj'*'  service,  ii: 


preventing  the  Tumults  and  disorders  wit,li  which  the  province  was  at  that  time  Ihreatned 


Tiie  Chief  Justice,  and   auolber  (ientl 


eman,  eminent  in  the  profession  of  the   Law, 


were 


present,  when  the  Coun(;il  unanimously  advised  me  to  give  my  assent  to  that  Hill,  and  were  of 
opinion  that,  it  ''ontained  nothing  in  it  contrary  to  the  Act  of  I'ar 


a11( 


wed  by  the  Act,  before  it  was  to  take  p 


Lordi'  blames  me,  for  giving  my  assent,  when   I  k 


ameiit  ;  and  that  tile  time 
ice,  was  f(|uivalent  to  a  suspending  clause.     Your 


Henry   Moore,  was  under  consideralio 


new  that  a  similar  Mill,  transmitted  by  8ir 


circumstances  of  the  Trovince  at  that  tii 


n,  and   Ix'fore  J    knew  the   result;  bui    My   Lord,  tin 


ni',  would  nut  permit  delay,  and  I  must  own,  it  w 


some    in 


ducement    to  me  to  give  my  assent,  knowing    that  a  similar    ISIII   was   tl 


IS 


coM.sideralion,  and  conse.pienlly  that  His  Majesty's  pleasure  iiiust  he  known  bef( 


the    Act  could    take    ellect  —  laid  so  it   I 


len   under 
re  any  part  of 


liis    happened — And   in  pursuance  of    vour    I^cirdi 


conn 


nands.  I  immediately  published  His  Maj"'  disallowance  of  the  Act,  that  all 

govern  theuiNelves  accdrdingly. 

My  Lord,  I  llaiier  myself,  you  will   ind 


|»er»onH  may 


lime 


)lent 


riiliiimenl  of  Creal  I'.rilt 
with  a  similar 


alge  me  in  giving  the  Stale  of  the  Trovince  at  that 
iction  prevail.d   in  opposition   to  (iovernmeiit,  and  the  authority  of  the 

imslances  appeared  to  lie  acting  in  concert 


un,  vsliu 


h  I 


rom  inMUV  circi 


Kaclion  at  lloston.     \u roiis  papers  were  ilispersed  abort  the  'I 


Die  |ieople  to  sedilioii,  and  exas 


own,  e.M'ilini 


Till'  Soldiers  walking  peai  ealily  ill  the  Street 


peraling  liieni  against  the  Soldiers  then  (jiiarier.'d  in  this  I' 


lace, 


were  several  times  attacked,  beat  and  abused 


this  of  consefpirnce  ilrew  on  their  {(.•sentnieiil,  ami  w.-  sliouhl  have  had  ll 
effeclH  produced  here,  which  I 


le  same  mischievoiiN 


lave  since 


InhabilanlN  assuretj    the  Magislrales  of  tl 


happened   at    I'.iml.iii,  ImhI   not  a  body  of   ihc  priia  ip, 


lei 


r  assistance  in  preNtTviiig  the  peare  of  the  ("iiy, 


whicli,  with  the  iirudent  conduct  of  li.v  Magislrales  and  OHircrs  of  the  A 


rmy,  prevented  lliiM 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 

Wicked  design-Of  tl.is  I  inf„r,„ed  Your  LordP  in  my  letter  N-  0       Tl        •    •,    •.      <• 
proceedings  of  the  Factions  in  this  place  '.„,!  in  nl  ,       .       »— TI.e  similarity  of  the 

concert.     I5ut  besides  this,  one     f      e   I.id  "',  ""^"'^  "  ^'^^^^  ^^^'^^  they  .cted  in 

who  are  thought  to  he  the    e     e     o      .e  F  f  ^  "    V'  '77''  ^°  '"^'^  ^°"'"^''°"«  ^'^'^  ''--' 
this  place,  a.s?he  only  mctho      „    ,  '      L  /     " ''  >'  «'^'-'--i"i='  of  the  Troops  from 

to  have  the  same  connectio  i  I    fh     j    ;:''r"'  'T' ""^  "' ''^  ^^''"-•''  -'-  -  ^-wn 

Troops  was  the  only  method  to  res.o  t  p  ^Z  ;  tC  '  T^'\  T  I''  ^■""^"^•'"^'  ^'"^ 
the  views  of  the  Factions  i„  this  I'h.c.    -u  d   lu  '  """^  '''""^  P'^'^'^  ^'"^' 

succeed  here  was  owing  to  the  p   n  i        li      hi    n     .     "  ""'  ''"'  -'—''''.at  they  did  not 

th.  Administration.  auLere  rL3  o  ;X  "  ^Z:Z'  '"^"^"'  ^'"  "^'^  ^""""^'  '"' 
several  public  acknowledgements      The  n  l  °'^  ^'"*^''  ^  ''"^'^  «'nce  that  time  received 

Credit,  served  much  to  re'co  the        n  J  ^17.;    T"'  '^  '"^  '"'  '''  '""'"'"^  ^"'«  °^ 

Ha.l  I  refused  my  assent  to  this  Uil  Jd  1  l/h  I  '  'n  ""  '°  •""  "'^'■"  '"  «"«''  '•'""o-r. 
a«  in  that  case  they  would  .  Jtl  e  ^w  <• ,  w  M  I  "  '^'  ^'''"''"'  "°  '""'"^y  ^"^  ^''«  'l^-P^- 
Oovernm.  and  it  is  not  eas  t  ^  w^  "j;  ■':?;  '''T'''  "'  '""  "•■'«"  '"  '^'^^"^"  ^"^ 
"^";yconductunderthesec!;cumsLJ^  r^:^^ 

to  think  more  favourabh     .f  it  ^  '       '  *'"J     "'"y  ^'^  graciously  pleased 

^■S:r^^: :::-::;::]:!:::  rr:r;„"r-"  r  t""'  "-'"•  •""- 

tlie  Authority  of  Govern' which  h.   ever  «i  ^""'^    "'''"■■  ""'^    «"'""i«siou  to 

strength.  Which  the  events  :f:7::~^^^^^^^^ 

by  publishing  the  most  gross  ..dunnnes  L  i n  , .  .'^,  ''  "'^'f  ^*'""'-  ^  disappointed  Faction 
the  characters  of  the  Gentle  ,,^  2  "','"  T"'  '"  "'"'"'^  '">'  ^•''--■'--  "-' 

tluMMselves  a  general  de.es.aZn'r''  ""  '"  .^''-^''"""i«tration,  have  drawn  npon 
every  Man  of  reputation  .1^,:  ;.:,::  t:::l^  '  """  '-'"""^•'"^^  '"  '"^  -'"""''-  "'' 
^•1'  'iH-s.  .•ircums.ances  the  Admi   istrUio  ,  w  7'  ""*'T"""' '""  —  —»'  '  l'"I-  <rom 

tl-t  I  Hhall  have  ,he  pleasure  to^       i  .^^^^  ,'""  '  "^'^'^  ^'^^  '"  >">•  accessor,  and 

''•'-  «;ran.l  Jury 'of  this  Cn     Z^\^^^  Z     ^   '"^^^ 

^-^o..-.orpubi,shing„uhl,::r^-;;;;:;:;;.-:;;;;;-^ 

'  .Ma|..r.(i..iu.r»l  AuxAM.ER  M.Do.uai.,  ..ficrwar.U  .,f  il,.,  I>  .    i   . 

"">• -"  ' "f  .  S.„.,,„.,.„  wl.u  „,:,,  nnll  i'^ll        ''■    "n        v"'r"''V  """•  """"""■  "  '■«"-  "' -^-tLuul ;  All..,, 

timl,  wlu...  »  l..,v,  lu,  ,.„i,|.„|  hi,  r,.il„.,..     II..  ,„„,,„„.  ,.,.,,,  ,i  '     ■^'■"'^  '"■".  '""1   that  I.,  «.,«  „.,i  „.,,„„^.^,  ,„  „.,,.„„,.|,,.| 

""•'  "■'"""« '"  '■">^' 1  w .Mii,„,i  ,„  ,„,..„. ,:,  „„,„;  ,  ','"  .'^•'•'  •" '"  ""•  "•"^''>-'  ini...i.ii«„u  „r N..„.  v.,,k .. 

;; "'■'"- "■ """ '•'  ^^i'^-.  ''-.'• r i.,.,l  ,„ „■ ",  .  :, j ; :;■" ;'•- '••"■  •"'  n- ■- .., .„.i :. 

': :;"•;- " ^ ' - "u ....  w„  .,v z^^':::: ::::';:  "r;: '■ 7 ""  ••  ""•^"-"  •■'-- 

••"'•••' •  -"■  ""•  ^"«-  "f  N-V.V...I..     A  wr,'   f  l.,.l  :  ""V'"'""'"''  ''>■  "-"•««  «'i-"-'.  «U..,w«H,  .1...  n,..i 

i..i..n..i „f ...,.  I.,  N.,w.v„„, ,,.„„„.„,  „., , '         ;;, ;  ;"* ''  "V  "" -^''^ •'■•  ••■'■•' • "» « «. 

;;; • ;'  "r  '"^'" '<  -^^^  -i-  %.-^  a.:.::  '1  :::i::  ■:'•;"'•'  r  '-'■•"■  '"'■•■-'•••'  ''•■--"  i.. " 

'-  v...r  I,,:.,  1,..  w«,  ,|,.,,.,.|  ,.,  ,„,,,,„„„  ,|,...S.„al...r,.  I),„n           1     s      r  "                 ""  ""  "'"  ■'"'  ^'""'•"■'  """•     I" 
\:\  '":•"  '""  •'•■'"'.  «'-' ...I  n. ,  ,7...     A    U  .      , .    .  ;"'  "'  """  "' ""• ' '  • •■'•-'  "f  .hHl 


r) 


214 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


letters  N"  8  and  9.     It  is  thought  he  cannot  have  his  Tryal  this  Term,  as  the  Court  will  be 
fully  employed  the  few  days  they  have  to  sit,  in  the  Trial  of  capital  criminals. 

The  Govern"  of  (iuebec  and  Pennsylvania  have  agreed  to  send  Commissioners  to  meet  the 
Commiss"  of  this  Prov",  in  order  to.  form  some  plan  for  regulating  the  Indian  Trade  ;  and  I 
expect  they  will  meet  at  this  Place  the  10"'  of  July  next. 

As  I  have  had  my  duty  constantly  before  my  Eyes,  and  have  pursued  it  sincerely  to  the  best 
of  my  ability,  the  thoughts  of  closing  my  life  under  His  MaJ'"'  displeasure,  give  me  great  pain, 
and  that  by  any  error,  I  may  have  forfeited  Your  Lord'-'s  regard,  for  with  the  greatest  truth 
I  am 

My  Lord 

Your  most  obedient  &  faithful 
servant. 
25  April  1770.  Cadwallader  Golden. 


N"  11. 


Lieutenant-Governor  Collen  to  the  Earl  of  lUlbhorough. 

[NewYotk  Papers  (B.  P.  0.)CLXII.] 

New  York.  IG  May  1770. 


My  Lord, 

By  the  repeal  of  the  Act  for  emitting  .Cl-JOOOO  in  Bills  of  Credit,  one  thousand  pounds 
granted  out  of  that  fund,  by  the  Asseml)ly  in  their  last  Session,  for  supplying  his  Maj'>''  Troops 
quartered  in  this  Place  with  necessarit-s,  it  become  deficient.  I  have  no  hope  given  me  that 
the  Assembly  will  at  this  time  supply  that  deficiency;  and  therefore  I  think  it  is  prudent  to 
delay  calling  the  Assembly  till  after  the  arrival  of  Lord  Dunmore,  who  must  certainly  have 
more  inlluence,  than,  in  my  present  situation  I  can  have.  The  grant  of  money  for  the  Troops 
is  unpopular  —  we  have  two  parties  in  violent  opposition  to  each  other  — one  is  careful  to 
preserve  their  popularity  in  order  to  secure  their  seats  in  the  Assembly,  and  the  other  takes 
every  method  to  gain  popularity  in  hopes  of  a  Dissolution  of  the  Assembly  on  the  arrival  of  a 
new  (iov'. 

The  Merchants  in  this  Place  and  in  Philadelphia  have  under  consideration,  whether  to 
import  goods  from  (Jreat  Britlain  or  not.     I  am  told,  the  majority,  both   in  this  place  and 

I'hiladelphia  are  for  importing,  and  that  they  will  come  to  a  determination  in  a  few  days 

The  party  in  opposition  to  the  present  administration  join  with  the  people  of  Boston  in 
measures  to  prevent  importation,  and  for  that  purpose  stole  late  in  the  night  last  week  a 
procession  of  the  Mob  to  expose  a  Boston  Importer,'  who  happened  to  come  to  this  place.  The 
Magistrates  knew  nothing  of  the  design  till  it  was  too  late,  otherwise  I  believe  it  would  have 

'  "A  ccrtoin  Niilliaii  n«i<-t%  ..f  lli..  tonn  of  ni.«l..n.  m.Trl„u,l  "     lli«  .-flicy  wn»  iii-pon.l.  ,1  from  «  trnllown  nn.l  l.ii.nl  on 
till,  niifht  of  111,,  lotli  of  Sliiy,  177'i,  in  '\w  (001111011,  now  tli.>  IVk,    Now-Yorli.     \U  nrilcrod  lii»  cnrrinn'-  i>ml  K-orcllv  l.ft 

to»ii  i,t  -l  oVIoik  ii.xt  11,01  iiii.({.     II,  i.  ,l.,.,Til„.,|  ,1.  n  nmii  al I  ;,  f,.,.t  h  inrlir.  hi«li,  |,r.'lty  ■>ur|,iil,iit,  rniiii,!  i.|i.oil,|,.r,.,l, 

MooiM  n  «r,iil  ,|..,il,  nii.l  ir-iornlly  »i.|.,.«n.  in  l'i",'ii  nn.l  i;oM,  or  |.iir|,|..  iin.l  Kiil.l.  hakt'i  /../#  ,/  Umh,  (i:i,  fl4.     Il<-  liv,,l«t 

111,-  lo«  or  ,!ii,l  uf  King  (  now  .SUU' )  «liv,.t,  |lo.|„n,  iiii,l  hn.l  «lr,.«,|.v  1 11 .1. inr.,!  at  n  nwWn^  of  ilir  n  .-r.'lmnl.  of  llonto,,. 

on  llii,  Au«inl,  ITilU,  M  <>n«  "of  tlK>««  wiioniiiliipioiialjr  rontiniioto  rouiitrriii't  (lio  unil»,l  xo.liniinlti  of  \\x,  \„„\y  „f  in,  rrloinli 
lliroiiiflioiil  Noitli  Amoiicn  ty  iioporliiig  llriti.li  ^ooiU  iM.nliiiiy  lo  iho  iii(r,«iii»iil."  hrnkt't  UiUurg  nf  iloilvn,  7il7.— i:u, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS  :    XLII.  gl  5 

I  liave  the  honor  to  be 
My  Lord, 

Your  most  obedient  nnd 

faithful  servant. 

Cadwalladeh  Golden. 


•» »  «.  ^- __ 


J^arl  of  JiUUjoromjh  to  Lieutenant-Governor  CoUen. 


N"  39. 


(  New-Tork  Paporj  ( B.  P.  0. )  CLXIl.  ] 


Sir, 


Whitehall.  12  June.  1770. 


I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  Kinc  your  letter  N"  in  in  «,i,;.i 

There  certainly  may  be  circun.Mances  and  situations  in  which  a  Gov^  will  find  U  ^ 

in  ,..„r  ,„r,n„  ™.,..p„,,:,  ,:,':,:  7;,';':;';"  7;;"  •';-  »-.  no.  .■„„.„ 

adviHed  an.l  supported  it.  is  o,  great  in.portance  Jo  I,,  ^.^^^^t,  "  ^  I  .';7""  T"" 
stated   in  the  fullest  and   most  exDlicit  nr.nn..r    „„  i  »'"'<e,  and  ought  to  have  been 

.n..a.ures  depend  in  a  great  d^.^^.h       H,>     .''''"'"  J'''  ?";""'"''  '"^  "^  ""  •'"''"'^ 
or  Men  in  pul.lic  situations,  it  w:        l    ;  j    lill'l^ir'''''^''  "'  '";  '"'"  «"-"'-« 

without  some  ktunvledge  of  .he  princi s  1  v  w      I.  V     '^  '  '"'"'''"■'^  "'  "'"^^  """"*"^'"' 

the  degree  of  Trust  ^  ^...idene;  :::!!^::^::;::^r'^'  "'  '''"''  ''^"  " "^"^^"'  ""^ 

Inclosed  I  send  vou  an  order  of  MIh  Mi.;..^i,r  ;..  <■  , 

.»• n™  V,,;;  I,.  Jnnua;;l't^!  ,;::;:  :;::';;;■;;■''  •  "'"»""••«;•:' "' A,., 

execution.     I  likewise  inclose  to  you  nn  \cl  passed  in  .1     I    .  ""'/"••      '•""•"""'•I''  ."to 

"An  Act  ,0  euabl..  ,l.e  «^n' (Wi    nm     CI    1      V.     u"'"'  ""^ ''"^""'"•""  -"""'I  ■■ 


I 


216 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


"  of  llie  snid  Colony"— and  I  make  no  doubt,  that  if  the  Legislature  of  i\cw  York  shall  think 
iit  to  pass  such  a  Law  as  the  Parliament  has  authorized  it  will  be  approved  by  His  Maj'^— 

i  am  ettc. 

IIlLLSBOUOUGII. 


Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Ililhhorovgh. 


N"  12. 


[  New.Tork  rii|>orB  (  S,  P.  0. )  CLXir,  ] 


.,     T     A  ^"w  ^'ork.  7.  July  1770. 

My  Lord,  .  •' 

It  gives  me  the  greatest  concern  to  learn  from  your  Lordi^'s  letter  of  the  4"'  of  April  N°  38. 
that  I  had  incurred  His  Majesty's  displeasure,  by  giving  my  assent  to  u  Mill  for  disqualifying 
the  Judges  from  silting  in  Assembly.  However  necessary  it  appeared  to  me,  for  preserving  a 
good  agreem'  between  the  branches  of  the  Legislature,  at  a  time,  when  assiduous  endeavours 
were  making  to  produce  discord,  I  should  not  have  don.-  il,  without  a  suspending  clause,  till 
His  Majesty's  pleasure  be  known,  had  I  not  been  confident,  that  there  would  be  no  session  of 
Assembly,  before  there  had  been  sullicient  time,  to  have  His  Maj"'-  pleasure  known  in  this 
place,  and  that  in  the  mean  time  it  could  produce  no  effect.  For  this  purpose  I  transmitted  an 
attested  copy  of  the  Dill,  by  the  lirst  opportunity,  helbre  it  could  be  engrossed  as  usual  and  the 
seal  alli.xed. 

Had  your  Lordn  known  in  what  manner  some  of  the  Judges,  at  .several  times,  have  made  use 
of  their  inlluence  in  Klections.  not  for  His  Maj"'  service,  but  with  interested  views,  and 
alterwar.ls  in  supporting  a  party  in  the  house,  you  would  not  wotider  that  tiie  .Assembly,  have 
it  so  much  at  heart  to  exclude  them.  1  apprehend,  that  unless  the  Assembly  be  grmified  in 
this  point,  it  will  remain  a  perpetual  hone  of  contention,  between  them  and  the  Gov'.— In  my 
humble  opinion,  the  Judges  can  be  of  more  real  use  to  the  Crown,  by  being  disinterested  in 
nil  party  disputes,  without  which,  they  cannot  gain  or  preserve  the  general  esteem  of  the 
people,  or  their  sentiments  have  that  weight  on  the  minds  of  the  people,  which  otherwise  a 
Judge  of  sullicifnt  ability  &  known  integrity  must  always  have. 

I  had  not  the  least  suspicion  of  any  preju.lice  to  His  Maj'*'-  service  from  111.'  m.-eting  of 
the  Commiss"  of  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  (or  regulating  the  commerce  will,  the  Indians. 
The  Tra.le  with  the  Indians  from  this  I'rovin.v,  I'ennsvKania  and  (iueb..c,  is  so  much 
intermix..d,  that  no  plan  can  he  elf.M'tual  without  their  mutual  consent:  Coll:  Carl.'ton 
.•mbrace.l  the  |,roposal  h.-artily  &  .lesired  the  meeting  to  be  at  New  York.  IVnnsylvania 
seems  more  cool.  I  have  since  that  lime  r.M'cived  a  letter  from  Coll :  Carleton  signifying  that 
the  Commissioners  from  (^lebec  cimn..t  attend  in  the  summer  months,  tho'  we  chose  that  time 
from  nn  opinion  that  it  would  be  most  convenient  for  them,  ns  traveling  in  the  winter  from 
Uuebecisvery  diflicult  an.!  often  dangerous.  1  now  suspe.-t.  that  the  Commiss"  will  not 
met.  ..r  If  they  do,  they  will  n,.l  agn-e  .>n  any  plan,  by  reason  of  the  ,lili;.r..nl  int.Tcsts  of  the 
several  (\)lonies.     Sir  William  Johnson  is  likewise  of  tliis  opinion. 

.Nfy  Lord,  I  (!;.tt..r  myself  that  from  the  good  dlVcts  of  the  measures,  wl.icli  the  miministration 
ol  t.ov.Tu'M.  this  IVovinc  has  a.h.pte.l,  that  lh..y  will  r.'.-...ve  Jlin  Maj"'  approbation,  and 


h.  f:  ■ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


217 


^w  ZZ^J':7l"'  "If  '"-'  ''^^"  '^''y  ^''""-'-     Tl.e  principal  Inhnbitants  are 

of  ln,livi,l,„,l..'  ,  ,m  ;,        '    ,     ,  ■™o'''''''''r7'  ""',' '"  ■''"""  '"  """  "»  •"•"""-'" 

nnvili»ti,irli„.,,i»,J„   I  ■  ""•"•"'•'  "riivilling  to  declare  ilwir  .eiKimorils,  and  a  few  of 

JhJ^t    e,  ;;";;^";  ::   '    -  ""^-";-"  -i'"certnin,y ,Vo.„  the  Merch.^t.  in  I.,„.,o„ 

Ufpr  I.  f     ',"".'•      ""'  '  '""^''t  '"-'"g  "'•'<ly  to  sail  n.-xt  inornin:;  oMIlh-s  me  to  close  inv 
letter  befl.re     receive  perfect  infor.nation  o,  the  resolution  of  the  Meghan,:  ' 

ha^rwirnrc';'^"'"   ^^r^''  !•"«-'•  -""''  tl-  a.l.,.inistra,io„of  Covem.  was  in   n.y 
'..n.ls   «h,le  no  (,ov'  ,n  any  of  the  Colonies  ha.l  sutli.ient  authority  to  suppress  them  •  I  Z 

sit  an  example  to  the  other  Colonies  of  returiiina  to  their  Hiitv       All    \i         r  '"»""i. 

s..H.ie  of  their  .,an«er.  ivom  ,.o.s  an.,  .umu,.:^,:^ i^  tiif  m^A^L ;;,:  .i;!:;:;'!.::.:: 

at  ''.lUiln'r  '"!'"",?  ''■'""'"'  '""'  "■'''-'•""  '''•■'"•''''"^  "'■  "'*'  f-'-l.i.ants  opposite  parties  have 

at  all  times  and  will  exist  ,n  this  I'ro. whieh  at  .iilii.rent  times  have  taken    heir  .1  no.ni,       ,," 

^  in  son.  d.s..n«„i.he.|  person  or  h.niily  w h   has  app. ,  .„.,i.  , ,  ,  ^     : 

..r  .  .  My  l.or.l.  that  it  ,s  no,  in  the  povvr  of  any  one  (amily  to  .listress  the  (lo  em",  vvl.ile 

p:p..i^'zr:"  '^  ^""""^"' '-''  '-'--^  -'"^"  "'^-  -'--  '^  --. -^^^'-h 

Inlir  r^'V"'"'!"?'  '"/"""•  *''"'  ''  ''  '"'"^  ''"^'^"''•"   '"   -''-'  -i"'   "-   reputation  of 

u^py  ^  i ;"! ,  u  ;; """  ^""-^ '  ••""  *'"'"  '"^  ^''^i"*  '••'''-••^'"""-  ■  «•-"  •'•■  -- 

"'   ''"""  "'  ' "-'«  Vonr  ,,or.i:-s  re«anl,  an.)  am  with  tho  greatest  Jrespeet   ..'  lui.milsK,,. 

My  l.or.l,  ^  our  most  ol,e,|i..nt  ette  :  Cadu  a,.,.a,.,.;u  Com.kv. 

.,.r;;,:;u;;:r„;:;r;;:r;,:;:;:,:;;;:;;:-::; ^■■■^•■'  ■•"  "■-  »'^-"  -'  ^ "  -  *  ■  ■  .< 

Vol.  VIII.  oa 


'&k 


218 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


N°  13. 


Lieutenant -Oovernor  Cohkn  to  the  Earl  of  Jlilhhorough. 

[  NL'W-York  PapiTS  (S.  P.  O.)  CLXII.] 

New  York.  10.  July  1770. 


My  Lord, 

The  Faction  in  opposition  to  importation  from  Great  Brittain,  having  last  week  attempted 
by  every  method  in  their  power  hy  lliots,  Clamour  and  threats,  to  deter  the  Merchants  in  this 
place  from  agreeing  to  import,  without  the  concurrence  of  Philadelphia  and  Boston.  The 
Merchants  were  desirous  to  know  the  sence  of  the  Inhabitants  with  certainty  in  a  matter  of  so 
great  consequence,  and  after  my  last  of  the  7"' inst :  was  wrote,  desired  to  have  the  packet 
detained  a  few  days,  which  was  accordingly  done  to  the  Wednesday  following.  I'ersons  on  both 
sides  of  the  question,  were  appointed  to  go  from  house  to  house  to  collect  the  sentiments  of  the 
Inhabitants.  I  am  informed,  that  a  great  majority  declared  for  importing,  and  consequently 
1  make  no  doubt,  the  Merchants  send  their  orders  for  importing,  by  this  packet.  This  is  of  so 
great  importance  that  1  think  it  my  duty,  to  give  your  Lord?  the  earliest  notice  of  it;  it  must 
be  agreable  in  you  as  it  will  give  a  favourable  impression  to  His  Maj"  of  his  subjects  in  this 
Trov".  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  have  it  accomplished,  while  the  Administration  is  in  the 
hands  of  —  My  Lord  —  your  ettc. 

Cadwallader  Colden. 


AUxander  Colden  to  Anthony  Todd,  E^q.,  Secretary  to  the  rostmaster-Gtneral. 


[New-York  rapon  (».  V.  O.)  CLXII.  J 


Anthony  Todd  Esq" 


11  July  1770. 


Sir, 

A  day  or  two  before  the  Duke  of  Cumberland  Packet  Boat  sailed,  the  Principal  and  most 
numerous  of  the  Merchants  of  this  City,  had  a  meeting  and  came  to  a  resolution,  that  proper 
persons  should  go,  thro'  the  several  wards  of  the  City  with  two  subscriptions,  the  one  for  noti 
importation,  the  other  for  importation,  in  order  to  collect  the  sentiments  not  only  <if  the 
Merchants,  but  of  the  Mechanicks  and  every  inhabitant  relative  to  importing  goods  from  (Jreat 
lirittain  as  formerly. 

At  that  time  it  plainly  appeared  by  the  lists  a  great  majority  was  for  importing;  upon  which 
the  Committee  of  Merchants  dispatcheil  Kxpresses,  to  I'liihulelphia  and  Boston,  informing  the 
Merchants  at  these  places  the  sentiments  of  this  City.  At  this  time  it  was  known  the  generality 
of  the  Merchants  of  I'hiladelpliia  inclined  to  break  through  the  nonimportation  agreement,  but 
before  the  Express  reached  Philadelphia,  a  letter  was  published  in  the  i'hiladelpliia  papers 
from  a  Gentleman  in  London  on  whose  opinion  and  advice  it  is  said,  the  (Quakers  and  those  in 
their  interest  entirely  rely,  the  purport  of  which  letter  was  advising  the  I'hiladelphians  by  all 
nicauH  to  abide  by  their  noii  importation  agreement,  as  the  only  f.;., ins  of  obtaining  full  redress 
Iroiii  the  grievancieH  they  complained  of ;  this  made  llie  I'hilati-lpliians  change  their  BcnlimenlN 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 


219 


and  resolve  to  abide  by  their  agreement.  Vou  will  see  the  Committee  of  Merchants  at  New 
York  Letters,  to  the  Merchants  at  I'hHadelphia  and  i3oston  published  in  the  papers,  and  also 
the  above  letter  from  London  and  th*e  Merchants  answers  to  our  Committees  letter.  The 
answers  from  Philadelphia  and  Boston  did  not  discourage  the  principal  and  most  thinking 
Merchants  amongst  us  from  perusing  their  scheme,  not  doubting  they  should  soon  bring  about 
a  general  consent  in  this  City  to  break  through  the  nonimportation  agreement,  being  sensible, 
many  families  must  starve  if  an  importation  of  goods  from  Great  Brittain  did  not  soon  take 
place,  for  many  could  not  subsist  their  families,  especially  the  Meclianicks,  unless  we  imported 
sundries  of  which  we  at  present  stand  in  absolute  need  of  and  can't  get  elsewhere,  this  would 
have  been  effected  some  weeks  ago,  had  it  not  been  for  the  opposition  of  a  small,  inconsiderable, 
noisy,  blustering  Faction  whose  whole  aim  is  to  keep  the  Country  in  confusion  in  oider  to 
answer  their  purposes,  and  keep  up  a  popularity,  which  by  vile  means,  they  have  obtained 
among  the  lower  class  of  the  Mechanics  and  Inhabitants,  well  knowing,  should  an  importation 
take  place,  they  would  loose  that  popularity,  be  disregarded  by  every  honest  Man,  and  well- 
wisher  to  his  Country,  and  sink  into  their  former  state  of  being  despised  and  perhaps  treated 
(as  they  justly  deserve)  as  Enemies  to  their  Country.  Notwithstanding  the  principal 
Gentlemen  and  Merchants  have  been  at  great  pains  to  show  the  unreasonableness  of  abiding 
by  the  nonimportation  agreement  (after  the  Legislature  of  Great  Brittain  had  been  graciously 
pleased  to  repeal  the  Act  relative  to  laying  duties  on  sundry  articles)  except  that  on  Tea  )  and 
how  much  it  would  redound  to  the  honour  of  this  Province  immediately  to  shew  their 
gratitude  for  this  favour  by  ordering  all  kind  of  goods  from  home  on  which  there  was  no  duty 
to  be  paid  in  America  (things  remained  in  a  fluctuating  state  till  last  Fri  lay  evening)  the  tiight 
before  the  mail  by  the  Halifax  Packet  was  to  be  closed)  a  number  of  Merchants  met  at  a 
Tavern  and  then  agreed  at  all  events  to  send  their  orders  by  the  Packet  to  send  them  goods  as 
usual,  except  Tea.  The  Faction  being  informed  of  this  Resolution  published  an  iudammatory 
anonymous  advertisement  the  next  morning,  desiring  all  the  Inhabitants  to  meet  that  day  at 
]-'  o'clock  at  the  Citty  Hall,  where  the  Faction  &  their  Cabal  (such  as  they  were)  m.'t 
accordingly;  amongst  the  number  of  the  principal  of  them  was  one   Isaac  Sears'  (who,  you 

'  IsAA<-  Sfabs,  a  .1..9o,>n.l,int  from  tlie  Pilgrim  y.'ook  «t  n.Tmouth,  bt  >1  for  ton  ycai-8  tl.o  r.  poiri  iz  ,1  hcii.l  of  tlio  oitizoiu  of 
N.w-Vork,  wa«  a  nu'iiilMT  of  (li«  oriirimil  iii.«ici«tion  of  ih«  "Sens  of  Uhcty,"  ami  of  the  c  niniittoo  nppointtil  to  coir  »- 
ponil  with  til.'  iliir.T.'nt  Colonii'K  with  a  view  to  n  rc»i»tiin.'i'  of  Ihi'  Stanip  A.",  in  ITiiri.  S.in,.  sohlier^  of  tli,i  'Jsih 
r.yiirn.ht  iLivini,'  cut  ilown  lh>-  l.ihcrty  I'oh.  on  tic  lilih  of  Aiignil.  17c;r,,  a  imity  of  the  cili/.eno  of  Nrw-Yoik,  who  naaciolil.,! 
on  tlic  following  even  nj;  to  restore  tli  ir  Btiimlar  I,  were  ansailcl  by  the  -ol.lier*,  on  which  occBKion  .Mr.  Sciirn  w.i*  w,>  n.h-.l. 
In  llic  nnnilhof  March,  17(i7,  a  parly  of  the  lillh  r.^iiuent  njjain  cut  chnvn  the  pole,  un.l  in  u  collision  which  r-uhscpicntly 
occii,  re.l  I),  twcen  Ihe  cili/ens  and  Ih  •  niililiiry,  one  of  the  latter  was  arreste.l  l.y  Scum,  »  tio  niarchci  liia  pri.ioner  to  ihu 
irayor'8  otlice.  In  ITfitf  ho  w«.<  a  eon^picnoiia  .npportcr  of  ('apt.  Mclhniu'all  (  i»/.r.i,  p.  213  )  ami  in  17TJ.  on  n  complaint 
Inilchc.l  up  ayairiBt  him  «»  inspector  <if  pot  a«hes  liu  was  (linmiBned  from  otlice,  liut  Ihia  only  reu.lere.l  him  more  active.  lit 
1771  he  was  prominent  in  provei.lini,'  ll.c  landing  of  Ihe  Tea  at  Ncw-Vork.  t)ii  'Jiith  April,  177,\  he  l>oM  y  proposc<I  lliat 
the  people  prt,v,.lc  themselvea  willi  armi  onJ  ainmunition,  for  which  he  wan  arreste.l ;  but  tlic  populace  rocucl  him  ari.l 
carried  him  in  Iriumpli  Ihr.iu-h  the  cily.  N,w«  of  ihc  l.atllo  of  I.  mml'Iou  arriving  a  few  days  nftcrward.<,  the  citizent,  headed 
by  Seara  an.i  olhcr^  rushed  lo  armt,  «ci/.cd  llu-  cuhtoni  Inmse  and  dela  Ucd  all  Ihe  v»w.,ls  in  port   about   to  »ail   for  the  K  »t. 

.Soon  after  this  Ihc  I'lovincial  fonnrcH..  nat  in  .New  York,  and  Ihe  ijr.al  i miiilec  noniiniil<'d  Mi  S.^urK  t.i  represent  Ihc  city  and 

fouNly,    Ihwh,,,,  /i:,l„ry  nf  AVio  •  )'or*,  11.,  4.^7.      lie  soon  after  reniuvcd  lo  New  Haven,  where  he  rai,-ed  a  party  of  hors'em  ti 
It  whose  head  he  procc.le  I  lo  Weslchc.ter  coimly.  S.  V.,  to  disarm  Ihu  IcaJim;  lories  of  that  nection  cd'llw  cculnlry,  some  of 

*'"""  "i'\V«ehtpiis rslo  tomi..cli,ul  ;  and  on  Ihe'jad  Nov.n.l.er,  177.^,  cnlcrcd  llie  cily  of  New-Vo,  k  and  drew  np  in  llic 

lii.atenl  nvularily  in  front  ..f.lnliies  Rivi  nylon's  pi  inliiix  otlice  and  dcsllo;.ed  hif  ty|  ca.  aHer  which  Ihey  marched  oul  of  I  In. 
town  lo  Ihe  lone  of  Yankee  Hoodie,  ainidsl  tin  cheers  of  the  vast  coiicoiiive  of  people  collceled  .m  that  .K'ca«mn,  and  return,  d 

to  New  llavcn,  whcic  Capt,  Scars  spent  the  winter.     (!, rol   l,eo  ahoitly  aller  «rri»inK  in  New-York,  of  Ida  own  nulhoriiy 

nppointed  Oiptnin  Scara,  the  following  j  ear,  liepuly  Ailjulaiilliciurul,  will,  llic  rank  of  l.iculenanll.ihmcl,  ami  empower.  .1 


220 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


will  find  often  mentioned,  ol"  late  in  our  papers)  Capt"  M'^Dougakl  the  American  Wilks  and 
some  others  of  the  same  kidney.  Every  Merchant  of  any  note  met  at  the  same  time  at 
the  Cotfee  House,  and  a  niimher  of  other  Gentlemen.  The  Cahal  at  the  City  IL.ll  proposed 
an  opposition  to  importation,  and  as  I  have  been  informed  (whether  true  or  not,  I  don't 
presume  to  say  but  do  not  doubt  it)  Isaac  Sears  publicly  declared  if  any  Merchant,  or  number 
of  Merchants  presumed  to  break  through  the  non  importation  agreement  till  the  several 
Provinces  had  a,!,'reed  to  do  the  same,  he  would  loose  his  life  in  the  attempt,  or  the  goods 
imported  should  be  burnt  as  soon  as  landed,  and  strer.nously  advised  that  every  measure  in  the 
power  of  that  Faction  should  be  attempted  to  frustrate  the  resolutions  taken  or  to  be  took  by 
the  Gentlemen  and  Merchants  for  bringing  about  an  Importation.  The  Merchants  met  r.t  the 
Coffee  House  resolved  to  use  their  Lest  endeavours  to  bring  it  to  pass,  and  resolved,  that 
persons  of  note  should  again  be  sent  thro'  the  several  Wards  to  take  the  same'  of  all  the 
Inhabitants  on  this  subject  in  general,  and  made  not  the  least  doubt,  but  by  far  the  greatest 
number  would  be  for  importation.  This  being  agreed  to  only  about  1  o'clock  last  Saturday, 
and  the  Mail  was  to  close  at  12.  that  night  it  would  be  impracticable  to  know  the  result  time 
enough  to  send  the  necessary  order  to  their  correspondents  for  goods  by  this  Packet  which, 
they  were  very  desirous  to  do  as  early  as  possible  —  Wherefore  they  appointed  Committee  of 
their  body  to  wait  on  me  desiring  me  to  detain  the  Packet  for  two  or  three  days,  which  1  told 
them  I  could  not  possibly  do  without  breaking  through  my  Instructions.  They  then  sent  to 
the  Lieut'  GoV  who  was  out  of  Town  at  his  Country  seat  about  17  miles  off,  and  sent  some 
of  the  Committee  to  the  General,  requesting  the  Packet  might  be  detained  ;  upon  their 
application  to  the  Lieut'  Gov''  and  to  General  Gage,  they  wrote  me  the  following  letters: 


Sir, 


July  T"-  1770. 


It  is  for  His  Maj'?''  service  that  the  Packet  be  detained  till  Wednesday  next,  which  you  are 
desired  to  do  accordingly. 

CaDWALLADEK  Cni.i>EN. 

To.  Alex:  Colden  Ksq'  Agent  for  the  Packets. 


Sir, 


New  York  July  7""  1770. 


Application  having  been  made  to  me  that  the  i'acket  might  be  il  tained  for  two  or  three 
day-s  in  order  to  give  time  to  tlie  Merchants  of  this  place  to  make  out  orders  to  their 
Correspondents  at   home  for  such  British  .Merchandize  as  they  sliall  severally  want,  being  on 

liim  to  mine  vol  intiiers  in  Conni'i'lioiit,  nii.l  nftorwarils  !<4'nt  liiiii  into  (.iiiccn'.i  ooiinty,  to  mliiiinlstiT  llic  to*!  oolli  to  cfitaJTi 
fiiis|„c:«.i  |.iuti.'«  "wliiih  tli,.y  swiillow,.,!  liko  n  llti.  «' o(  "  I.  Aiiifrinin  Arrhivm,  III.,  17u7;  IV.,  111.');  V.,  "f.,  liir.,  fill, 
117.'..  1.011U'  Uliiii.l  liiivintifullin  inlotli.;  Imii.lii  of  the  liii  .  who,  It  wii»  rcpoil,.,!,  Iiml  oir.'r.'.l  o  rcwai-.l  for  Sours  liotiiov.'.l 
to  IJo^ton,  wliiTi"  111.  rini.!..!  .Iiiriiic:  llic  ttiir,  liuviin;  foriii.Ml  a  iciiartiuTfljiii  witli  lii.<.»on  in  law.  J>ui,l:ij,'t  \rw-  York,  II.,  I'di. 
llf  ri'tiirn.-.l  to  Now- York  afli.r  tlir  pi.H'c,  nnd  wan  cliiMi-n  one  of  tin.  incnil.i'rs   of  AksiimMv  for  that  I'ily  iit  tin-  I'limiint; 

''l''''i f  l"**'t-      li'  i'HI,  t>    111"  conipany  of  S..ars  ami  Sntilli  fniU.l,  aiol  llii!  i.n.r^;etii'  uM  man  mailo  a  Toyairi-  to  tli»  lOast 

Inilirs  wliioli  i-otric'Vcil  In  part  liiit  lorli »,  liut  in   17m1  \i>'  \iai' •.  i/.i-.|  willi  fi'V.T  in  Unlaviu  an<l  ilivil.  Jluitlnp.     Lfskr,  in 

liis  l.i/'e  of  l.timb,  frn  n  wliii  li  nia-  y  of  tli.'  |iic,.H,lln^  partiuulam  «ro  lii>rrowc.l,  imyii  (  p.  ,'|IH  )  that  he  Wfnt  on   a  voyapc  to 
Chinii,  an. I  .lid  in  Canton  on  tin-  'JHtli  of  Oc'tola-r,  171(1.     Tlin  family  wan  oriitinally  from  Colcliontrr,   in  Knulninl,  wlitn.'c 
tlii'ir  ani'i'iilor,  Itii'liard  S,ans  cmii.'ralKl  to  llullaiol  with  oilier  liiritnns  ami  IhimKiI  at  I'lyiiioiilh  in  H.Ud.  Sik  h'nylaiid 
llii'lotieni  and  Uetieiihiginil  Itrijitler,  VIII,  '>\\;   l.\.,  I;il.  —  Ki), 
'  .Sift 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


221 


the  point  of  breaking  the  nonimportation  agreement;  I  am  therefore  to  desire  that  you  will 
detain  her  accordingly. 


Alexi-  Golden  Esq™  Agent  for  the  Packets 


I  am  ettc. 


Tho'  Gage. 


Upon  receipt  of  these  letters,  joined  with  the  applications  the  Merchants  made  to  myself,  I 
agreed  to  detain  the  Packet  till  this  day,  not  doubting  but  I  should  have  the  happiness  of  their 
LordPP.  the  Postmaster  General's  approbation  for  so  doing;  and  immediately  advertised  that 
the  1  acket  was  detained  and  to  sail  this  day.  I  am  now  closing  the  mail,  and  the  Packet  will 
sail  as  soon  as  the  Tide  permits. 

M'  James  Parker-  Secretary  and  Comptroller  to  the  General  Post  Office  for  this  district  died 
a  few  days  since;  this  must  cause  some  new  appointments  in  the  Americal  General  Post  Office- 
If  any  which  may  be  more  honourable  or  profitable,  than  the  cne  I  now  enjoy  as  Post  Master 
in  this  City,  I  hope  you  will  not  forget  me. 

I  am  ettc. 

Alex:  Colden.'^ 

■  .Ta«b.  P.bker  w«b  born  i„  Wo,„ll.,iI..>,  N.  ,T„  and  served  I.ia  apprenticeship  to  William  Bradford  tho  fir»t  printer  in  New- 
^  o,k.  11.  commenced  In-sincs,  when  Bradford  retired,  abont  the  year  1752,  and  b,-«n  the  A\  Y.  Oazeile  and  PoUboy  a  wecklv 
newspaper,  m  January,  1743,  on  the  diseo-,tin«a„ce  of  Bradford',  Ga.et.e.  In  xVovembor,  1712,  he  began  the  publie.'tion  of  the 
r.ow-'iork  /../«(«•,  eontam.ng  moral  and  political  es.nys,  but  no  news.     Gov.  Livingston,  President  Burr  of  N.  J,  College 

■'"'"'  TlV'''1!'  T'  "iT"'^:"  '"■''  ''"'""^'  "'"'  ''"""'•  ""^  ^■'-'"■"^■"'"  "''">"""•  ^"^  "-«  chief  contributors.  IIo 
pnntod  at  Wo^b„dge  a  folu,  editun,  of  tho  laws  of  tho  IVovince  of  New  Jersey,  and  in  January,  175:i,  formed  a  partnership 
w,th  W  ilbau,  Wevman.  which  continued  for  .i..  years.  At  the  comnu,ncen,e„t  of  the  French  war  it  was  deemed  proper  to 
estabhsh  a  post-omee  at  New  Haven  and  James  Purker  was  appointed,  in  17.'.,,  the  6rst  po«t,nnstcr,  by  Benjamin  Franklin 
then  at  the  head  of  the  d,.partn.,.nt  in  America.  Having  secured  the  post-ollice,  he  forn.ed  a  partnership  with  John  Holt! 
another  pr.nter,  and  sent  on  a  pr.s,,  fro.n  New-Vork  at  the  close  of  the  year.  The  tirst  work  from  this  press  was  the  laws 
of  \  ale  Colb-ge  .n  Latin.  A  newspaper  followed  in  January,  17f.5.  During  all  this  time  his  residence  was  mostly  at 
ANoodbridge,  where  ho  managcl  the  press  on  bis  own  account,  and  printed  a  monthly  magazine  for  more  than  two  yeara 
llavmg  diNiolved  pailner.hip  will.  Wcyman,  bis  printing  house  and  newspaper  in  New-Vork  devolved  on  him.  He  assi -ned 
the  paper  to  his  nephew,  Samuel,  who  printed  the  f'„.tbny  until  July,  17i!0;  when  H,.l',  bavin-  closed  his  .onccrns  at  New 
Haven,  came  to  New-York,  Parker,  who  .„ill  resided  at  New  Jersey,  formed  a  partnership  with  hi.n,  which  lasted  nntil 
April,  17(12.     lu  17li5  he  remove,!  his  Woodhridga  press  to  Burlington,  where  he  began  and  completed  Smith's  History  of 

New  Jersey,   pp.  f.7o,  demy  Hv md   then  returne.l  with  his  press  to   Woodbridge.   Thomai  JIUlory  cf  Prinlivg.     In  \1U 

Holt  retired  and  Parker  re,-nme,l  business  in  connection  with  his  nephew.  At  this  otliee  the  Addrcs  of  a  S.m  of  Liberty  "To 
the  Hetr.yod  Inhabitants  of  New-York  "  was  prinled  in  December,  17fi9,  and  one  of  the  journeymen  having  informed  tho 
anihurities  of  that  fact,  Parker,  Ihoui-h  still  residing  in  New  Jersey,  was  arrested  on  a  charge  of  having  printed  a  Seditioua 
I.ih.  1.  He  was  pardone.l,  however,  on  furnishing  the  name  of  the  author.  Book  of  Commiuioni,  V.,  430.  Parker  was  a 
correct  and  eminent  printer;  besides  his  profe*.Hional  concerns,  he  held  various  public  employments;  among  others  that  of 
Coinplroller  and  .Secretary  ol  the  (;enernl  PostOllieo  for  the  Northern  District  of  the  Ihitish  Colonies.  He  possessed  a  sound 
judgment  and  a  good  heart;  was  industrious  in  business  and  U|uight  in  his  dealings.  He  died  July  2,  1770,  at  BurlinMon 
N.  J.,  and  was  conducted  by  a  large  concourse  of  his  fellow  citizens  from  Burlington  and  Amboy,  t„  the  pli'ice  of  interment 
at  Woodbridge,  where  his  remains  were  deposited  with  those  of  his  anceelors.   T/wniai,  11.,  121,  122. 

'  Alkxandeii  Coi.uks,  el.le-;!  8.>n  of  the  Lieulenant  Governor,  was  born,  we  presuni,.,  in  Philadelphia,  in  17Iii,  and   in  1737 

was  appointed  Hanger  of  llu'connty  of  Lister,  N.  Y.,  which  then  included  ■  I'olde im,"  «  imall  district  of  country  about 

midway  belwcii  Newlmrgh  and  the  village  of  Monlg(uneiy,  in  the  present  town  of  Montgomery,  Orange  county^  N.  Y.. 
where  his  fath.r  hud  pro|.,  riy.  and  win  ru  he  (  .Mevamler  )  kept  a  country  store,  at  which  the  early  settler*  of  the  tii'wn  and 
those  W(«t  to  Sh.iwangunk  nmunlains  were  in  the  habit  of  trading,      He  was  appointed  Joint  Surveyor-General  with  his  father 

in  17.M.  and  sue. .led  to  that  oHicu  in  I7(S2,  and  wns  Poslmaslcr  of  New-York  until  bis  death.     He  left  four  .lannhters  and 

trtosons;  his  eldest  daughter  married  Captain  Arehil.ald  Hamilton,  of  theSUt  F,>ot;  his  second  dai:ghler  married  John  Antill, 
who  entered  the  Hrilisli  service  and  was,  alterthe  peace  of  17h;l,  obliged  to  leave  the  country,  and  settled  in  Canada  ;  his  third 

daughlep  marrieil  Captain  (»ii Colonel  )  Anllimiy   Furrini.'ton,  of  th,.  Koyal  Aitill.Ty;  his  eldest   son.  Uieliaid,  niani.d  a 

hidy  at  the  Isle  of  .Mali,  and  left  two  sons  in  this  eouiury  ;  and  his  seemid  s,.n  was  l.wt  at  sea.  Alexander  ColJen  did  in 
N.  w-Verk  in  177.'),  in  the  .',',ilh  year  ot  his  ag,.,   A.ii/er's  lliHoiy  ./  Orangt  Cvunly,  23ii,  2:;',i,  216.  —  Fu. 


222 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


(13.) 


Sir    William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Jlllhhowuyh. 

[riantatlona  General  (8. 1'.  O. )  OULVI.] 

Johnson  Hall.  12.  July.  1770. 


My  Lord. 

Since  I  wrote  yoisr  LcirC^^  p-  U,  ■  lO"-  of  Febr''  last  N"  12.  I  have  been  honored  with  your 
LordPs  letter  N"  12  inclosing  his  Maj"''  speech  for  which  I  olPer  my  most  humble  thanks,  as  also 
your  Lordi's  letter  N"  13.  in  answer  to  my  dispatch  concerning  the  proposed  Congress,  on  which 
subject  I  am  extremely  happy  to  find  that  His  Maj'y  approves  of  the  alternative,  which  I  thought 
was  the  only  one  that  under  the  circumstances  I  have  had  the  honor  to  represent  could  be 
adopted  with  safety  to  the  public. 

As  I  was  so  fortunate  as  to  foresee  the  .sense  of  Govern*  on  this  embarrassing  occasion,  I  do 
assure  your  Lord?  that  I  took  infinite  pains,  to  avoid  the  Congress,  but  I  find,  that  it  cannot  be 
either  set  aside,  or  postponed  with  safety,  and  above  six  hundred  of  the  Indians  being  mready 
come  to  the  place  of  Uendez-vous,  I  purpose  to  set  out  to  morrow  to  meet  them,  judging  that 
about  the  time  of  my  arrival  there,  which  is  fifty  miles  from  hence,  the  whole  will  be  assembled, 
and  I  am  very  sorry  to  hear,  that  there  will  be  so  considerable  a  number  of  them,  because  there 
is  tiie  greatest  scarcity  of  all  provisions  at  present  throughout  thtse  parts,  the  crops  being 
almost  totally  destroyed  by  Catterpillars,  and  in  the  Indian  Country  many  Corn  fields  are 
entirely  ruined.  After  great  trouble  and  ditUculty  I  have  at  length  got  out  of  the  liiuids  of  the 
Committee  of  Non  Importers  at  New  York  a  Cargoe  of  Indian  goods,  without  which  I  dont 
know,  how  I  slioulc*  have  gone  to  the  Congress,  for  whatever  is  the  occasion,  we  cannot  meet 
those  people,  without  some  proofs  of  his  Maj')-'*  esteem,  more  especially  at  some  periods,  as  now, 
when  Indian  goods  are  so  scarce,  that  several  parties  have  gone  thro'  all  tlie  stores  and  shops 
within  100  miles  without  being  able  to  procure  a  dozen  Blankets,  and  when  it  has  been 
industriously  propagated  amongst  them,  by  some  very  weak  people  that  the  scarcity  is 
occasioned  by  the  King  who  has  ordered  that  no  goods  shall  be  sent  over  to  them  ;  this  very 
dangerous  Report  is  so  universal  amongst  them,  that  I  have  been  told  o(  it  in  very  warm  terms 
by  above  a  hundred  Indians,  within  the  course  of  the  present  week  ;  many  of  them  have  brought 
down  their  Peltry  &  Kurrs,  and  returned  almost  naked,  and  full  o.'  .  jsentment  the  Ktlects  of 
which  I  am  so  sensible  of,  that  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  undeceive  them  in  the  best  manner  I 
could  on  a  point  of  such  delicacy,  where  the  occasion  of  their  present  wants  and  disappointments 
cannot  be  transferred  from  one  to  another,  without  some  danger  to  the  I'ublic. 

You  see  My  Lord,  some  of  the  dilliculties  in  which  my  station  involves  me,  but  I  have  firmness 
enough  to  support  me  under  greater,  when  his  Maj"'  interest  demands  it  of  me,  and  the 
confidence,  which  I  know,  the  Indians  re|)ose  in  me,  will  I  trust  enable  me  to  clear  up  these 
disagreable  matters,  so  as  they  may  not  have  any  ill  con>.  (iiu-nces,  to  which  end  the  presents 
will  greatly  contribute  by  removing  the  apprehensions  till  more  favourable  limes  shall  set  all 
matters  right. 

I  purpose  at  the  Congress,  when  agreable  to  His  Maj'>'  orders,  proceed  to  the  ratification  of 
the  Fort  St;inwix  Treaty,  to  convince  them  that  he  has  no  desire  lor  the  Lands  they  ceded  to 
the  Southward  of  KuuIkiwh  liarr,  and  to  ex|.hiin  these  p(;inl3  in  a  way  that  I  hope  will  be 
satisfactory  to  the  (ew  of  their  Insntiable  dependants,  who  have  pretended  to  he  discM.nlenled 
at  the  extent  of  a  session  so  fully  agreed  to  in  the  largest  assembly  that  w.is  ever  y.'t  held  of 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


333 


he  true  and  real  proprietora,  and  as  I  hear  from  the  Southward  that  the  Cherokees  deny  that 
their  Deputys  have  orders  to  draw  the  Northern  Nations  into  so  extensive  a  war  as  has  heen 
represented  to  me,  I  shall  study  to  avail  n.yself  of  it,  in  altering  their  purposes,  but  should  it 
appear,  that  the  authority  of  these  Deputy's  is  indisputable,  and  that  the  Northern  Ind-  cannot 
be  diverted  from  their  purposes  with  any  safety  to  the  public,  I  shall  in  that  case  make  it  as 
much  the.r  own  atta.r  as  possible.  &  endeavour  to  act  in  the  manner  most  agreable  to  his 
Mjjj-    incl.nat.ons,  as  expressed  in  your  Lordr's  letter  to  me.     I  fores.-  much  trouble  and 
ddhcultys  m  the  course  of  the  intended  Congress,  as  well  from  the  discontent  shewn  for  so 
ong  a  t-me  by  many  of  the  Indians,  and  the  very  disagreable  Report  before  mentioned,  as 
from  the  want  of  any  appointments  for  the  Ueguhuion  of  Trade,  and  the  little  prospect  there 
■  s  of  US  ever  being  duly  attended  to,  but  on  all  these  matters,  I  shall  endeavour  to  give  them 
the  utmost  satisfaction  in  my  power  to  prevent  their  operating  to  any  disagreable  purposes. 
And  his  Maj-r  may  be  assured  that  on  this  or  any  other  occasion,  I  shall  never  presume  to 
recommend  or  incurr  any  expence,  unless  I  am  convinced  from  experience  of  its  necessity,  and  in 
that  case  I  shall  conduct  myself  with  the  strictest  honour  and  integrity,  and  with  a  frugality 
proportioned  to  the  exigency  and  importance  of  the  servic.-As  I  hope,  within  a  few  weeks 
to  give  your  Lord^  an  ace'  of  the  result  of  my  transactions,  I  have  only  at  present  to  add,  that 
1  am  with  all  imaginable  respect  — My  Lord— ettc. 

W"'  Johnson. 


Bad  of  IlilhJjonnujh  to  the  Earl  of  Dunmore. 

[  New-York  I'nptri  ( S.  V.  O.  )  CLXII.  ] 

ISiy  j^ord,  Whitehall.  IG  July  1770. 

As  His  .Nfajesty's  ship  Tweed,  which  is  liestined  to  carry  your  Lordp  to  New  York  is  (I 
understand)  now  ready  for  the  Sea,  I  inclose  to  Your  LordP  His  Maj'^'  Instructions  for  your 
guidance  and  direction  in  the  administration  of  that  (Jovern',  and  I  am  to  signify  to  your  Lord" 
His  Majesty's  commands,  that  you  should  prepare  to  embark  with  as  much  dispatch  as  yuur 
Health  and  private  aH'airs  will  permit. 

I  have  the  satisfaction  to  acquaint  Your  LordP  that  His  ^f,■lj'r  hath  been  graciously  pleas, 
to  direct  by  a  warrant  upon  his  Commiss"  of  the  Customs  in  America,  that  a  Sahuy  of  leoti 
per  annum  should  be  paid  to  your  LordP  from  the  date  of  your  Commission,  out  of  the  Itevenu 
arising  in  America  by  the  duly  upon  Tea;  and  I  am  to  signify  to  your  Lord"  His  Maj"' 
commands,  that  you  do  not  accept  any  Salary,  or  any  gift  or  allowance  whatsoever  from  the 
Assembly  of  New  York. 

The  inclosed  copy  of  a  declaration  made  by  King  William  at  the  Treasury  Board  in  IGOS, 
will  inform  your  Lord"  of  the  n-gulalion  established  with  respect  to  the  emoluments  of 
the  Covern"  in  America,  in  case  of  a  Devolution  of  Covern'  by  the  death  or  abscence  of  the 
Chief  Cov-  and  it  is  His  Maj'^"'  pleasure,  that  a  mojety  of  the  perfpusites  and  Emoluments 
of  the  Govern' of  New  \ork  be  a.;couiited  for  and  p.ii.l  to  your  Lord' 
Commission  to  the  time  of  your  arrival. 

I  am  ettc. 


d 

000 
e 


l""  from  the  date  of  your 


t  n 


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Hu.LSBOUOirGII. 


£34 


N»14. 


NEW-YOllK  COLONIAL  MANUSCllIPTS. 

fSir  WilUavi  Johnson  to  the  Fad  of  Tllll^hoivtujh. 

[  riurilnd.iru  (Icii.  nil  (S.  1'.  (>.)  Nn.  mil.] 

Johnson  Hall.  II.  Aii-'ust.  1770. 


My  Lord. 

On  the  12  ult»  I  hnd  llie  honour  to  write  Your  Lordi'  my  letter  \»  13.  previous  to  my  journey 
to  hold  ii  Congress  with  the  Northern  Indians  and  Deputys  from  the  (Southward,  from  whence 
I  returned  some  day.s  ■au,o  attemled  hy  so  many  Tribes  and  Messen.D^ers  on  tiie  private  husiness 
of  each  nation,  timt  it  was  not  in  my  power  earlier  to  transmit  the  proceedings  which  1  now 
have  the  honour  to  inclose. 

From  my  last  letter,  your  Lordn  has  been  enabled  to  form  some  judgement  of  my 
embarrassment  arising  from  the  disagreable  nature  of  the  business  1  had  to  engage  in,  on 
which  account  I  held  many  Conferences  (too  long  to  be  inserted)  with  the  leading  men  of 
each  Nation,  upon  my  arrival  at  the  place  of  Coiii^rcss,  to  which  the  issue  and  determination 
of  the  Indians  as  contained  in  the  |)apers  herewiih  transmitted  must  be  entirely  attributed ; 
they  having  at  length  agreed  thro'  the  pains  I  took,  and  the  extraordinary  prudence  and  good 
conduct  of  some  of  the  Chiefs,  whose  abilities  and  inlhience  were  peculiarly  exerted  upon  that 
occasion,  to  stop  proceedings  against  the  .Southern  Indians,  until  they  shall  propose  terms  of 
nccommodalion,  and  to  decline  their  intended  application  for  our  assistance  &  support  in  the 
war,  a  circumstance  which  gave  me  much  uneasiness  at  (irst,  as  1  (ound  that  they  came  with  a 
determined   resolution    to  demand   it   in   public,  and  that  not  so  much  from   necessity  as  with 

design  thereby  to  judge  of  the  nature  of  our  friendship,  and  the  regard   we  piud  'to  l.„ r 

engagements,  of  which  they  entertain  great  doubts;  concluding  upon  this  to  be  a  fav.mralile 
occasion  that  must  liiially  determine  &  direct  their  conduct  towards  us,  for  as  strict  alliances 
with  them  are  considered  both  on'ensive  &  defensive  any  evasion  or  refusal  from  us  would 
undoubtedly  in  their  present  disposition  have  so  far  encn-ased  their  suspicions  and  resentment 
as  to  make  our  Trade  and  Frontiers  feel  the  ellects  of  that  spirit  of  War,  which  now 
predominates  amongst  them,  at  a  time  when  we  are  very  ill  calculated  to  defend  the  one  or  the 
other,  however  matters  may  be  misrepresented  with  regard  to  our  strength  or  their  weakness,  (or 
whilst  they  exist  in  their  present  state,  they  are  able  to  make  us  severely  to  feel  their  power 
without  the  possibility  of  their  sustaining  a  proportionate  loss  even  from  a  vigorous  exertion 
of  our  abilities,  so  that,  My  Lord,  disagreable  as  tiic  alternative  was  on  which  the  issue  ol  the 
proceedings  lirsl  appeared  to  depend,  I  found  that  a  trilling  ,  ircumstance  when  compared  will, 
the  prospect  of  either  drawing  his  Maj"  contrary  to  the  principles  of  humanity  to  be  an  Aelor 
in  their  (piarrels,  or  to  see  at  least  a  temporary  end  put  to  the  Indian  Trade,  and  the  total  ruii. 
of  those  settlements  which  industry  and  peace  have  added  to  the  Colonies;  this,  I  thouubt 
myself  bound  to  prevent  as  well  from  humanity  as  duty,  and  I  hope  the  measures  I  piirMied 
for  that  purpose  will  be  honoured  with  his  Maj"'"  approbation,  as  in  so  doing  I  car..|ully 
avoided  discovering  what  would  have  been  the  resolutions  of  the  Crown,  and  so  .•oiiducted  i"t 
as  to  make  the  issue  of  the  Congress  tlow  from  their  own  resolutions  on  a  fartli,r  and  more 
mature  consideration  of  the  business  proposed. 

The  number  of  the  Indians  who  attended  upon  this  occasion  being 


•  ..>.  .■,.,..,.,.  ,ji    i,„-  iNiuans  WHO  aueiuied  upon  this  occasion  lieiiig  (h,.  ,r|-,M 

scarcity  owing  to  the  destruction  ot  the  Fanners'  crops  this  year,  and  the  particular  oblig.iiou' 
1  was  under,  to  the  steadiness  and  good  behaviour  of  so  many  leading  Men  amoug.l  then, 


rcat 
s 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


2i5 


wl.ioli  I  wns  under  llio  necessity  of  revvurding  over  &  beside  the  present,  hut  particularly  the 
distress  they  were  in  (or  clo'ithirig  ettc,  from  the  total  want  of  Indian  good..,  hav;-  ene.ensed 
the  expenee  of  this  Congress  much  beyond  my  inclinations,  but  as  it  was  unMvoid(d)le,  I  t.-ust 
all  things  considered,  it  will  be  found  cheap,  salutary  and  advantagious  to  His  Maj'*'  interests, 
without  a  due  regard  to  which  1  should  not  have  incurred  it. 

'IMie  rest  of  the  proceedings  which  consi8te<l  it;  the  Uatilication  of  the  Treaty  at  Fort  Stanwix 

and  the  subject  of  grievances,  will  re(|uire  my  saying  some  Mule  ui)ou.    As  to  the  first,  your  Lordn 

wdl  observe  sufliciently  from  the  public  conferences,  the  satisfaction  expressed  by  the  Ind'"  at 

the  whole  of  that  Treaty  with  the  resolutions  they  have  taken  to  render  it  permanent  and 

acceptable  to  all  their  dependants.     The  latter  are  only  the  principal  grievances  which  were 

spoken  in  public,  besides  which  there  were  many  others  of  an  inferiour  nature  not  inserted,  as 

they  would  have  ad.lod  much  to  the  bulk  of  my  transactions  and  might  be  deemed  unworthy 

the  attention  of  Government,  they  nevertheless  gave  me  much  trouble  and  occasioned  great 

delay,  which   was  of  most  concern   to   me,   as  the   daily  maintenance    of  such  a  number  of 

Indians  amounted  to  a  large  sum,  to  abridge  which  I  gave  them  my  whole  time  both  by  day 

and  night  &  thereby  considerably  shortened  the  time  of  our  sitting.     Your  Lord''  will  find  that 

the    principal    grievances   complained    of  in    public    regarded    the    conduct   of  our   Frontier 

inhabitants  towards  them,  and  the  state  of  the  Indian  Trade;  the  first  (as  1  have  repeatedly 

observed)    is    what   they  have    but   too  nmch   reason  to  complain  of,  and  which  they  have 

retaliated  in  a  very  few  instances,  tho'  I  know  the  contrary  is  too  often  represented,  I  have  on 

former  occasions  said  so  much  of  the  Licentious  8|)irit  of  the  Inhabitants,  on  the  southern 

Frontiers,  that  I  need  only  add,  that  it  still  continues,  and  that '  malevolence  and  disregard  to  all 

Treatys  is  still  demonstrated  whensoever  they  fall  in  the  way  of  any  small  parties,  or  single 

Indians.     Kven  since  I  begun  this  letter  1   have  received  Dispatches  from  M'  Croghan^  my 

Deputy  now  at  Fort  Pitt  acquainting  me  that  a  Soldier  had  shot  an  Indian  there,  and  that 

another  was  killed  by  a  Virginian  two  days  after  near  to  Chate  lUver;  the  continuance  of 

which  proceedings  will  render  all  transactions  with  them  abortive,  and  altho'  agreable  to  their 

wishes,  some  further  directions  to  the  (Jovernors  would  give  pleasure  to  the  Indians;  yet  1  fear 

it  is  not  in  the  present  state  of  things  in  the  power  of  our  governments  here  to  put  a  stop  to 

these  evils. 

As  to  the  alTuirs  of  Trade,  I  wish  I  could  say  that  they  had  no  cause  of  complaint,  but  the 
contrary  has  been  too  ollen  manifested  of  late;  Commiss"  have  been  appointed  to  meet  from 
some  of  the  Colonies,  but  it  is  not  expected  that  any  expenee  will  be  incurred  adequate  to  the 
service,  in  which  case  it  is  much  better  to  do  nothing,  and  that,  it  is  thought  will  be 
the  consecptence  of  their  meeting.  But  a  still  greater  and  more  alarming  circumstance  arose 
from  the  wants  and  disappointments  of  the  Indians,  in  consequence  of  the  non-importation 
agreements;  these  with  whom  they  Traded  embraced  that  opportunity  of  accounting  for  the 
cause  of  their  wants,  as  prejudice  dictated,  and  therefore  had  just  fallen^'upon  a  happy  mode  of 
explanation,  or  they  been  accustomed  to  doubt  the  veracity  of  the  Traders,  it  would  have  had 
the  worst  consequences.  These  secret  negociations  which  from  their  Bulk  cannot  appear  on  the 
face  of  the  proceedings  are  the  ground  work  of  the  whole,  and  the  before  mentioned  circumstance 
proved  no  small  addition  to  the  expenee,  as  I  was  willing  to  falsify  a  representation  of  so 
villanous  and  dangerous  a  tendency,  persuaded  that  in  so  doing  I  should  be  approved    of. 

■  Huh-.  ./«/.«.,.„  .\f„„«,cnpl,.  '  S„]>,a,  unt.,  \ll.,  ys-.  » l.a,!  l  „„t  |„1U.„.  Johnson  M.mH^.iph:  -  IOd. 

Vol.  VIII.  29 


'« 

# 


22C} 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Aiiotliorcirciiiiistmico  much  complained  of  as  well  during  the  Treaty,  ns  since  by  those  Indian.^ 
\vh»accom|);tnicd  mo  to  this  place,  is:  of  the  gi.-at  cargoes  of  Ilun-,  which  (of  late  in  particular) 
are  sent  amongst  tliem  fo  their  ruin  as  they  c  ill  It;  many  Traders  carry  little  or  notiiing  i  Ise, 
because  their  profits  upon  it  arc  so  considerahle,  and  whatever  resolutions  they  enter  into,  the 
Indians  have  not  virtue  enough  to  withstand  the  temptation  when  it  comes  amongst  them. 
'I'liey  therefore  beg  it  nuiy  not  l)e  suffered  to  come  to  their  Castles  or  hunting  places,  and  indeed 
the  licentious  abuse  of  the  sale  notwithstanding  its  peculiar  profit,  is  extremely  iiurtful  to  the 
'I'rade   in  general   from   its  effects  upon   the    Indians,   besides    its   giving   encouragement   to 
the  nieafiest  and  most  profligate  Traders  to  go  amongst  them  ;  in  that,  neitlier  capacity  or 
knowledge  of  tlie  Indians,  or  their  language  is  necessary  lor  the  sale  of  it.     liut  very  little 
remedy  can  be  expected  here  against  the  abuse  of  that  liquor,  tho'  its  effects  are  daily  nmnifeste.l. 
.'Vgain,  when  Indians  are  assembled  on  public  allaira,  there  are  always  Traders  secreted  in  the 
neighbourhood,  and  some  pidilicly  who  noloidy  make  them  intoxicated  during  the  lime  intended 
for  business,  but  afterwards  get  back  great  p  irt  of  their  presents  in  exchange  for  spirituous 
!i(putr.i  of  the  worst  kind,  thereby  defeating  tlie  intentions  of  the  Crown,  and  causing  tlieni  to 
commit  many  murders,  c!k  other  disorders,  as  well  amongst  the  Inhabitants  as  tlieuiselves.     This 
is  grievously  complniued  of  l)y  the  Indians,  i)ut  I  know  of  no  penal  Law  at  present  subsisting 
(or  restraining  the  sale  of  that  pernicious  Liipior,  even  during  public  business,  which  I  humbly 
conceive  should  be  recommended  to  the  immtdiate  attention  of  the  American  Legislatures,  as 
well  as  some  Law  for  the  more  eflectual  apprehending  and  punishing  olfenders  on  the  Fronliers 
in  a  snnnnary  way.     Another  head  of  which  jour  Lord^  may  find  the  Indians  make  mention,  is 
the  want  of  lleligious  teachers.     On  this  subject  they  greatly  enlarged  at  several  conferences  I 
liad  with  them,  and  appear  to  consider  it  as  so  great  a  neglect  in  (Jovernment  that  I  judged  it 
most  adviseable  to  give  t!iem  belter  hopes  and  thereby  put  an  end  to  their  murftiuring.     Tho 
.Majority  of  Indians,  'tis  true,  do  not  as  yet  repiest  it,  but  even  t/mj,  consider  our  neglecting  to 
gratify  those  that  are  so  disposed,  as  u  furtli-r  instance  of  our  indifference  and  disregard.     I 
have,  I  believe  formerly  mentioned  this  subject  on  application  from  gome  of  the  Tribes,  it  is 
now  become  a  matter  ol  n<ore  serious  concern  from  the  earnestness  with  which  the  whole  were 
al)out  to  second  the  desire  of  a  lew,  and  when  so  fair  an  opportunity  is  allbrded,  I  apprehend 
it  is  unnecessary  to  enlarge  on  the  a<lvantage  it  must  be  of  to  the  state,  to  secure  those,  who 
have   been  already  inslriiet,.,!   in   its  Ifcligion,  and  to  render  dllfusive  those  Keligious  and  civil 
sentiments  that  are  best  calculated  for  its  a.ivanlage  and  support,     'I'he  Mohawks  have  had 
Missionaries  of  the  Church  of  Fnglaud  amongst  them,  from  the  IJeign  of  (iueen  Anne  till  within 
lli.'se  lew  years,  they  aie  now  without  any  and  fnun  the  scarci'y  ofClergymen,  or  some  other 
cause,  the  8iici.'tycann..l  procure  them  on  the  ."^alaiy,  wh"' their  small  funds  have  limited  them 
111.  whilst  at  the  same  time,  the  Indians  limi,  that  their  Hrothers  in  Canada,  who  were  our 
Kiiemies,  a.e  regularly  supphed,  and  one  lately  appointed  in  .Nova  .*<cotia  at  the  expencu  of 
(Mtvernmenl  us  'tis  snd,     I   therefore   cannot    help  at  the    intreaty  of  the  Indians,  humbly 
recominemliug  to  His  Maj"^'  consideration,  the  allbrding   some    allowance   lor   the   Mohawk 
Mission,  which  has  always  been  under  the  immediate  protection  of  the  Crown,  declaring  it  ui 
my  belief,  that  if  any  further  provision  could  lie  inaiie  to  employ  others  in  so  good  a  woik,  it 
would  encreasc  their  reverence  (or  theCroun,  and  their  attachment  to  the  Uritish  interest. 
The  other  matters  spoken  upon  during  the  Treaty  (tho*  they  occupied  u  good  part  of  my  time 
then,  and   occisioned  several   hundred  IndiiUM  to  follow  me  home)  are  such  as  I  trust  may  ho 
HI  tiled  \ulliuut  aii^'  liouble  to  (ioveiumcni.      The  Me>sagco,  winch  the  Indi.nis  liuvc  resolved 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 


227 


upon  to  send  to  tl.c  South  nn.l  Westward,  supported  by  tlio  steps  I  shall  take,  will  I  hope  have 
weight,  and  prove  serviceable  in  a  high  degree,  and  in  order  to  be  armed  against  any  thing 
that  may  in  another  quarter  threaten  to  disturb  the  public  tranquility,  I  have  taken  measures 
to  be  informed  as  early  as  possible  with  the  prooedings  &  issues  of  the  Congress,  which  they 
are  about  this  time  to  hold  at  the  great  plains  of  Sioio  near  the  Ohio,  where  some  are 
endeavouring  to  form  Confederaeys  for  very  bad  purposes,  secretly  countenance.!  and  su,  or.e.l 
by  l-rench  Traders,  Ilenegadoes  and  all  those  In.lians,  who  have  not  hitherto  been  heartily 
nttadied  to  the  Knglish,  but  with  wonderlull  art,  have  for  a  lime  past  endeavoured  to  shake  the 
fidelity  of  the  .Six  Nations,  thro'  the  means  of  some  of  the  8eneca  Towns,  who  are  most 
dissatished  with  oi.r  conduct.-I  have  in  the  course  of  this  letter  touched  upon  the  principal 
subjects  o(  both,  the  public  and  private  conferences  at  the  late  Congress,  this,  is  as  much  as  I 
could  do  from  the  variety  oi  matters  that  occur  upon  such  occasions,  which,  however  trivial 
Ml  appearance,  demand  my  particular  attention.  Upon  the  whole  I  must  observe  that  the 
lu.Iians  are  at  present  in  a  state  of  uncertaintj  as  to  what  course  they  shall  take;  the  measures 
lately  taken  have  strengthened  the  fi.lelity  of  our  friends  and  aUbrded  a  temporary  satisfaction 
to  others,  but  It  is  on  the  continuance  of  them  and  the  adoption  of  the  wisest  measures  for  their 
redress  and  satisfarlion  we  must  solely  rely  for  the  securing  their  fidelity,  which  tho' 
comparatively  of  little  moment,  when  weighed  with  tho  great  objects  of  concern,  wherein  the 
Crown  18  so  deeply  interested,  is  nevertheless  in  a  relative  view,  from  a  variety  of  peculiar 
c.rcmstances  worthy  the  most  serious  consideration,  and  therefore  I  most  humbly  recommend 
the  heads  herein  stat-d  '  of,  as  what  may  be  prod„rtive  of  the  most  happy  ed'eets  to  this  Country. 
If  by  any  means  they  can  be  carried  into  execution  under  the  auspices  of  the  Crown,  to  promote 
whMh,  My  Lool  my  whole  i.illuenee  &•  the  small  remainder  of  my  health,  shall  be  most 
wi  Imgly  devoid.  1  hope  to  be  liononre,!  will,  your  Lordi's  commands  on  the  foregoin-' 
sultjects,  and  am  with  the  highest  respect  My  I.ord.  " 

Your  Lordship's  most  devoted  and 

most  humble  servant. 
Johnson  Hall.  U.  August.  1770.  ^V-  Johnson. 


J'lWiu/iiKjM  of  Sir   Williiim  Julm-'ioa  iritli  the   Indianx. 

( l'Uiil«ilon>a<'n<'r>r(  ;.  p.  o.  it'iT.Vl.  ] 

'*'■'" '""«''    •  '«  '''"-^'nty  with  the  Mx  Nations,  the  Indians  of  Canada,  the  several 

Dependant  Tribes,  and  the  Deputies  from  the  Cherokee  Nation,  hehl  al  (he 
upper  srillements,  near  the  Cerman  Flatts  in  July  1770,  by  8ir  VVillinm 
Johnson  llaronet. 

^  On  .Sunday  the  LV  of  July  1770.  .Sir  William  J  ,hn»on,  accompanied  by  Colonel  Daniel  Claus 
(  ol:  (.uy  .loliuson  Dep :  Agents.  Itichard  Shuckl.urgh  Ksquire  .Secretary  for  Indian  Affairs.  \- 
Heveral  other  t;entlemeu  from  the  neigbouriug  s.  ttlemenls.  set  out  from  Johnson  Hall,  and  op 
Alonday  the  I.,.».  arrived  at  the  place  for  holdn  g  the  Treaty,  where  were  assembled  about 
K.OO  Indians,  and  many  more  yet  expected.  At  a.  P.  M.  the  Speaker  of  the  Su  N.itions,  came 
to  .v,r  W  .lli.im's  (hiarler  to  b«  informed,  when  Iney  should  make  their  first  visit,  and  whether 

'  IfiHtril.  JvhHtuH  JU  tnutfifili.  —  EiK 


228 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


tiiey  should  come  in  a  body,  or  each  Nation  separately  ;  to  which  Sir  William  answered,  that, 
as  the  house  in  which  he  resided,  w;is  too  small  to  admit  them,  lie  would  cauae  a  large  arbour 
to  be  made  in  the  Field,  where  he  would  receive  them  all  the  next  n)orning.  At  6.  p.  m.  80 
Indians  arrived  from  Otioghijuagcij,^  and  other  villages  on  the  branch  of  Sus,p.„/iiinnn  the  Chiefs 
of  whom  waited  on  Sir  William,  who  after  the  usual  ceremony,  ordered  them  provisions,  and 
sent  them  to  their  quarters.  In  the  evening  IG.  Algonkins  ettc.  arrived,  who  informed  Sir 
William,  that  they  had  left  seven  canoes  of  Chipaweighs  n'  Oswego,  on  their  way  to 
the  Congress. — 

Tuesday  the  l?'"  The  Danl  Chief  of  Onondagii,  with  the  speaker  of  that  nation,  waited  on 
Sir  W"  early  in  the  morning  and  acquainted  him,  that  tht  ir  hend  warrior  Diaquanda  had 
refused  to  attend  to  business,  and  encamped  with  another  Nation,  which  gave  them  al!  concern, 
and  would  greatly  interrupt  their  proceedings;  but  as  he  was  Sir  William's  particular  friend, 
and  much  under  his  influence,  hoped  that  he  would  make  use  of  it  to  persuade  iiim  to  return 
to  them.  — Sir  William  gave  them  a  gracious  answer  and  assured  them  that  he  would  use  his 
influence  to  that  end. 

Sir  William  accordingly  sent  for  Diaquanda,  and  after  some  discourse,  at  length  persuaded 
him  to  join,  and  assist  his  Nation  in  Council,  for  which  he  received  their  sincere  thiinks. 

The  Indians  not  being  all  assemhlei'  as  yet,  Sir  William  received  visits  from  the  Chiefs,  and 
held  several  private  meetings  with  Ih-  principal  Men  of  each  nation,  from  whom  he  received 
much  useful  and  interesting  infoi  nation,  respecting  the  sentiments  aiul  present  disposition  of 
the  Indians.  — 

In  the  evening  the  old  S.utliems  o.'  Onogliqiingpy,  came  to  Sir  Williiims  (pinrlers  to  acquaint 
him  of  Thomas  King's  (one  of  their  ChielN)  having  some  (hiys  ago,  unloriuuately  killed  a 
young  TiiHcaroru,  for  wliieh  he  was  so  much  eone.Tued.  thiil  he  determined  to  return  the  next 
day  K.  the  Village,  where  he  cimimilt.d  the  Murder,  and  suhniit  himself  to  the  Will  id'  the 
Friends  of  the  Deceased.  Sir  W  illiiim  Told  ihrm,  Ih.it  he  v\,is  exiivmely  sorry  lor  the  death 
of  Iheir  friend,  desiring  them  to  Irll  TIioums  King  that  he  would  liilk  with  him  on  that  subject, 
and  conlrihute  his  eudeivours,  th.it  the  iilfair  niiuhl  he  amicably  accommodated. 


At  a  Congress  hold  at  the  (nriuau  Flatis  on  Wednesday  July  the  IV''  I77(>, 

ruiiNiCNT —  'I'he  Hon'''  Sir  W'"  .lohnsmi  l!ar'  .^upniutendant. 

Col:  Daniel  Clans.  Dep"  Agent.  J.din  llutler  i:.s(|"  Interpreter. 

Col.  Cuy  Johnson.  ,!■•  (',,,,-..  .\„rMi,u.  M'Leod-  of  the  hile  80.  Heg« 

Hieb''  Shuckluirgli  K-q  :  .<,.it  :  l,.r  Imlian  Atl.iirs  Cnpf  .Mi<linfl  liyrne. 

HMnj"'   lliirkemer  V.mi"  ai.d  s.'Veriii  otiier  (i.nllemen  and   Inhabitants  from  the  HeltleinentH 
with  the  following  nations  of  Indians. 

'  Now  Wiit.l«or,  nmonii>  (•miiil y,  N.  V. 

•  Cuplain  .N.m»n»  M.  t.Kon  <  hl.r.,!  tl..'  <.ri»v  in  .iBtmarv.  IT.'mI,  «t  Kini^n  in  tlip  i'>\  llivhUn.I.r.,  nn  lh«  miKin.iitatiipn  of 

tlmt  r.'t;im.i,l  |.r.|Miriil..ry  loiU.mlmikintf  f,„- Alinri,  ,,  «i„l   ,erv.»l   iiii.l..r   l...f.l    1 clou  in   N„v,»  S,.oliii ;  und..r   U.n.i,,! 

Al..  r,  M.tiil.i.  ill  tl,..  ..»|,.Mlili..i,  ii««ii„a  ■li.„i„|«uK«  in  l7.'.«;  I...  ieo..,„|..t,j,..l  tlu>  ..«|M..liU..ii.  iiii.l.r  AiuUlI  ,.i.  1.,!;.  (luiin! 
I.l:.in  nr„l  .!..*»  It,..  SI,  t...«T..-,...  in  |7.M.,  17i;,i.  \Uiu<a  In-rn  iriin.fwrr.l  In  tl,..  sdll  or  «!.i«,.',  I.i^t.t  li,r>ihlry.  li.'  wiw 
ci.mn,i-.i..n...l  (>»,.(«i„  |.|,.,ilenBnt  ..f  Ihnt  ...r|...,i.4il,  l>,i»l,.r,  ..f  lli-  Ull..r  )-..«r.  nn.l  ..rv*,l  in  .1  iinul  il»  fr.lii,  lim,  in  I7«a, 
wl.rn  l„.  w,.nt  on  Imlf  |.»y,  nn.l  «,,s  *..i.i,.  t,,n..  utter.  »|,,,«ii,t...|  (,Viiimi«,ry  m  .\i».!,,r*  Hit  nmnr  U  cMtii..!..!  on  Uie  l.alf 
l-ajr  li<(  until    i7H7,   wl...n   it   .li»«|.|.,.|irm  HruuM.  ll.ph^H,!  t'iMt,  IV..    \t,\  tt  f.y.;  .Irwy    /,,./,,   Knaf.     Owii.^  t..  ili« 

.iinilirily  of  li...  n. iM.  ..-!, „  |...n  ioiir„u„.lul   will,  «n,.U,..r.   iu  ll.u  .V„<,,  ,..,,ra,  VII.  h.-.l,  «l.u.h  ouijht  to  1., 

crut'il,  —  Ki. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


229 


Six  Nations. 

Mohawks  of  the  three  Villages 209.     Tuscaroras  „« 

''"""•'"K'^^ 2.50.     Senecas 35/ 

•'        23.>.     Cay  ugas 269. 

their  Dependants. 
CJannglmrn^M.es- nS.     Oonoghquageys 104 

FnoM  Canada. 

Cagnavvageys  and  the  Indians  of  S' Regis.     78.     Abenaquis  S' Francis  2 

;^'8""'^'"« ■ 8.     HuronsofLorett....;;'; o' 

Canagsadagas u.     Nipisinks .■.'.'  j[ 

'^''"' ^"'"""'^ 2-     Deputies  from  Cherokee  Nation 7 

An  CHtowa  Ciiief  called  Oknyowcss  from  Micliiliniacinac. 

AI!  these  were  joined  by  iiC.  Mi.s.ages  an.i  i>:]0.  Indians  of  the  several  Nations  during  the 
ireaty,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  2320  Indians. 

Heing  all  seated    Saghteghroana,  a  Chief  of  8'  Regis  stood  up  and  said;  that  agreal.le  to 
th.   sumnmns  they  ha.l  received,  there  were  now  assembled  the  Chiefs  of  the  Seven  Nations  „f 
Canada  m  order  to  attend  the  Congress.-Then  returned  the  string  of  inv-latiou.-Then 
Cono,,u,es»„  a  Chief  of  ( )„ei,la  stood  up  on  behalf  of  the  Six  Nations  am!  said. 

re'Tl  "'v       ['"''''■■".f'-~^'''  ""'  ""^'  '"''''-^^  •"  '"'  >■""  '"^^"  ''""^  ''"3^"^  our  particular 
m  uest.     ^ou  know.  Ilrotfer.  that  when  the  Deputies  who  are  now  here  fron,  the  Cherokee 

Nation,  lirst  ea.ne  to  our  fire  pl.ice  at  Onondaga,  to  request  on  behalf  of  their  Nation,  that  we 

hoidd  ,oi„  them  m  making  War  upon  the  troublesome  people  who  were  their  Knemies.  and 

rom  whom  ourselves  have  receive.!  several  insults  ;  as  it  was  an  allair  of  importance,  which 

cqiured    much    de   beratton.    tho'    inclined    to   agree    to    their   desires,    yet.  „s  none  of  our 

Co  .hderacy  from  Canada  were  present,  and  as  we  had  given  you  assurances  that  we  should 

tenter  ,nto  any  engagements  without  your  concurrence,  and  approbation  ;  we  thought  it  most 

.  ng  to  send   Deputies  to  you.  re.p.esting  you  would  assemble  the  Whole  of  our  Conferacy. 

M  a    we  ,.  ,ght  confer  together  thereon.- iJiotber.  We  are  very  .In.nklul  that  you  havecon,pli.'l 

w       or  eque.  .  as  people  in  alliance  shouhi  do.  and  we  are  now  to  ac.juaint  you.  that  agreable. 

to  .he  I  elts  and  Messages  sent  an.ongst  us.  we  are  all   now  met  here  from  Ohio  to  Ca.w.da.  to 

a  cons,,  erable  m.mber ;  I  I  do  now  on  l,ehalf  of  all  those  Nations  here  assembled,  take  you 

if,  '  :  t','"  •  '";;'-;"'y. -■"'"■"-«  )•«"  to  .his  pla.-e.  where  we  have  kindled  np  a  lire,  and 
Where,  I  hope  the  business  we  meet  upon,  will  go  ou.  to  our  mutual  satisfaction - 

.1.1         ,.  .       .  K^ve  three  strinffs. 

hen  after  acqiiamliug  the  Indians  of  the  death  of  an  Oneldn  child,  since  they  left  their 
village  lie  pr.iceeded.  ' 

Itro.her.-Agreeable   to    the  Ancient  custom    established    by    our    wise   Forefathers,  that 
whenever  we  meet,  we  should  mutually  condole  each  other  for  our  losses,  nm!  a 


Hint  you  have  doubtless  mis'ained  some. 


»s  we  suppose, 
since  our  hnt  interview,  we  do  now  agreable  lo  this 


l„„i.ll  ••        ,,        1    ,  .  "   '"'    ">'"""    Muieaine  10  UllS 

laudable  practice  Condole  with  you  for  the  sntne.     We  open  your  eyes,  that  you  may  look 


230 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


■ 


chearlully.  We  open  your  Ears  that  you  may  hear  us,  and  clear  your  throats,  that  you  may 
speak  freely  to  us.  We  likewise  gather  the  bones  of  the  deceased  of  your  people,  and  bury 
them  deep,  carefully  covering  the  grave  from  your  sight.  And  we  once  more  kindle  Jie  fire  at 
this  place,  and  sweep  out  all  the  dust  from  the  Council  Chamber,  that  nothing  my  obstruct  us 
in  our  business —  „„„„  o    cj.  • 

rjM       mu  8^^®  ^'  Stnngs. 

Then  Thomas  King  on  behalf  of  the  Warriors  of  tne  Six  Nations  arose  and  said. 
Brother.  I  take  this  opportunity  on  behalf  of  all  the  Warriors  of  the  Six  Nations,  and  their 
Confederates  now  assembled,  to  let  you  know,  that  we  are  not  well  pleased  with  our 
Sachems  for  neglectmg  to  acquaint  us  with  what  they  purposed  to  say  this  Morning,  and  for 
not  g.vmg  you  our  particular  thanks  for  calling,  and  meeting  us  this  day.  as  the  occasion  of 
this  assembly  is  principally  on  our  accounts,  upon  a  matter  in  which  we  as  Warriors  are 
particularly  interested.  And,  they  well  know  it,  for,  there  are  the  Men  (pointing  to  the 
Cherokee  Chiefs)  whose  business  they  all  know  is  Chiefly  to  us  the  Warriors,  to  invite  us  to 
engage  against  their  troublesome  neighbours  with  whose  conduct  we  are  likewise  much 
dissatisfied.- 1  do  therefore  with  this  Belt,  at  the  desire,  and  on  the  part  of  all  the  Warriors 
here  assembled  from  Canada  to  Ohio,  and  of  the  Cherokee  Deputies,  take  you  now  by  the 
hand,  in  the  most  friendly  manner,  kindly  thanking  you  for  complying  with  our  request  in 
calling  us  together,  and  giving  you  a  most  hearty  welcome  to  this  place,  where  we  are  all 
happy  to  find  that  you  are  arrived  in  safety.—  a  Belt  of  five  Rows. 

Then  Tagawara  an  Oneida  Chief  stood  up  on  the  part  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  and  first 
addressed  the  Indians  of  Canada  as  follows: 

Brothers  of  the  Seven  Nations  of  Canada.  ' 

I  am  very  glad  to  see  you  all  here  this  day  agreeable  to  summons.  It  is  a  proof  of  your 
attention  to  the  nlTairs  of  your  Confederacy,  and  I  sincerely  welcome  you  upon  the  o-casion 
Then  addressing  the  rest,  and  repeating  what  Conoquieson  said,  proceeded : 
Brothers.  I  am  glad  to  see  you  all  this  day  in  health,  and  am  well  pleased,  that  in 
consequence  of  the  circumstances  you  mention,  you  have  now  brought  hilher  the  Chiefs  of  so 
many  Nations,  ami  Confederate  tribes;  because  by  them  means  none  can  plead  ignorance  of 
our  transactions,  and  the  business  will  go  on  to  the  satisfaction  of  you  all.  I  do  therefore  givo 
thanks  to  providence  for  permitting  us  to  meet  this  day.  and  cordially  take  you  all  by  the 
hand,  bidding  you  a  hearty  welcon.s  to  this  place.—  dve  3.  Strings 

Brothers.  As  a  proof  of  my  regard  for  the  wise  institution  of  your  Ancestors,  and  from  tho 
information  I  have  received  of  the  losses  you  have  sustained  since  our  last  meeting,  I  do  now 
on  the  part  of  His  M.j"  the  King  of  (Jreat  Brittain  sincerely  Condole  with  yon  on  this 
melancholy  occasion.  I  open  your  eyes,  that  you  may  once  more  look  with  chearVulness,  and 
your  Kars  that  you  may  hear  distinctly,  and  I  clear  the  passages  to  your  heart,  that  you  may 
Hp.-ak  freely  its  real  sentim.-nt.s.  I  do  also  gather  the  bones  of  your  dead,  an.l  bury  them  in  a 
deep  pit,  carefully  covering  them  from  your  sight,  and  I  also  sweep,  and  cleanse  your  Council 
l.re.  that  we  may  meet  therein,  and  proceed  to  business  witliout  int.-rrnption. 
,„,  .  (;ave  three  b'rings. 

Then  nher  repealing  the  gpee-h  of  Thomas  King  he  addiessed  the  Warriors  &  Cherokee, 
as  tollowg: 

Brothers.     I  am  mn.h  obliged,  in  that  you  have  expressed  no  much  desire  to  thank  me 
particularly  on  your  parts.     I  entertain  a  h.gh  opinion,  an.l  regard  lor  you  all,  ami  by  thi» 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


231 


nelt  I  now  take  you  all  by  the  hand  in  the  most  friendly  manner,  giving  yon  a  very  kind  and 
fr.,.,u!ly  welcome  to  this  place,  wishing  that  you  may  always  conduct  yourselves  with  prudence 
and  attention  to  the  true  interest  of  your  respective  Nations.—        A  Belt  of  8ix  Rows. 
Then  addressing  tlie  whole,  he  said  : 

Brothers  of  the  several  Nations  here  Assembled. 

1  am  very  glad  that  we  h.ive  now  so  far  prepared  for  business  by  going  through  the  usual 
forms  to  mutual  satisfaction,  and  shall  be  ready  o  enter  on  the  important  artairs  for  which  we 
are  assembled,  on  the  arrival  of  the  rest  of  your  people  who  are  hourly  expected—Then  Sir 
W.ll.am  ordered  pipes  and  Tobacco  to  be  distributed  amongst  them,  and  recommended  if  to  the 
Warriors,  that  as  he  was  using  his  utmost  endeavours,  that  they  should  be  supplied  with  what 
necessaries  thev  wanted,  he  expresse,!  that  they  would  behave  with  order  and  decorum  - 
that  (hey  should  avoid  liquor,  and  committ  no  violence  on  any  of  the  property  of  the 
Inhabitants.     Then  adjourned. 

In  the  alternoon  Sir  William  held  several  private  meetings  with  the  Chiefs,  in  order  to 
inform  himself  as  to  their  sentiments,  and  resolutions  at  that  lime.— In  the  evening  several  of 
the  Mohawks  arrived,  and  rep6ned  that  the  rest  would  join  them  early  to  morrow.  At  night 
Kir  William  called  together  a  Sachem  and  Head  Warrior  from  each  of  the  principal  Nations, 
with  whom  he  held  a  Conference  untill  the  nigh^  was  far  advanced;  of  these,  there  were  some 
who  ware  much  to  be  depended  upon  for  their  ihtegrity,  from  whom  (amongst  other  things  of 
much  importance  to  be  known  previous  to  the  Congress)  he  learned  that  ti^e  Warriors  wer*i 
ibr  the  much  greater  part  obstinately  bent  on  a  war  with  the  South.' m  Indians  — that  great 
part  of  ttie  Sachems,  convinced  by  the  arguments  Sir  William  had  mnde  use  of  at  the 
private  conferences,  would  have  gladly  declined  it,  and  seemed  disposed  to  send  the  Cherokee 
Deputies  back  after  renewing  the  late  Treaties,  and  giving  them  farther  assurances  of  their 
friendship  for  that  Nation,  but  that  they  very  much  doubted  whether  the  warriors  could  he 
persuaded  thereto,  ns  they  were  much  exasperated  at  the  insults  which  some  of  the 
Confe.'eracy  had  receive.l  from  the  Indians  of  JVabnsh  ettc,  and  what  in  consequence  of 
the  treatment  the  llnglish  had  received  from  these  Nations,  the  Warriors  expected,  not  only  their 
concurrence,  but  t  ir  ■•  .,  and  assistance  to  carry  it  on  in  like  manner  as  they  had  form  rly 
assisted  the  English. -Sir  William  further  learned,  that  there  were  some  other  very 
interesting  points  to  he  spoken  npon  at  the  Congress,  on  all  which  he  had  much  conversation 
with  those  present,  U'iing  his  utmost  endeavours  lo  procure  a  favoural,',.  issue  to  th.'  Ccngress, 
i.n.i  endeavouring  all  in  his  power  f  i  avoid  their  making  any  requisition  of  aid  from  the 
Knglisli  should  it  so  happen  that  a  War  must  take  place. 


,.,..,  .        ,  .    .  ,  Tuesday  July  19"'  1770. 

harly  in  the  morning  the  remainder  of  the  Mohawks  arrived. 

The  Chiefs  of  the  Canada  Indians  In  consequence  of  the  Murder  ot  three  of  the  Six  Nations 

lormerly  at  (huHgaichy,  on  which  they  had  never  Cond..le.l,  asi.  mbled  at  Sir  WilHum's  quarters, 

and  after  calling  together  the  rest  of  the  Indinns.  proceeded  to  the  IJo«er,  where  the  seven 

Nations  of  Canada,  after  premising  the  occasion  of  their  meeting  then,  and  that  they  could  not 

with  propriety  unite  in  measures  until  they  had  oh.-yed  the  institutions  of  their  An.extors,  by 

|MTf»rmiiig  in  the  fullest  manner  the  .-eremony  of  Condolence  (or  those  losses,  and  giving  tho 

aucesuary  BulU  ettc,  lo  the  Six  Nutiotw  on  thai  occasion.     This  having  tak.ii  .4.  the  gri-tUist 


232 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


part  of  the  forenoon,  the  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations  informcl  him  that  they  would  consider  on 
an  answer,  and  accordingly  withdrew  to  a  private  Council  place  to  deliberate  thereon. 

About  noon  four  Canoes  with  26  Mississages  from  the  North  side  of  Lake  Ontario  came  to 
Camp  to  attend  the  Congress. 

Sir  William  hr.,.ing  judged  it  highly  necessary,  as  well  from  the  temper  of  the  Indians,  the 
greatness  of  their  numbers,  and  the  disorders  they  are  too  liable  to  commit  when  in  Liquor, 
adv-ised  the  Magistrates  to  give  notice  to  the  Trader-  ettc  by  no  means  to  sell  them  any,  untill 
the  Congress  was  ended;  and  it  was  done  previous  to  im  arrival ;  but  having  this  day  received 
U.format.on  that  some  Traders  ettc  had  actually  sold  them  a  Keg  of  Rum,  and  that  others  had 
resolved  to  follow  this  example,  which  greatly  alarmed  the  Inhabitants,  and  occasioned  their 
applications  to  him  to  checi;  it,  he  issued  a  notification  under  his  hand  and  seal  which  he  sent 
throughout  the  whole  settlement  by  a  peace  Officer,  strictly  forbidding  them  at  their  peril  to 
sell  any  Rum  to  the  Indians,  or  any  spirituous  liquors  whatsoever  during  the  Congress,  until 
they  had  removed,  when  they  might  sell  it  to  them  beyond  the  settlements;  the  apprehensions 
of  the  Inhabitants  being  very  great,  as  from  the  temper  shewn  by  many  of  the  Warriors,  tin  y 
had  reason  to  dread,  thai  neither  their  property,  or  persons  would  be  "secure,  should  they  get 
liquor  amongst  them. 

The  Six  Nations  after  sometime  spent  in  Council,  returned  to  the  public  Council  place.  & 
after  return;rg  thani^s  to  tha  Indians  of  Canada  performed  the  ceremony  of  Condolence  &  gave 
the  usual  Belts  to  'hem  in  return. 

In  the  afternooi.,  the  Indians  being  in  readiness,  waited  on  Sir  William,  when  the  future 
proceedings  of  the  day  I c.g  regulated  and  resolved  upon,  they  proceeded  to  the  Bower,  where 
Abraham  Chief  of  the  Mohawks  acquainted  the  rest  with  the  business  then  to  he  entered  upon 
after  which  Teyawarunte  Speaker  of  the  Six  Nations,  did  on  behalf  of  Sir  William  Johnson 
perform  the  whole  ceremony  of  Coudolance  for  a  Mohawk  Chief  lately  dead,  a  Cayuga  killed 
by  one  of  that  Nalior.  and  a  Seneca  Chief  lately  drowned,  and  d.livered  the  several  Belts  for 
the  several  purposes  on  such  occassions,  covering  the  graves  will,  a  black  Belt,  they  answering 
with  a  U-hah,  cut.omary  on  Condolances.-Tlie  Indians  after  being  a  short  time  in 
consi,:tation  addressed  Sir  William  by  Couoquieson  their  Speaker,  and  after  repeating  all  that 
he  had  said  to  them,  they  returned  to  the  ceremony  of  Coudolance  in  like  manner—which 
ended,  tne  Chiels  all  shook  hands  with  Sir  William  and  the  rest  of  the  Gentlemen,  returning 
him  many  thanks  (or  having  made  their  minds  easy.  When  Sir  William  arose,  and  told  them 
that  he  was  happy  to  find  that  every  thing  was  so  .ar  settled  to  mutual  satisfaction,  that 
there  now  only  remained  [to]  attend  to  the  principal  business  for  which  th.7  assembled;  to 
that  end  be  recommended  it  to  them  to  preserve  sobriety,  and  goo.I  order  in  their  encampments 
and  to  be  in  readiness  to  attend  the  morning  following,  when  he  should  make  them  a  speech' 
Then  the  Cayuga  Chief  a'ose,  and  condoled  for  the  murder  of  a  Tuscarora  committed  a  few 
days  before  by  Thom.is  King,  and  covered  the  grave  ettc.     After  which  adjourned. 

The  Mississagnes  from  the  North  side  of  I/ike  Ontario  arrived  at  Sir  Wil.iam's  Quarters,  & 
after  the  usual  salutations,  told  him,  that  being  nt  Oswego  with  others  of  their  Nation   they 
who  were  for  the  most  part  the  principal  Men,  thought  proper  lo  attend  him,  on  heurii ;.  thai 
he  had  opened  a  Congrass  with  their  Brethren. 

Sir  William  after  expressing  his  satisfaction  at  seeing  them,  and  bidding  them  welcome  told 
them,  that  he  could  have  no  objection  to  their  being  present,  but  that  on  the  contrary  he  was 
always  glad  of  any  uf  porlinily  of  making  hm  IransuctionH  public,  with  ull  well  disposed  Iiidiam. 


.V 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII.  ggo 

n  Jit '""'''"•  "'',^r^  'T'"^  ""  ^°='''''  ''^  f"-^^'^"'  f°^  the  Indians,  arrived  after  a  tedious 
passage  occasioned  by  the  lowness  of  the  water  at  this  season. 

At  a  Congress  held  at  the  German  Flatts  on  Friday  July  the  19-  1770. 

Col  •  Daniel  rilr  n     Tr  "°""  ''""  '^""""  ■'°'^"«°"  »-'  Superintendant. 
v^oi:  Uaniel  Glaus.  DepV  Asent  p-r-in  m  .r  r       , 

Col:  Guy  Johnson       'd-    '  Cof  l^'Tu  T"^"'  """  "''•^  '°'  ^'"^^^ 

1?:  1,     J    01      ■.        ,  ^°'=  """J    Harkemeri  Justice  of  the  IVncf. 

U.chard    felu.ckhurgh    E.^   secretary   for    Rudolph  Sh„n,aker  ,l 

nd.an  Aflairs  ^apf  Michael  Byrne. 

John  Butler  Lsq'"  Interpreter, 
with  the  several  Nations  of  Indians  before  mentioned. 

Being  all  seated,  Sir  William  addressed  them  as  follows : 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations,  of  the  seven  Nat"  of  Canada,  of  the  several  dependant  Tribes 
and  all  others  here  assembled  ;  Sachems,  Chiefs  &  Warriors 

.astIan.omtheirgreatCouncifKireatOno„dagaUr  InLd'^y^      Cl^^^^^ 

will"  .  ^s  7  ""• ,  "' ^'"•^  ^'^^'"'•^^  ""'''  '^'■^^^Sed  (as  Ambassadors  fron  the  r  N    i 

wuh  Bel ts  Messages  and  a  p.pe  to  strengthen  their  alliance,  and  sollicit  the  aid  of  the  Six  N  tion 
nga.nst  the  I'.an   eshaws,  Wawaightonos,  and  other.,  as  people  troubleson.e   n   d  Knen    ^ to 
noh;  on  wh.ch  t  e  8,x  Nations  would  not  determine,  until  agreable  ,0  their  e  .ago-   ""y 
had   l,r.,   ,n   pubhc  Congress   had   my  scntin.ents   &  concurrence    thereon.     At  the  1  .'rnZ 
«ol>c,tat.ons  o,   the    Six    Nation  Messengers,  an.l   the  -herokee   Deputies    setn  Cul 

representatmns  o,  Thon.as  King  who  had  accompanied  them  from  the'cheok  e  C   u   t  V^  ad 
he  many  requests  smce  repeated,  of  the  Six  Nations.  I,  after  consulting  the  King's  Ge'ne    , 
a.d  the  san.e  be.ore  II,s  Ma.,.,  who  has  through   u.y  representations  being  gracioLy  plea 
to  nnpower  me  to  n.eet  you  on  this  occasion,  where,  I  am  ready  to  hear  your  sentin.^.  ts,  am 
g.ve  you  my  adv.ce ;  after  which.  I  shall  speak  to  you  upon  your  late  treaty,  which  the  K    « 
has  empower.!  n.e  to  iruily,  and  also  to  atten.l  any  other  public  aflairs  that  mav  occur      1 

what  1  have  to  oHer  ,-.ad  to  g.ve  n,e  ...  answer  the  tr..th,  the  words  of  your  heart. 

i>     .1  .  A  Belt  11.  Rows 

I  rothers.     As  so  many  of  the  Chiefs  alrea.ly  know  much  of  n.y  sentiments  concerning  the 
K.ubassy   ron,  the  Cher.,  ees   i  think  it  now  more  particularly  necessary,  to  ,ddress  you      e 
Warr.ors  thereupon      In  the  tirst  place  you  sh"  consider,  that  war  should  never  be  ca  ried  on 
w.th  any  Nat,on  wahou,  very  sutlicient  reasons.  .-,.:  until  all  other  n.easures  have       '" 
.nertectual ;  for.  a  des.re  on  .very  slender  pretence  to  make  war.  will  undoubtedly  cause  many  of 

'  rolniicl  Uanj.^t  Uikkimkr  wns  llm  m.con.l  Koii  „f  J„lmn  .I,.,.|  Mprkiiii.r  on..  „f  .1,,.  PI.- 
»n,117i7.-i;,.."  ""«^''f  1.,...     II,  n, I  «Ml,  1„.  t,.,„,h  to  CnnO,.  «l,.r*  U.  .lie.!  bHwoon  tl,..y..«r,  1 W 


\oL.  Mil. 


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234 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS 


f 


V- 


our  friends  t«  be  jealous  of  you,  and  may  occasion  the  forming  a  powerfull  Confederacy  on  the 
part  of  the  Enemy,  which  although  you  may  be  able  to  withstand,  will  nevertheless  so  far 
engage  the  greatest  part  of  your  young  Men,  that,  hunting  and  Trade,  which  are  the  blessings 
attendant  on  the  peace  you  now  enjoy,  must  be  greatly,  if  not  totally  neglected  ;  the  want  of 
this,  you  must  all  feel,  and  this  is  not  the  only  loss  you  must  sustain  in  any  War  with  a 
numerous  people.  In  the  next  place,  those  Nations  against  whom  it  is  said  you  are  disposed 
to  carry  your  Arms,  have  been  considered  as  friends  in  alliance  with  you,  and  though  from  their 
situation,  &  most  probably  from  the  evil  Councils  of  the  French,  they  have  been  induced  to  do 
some  mischief,  you  should  still  consider,  that  in  attacking  them,  you  weaken  yourselves. 
This  is  bad  policy,  as  the  breach  is  not  so  irrepairable,  but  that  through  proper  negociations,  a 
mutual  good  understanding  may  be  effected  between  you,  whereas  warlike  people,  who  have 
once  quarrelled  are  not  easily  brought  to  a  strict  union  afterwards. 

I  have  already  expressed  my  thoughts  so  candidly  to  the  Chiefs,  that  I  now  confine  myself 
to  these  principal  arguments,  to  which  I  shall  add  one  more  that  ought  to  be  of  the  greatest 
weight  with  you,  and  that  is  the  sentiment  of  the  great  King  your  Father,  and  of  his  subjects, 
which  will  also  I  trust  convince  you  that  they  are  real  friends,  and  teach  you  to  regard  them 
accordingly.  Another  King,  another  people,  indeed  any  people  who  had  not  esteem  for  the 
Indians  would  be  glad  of  this  occasion  to  stir  you  up  to  War,  because  War  would  weaken  both, 
you,  and  your  Adversarys ;  that  this  is  not  the  case  with  us,  you  must  plainly  discern ;  for  the 
King  esteems  you,  and  wishes  to  see  you  happily,  and  at  peace  with  all  your  neighbours. 
These  are  likewise  the  wishes  of  all  his  subjects;  they  know  that  it  is  for  your  interest,  and 
they  cannot  give  you  a  stronger  demonstration  of  their  friendship,  at  the  same  time  that  they 
lay  you  under  no  restraint  in  this  particular,  beyond  what  your  own  reason  must  approve  uf. 
Consider  this  cooly,  and  deliberately,  and  give  me  in  answer  the  real  sentiments  of  your 
^''^arts.—  ABeltofOKows. 

Sir  William  then  spoke  to  the  Cherokee  Dep'^"  and  cautioned  them  strictly  to  observe  the 
Instructions  they  received  from  their  Chiefs,  without  addition,  and  alteration,  as  it  might  be  of 
bad  consequence,  should  they  say  anything  to  the  Northern  Indians  beyon  .  what  they  had  b'-en 
authorized.  All  which  they  assured  him  they  would  strictly  observe.— To  this  speech  the 
Indians  after  some  time  spent  in  consultation  answered,  tliat  they  had  heard  with  attantion  all 
that  Sir  William  had  said  to  them  ;  that  tht«y  were  very  thonkful  to  him  for  the  regard  he  had 
expressed  for  their  interests  — that  their  Chiefs  would  assemble  early  in  the  morning,  and 
deliberate  with  as  much  expedition,  as  such  a  weighty  allair  would  adi?Mt  of,  on  a  proper 
answer,  which  they  would  deliver  to  him  so  soon  as  th^iy  were  agreed  in  sentiments. 

Then  adjourned. 


I 


Saturday  July  SO'*" 
In  the  morning  the  Sachem,  and  Chief  Warriors  of  both  the  Confederacys,  or  Leagues  of  the 
Six  Nations,  and  the  rest,  met  in  their  encampments  to  take  Sir  William's  speech  into 
consideration,  where  they  spent  the  whole  day  in  delibeMtion  without  being  able  to  come  to 
a  conclusion.  In  the  mean  time,  Sir  William  findi.ig  (notwithstanding  all  his  end.-avours) 
that  Liquor  was  brought  amongst  the  Indians,  rode  round  the  adjacent  settlements  to  caution 
the  Traders,  and  other  persons  not  to  sell  any.  — In  the  evening,  three  Chiefs  Deputed  from  the 
several  Nations,  waited  on  Sir  William  to  uj)ologize  lor  their  not  returning  an  answer  this  day 


i'i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII.  gge 

the  WarnWrT"''  "'T  '''"  """'  '™  "^^  °"'"^  ^°  ^''^  '^"«-"!-  't  met  with  from 
U,e  Warriors,  who  seemed  averse  to  any  thing  but  war.     That  the  three  principal  branches  ofTe 
Co  federacy  the  Mohawks,  Onondagas,  and  Seneeas  had  at  length  agreed  t^an  "n  wer  b 
that  the  rest  were  not  as  yet  come  to  any  conclusion-Sir  Wiliil  spent  some  hou;s„ 


m.     r  Sunday  July  the  21"  1770. 

Ihe  former  part  'f  this  day  was  spent  in  private  Conferences  as  well  between  the  InHian^ 
a    w.th  S>r  W.ll.am,  and  the  Chiefs,  in  order  that  they  might  be  thorough  yTatsfidwUl" 
a  W  and  unanimous  in  their  answer.-Early  in  the  afternoon  they  a^uaiut  d  S.'  W  I  i  m 
that  they  were  ready  to  deliver  their  answer  and  accordingly  assembled. 


Pbesent- 


as  before. 


Being  all  seated,  the  Onondaga  Speaker  called  to  the  speakers,  and  Chiefs  of  the  rest  to 
approach  the  Front  near  Sir  William  in  order  to  give  in  their  answer    wich     one  t.ey 

after  1     i  '  ^\T  ""'^  '*'"'  ^•'P^"'^»°ts  from  Ohio  to  Canada  have  now  assembled 

\\  T  w^^.''''      '"  ^ehberation  to  deliver  you  their  answer  to  your  speech.     Then  reneate 
what  Sir  Wm.am  had  said  on  his  first  belt,  and  added,  now.  Brother,  we  have  a  ^rdin     to 
your  advice  taken  your  discourse  into  due  consideration.  k  Belt  11   Rows 

Brother  -You  desired  that  we  should  give  you  an  answer  from  the  bottom  of  our 'hearts- 

We  accordingly  met  amongst  ourselves  and  have  had  many  debates  together  in  order  to  br  nJ 

out  what  seemed  so  pleasing  to  the  King,  at  your  desire ;  this  took  'p  all  our  time,    nd      1 

prevented  us  from  giving  you  an  answer  sooner.     He  then  repeated  what  Sir  William  had  sa  d 

on  his  second  Belt,  after  which  he  procee.led  as  follows : 

Brother     You  have  very  kindly  signifyed  to  us,  that  the  King  does  not  desire  to  see  us  at 
war  wit    I,u  ,a„  Nations,  and  you  have  Ii4.ewise  given  us  your  opinion  thereupon,  and  shew 
us    he  advantages  of  it  in  a  very  clear  light.-Brother,  We  have  seriously  consid  red  all  thi 
and  believing  that  it  ,s  the  King's  regard  for  us  that  occasions  him  to  Jish  us  at      ac     ad 
mud.ng  ,n  your  friendship,  which  we  are  certain  has  induced  you  to  give  us  the  advi^r^      t 
length  do  agree  to  the  same,  &  s.iall  strictly  follow  it,  pro-ided  we  can  ling  those  trouble  one 
Nations  to  reason  &  submission  without  War.  and  live  peaceably  as  we  do  with  the  S    "1",' 
Indians;  t,  this  end  we  shall  stay  all  hostilities,  and  make  use  of  our  younger     roth  ■       , 
hhau.nes.   who  live  near  them,  to  convince  them  of  their  folly,  and  presumption,  and.  if  thi 
as  a  -iue  etfect,  and  that  these  Nations  will  join  heartily  in  promoting  peace,  and  abidiL  1  v 
..r  ancient  agreements,  we  .hall  be  well  pleased,  and  shall  not  make'war  u  on  tl  Till 

Brother,  you  may  be  assured  is  the  determined  resolution  of  us  all.  and  tli  refore  you  may 

au    t     W    are  •^'f-^--^  ^  "^'^'^''  ««  Possible  hitherto  to  keep  our  people  sober  Sc 

quut,  We  are  very  sensible,  that  it  would  overset  the  business,  if  our  people  got  Liouor  for 
a«  our  young  men.  are  with  diHiculty  kept  within  bounds,  when  sober,  it  is  Jertat.ly  i.;!;::.:,' 


236 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


to  do  any  thing  with  them  when  drunk.  We  then-fore  now  assure  you,  that  it  is  our  resolution 
during  the  course  of  tli;&  Treaty  to  keep  ourselves  sober,  and  should  any  Kegs  of  Liquor  be 
brought  amongst  us  by  the  Traders  we  will  on  discovery  stave  them  t.   pieces. 

Cave  three  strings. 
Brother,  We  have  now  answered  you  sincerely  and  from  our  hearts  on  one  part  of  the  business 
which  has  occasioned  our  present  meeting,  &  we  hope  that  it  will  be  agreable  to  you,  and  are 
ready  to  proceed  on  the  rest — They  then  conferred  for  some  time  in  private  after  which  Sir 
William  addressed  them. 

Brothers— The  Six  Nations  and  others  here  Assembled. 

I  have  attended  seriously  to  your  answer  concerning  the  War  you  proposed  to  engage  in  ;  I 
have  as  well  before,  as  during  the  course  of  our  proceedings  her.'  said  so  much  to  you  on  the 
subject,  that  I  persuaded  myself  you  w<  ild  be  convinced,  and  am  glad  to  find  you  are  so;  and 
I  know,  that  it  must  appear  as  a  striking  proof  of  His  Maj""  humanity  and  regard  for  you  all, 
and  that  you  may  easily  perceive  that  I  have  had  no  other  motive  in  recommending  it  to  you, 
than  my  Friendship  and  sincere  wishes  for  your  pr  sperity.  I  know,  that  there  are  some 
parties  of  yours  that  are  now  gone  to  the  Southward.  As  this  is  not  consistent  with  the  rncific 
sentiments  you  have  expressed  for  the  Southern  Indians,  I  think,  they  should  be  recalled  ,  md 
when  you  send  to  the  Shawaneee  for  the  purposes  you  have  mentioned,  I  recommend  it  to  you 
to  make  choice  of  wise  Deputies,  good  Men,  who  will  faithfully  execute  the  trust  you  repose  in 
them,  sincerely  wishing  for  your  own  sakes  that  you  may  faithfully  abide  by  the  resolutions, 
you  have  now  expressed  to  me. 

Brothers.  I  am  very  glad  that  you  have  determi.ied  to  let  no  Rum  come  amongst  you,  as 
that  Liquor  will  not  only  obstruct  business,  but  may  be  productive  of  the  most  dangerous 
consequences.  You  see  and  know  the  pains  1  have  taken  to  prevent  it,  and  I  hope  that  you 
will  do  the  like  on  your  parts,  agreeable  to  your  promise. — 

Brothers,  The  King,  my  Master,  having  received  all  the  papers,  and  proceedings  relative  to 
the  great  Treaty  at  Fort  Stanwix,  together  with  the  Deed  of  Cession,  which  you  then  executed 
to  him,  has  laid  them  before  his  Council  of  great  Men,  and  after  considering  the  whole  of  it, 
has  signified  to  me  (what  I  hope  will  be  deemed  a  further  instance  of  his  paternal  goodness) 
that  he  did  not  require  the  Lands  so  far  to  the  Southward,  if  it  was  of  the  least  inconvenince  to 
his  Children,  whose  interests  he  has,  so  much  at  heart.  He  has  at  length  in  compliance  with 
your  own  desires,  as  transmitted  by  me,  and  the  public  grant  that  you  made,  inipowered  me  to 
ratify  the  same  by  letters  I  have  received  from  the  Lord,  who  is  one  of  His  Maj'*'"  Secretaries 
( holding  the  letter  in  his  liand ),  which  I  now  purpose  to  do.  —  You  all  knew  the  Deed  of  Cession, 
of  which  this,  (shewing  a  Copy)  is  a  true  copy.  You  all  know  that  it  was  executed  in  a  public 
meeting  of  the  grcat[est]  number  of  Indians,  that  has  ever  assembled  within  the  time  of  our 
remembrances,  and  that  all  who  had  any  pretensions  were  duly  summoned  to  it.  You  all 
remember  the  great,  and  valuable  present  you  received  upon  that  occasion,  exccfding  any  thing 
you  had  ever  seen.  Yet  notwitlistanding  all  this,  I  (ind  that  there  are  some  of  your  Dependants 
who  live  by  your  toleration,  and  who  never  had  any  Title  to  the  soil,  who  talk,  as  if  they  were 
dissatisfied  with  your  Act,  or  doubted  your  authority.  It  is  therefore  incumbent  on  you,  to  see 
into,  and  make  diligent  enquiry  ub'  it,  and  to  shew  these  people,  if  any  should  there  be,  their 
Folly. — This  I  expect  you  will  do  without  delay,  as  a  testimony  of  your  gratitude  to  the  King, 
and  in  justice  to  yourselves;  and  I  expect  that  upon  this  occasion,  you  will  make  choice  of 


r. 


iij^ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


287 


honest,  wise  Men,  who  will  not  deviate  from  their  Instructions,  but  faithfully  execute  what  you 
direct  them.  Fully  persuaded,  that  you  will  do  this,  and  that  you  are  resolved  to  abide  for 
ever  nUthfully  by  your  engagements  entered  into  at  that  time,  I  do  now  by  virtue  of  the  powers 
to  me  given  in  the  name,  and  on  behalf  of  his  Britanic  Majesty,  Ratify  and  confirm  the  whole 
of  the  Treaty  made  at  Fort  Stanwix  in  176S,  and  also  the  T>eed  of  Cession  to  the  King  then 
executed  (except  what  relates  to  the  private  grants,  which  his  Maj'J'  will  consider  of)  and  I  do 
declare,  that  the  same  is  ratified  accordingly.  ^  ]3g|t_ 

I'ho  Indians,  in  answer  expressed  their  satisfaction  at  what  Sir  William  had  said,  to  which, 
as  it  was  very  late,  they  deferred  giving  an  answer  until  next  day. 

then  adjourned. 

At  night  Sir  William  had  a  conference  with  a  principal  Sachem  and  Warrior  of  each  Nation, 
when  he  spoke  with  th.'m  on  the  subjects  for  the  meeting  to  morrow— he  found  that  besides 
some  grievances,  which  were  to  be  the  subject  of  the  future  proceedings,  the  Indians  were 
suspicious,  that  the  English  intended  totally  to  neglect,  and  disregard  them,  and  that  this 
opinion  daily  gained  ground  amongst  the  several  Nations.  The  Chiefs  spoke  with  much 
warp  'h  on  the  reduced  state  of  those  living  under  our  Arms  (as  they  called  it),  namely,  the 
Mohawks,  and  others  living  amongst  our  settlements,  who  they  rema-'ked  had  been  very  useful  1 
ta  us,  and  were  now  greatly  neglected  by  the  English.  — The  Mohawks  in  particular, 
(supported  by  the.rest)  signiiied  their  desire  to  speak  in  public,  that  His  Maj'J'  would  take  their 
case  into  Consideration,  and  allow  them  a  Missionary,  observing  that  they,  and  their  Fathers 
had  been  Christianized,  and  attended  for  many  years  by  Ministers  of  the  Church  of  England  — 
that  a  former  King  had  bin  it  them  a  Church,  and  had  taken  much  care  of  them,  but  that  they 
have  been  now  for  many  years  without  an  English  Clergyman,  which  gave  them  much 
concern.  — Sir  William,  foreseeing,  that  these,  and  many  other  matters  of  a  private  nature, 
would  if  spoken  in  public,  furnish  part  of  the  Confederacy  with  subjects  for  disagreable 
rellections,  represented  to  them,  that  there  would  be  no  occasion  to  bring  matters  before  the 
rest  of  the  Nations,  in  which  they  were  not  particularly  concerned,  as  he  would  lay  them  before 
His  Maj",  from  whose  generous  sentiments  and  pious  regard  for  their  future  welfare,  they 
might  expect  that  they  would  be  attended  to. 

The  Sachems  and  Chiefs  of  Canada  Indians  desired  a  conference  in  public  with  Sir  William, 
and  being  assembled,  their  S|)eaker  addressed  him. 


Monday  — July  22''  1770. 
Brother.  We  have  desired  to  speak  to  you  in  this  public  manner  on  an  affair  which 
concerns  ourselves,  and  which  has  occasioned  great  uneasiness  amongst  us.  — Brother,  you 
know  us  for  many  years  — we  knew  you,  and  esteemed  your  character,  when  we  were  in  the 
arms  of  the  French,  and  when  you  came  down  with  the  army  to  Montreal  ten  years  ago  ;  you 
then  spoke  to  us,  gave  us  gocxi  words,  and  by  the  order  of  the  (ieneral  gave  us  solemn 
assurances,  that  if  we  did  not  assist  the  French,  but  permitted  you  to  descend  the  River 
without  interruption,  wo  should  be  placed  among  the  numl)er  of  your  friends,  and  enjoy  our 
rights  and  possessions  and  the  free  exorcise  of  our  Religion  lorever.  — This  we  believed,  for 
we  knew  your  character,  and  had  a  confidence  in  you,  and  accordingly  agreed  to  your  reciuest, 


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NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


t"o  ^htTnglUh  '*""'  ^'^^''''^  '"  '"'^  "  '"""'"'  "'  '°  '^«'"°"«trate  our  fidelity,  and  attachment 
Brother.     You  allways  give  us  good  words,  and  have   shewn  yourself  our  friend.     It  is 

theretore  w,th  concern  we  tell  you  our  grievances  at  this  time  occasioned  by  the  ill  disposed 

people  who  give  disturbance  in  several  quarters. 
Brother- You  are  not  ignorant  that  there  are   many  Men.  of  whom  we  have  before 

comp  ained.  who  are  no  longer  our  friends,  and  either  guided  by  interest,  or,  perhaps  from 

resentment  on  finding  our  attachment  to  the  English,  endeavour  to  alter  the  minds  of  all  the 

Thro,    r  r  u    T  '°  "°'"'"'°'^  '°  ^''''^''  ^"^  t°  misrepresent  us  to  them, 

rhrough  such  means  our  brothers  at  S-  Regis,  have  been  distressed  for  sometime  past  by 
In  ruders  .mposed  on  them  from  another  nation,  who  have  no  pretensions  to  live  in  their 
village  ;  and  last  winter  a  Frenchman  named  Clingancourt.  came  into  our  prinJpal  village  of 
Cagnawagee  bought  .  house  privately,  and  was  no  sooner  settled,  than  he  began  to  create 
much  disturbance  by   telling  false  stories   to   the   Commanding  Officer  there!  and  giving 
countenance  to  immoralities,  that  are  highly  displeasing  to  us.     Our  Priest  who  is  a  peaceablo 
good  Man.  endeavoured  as  far.  as  was  in  his  power  to  restrain  these  disorders  in  the  usual 
manner,  and  to  punish  the  offenders  according  to  the  Religious  forms  of  our  Church,  but  was 
hreatned,  and  treated  with  the  greatest  contempt,  so  that  he  could  not  do  his  duty,  through 
the  artifices  of  this  Frenchman.     This  gives  us  great  concern,  and  if  we  are  not  redressed  we 
may  in  a  little  time  he  deprived  of  the  use  of  that  Religion,  the  use  of  which  we  were  assured 
should  be  permitted  to  us      We  therefore  earnestly  request,  that  you  will  take  this  matter  into 
serious  consideration,  and  if  you  shall  think  it  fitting,  that  you  may  lay  it  before  the  King 
that  we  may  not  be  interrupted  hereafter  in  the  exercise  of  our  Religion,  or  our  priesS 
prevented  from  inflicting  such  pains  and  penances,  as  our  Church  requires,  on  ofienders. 

To  which  Sir  William  answered.  ^  ^^"  ''•  ^°^''- 

Brothers.  I  have  barkened  to  your  speech,  and  do  assure  you.  that  I  have  not  forgot  any 
part  of  the  engagements  we  formerly  entered  into,  and  which  it  is  'is  Maj'*'-  intention  shall  be 
strictly  observed  ,n  every  particular.     You  have  therefore  nothing  to  fear  on  that  account. 

The  affair  of  .■5-  Regis,  I  understand  has  been  lately  settled  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Indians 
of  that  place;  and  as  to  what  you  mention  respecting  your  village  at  Cagnawagee,  1  make  no 
doubt,  t  at  U  would  be  soon  settled  in  the  like  manner,  on  my  acquainting  the  Governor  of 
Quebec  herewith ;  but  as  he  ,s  now  I  understand,  sailed  for  England,  I  think,  the  readiest 
method  to  gratify  your  desire,  will  be  by  letter  to  the  Frenchman.  I  shall  accordingly  we 
to  him  ,n  a  proper  manner,  and  give  Col :  Claus  Instructions  about  the  affair  on  his  return  to 
Canada,  which  will  l)e  in  a  few  days. — 

You  may  be  assured  of  His  Maj"'- Esteem  &  that  I  shall  continue  to  shew  you  all  the 
friendship  m  my  power,  so  long  as  you  continue  to  promote  peace,  and  adhere  faithfully  to 
your  engagements.  „  .  ,  ..    .   '"'""""/  *o 

„,.     ,    , •  .     r.  Returned  their  Belt. 

I  he  In.hanH  npent  the  Forenoon  of  this  day  in  Council,  and  about  noon  Sir  William  had  a 
conference  with  some  of  the  Chiefs  on  the  subject  of  their  „nswer.-In  the  afternoou  the 
Indians  sent  to  acquaint  Sir  William  that  they  were  assembled. 


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LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 


239 


At  a  Congress,  with  the  several  Nations  of  Indians,  Monday  July  22""  1V70. 

Present—  as  before. 

Conoquieson  asked  whether  Sir  William  was  ready  to  attend  to  what  they  had  lo  sav- 
On  being  answered  in  the  Affirmative,  ^  ^ 

Abraham  stood  up  and  addressed  him  as  follows. 

Bother  Gorah  Warraghiyagey. 

usIouUhe'lSnTs'h""'''"  "'"'!  ""'"n  "  ^°  '^"^"^^  ^^^  '^""^--"S  ^"^^^  ^^  '-t  spoke  to 
us  abou   the  King  s  having  received  our  Deed,  and  .he  procf  odings  at  Fort  Stanwix   with  his 

1  hrLlL:  r" "'' "":'  r  "^  '"'''^  p^'^^^'^-  -^  -  «•''•"  a'-  peak:  wh 

Ce  sion      Brother    wT"'.?'/'  1'"°"'^'^^  ""^  '"'^'^"''  '^-^  -P-^^l   ''  P-t  of  our 

Zther      Wh  f  ^"■''^"'■'  "^''  -'""  "'"  ""^"^  '»  «^»'  ^«  have  now  to  answer. 

^«  «T     mT      t  "!;?  ™     ^°"  '"  ""  «■■'"'  '^  ""'"•'«''  ^"^  '»  ««  P"Wic  a  manner  at  Fort  Stanwix 

Lan     "^d  hTrf     '."'''  "  "'  '''•  ""'^"  "«  '-'^  been  po-essed  of  a  full  rgh   to  the' 
Lands,  and  had  full  authority  to  do  so.     We  are  siimr'a^^  »!,„►         j     u.  ""  "b'"  lo  me 

III  .  /  V"  iiu  ou.     "«  "re  suipr.sed  that  any  doubt  can  ar  HP  nb' it     Vmi 

very  well  know,  that  our  Title  has  been  allways  IndisDutabl«      L  .«..        T  r 

same,  and  we  agau.  confirm  it.  promising  to  abide  always  thereby.        A  Bel   8  Rowl'    ' 
Brother.     We  arc  very  happy  to  he.r  of  the  good  dfsposition'of  the  King  towarlus  and 

Ki^  zr;:rTan'dra: :  '■"  T-°"-  ^^  "'^ ''''''  p'--^  -'^^  '^'  •-^"'^-c: 

sel  us  at  Zar  '""     ''  '^  "'  '  '"""'^  ^'«"  "'  '^'«  ^^^ard.  that  he  does  not  love  to 

thptjl":    ^"  "''  ""'  ''''''■°"''  "'■  "'"'^'"«  ^"'■'  '^"^  ^'^^^  t^'^  «»•"«  "PPears  necessary     We 

.hoal.1  |..„  our  1,™  Ml  p,.»ce  »i,d  Irnvell  In  Mcutily,  Ihnt  Trade  .hoidd  ll„,„.l,   I   ,     i 


1IF 


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NEW- YORK  COLOMAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


will  lay  these  matters  before  the  King,  and  represent  our  situation,  so  that  he  may  henrken  to 
our  words,  and  .iffbrd  us  redress.  A  Belt  of  10.  rows. 

Then  Conoquieson  stood  up  and  said. 

Brother.  Agreable  to  what  you  yesterday  recommended  to  us,  we  have  now,  fixed  upon 
four  Chiefs  from  amongst  us,  who  are  men  of  sense  that  will  faithfully  deliver  our  words  to 
the  Shawanese,  of  which  number  Thomas  King  is  the  principal,  who  is  a  Man,  that  you  may 
be  assured,  will  faithfully  execute  whatevar  is  desired  of  him.—Then  acquainted  the  Six 
Nations  and  Sir  William  Johnson,  that,  by  the  death  of  Gawehe  a  Tuscarora  Sachem,  there 
was  a  vacancy  at  the  Council  fire,  &  accordingly  raised  up  Tarriwahwage  to  supply  his  place 
with  the  usual  ceremonys.  After  which  Saghtaghroana,  on  behalf  of  the  Seven  Nations  of 
Canada  stood  up  and  said. 

Brother,  We  ihe  Nations  living  in  Canada  express  our  sincere  thanks  to  you  for  having  by 
your  prudence  and  wisdom  brought  all  the  Nations  here  into  one  way  of  thinking,  which  no 
other  person  could  ever  have  effected.  This  is  a  great  work  Brother,  and  it  gives  us  a  great 
pleasure,  and,  I  now  speak  to  you  and  all  the  Nations  in  public  upon  it. 

Brother.  When  we  united  ourselves  with  the  English  on  the  reduction  of  Canada,  we  then 
resolved  to  act  like  Men,  to  be  true  to  our  engagements  and  to  scorn  lyes,— We  then  agreed  for 
the  preservation  of  peace,  that  the  Caghnawagees  should  have  their  eyes  on  the  Council  Fire 
of  the  Six  Nations  at  Onondaga,  and  the  other  Council  fire  at  your  house,  whilst  our  Brethren 
atCanasadaga  should  have  their  eyes  upon  all  the  Nations  up  the  Ottawa  or  great  Ifiver  to  the 
Westward.— Brother,  we  did  this,  we  always  gave  you  true  intelligence,  and  studied  to 
promote  peace  ;  for  Brother,  we  are  Men  of  our  words,  Men  who  despise  double  dealings,  and 
are  incapable  of  deceit.  We  shall  still  act  up  to  that  character,  &  our  actions  shall  prove  the 
truth  ot  what  we  now  say.  We  resolve  in  order  to  promote  the  work,  which  you  have  begun, 
and  so  successfully  conducted,  to  send  proper  Deputies  to  the  Indians  to  the  Westward,  taking 
that  part  of  the  negociation  entirely  upon  ourselves,  and  we  shall  agree  with  the  Six  Nations 
in  the  Message  they  send,  that  we  may  not  speak  with  two  mouths  upon  so  important  an 
occasion.  The  Men  we  shall  make  choice  of,  shall  be  such  as  we  may  place  the  utmost 
conlidence  in,  &  they  shall  have  orders  from  us  to  return  by  way  of  Detroit  and  Fort  Pitt  to 
your  house  to  bring  you  a  faithful  report  of  the  Negotiation. 

Then  shewed  the  Belt  which  they  purposed  to  send.  Then  Abraham  the  Chief  returned 
Sir  William  the  Belt  which  he  had  sent  to  the  meeting  at  Onondaga  last  fall  cautioning  them 
not  to  let  their  warriors  go  to  war,  or  enter  into  any  rash  resolves  until  they  heard  from  him 
—  with  this  having  complied,  they,  according  to  custom  returned  the  Belt.  — After  which 
Abraham  returned  the  Belt  sent  last  spring  by  Sir  William  to  the  Seneca's  Country,  to  require 
them  to  collect  all  the  horses  they  could,  th.y)roperty  of  the  white  people,  and  to  deliver  them 
up.  All  which  they  promised  strictly  to  comply  with,  and  to  prevent  any  from  being  taken 
in  future  by  their  people,  or  dependants. 

The  Speaker  then  acquainted  Sir  William,  that  they  had  finished  all  the  material  business 
of  tlie  Congress. 

To  all  which  Sir  William  answered  as  follows: 

Brethren  of  the  several  Nations  here  assembled. 

I  am  well  pleased  with  the  answer  which  you  have  given  me  on  the  several  subjects,  and  I 
hope  that  your  actions  will  correspond  with  the  words  you  have  made  use  of.  — As  I  am  well 


(  t 


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241 


acquainted  with  your  claims  &  pretensions,  I  considered  the  murmurings  of  some  of  your 

nuTltr;  "t,     ""'«   7-'---!^  -  nevertheless  a  duty  which  you  fwe  to  Jlselve's  " 

nn  nniL/Mr*"       .  ""'  '"'^  ^^'"^  '°  '''"  '^''  ^'^  ^^''  '-'^'^  resolutions  for  that 
purpose,  which  I  hope,  and  expect  you  will  see  performed 

Brothers     It  is  with  concern  that  I  hear  you  complain,  that  the  people  on  the  southern 

a     „tr„        hTh""  '°  ""T  ^°"'  '"^"^^  '  '^"°"  ''''  ^'^^'  P^'- '-'  ^-n  taken  to  pu 
a  stop  to  such  behav.our.-Brothers,  You  know,  that  I  have  often  told  you  upon  that  subiect 

nd  screti::  7""  '"r'*^"^"  ""^'  "'  '''  '"  '-^-"^  ^o"  "-t  wilh.  proceeds  from'  ' 
.nd.8cret.on  of  some  of  your  young  people,  when  passing  through  that  part  of  the  Country 
amongst  people  who  suffered  severely  during  the  war;  I  shall  nevertheles's,  as  you  des  re  tfy 
yourcomplamt  before  His  Maj.,  who,  I  am  persuaded,  will  give  any  orders  that  ma;  a 
further  necessary  for  your  security ;  and  I  am  certain  that  the  several  Governors  will  use  Iheir 
utmost  endeavours  for  that  purpose;  but  I  expect  in  return  that  you  will  give  the  most  strict 
caufon  to  your  young  people  that  they  govern  themselves  in  a  peaceable,  quiet  manner,  when 

hey  resort  to  that  Country  ;  for  otherwise,  you  cannot  expect  'J.at  the  Inhabitants  will  treat 
them  with  kindness. 

Brothers.-!  very  well  remember  all  the  promises  that  have  been  made  you,  and  also  the 
engagements  between  us.-You  all  see  that  they  are  committed  to  writing  in  your  presence. 
I  know  that  amongst  other  things,  you  received  assurances  of  a  free,  and  plentiful  Trade,  and  I 
can  confidently  assure  you,  that  you  will  still  enjoy  the  same.     It  is  true,  that  for  some  little 

nirtv°^fr.  \7  T"  """•'"'  ^  "'"  """  '"'■''■■'"  >'°"'^'"»^  "-y  -'"  I-  •'•8-"  >"  great 
New  York,  and  a  large  quantity  .s  already  come  to  Montreal,  accordingjo  certain  idvices  I 
have  lately  received.  I  have  likewise  the  pleasure  to  acquaint  you,  that  (although  the  affair 
has  taken  up  some  time  from  the  distance  of  some  of  our  Colonies  from  the  others)  there  is 
now  a  good  prospect,  that  the  aiHiirs  of  Trade  will  speedily  be  regulated  on  terms  of  advantage 
to  you  all  as  I  have  heard  that  some  Commissioners  for  that  purpose  are  already  met,  and 
more  on  their  way  to  the  place  appointed  for  determining  thereupon.  I  shall  however  comply 
with  your  request  ,n  laying  this  matter  before  the  King  on  whose  attention  to  these,  and  all 
oth.-r  affairs  in  which  you  are  interested,  you  may  safely  and  confidently  rely 

Brothers.  I  approve  of  the  manner  you  have  resolved  upon  to  send  Messengers  to  the 
Shawanese,  and  of  the  Men  you  have  chosen,  for  that  purpose.  But.  as  [  likewise  irttend  to 
send  Messengers  as  well  to  the  Shawanese  as  to  Michilimacinac,  I  shall  expect  to  be  made 
acquainted  with  the  purport  of  your  Message  that  we  may  both  correspond  on  that  subject. 

Brothers  of  the  seven  Nations  of  Canada 

I  thank  you  for  your  honest  and  spirited  address  to  myself,  and  all  here  assembled,  and  I 
greatly  approve  of  your  resolutions  to  send  Messengers  in  the  manner  you  propose.     I  shall 
gla.ily  join  them ^.rttH  Messengers  (rem  myself,  to  which  end  it  will  be  necessary  that  I  know 
what  you  intend  to  charge  them  with,  that  we  may  unite  in  Sentiments. 

Then  it  growing  late,  and  „  Thunder  storm  coming  on,  Sir  William  thanked  them  all  lor 
their  uccordation  with  him  in  sentiments  and  adjourned. 


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■paii 


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NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Tuesday  July  SS-i    Jn  the  mo.ning  the  Indians  all  assembled  in  Council. 

Phesent —  as  before. 

Sir  William  having  desired  their  attention  spoke  as  follows  : 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations,  of  Canada,  and  all  others  here  assembled. 

Having  now  brought  the  business  of  this  Treaty  to  a  favourable  conclusion.  I  cannot  help 
expressmg  my  satisfaction  thereat,  and  at  the  readiness,  and  unanimity  which  the  Chiefs  have 
manifested  upon  this  occasion.  It  only  now  remains,  that  I  close  this  Congress,  in  a  suitable 
manner  by  adding  strength  and  weight  to  our  proceedings.— I  do  therefore  by  this  Belt,  renew 
and  strengthen  the  covenant  chain,  or  alliance  entered  into  Between  our  ancestors  and  yours. 
I  likewise  clean  and  brighten  it,  so  that  it  may  not  contract  any  rust,  and  I  do  assure  you  on 
the  part  of  the  great  King,  that  we  shall  take  care  to  hold  it  fast,  and  preserve  it  unhurt  to 
the  latest  posterity,  if  you  will  on  your  parts  be  observant  of  the  part  which  is  in  your 
hands,  and  take  equal  care  of  it.  I  likewise  declare,  that  it  is  the  intention  of  His  Maj'^  and 
all  his  subjects  to  abide  by,  and  fulfill  the  engagements  with  you,  so  far  as  is  possible,  and  I 
recommend  it  to  you  all  to  make  public  the  transactions  of  this  Treaty  throughout  all  the 
Nations  to  the  setting  of  the  sun  ;  and  as  you  value  yourselves,  and  wish  to  be  ha^py,  to  abide 
by,  and  faithfully  perform  all  that  you  have  promised. 

Gave  the  Belt  of  the  Covenant  Chain,  after  which  every  Nation  gave  the  Yohah. 

Brothers.  Notwithstanding  the  great  additional  expense  which  the  King,  my  Master  has 
been  at  in  bestowing  favours  on  such  an  additional  number  of  Indians,  as  by  the  reduction  of 
Canada  have  been  admitted  into  our  alliance,  his  Maj'^  is  stilT  mindful  of  you,  and  has  therefore 
been  graciously  pleased  to  consider  your  present  wants  by  ordering  you  i  handsome  present, 
which  1  nave  brought  to  this  place  and  whic',  shall  now  be  delivered  to  you.  I  hope  that  you 
may  retain  a  grateful  sense  of  these,  and  all  other  Mi.rks  of  his  Koyal  favor,  and  that  you  will 
always  he  studious  to  merit  the  continuance  of  his  protection  and  friendship,  and  the  regard 
of  all  his  subjects. 

Brothers  the  Missasagas.  I  am  glad  that  by  your  attending  at  this  Trei..y  you  had  an 
opportunity  of  observing  tiie  friendship  subsisting  between  the  Kuglish  and  your  Brothers  here 
assembled,  and  the  unanimity  with  which  we  have  brought  several  weighty  matters  to  an 
ngreable  conclusion.  I  recommend  it  to  you  faithfully  to  relate  the  particulars  that  have  passed 
here,  to  your  Nation,  and  confederacy,  at  your  return,  assuring  them  ^  the  Friendship  of  the 
Great  King,  and  that  I  shall  allways  preserve  a  sincere  regard  for  ,em,  and  their  interests, 
80  long  as  they  continue  to  merit  it  by  contributing  to  dlHuse  the  blessings  of  peace  throughout 
the  Country  within  their  induence,  and  by  Joining  heartily  in  promoting  the  several  matters  of 
importance  agreed  upon  before  me  by  their  Irieuds  and  Confederutes—  A  Belt. 

Bretheren  of  the  several  Nations  here  Assembled. 

Every-  thing  for  the  present  beeing  ngreably  a.ljusted,  and  (•(.iicluded  upon,  I  have  only  to 
add  iny  expectations  that  you  will  be  steadfast  in  fulfilling  your  engagements,  and  1  now  close 
this  Treaty  with  my  kindest  wishes  for  your  prosperity. 

Brothers  the  Cherokees. 

You  have  heard  the  conclusion,  &  determination  of  the  Six  Nations,  and  their  Confederates  ; 
and  upon  maturely  considering  all  circumstances  I  hope  they  will   prove  agreahle  to  yo  ir 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


243 


Nation,  to  whom  !  desire  you  will  faitl.fully  report  all  the  transactions  at  this  place  assuring 
them  of  my  fr.endsuip,  and  that  I  am  much  obliged  to  them  for  the  grateful  sense,  which  from 
the  Belts  you  delivered  me,  I  find  they  retain  of  my  endeavour  in  effecting  the  peace  between 
them,  and  your  Brothers  here  assembled,  that  I  shall  always  continue  to  promote  it,  trusting 
that  they  will  do  the  like  on  their  parts,  and  sincerely  wishing,  that  by  attending  to  the  words 
of  your  Brother  in  Carolina,  who  has  the  care  of  you,  you  may  continue  to  deserve  the  esteem 
ot  the  great  King,  and  all  his  subjects.  g.  fine  Belts 

The  Six  Naiions  then  renewed  their  engagements  with  the  Cherokees,  acquainting  the 
Deputies,  that  as  they  had  now  come  to  a  final  resolution  before  Sir  William  Johnson,  they 
hoped  that  the  same  would  be  found  satisfactory  to  the  Cherokees. 

The  Nanticoks'  then  addressed  Sir'William,  requesting  that  he  would  give  them  a  Passport, 
and  letters  to  the  Gov'  of  Carolina,  that  they  might  go,  and  bring  the  remainder  of  their 
people  from  thence,  and  dispose  of  some  land  they  yet  have  there.  A  Belt. 

They  then  earnestly  requested,  that  he  would  prevent  the  Traders  from  bringing  any  more 
Rum  down  the  Susquahanna,  as  they  who  lived  there,  were  determined  to  abstain  from 
drinking,  seeing  so  many  murders  committed  by  means  thereof.  A  Belt. 

Sir  William  promised  them,  that  he  would  grant  them  a  Passport,  and  also  write  in  their 
favor  to  the  Gov'  of  Carolina  concerning  their  lands  there,  and  recommended  a  proper  conduct 
to  them  as  they  passed  thro'  the  several  settlements,  ettc.  a  Belt. 

Sir  William  also  promised  that  he  would  do  all  in  his  power,  to  discourage  the  bringing  of 
Rum  to  their  settlements,  and  expressed  his  approbation  of  the  resolutions  they  had  taken,  and 
wished  them  to  continue  firm  in  the  same.  Returned  a  Bel^ 

The  Cayuga  Chief  then  arose,  and  acquainted  Sir  William  and  the  Six  Nations  that  the 
Delawares.  Monsies,  ettc  living  at  Chughnot,^  Wialosing"  ettc  had  promised  to  remain  where 
they  now  live,  &  not  regard  the  invitation  of  their  Countrymen  living  at  Ohio,  and  further 
assured  the  Six  Nations,  that  they  would  act  agreable  to  their  directions. 

Spoke  with  two  Belts. 

Then  the  Chiefs  of  the  several  Nations  assembled  to  consider  of  an  answer  to  the  Covenant 
Chain  Belt,  and  after  some  time  spent,  Abraham  the  Mohawk  Chief  stood  up,  and  in  the  name 
of  the  Six  Nations  and  Canada  Confederacy  ettc  repeated  what  Sir  William  had  said  on  said 
Belt,  and  returned  their  most  hearty  thanks  for  renewing  the  Covenant  and  they  on  their  parts 
did  the  same. 

The  Onondaga  speaker  then  arose  &  acquainted  Sir  William  that  they  appointed 
Taganaghquaghscd  in  the  room  of  Kauajiakaia  deceased,  Tawahmgseraghse  of  Karaghi'adirra^ 
in  the  room  of  Odongota  Chieftain  of  the  Warriors,  and  two  more  of  the  Onondaga  Nation. 
All  which  they  hope.!  he  would  approve  of,  and  give  them  such  testimonials  ettc.  as  are  usual 
on  these  occasions.  Sir  William  admitted,  and  approved  of  their  recommendations,  and  after 
giving  the  appointed  Sachems  the  necessary  admonitions,  he  lold  them  that  he  would  at  next 
general  meeting  give  them  the  proper  testimonials  ettc.  which  he  had  at  his  house. 

A  large  Belt. 

'  Altliougl.  llitMo  liulinni.  Imvo  boon  ^'Olu■l■ttlli  ooiisiderod  n  Miiijlftihl  triljo,  it  iippoara  by  ttio  toxt  thi>l  tlu^y  originally 
came  from  CHfoliim;  tb.iy  iifUTWiinU  tiiigrnte,!  to  I  bo  oft^t.-rn  sboro  „f  Muryl,>ii,i  a<ul  th.-n.'.-  up  th.'  Su.H.iuolwirinuh.'  They 
oxist  no  bmijer  as  n  Nntion.  (Jilltlnt't  Si/nnpiit  nf  ifie  Indian  Tnben. Ei>. 

■ScoVll.,  fill,  notoB.  '.SolU,  3l»4,  note.  '  Sec  VII.,  72.1,  note. 


I     • 


244 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


uk 


"ft 


Wednesday  Morning  the  Chiefs  of  each  Nation  present  waited  on  Sir  William  at  his 
quarters  to  let  him  know  the  purport  of  their  Message,  to  be  sent  by  their  Deputies  to  the 
Wavviaghtanakes,  Piankashaas,  Kickapos  ettc,  which  is  as  follows: 

Brethren.  These  Deputies  from  the  Six  Nation  Confederacy  are  now  sent  to  inform  you  of 
the  peace  established  between  us  and  the  Cherokees,  as  well  as  the  good  harmony  and  union 
that  subsists  between  us,  our  Brethren,  the  English,  and  all  the  Nations  of  Indians  to  the  rising 
of  the  Sun,  at  the  same  time  to  let  you  know  our  surprise  and  displeasure  at  your  untoward 
and  unruly  behaviour  towards  some  of  our  people,  as  well  as  to  our  Brethren  the  English,  who 
are  employed  carrying  goods  to  the  Illinois  for  your  use,  and  that  of  all  the  Indians  in  that 
quarter,  which  shews  that  you  are  not  in  your  senses.  Wherefore  we  now  take  you  by  the 
head,  and  shake  you  so,  as  to  bring  you  to  them,  and  alsff  take  that  hitchet  out  of  your  hands, 
which  you  run  about  with,  doing  Mischief.  Should  you  still  prove  obstinate,  and  persevere  in 
your  wickedness,  they  are  in  that  case  authorized  by  the  whole  Confederacy  now  assembled 
to  tell  you,  that  the  consequence  will  prove  fatal  to  you.  Repent  therefore  of  what  you  have 
done,  otherwise  you  will  inevitably  involve  your  Nations  in  a  War,  which  must  terminate  in 

y°"""'"-  A  large  Belt  shewn. 

The  Canada  Confederacy  consisting  of  Seven  Nations  then  told  Sir  William,  that  as  they 
intended  to  wait  on  him  to  his  house  (in  their  way  home)  they  would  there  acquaint  him 
with  the  purport  of  their  Message  to  those  troublesome  Nations  who  were  now  like  Men  void 
of  sense,  running  about  with  a  sharp  Axe  in  their  hands  at  a  time,  when  he  was  endeavouring 
to  spread  peace  over  all  the  land. 

The  Missisagas  also  came  to  acquaint  Sir  William,  that  they  intended  to  wait  upon  him  to 
his  house,  where  they  had  something  to  say  to  him  relative  to  their  Nation. 

Sir  William  after  having  returned  the  Chiefs  his  hearty  thanks  for  the  part  they  had  acted 
during  the  Congress,  and  expressing  his  approbation  of  the  Message  which  they  intend  sending 
to  the  ill  disposed  Nations,  told  them,  and  the  Canada  Confederacy,  Missasages  ettc,  that  he 
intended  also  sending  them  some  Belts  which  should  coincide  with  theirs  in  a  great  measure. 
Then  told  the  Canada  Indians  &  Missisagas  ettc,  that  he  would  be  glad  to  see  them  at  his 
house,  as  he  had  something  particular  to  say  to  them.  Then  Sir  William  ordered  provisions 
for  all  the  Nations  on  their  journey  home,  and  after  parting  with  them  in  the  most  friendly 
manner,  sett  off  that  morning  for  his  own  seat  accompanied  by  above  one  hundred  and 
fifty  Indians  ettc,  and  followed  by  several  other  parties,  on  the  private  affairs  of  their 
respective  Nations. 

The  foregoing  is  a  true  copy,  ex-"  by  me 

Kicu'*  SiiucKBuaau'  Secretary  for  Ind"  Affairs. 

'  RlcDABD  SriicKBUBGi.  who,  if  hc  di,l  not  conip„,e,  at  lewt  introJuccJ  tl.o  populnr  nn.i  well  known  air  of  Vankte  DocU, 
ink.  thia  country,  w.s  of  Crruan  o,i«in,  «n,l  r.ceivcl  .;  comn.i«,ion  m  Surgeon  of  Cpiain  Ilor.tio  Oal..'  Indep-.n.lcnt 
Company  of  Ncw-Yoric,  on  t!,«  'ioll,  Juuo.  1737.  ylrmy  /„.(,  1768,  137.  Wl.iUl  eneampe,!  at  (Jrcnhn,!,,  in  the  nciKhhorhood 
of  Alhany,  during  tho  French  war,  to  please,  it  i«  mUl  eouie  eastern  levies  he  compose,!  a  tune  and  rceomn.e.ded  it  to  the 
otheera  ft,  one  of  the  o.H  celeluated  aira  of  martial  uumc.  The  air  took,  and  in  a  few  day»  nothing  wa.  heard  in  tho 
rrovineial  Camp  hut  )u»A«  DooJU.  Little  .lid  the  Doctor  imagine  the  renown  which  awaited  the  air  that  he  had 
recommended  ,n  joke.  F.mner  d;  Moore',  AVu,  llamp.hir,  CoUecH.m,,  III.,  217.  On  tho  death  of  Captain  Wraxall  .Sir' Win 
Johnson  nommated  Dr.  -Shuckhur.u.h  Secretary  f.,r  In.lian  alTairs  in  17,V..,  when  he  left  Captain  (i.te.'  eorp.'  but  th« 
npp..intmont  waB  not  confirmed,  Withan.  M.r»h  having-  been  Hnt  out  in  1761  to  fill  the  ..(lice.  ytv,York  Comminion,  V  ••!  I 
AVe  find  Dr.  ,shuckb>n«h  next  app,.;        I.  -n  Deoen.I.er,  1702,  HurKeon  „f  the  17lh  Fo.,t,  then  serving  in  Am.Ti.-a    \„  which 

r.^,Mment  he  contmucl  to  he  attaehoi  until  17r,S,  ( A„,„j  J.i.U.  17,;r,,  nc,'..,)  when  he  »uc...e..,le.l  Mr.  Marsh,  an.l  tilled  tl tllco 

of  ^erretary  of  In.lun  allairs  for  .everal  yean.     He  reeeived  a  grant  of  lan.l  iu  May.  1764,  in  the  present  towu  of  Ulcn 
Moalgumery  county,  N.  Y.  —  Ko.  ' 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


245 


N"  14. 
My  Lord, 


Lieuienant-Governor  Colden  to  ilie  Earl  of  IlilUhovough. 

[  New-Tork  Papers  ( S.  P.  0. )  CLXII.  ] 

New  York.  18.  August  1770. 

I  have  the  honor  of  your  Lord'"8  commands  of  the  12">  of  June  N"  39.  with  His  Maj'»'» 
disallowance  of  the  Act  declaring  certain  persons  therein  mentioned  incapable  of  being 
Members  of  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Colony ;  and  I  have  pubiish'd  His  Mnj"'-  disallowance 
by  Proclamation,  as  usual.  I  have  communicated  to  the  Council  the  Act  passed  in  the  last 
Session  of  Parliament,  to  enable  the  Gov'  Council  and  Assembly  of  His  Maj'>'»  Colony  of 
New  York  to  pass  an  Act  of  Assembly  for  creating  and  issuing  upon  Loan,  paper  BiUs  of 
Credit  to  a  certain  amoi>nt  ettc.  As  the  Colony  of  New  York  is  distinguished  by  the  favour 
of  Parliament  in  this  particular,  I  make  no  doubt  of  its  being  received  with  that  dutiful 
gratitude  which  may  justly  be  expected.— The  other  Acts  of  Parliam'  relating  to  the  Colonies, 
and  transmitted  to  me  by  M'  Pownall,  were  likewise  communicated  and  all  of  them  lodged  in 
the  Secretaries  Office. 

An  Equestrian  guilt  Statue,  of  the  King,  made  by  direction  of,  and  purchased  by  this  Colony, 
came  over  in  one  of  the  last  ships  from  London.  On  Thursday  last  it  was  opened  to  view, 
greeted  on  its  proper  pedestal,  in  a  square  near  the  Fort  and  fronting  the  principal  street  of  the 
City.  I  was  attended  on  this  occasion  by  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Council,  and  Members  of 
Assembly  then  in  Town,  the  magistrates  of  the  City,  the  Clergy  of  all  Denominations,  and  a 
very  large  number  of  the  principal  Inhabitants.  Our  Loyalty,  firm  attachment  and  affection 
to  His  Maj"'"'  person  was  expressed  by  drinking  the  King's  Health,  and  a  long  continuance  of 
His  reign,  under  a  discharge  of  32  pieces  of  Cannon,  a  Band  of  music  playing  at  the  same 
time  from  the  Ramparts  of  the  Fort.  The  General  and  Otficers  of  the  Army  gave  us  the 
honour  of  their  company  on  the  occasion.  The  whole  Company  walked  in  procession  from 
the  Fort,  round  the  Statue,  while  the  Spectators  expressed  their  joy,  by  loud  acclamations, 
and  the  procession  having  returned  with  me  to  the  Fort,  the  ceremony  concluded  with  great 
chearfulness  and  good  humour. 

I  am  well  assured  My  Lord,  that  the  Merchants  in  this  Place,  who  appeared  most  zealous  to 
prevent  the  importation  of  British  Manufactures,  have,  notwithstanding,  sent  themselves  orders 
for  large  quantities  of  goods.  At  the  same  time  they  have  thrown  out  the  basest  aspersions, 
in  the  public  Newspapers  against  those  who  promoted  the  importation.  I  am  confident,  the 
example  of  New  York  will  be  followed  by  all  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  notwithstanding  what 
appears  in  the  American  Newspapers  to  the  contrary.  It  gives  me  the  greatest  pleasure,  that 
the  people  of  New  York,  under  my  Administration,  are  the  most  forward  in  returning  to 
their  duty. 

Lord  Dunmore  is  daily  expected  here.  I  hope  to  deliver  up  the  Govern'  to  him,  in  peace 
and  tranquility,  and  with  a  .very  favourable  disposition  of  a  large  majority  of  the  people, 
especially  of  any  rank  to  Government. 

Nothing  gives  me  more  pleasure,  than  the  hope  your  Lord""  allows  me  to  have,  of  your 
retaining  some  regard  to —         My  Lord, 

Your  most  obedient  and 

faithful  servant 

Cabwalladek  Golden. 


I    • 


246 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 

J'Mii  of  llillshorouglh  to  the   Governors  in  America. 

[  Planlalions  Oonrritl  (8.  P.  O. )  CCI.VI.  1 

Circular,  most  iccrct  and  co)i/idait!ul. 
Governors  of: 


No.  or  lellcr, 

Quebec 34. 

•Island  of  S'  John 1. 

Nova  Scotia 41. 

New  Hampshire 32. 

Massnchusets 41, 

New  York 41. 

Virginia 36. 

N"  Carolina 34. 

S"  Carolina 33, 


No.  or  It(t4)r. 

(Georgia 33. 

Enst  Florida 30. 

West  Florida og, 

Bahamas ^_  22. 

Bermuda 22. 

Barbados 28. 

Leeward  Islando 20. 

Grenada 33. 

Jamaica 31, 


New  Jersey. 

The  King  having  received  advices  that  the  Spanish  Gov'  of  Buenos  Ayres  hath  thought  fit 
to  dispossess  his  Maj""'  subjects  of  their  settlement  at  Port  Egmont  in  Falkland  Islands;  sg 
violent  a  proceeding  in  time  of  profound  peace  will,  unless  disavowed  by  the  Court  of  Spain  and 
proper  restitution  made,  be  considered  as  an  open  act  of  hostility,  and  therefore  the  King  hath 
thought  fit  with  the  advice  of  his  servants  to  command  a  considerable  Naval  Armament  to  be 
prepared  in  order  to  act  as  the  honor  &  dignity  of  his  Crown  shall  under  future  events  require. 

The  suspending  or  increasing  this  Naval  armam"  will  probably  depend  upon  the  answer 
which  the  Court  of  Spain  shall  give  to  what  has  been  demanded  on  this  occasion,  which  the 
King  has  good  reason  to  hope  will  correspond  with  his  Maj'*'*  wishes  for  the  preservation  of 
the  public  peace,  in  the  mean  time  you  cannot  be  too  attentive  to  the  security  of  the  f-.^  under 
your  Govern'  nor  too  early  in  your  consideration  of  what  may  be  necessary  for  r,  protection 
and  defence  in  case  matters  should,  contrary  to  His  Maj"'  just  expectations,  come  to'extremif ies, 


in  which  case  you  may  be  assured  that  the  security  of  our  possessions  in  A 
principal  object  of  His  Maj'^'*  care  &  aitention. 


merica,  will  be  a 


Whitehall.  2S  September  1770. 


I  am  cttc. 


Hillsborough. 


V.  S.  Since  I  wrote  the  above  letter  farther  advices  from  the  Court  of  France,  have  been 
communicated  to  me  which  confirm  us  in  ou.-  hope  that  the  peace  may  still  be  preserved. 


H. 


N"  14. 


Sir. 


I^irl  of  inihhoroiKjJi  to  Sir    William  Johnson. 

[rianlatloin  r.cncr«l  (S,  !•.  0. )  CCLVI.] 

Whitehall.  3.  October  1770. 


I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  your  letter  of  the  li'"  of  July  last. 


1  ,jS,i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


247 


The  great  vane  y  of  important  matter  proposed  to  be  discussed  in  the  Congress  which  was 
upon  the  po.nt  o  bemg  held  when  you  wrote  that  letter,  necessarily  creates  some  impatience 
to  be  mformed  o  the  result  of  it,  and  I  have  reason  to  hope  from  a  letter  I  have  received  frop, 
General  Gag-,'  that  it  will  be  a  favourable  one. 

It  is  certainly  desirable  that  the  prejudices  which  have  been  endeavoured  to  be  fixed  upon 
the  mrnds  o  the  Savages  by  the  idle  and  wicked  Report  propagated  amongst  them,  that  the 
fnvl  „  1 Z  r  ""  T"  fu"  '°  ^'  ''"'  *'•'•"•  ^••""•'^  *'«  '•^'""^••^^'  ""^  ««  there  is  no  longer 
TeCsily  ;Ci„l"  °'  ''''  ""  '°  ""^^^  "P°"'  '''^'  ^-«^--  -•■  "P-  this  occasL 

The  accounts  which  have  been  received 'through  almost  every  channel  of  correspondence 
from  America,  of  reports  spread  abroad,  that  an  Union  between  the  Northern  and  Southern 
nd.ans  has  been  .n  agitation,  have  not  failed  to  give  us  some  uneasy  apprehensions  ;  such  an 
Union  cannot  have  been  proposed,  but  with  views  of  a  very  alarming  nature,  nor  can  it  take 
effect  without  producing  the  most  fatal  consequences  ;  the  King  therefore  doubts  not  that  you 
have  taken  every  method  to  investigate  and  discover  the  grounds  of  such  Reports,  and  in  case 
there  should  appear  any  just  reason  to  suspect  such  a  design,  that  you  have  availed  yourself  of 
every  advantage  which  the  late  Congress  afforded  you  to  defeat  and  disconcert  it. 

I  am  ettc. 

HlLLSilOKOUGH. 

Ma™"  JuT'll*  l-LT  "'"  '"""'  7.  "'  ""'  '*''  ""'  '"""-  "'  "'■'  ''•  ^-""'"  ^ogo  "f  Castlebar.  in  the  county 
Coll    .1      .  '"-"'^•«'";Pn...ed   1.0  exp..l,tionu,„Ierr...„er«lI!ra,lcloa,  a,„i„.t  Ko.t  l),uj«e.s„e,  «s  Mo»,>.„,.„, 

Colonel  of  tU  lltl.  r.^wnent,    au.l  co  ,.n,..n,K.,l  tl,.  van^-u.r.l  in  tl>.  f„tal  engngoment  of  th.  9th  July    whon  h  ■  ..»! 

o    the  80th  ro«,.„en^   and  lin^a.lior-Goncral,  (/f,..,,',.  Journal.  I.,  2.2, )  and  on  the  81h  of  December  f  iLi  ,g  .^    ncd 
Margaret,  .laughter  of  letcr  Ken.blc,  V.,,,  Pre.i.lent  of  the  Council  of  New  Jerecy.  MreU.     In  .753  he  accon  pa    e" 

PC,  ,t,on  ...  cr  Ocn.  An,h..,.U  and  led  the  2d  colnn.n  againat  1-ort  Ticondcroga.  which,  however,  had  been  aband     cd      v 
the  trench  before  the  .rr.val  of  the  Kng.i.h  troop.     On   learning  the  dc.th  of  Gen.  IVidcaa..  Gen.   And.crst  dialed 
«r,gad.r  Gage  on  the  28^.  ,,uly  to  take  the  co„.n,and  of  that  division  of  the  anny,  but  Von  Niaga;„  had  already  be        .1 
by  S,    Wdl,a,u  Johnaon.  A„„,,  I    403;  ^n^cl;  IV..  137.     On  the  l.th  .luly,  of  the  following  year,  he  departed  from  0^,2 
w,  1   the  ar„,y    o  Mo,,  real,  of  wh.ch  city  h..  wa.  appointed  Governor,  after  ite  capitulation.     He  w„,  prolnoted  in  May  77.^ 

cT.7a  1  ''T'-  "'T"';  *"'':"  '""■■■"  '"''"^'"^  •'—  ^'"'-'  "f  "-  2'^.1  R-.'ln.ent  of  foot.  At  the  dcpaftnr  of 
Get  eral  Amherat  for  England  ,n  1703,  Major-General  Gage  suecce.lod  him  a,  eonunandcr-in-chicf  of  his  Majesty'  for  in 
Nor  h  Amenca.  lie  ro,c  ,o  be  Ucu.enant-Oencral  in  ,770,  and  resided  in  New- York  until  May.  1771,  when  he  removed  o 
Bo.ton,  on  be.ng  appo.ntcd  Governor  of  Massachusetts,  lie  was  a  suitable  instrun.ent  for  executing  the  purposes  of  I 
tyrannu.l,„,u,sryandparhamc„t  Several  regiments  soon  followed  him.  and  he  began  to  repair  the  for.iL.oupoa 
Boston  Neck.  Ihc  powder  .n  the  arsenal  in  fharlestown  was  sei.ed  ;  detachn.ents  were  sent  out  to  take  posses,  ono'tho 
♦,res  ,n  Salem  and  Concord  ;  and  the  battle  of  Lexington  bccan.e  the  signal  of  war.  In  May,  1773,  the  Pr  vincial  Co  gr^^ 
declared  Gage  to  be  an  inveterate  onen.y  of  the  country,  disqualified  frotn  serving  the  colony  as  G  ,vernor  and  unwor  5  .  f 
obedtcnce.  .ron.  t  ,s  t„nc  the  exercise  of  his  functions  was  confined  to  Boston.  In  June  he  issued  a  proclamation,  otreL^ 
pardon  to  all  the  rebels,  cxcept.ng  Samuel  Adams  an,l  .lohn  Hancock,  and  proelai.ued  martial  law  ;  but  the  affair  of  lireed's 
11.11  a  ew  days  afterwards,  „roved  to  hi,u  that  he  had  n.istakcn  the  character  of  the  Americans.  In  October  he  en.barked 
tor  hngland,  and  was  succeeded  in  the  com.nand  by  Sir  Wim„n,  Howe.  His  conduct  towards  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  in 
pnnmstng  ten,  l.berty  to  cave  the  town  o„  the  delivery  of  their  ar.ns,  and  then  detaining  many  of  them,  has  been  reprobated 
for  .t  treachery.  .//.,.  ,n  ,782  he  was  appointed  Colonel  of  the  17th  Light  Dragoons,  and  rose  to  the  rank  of  G  nerar 
Ote  army  ,n  the  following  month  of  Noven.ber.  (^.eueral  tiage  died  in  Kngland  on  the  2d  of  A.ril,  1787.  a.uU,nan:  La. 
««.     His  widow  survived  him  until  yth  IVbruary,  ,824.  when  she  died,  aged  90  years.  Debnd.  -  Ki). 


U! 

■Wi 

i^^HW'  3 

^l^^nni  I"' 

248  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Lieutenant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  Ililkhorough. 

£  N»w-Tork  Papon  ( S.  P.  O. )  CLXII.  1 
N°  17. 

.,    ,      ,  New  York.  6.  October  1770 

My  Lord, 

As  this  most  probably  is  the  last  opportunity  by  which  I  can  have  the  honor  of  writing  to 
your  LordP  while  the  Administration  of  Govern'  is  in  my  hands,  I  think  it  incumbent  on  me 
to  give  you  some  account  of  the  persons  who  are  most  attached  to  Govern',  in  opposition  to  t!ie 
party  who  continue  to  declare  openly  against  the  Authority  of  the  Parliament  of  great  Brittain. 

In  my  preceeding  letter,  I  informed  your  LordP  of  tlie  steps  that  had  been  taken  to  introduce 
a  general  importation  of  goods  from  Great  Brittain,  and  of  the  opposition  which  had  been 
made  to  it,  by  that  party  who  have  in  every  other  instance  endeavoured  to  embrace  the 
measures  of  Govern'.  It  gave  me  particular  satisfaction  to  find  this  party  entirely  defeated 
last  week,  in  a  violent  strugle  to  turn  out  such  of  the  Elective  Magistrates  of  this  City,  as 
had  distinguished  themselves  any  way  in  favour  of  Govern' 

I  believe  your  Lord''  will  be  pleased  to  know  that  the  Members  of  His  Maj"'*  Council,  with 
a  sing  o  exception,  and  the  Representatives  of  this  City  in  General  Assembly  have  zealously 
exerted  themselves  for  a  dissolution  of  the  nonimportation  agreement  in  New  York ;  which 
must  have  a  General  good  effect  in  all  the  North  American  Colonies.  M'  Ludlow,'  whom  I 
appointed  one  of  the  Puisne  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  in  the  room  of  M'  Smith  deceased, 
was  very  useful.  He  has  many  Friends  among  the  Merchants,  and  they  were  the  foremost  in 
declaring  far  importation.  He  has  at  ail  times  been  a  Friend  to  Govern',  is  a  Man  of  genius 
and  of  application,  and  I  doubt  not  will  distinguish  himrslf  in  his  station  — .  No  particular 
person  has  been  more  distinguished  on  this  occasion,  than  M'  Banyar'  Deputy  S<;cretary  of  this 
Province.     He  took  great  pains  to  excite  and  preserve  a  proper  spirit  in  others.     He  has 

'Georok  Duxcas  Ludlow  originally  lerved  »n  appronticeihip,  it  is  saiJ,  with  ao  apothecary,  but  Jleliking  the  bnsinesa, 
roaolvod  to  study  law.     Ilia  speech  having  become  defectiTO  in  consequence  of  sickness,  his  friends,  anticipating  his  certain 
failure  at  the  bar,  opposed  his  design  ;  but  lie  persisted  and  completed  his  studios.     Those  who  were  interested  in  liis  success 
attended  court  on  the  first  trial  of  his  powers,  predicting  as  they  w»nt  that  his  dirtcomfiture  and  their  own  mortiBoation  were 
certain  ;  much  to  their  surprise,  ho  was  fluent,  and  argued  the  case  intrusted  to  him  with  great  skill  and  judgment.     His  rise 
at  the  bar  was  rapid.     In  commencing  practice,  he  gave  bis  attention  exclusively  to  coromerci  d  cases,  and  acquired  so  much 
proficiency  that  h„  ^as  constantly  employed,  either  as  arbitrator  in  deciding  mercantile  dis,.    es,  or  in  the  adjustment  and 
settlement  of  complicated  mercantile  transactions.     This  drew  him  into  commerciol  speculations  and  having,   by  honest 
ind>istry  and  great  assiduity  acquired,  at  a  comparatively  early  age,  an  ample  fortune,  he  retired  to  a  hand^me  estate  which 
he  had  purchased  on  I^ng  Island.     Shortly  after  his  retirement,  he  was  appointed  judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  riens,  ilf 
which  he  gave  so  much  satisfaction,  that,  though  he  labored  under  the  disadvantage  of  deafness,  in  addition  to  an  impe<liment 
in  his  speech,  he  was  appointed  puisne  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  in  Peceinber,  1769.     At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolu. 
tion,  he  adhered  to  the  side  of  the  Crown.     In  1779  his  house  at  Hyde  I'ark,  Queens  county,  was  plundered,  and  it  Is  said  that 
the  Judge  himself  escaped  being  made  prisoner,  by  getting  upon  the  roof  through  the  scuttle,  and  hiding  behind  the  chim- 
ney.    His  country  seat  and  his  other  property,  passed  to  the  Slate,  under  the  confiscation  act  of  1779.     In  1780  he  was 
appointed  Master  of  the  Uolls,  and  Huperintendent  of  I'olice  on  Long  Island,  with  powers  or  principles  of  Equity,  "  to  hear 
and  determine  controversies,  till  civil  gnvernment  can  Ukc  plaee."     Ue  retired  to  the  province  of  New  Brunswick  in  1783, 
where  he  occupied  the  first  place  .n  public  affairs.     lie  was  a  member  of  the  first  Council  formed  in  that  colony,  and  the 
first  Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court.     His  i)lncc  of  residence  was  at  Fredericton,  the  capital,  where  he  died  February  12, 
1808.     Frances,  his  widow,  and  doughter  of  Thomas  Duncan,  l.squire,  died  at  Su  John  in  1825,  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven. 
Mr.  Ludlow  was  an  excellent  judge,  a  man  of  integrity,  of  extensive  information,  and  in  private  life  a  mort  agreeable  and 
entertaining  companion.  Sabinsi  American  Loyaliitt,  431 ;  Daly'i  Judicial  T^ibunali  of  Aeu ■  York,  M,  note.  —  liu 
'  See  note,  lupra,  p.  188. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 


249 


likewise  been  very  useful  to  me  in  every  part  of  my  Administration  ;  permit  me  My  Lord  to 
mention  him.  as  one,  every  way  deserving  your  Lordi-'s  attention  in  case  any  thing  may  offer 
m  his  favour— I  have  been  conversant  fifty  years  in  the  public  affiiirs  of  this  Govern',  and  I 
can  truly  say,  that  he  has  in  his  olRce  exceeded  all,  that  have  been  in  it  during  that  time,  both 
in  ability  &  diligence.  He  has  faithfully  discharged  every  confidence  placed  in  him  by 
Govern',  and  has  so  well  established  the  opinion  of  liis  Integrity  and  honour  for  upwards  of 
twenty  years  past,  that  every  Gov'  ia  that  time  has  placed  a  particular  confidence  in  his 
advice.  Sir  Henry  Moore'  only  excepted.  Perhaps  My  Lord,  you  may  expect  that  I  mention 
the  persons  who  have  opposed  the  salutary  measures  of  Govern'.  Though  every  Maa 
conversant  in  public  aff-airs,  be  well  assured  in  his  own  mind,  who  are  the  Leaders  and 
Conductors  of  the  opposition  to  Govern',  yet  as  they  do  not  appear  publicly,  but  work  by  their 
Tools  of  inferiour  Hank,  no  legal  evidence  I  can  produce  against  them.  I  must  therefore  beg 
to  be  excused  from  naming  any  person. 

As  now  all  kind  of  Rioting  is  greatly  discouraged,  [  hope  to  deliver  up  the  Administration 
not  only  in  tranquility,  but  with  a  prevailing  disposition  in  the  People  to  support  Govern'.  I 
flatter  myself  that  I  shall  retain  some  degree  of  your  LordP's  esteem  and  Regard.    ■ 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect  My  Lord, 

Your  most  obedient  and 

faithful  servant. 

Cadwallauer  Golden. 


N-  1. 


Ktrl  of  Dunmore  to  tlie  Earl  of  IlilUbovQugh. 

[New- York  Papen  ( 8.  P.  O. )  CLXII.] 

New  York.  24.  Cctob'  1770. 


My  Lord. 

I  arrived  here  the  1S">  inst:and  the  next  day  my  Commission  was  bublished  with  the 
usual  ceremonies. 

I  have  the  greatest  reason  to  be  pleased  with  the  reception  I  have  met  with,  and  from  the 
good  humour  that  now  appears  amongst  the  people,  I  conceive  hopes  of  an  easy  &  peaceful 
administration.     I  am.  My  Lord. 

Your  LordP's  most  obed'  humble  serv' 

DUNMORE. 


Lieutenant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  IlUhhormigh. 

\  Now. York  Papem  (8.  P.  O.)  CLXII.) 

-,    ,      ,  New  York.  10.  Nov'  1770. 

My  Lord, 

The  Earl  of  Dunmore  arrived  here  on  the  IS""  of  last  month.     Every  thing  in  my  power 
was  done  to  give  him  a  reception  suited  '"  his  Rank  and  the  dignity  of  the  Commission  he 


Vol.  V'HL 


'  t^Bo  iiuto,  mpra,  [).  197.  —  Ed. 


250 


NKW-VOUK  (-'OI.ONIAL  MANIISCUIPTS. 


I" 


hf'irs.  I  iiivvo  rt'fison  to  fliink,  IiIh  I^dnl''  was  wim  pleased  on  tlu>  orcnsion.  The  tranquility 
good  Iminour  ami  onlt-r  niiioiif^  tiie  pcoplo  i-ould  not  t'scnpo  iiis  notiic.  I  wns  very  happy  in 
fl(  liveriiiK  up  the  tiovern'  in  siich  a  Hidintion,  and  willi  the  Rtrorigest  perswnsion,  tluit  it  would 
l)H  in  Ms  r.ordn'N  power,  to  Hupport  His  Administration  with  easi-  and  dignity.  I  thought  of 
nothing  but  to  retire,  and  spend  my  lew  remaining  days  with  sutislaction  ;  ihuiering  mysell' 
tSiiit  n  Caitliful  diseharge  of  my  di-ly,  in  the  Adr.iiniatration  of  C.overn',  in  times  the  most 
dillk-ulf,  had  given  me  some  claim  lo  His  Maj"'  favour.  It  eoul.l  not  then  My  I-ord  i)ut  give 
me  a  very  sensible  uneasiness,  when  the  Karl  o(  Disr-more  eo'nniunicated  to  tne,  Ine  paragraph 
of  1  letter  from  your  F^oniP  'n  bim,  dated  the  IC)'"  of  .fuiy  h-st,  signifying  Mis  Majesty's 
pleasure  "(hat  a  moiety  of  tlw  perquisites  and  Kmoluments  of  the  CJovern' of  New  York 
"should  he  aceounted  for  and  paid  to  His  I.ord"'  from  '.be  date  of  his  t.;ommission  to  the  time 
"of  hir.  iiirivnl"  which  he  accordingly  dentanded  by  his  Secretary.  I  am  well  assured  it  has 
not  b.-en  paid  to  any  (ioV  for  fifty  years  past.  My  connection  with  the  public  iiflairs  of  this 
Province,  u-itli  the  (Jovcrnors  and  the  persons  most  immediately  about  them  di.'ing  that  time, 
enablva  me  lo  assert  wiib  great  confidence,  (hat  no  such  demand  has  been  maile  on  any  Lieut' 
Gov'  or  eldest  Ooancellor,  from  the  dei"h  of  one,  (o  the  arivnl  of  nnolhtr  Governor,  except  ir, 

one  uislance  only.     M' Van   Dam'  held  the  Admii!is(ra(icn  of  Covrn'  as  oldest  Councellor, 

from  the  death  of  Coll.  Montgonserie  on  .hdy  1"  1731.  (ill   the  arrival  of  Coll  :  Cosby  on  the 
I"  of  August   17;k',  who,  in  consc(]uence  of  a  n  order  he  had  ohteincd,  demanded  one  half  of 

the  Suiary  and  perijuisites,  M'  van  Dam   iiail  receiv.d.     M'  van  Dam   refused  to  pay  any  part. 

A  suit   was   commence  !    against  liim,   but  dn.p't  before   a  determination,  and   M'  van   Dam 

retain'd  the  whole  profits.     This  demand  was  thought  to  bo  an  Act  of  mere  power,  and  gave 

general  disgust. 

Krom  (hat  (ime  to  the  present,  no  such  demand   has   been   U'ade,  »!•.;»'  seveijal  8imir,ar  cases 

have  happened.     Kvery  oldest  Councillor  or  l,i;ut'  (ioV  has  received  and   retained  lie  whole 

profits  of '.Jovern',  from  (he  death  of  one  iioV  to  (he  arrival   of  anodicr.     Usage  and   Custom 

is  thought  to  lie  the  IJiile. 

(u'neral  Moiukten,-'  llio'  residing  in  (be  place,  did  not  demand,  and  '  hilieve  never  expected 

any  part  of  the  eiuolimiiiits,  wl  ich  1  had  received  belweeti  the  dale  of  bis  t'ommission,  ai.d 

'S,..<  VI  ,  l,"i.l,  nMa 

•  t.i.iil.Miiinl.(M  iMTnl  KontBT  M.'N.  KTi.v  wn«  ili»  •.•.•on.l  noii  of  .Ii.lin,  Ut  Vi«oi.mit  (UlwRV,  nn.l  nrphpv  of  lh«  2.1  iMikx 
■  'I   liiilinii  I,  mid  «»«  »  l.iiMi.'iimit  ("olcinol   wlii'ii  ii|.|>iviiil..il   Lii'iilniiMil  liuvi'Ttior  of  Ami«jH>li«,   in    .7ft4.      In  .liiiii',   I7:i.'i,  liii 

rr.lii,'...!  r„r|  ltf«,m>;   iir.  wlii.li  In-  cnll.il  I'lirl  (•imil...ri,iti,l.  nn.l  Knrl    (:ai>|Mir<»iii  mi   lUv  V.tIo,   rii.1   in  tin.  •• \r«r  n  *• 

•  i'|H.inlo,|  l.i,>  lon»nl  linviMiior  .•!  No>«  .«.'.i|i«.  In  Novimlior,  Kft7,  lit'  »«k  ni.|.niii(.'.l  Colon.'!  of  i|i<i  fourth  UUalioii  of 
llif  ilolh  or  li.n»l  Anirrii'Bn  ri'L-Miifiil  ili.n  min.li.'.l  lo  III.'  bim.v  iih.l..r  l...r.l  l.oii.lon.  miil  .•onininn.U.I  th..  '2.1  lm:ialioii  of 
tlio  •toin;.  -...•ini.'iil.  111.,  f,  ll..«iii){  vnnr,  in  ll.o  o|.rriili.>n«  upturn,'.  I  -  iii»l...urtf;  in  <VM1  li.-  mrrcl  nn  Itri^n.luT  iin.l  iir.'..n.l  In 
O.'ii.trI  W,.lf..  in  ill.'  .'\|...,liii..n  nKninal  lJii.l.i.o.  *n,l  ««»  fliol  llinniKli  tlio  liinitu  on  111.'  l>l*int  of  AlimliRiii.  V»f  lii«  .Ii.lin 
RiM..|i,..l  <.'HU'.'r  in  ilinl  riini|'iii^'n,  In-  v»%  r.'wur.l.'.l  «ilti  lli.'  rolonolpv  of  III.'  iVlli  foot  in  Oplolicr.  In  tVLnmiy,  17|-.|.  j... 
Iw.-iriio  M«jor-(!..|ifr»l,  Hill  »liortl.T  nn.r  r..<',.iir...l  llip  *|>|ioiiitiii<'nt  of  <!o».'rnorof  tliH  I'r.ivin.'i'  of  N,.wVork.  llii  H.lniin 
"•lr«lion,  howi'v.r,  .li.l  n.'i  .'onliniif  lone,  f.'r  lli..  llrili.li  ^...  prnini>iit  Imiini;  .l.'t-crti,iii.il  on  ll...  r.'.lii.'lion  of  Iti..  I.lmi.l  .,f 
M«rlitiio.\  «j.(.oiiiir.|  Ion,  |„  (.,),.'  ili..  .o.on.nn.l  of  11...  ,.x|.,.,li(h.n.  «liilli  r  li"  |.r.i.'.....l.'.l  in  No\eii,l.,r,  llii  lil...riililv  on 
llin  I'Jl'clilion  i«  liitftilj-  ..M0II...I.  (Vr,  f.-'lin,-  f..r  ll,.'  |..-.tini«ry  .lirt\.'iilli«  111..  .,i!.,ll..rn.  nlU,'l....|  l„  1...  nriiiT  lin.l  lo  •I'iik«I« 
*illi.  I..'  oi,l..r»!  Ih*  n.,{ro.'«  wiiirb  <Ti.r»l,ik.  11 1..  l...».'l.l,  nu.l  lli.- Tii..n,'r  l.i  l.o  .lin.!,..|  iiiii..mio>I  Hi.'  •ii!.iill..n.«.  Dn  lin.linK  it 
«.'ii'.l  not  nmounl  I.,  i^^  *  |.i,....,  hf.  ^i  I  I:.-  .'..uM  lo.l  ..ir,".  »»\  ^-.-.ill.mnn  I.  w  ll.iin  llinl  .urn,  nn.l  nit.l.'  ii|.  fr..ni  li>»  ..ni, 
I'uni-  ll...  ,1.  lirinuM-,  I,.  111,.  iini...'nl  .f  iil.oni  f.  iMl.  lU  kF|>t  •  .onMm.l  Uhl.'  of  u>  ...,v,.m  fo,-  tli«  oiH....r^  nn.l  or.l.'.*.l  tlint 
III.'   «..l'rtl'.rn..   ,lii.|1y  .li.'.il.l  I...  invii..,!,  MM„«  |,»  h».l  l..'..n  oiin  luiiKrli;  HP.'!  if*  Plmir  wm  Tii,'»nl,   li.<   rot.rinmn.l.'.l 

111-  Ai'l    .1..    .nmc.     Afi.r  ll...   i,.ln..|io|.,  .,f    \lHrliiii..,K    li..  i..iiir.i..,l    f..r   *  »li,.rl    (..'ri...l    I..    N..w  Voik,    Imt    |.i- .'.I...! 

'  ""''■  ""  t'^l*"'.  »••••"   M".|or  (••ihi.Ih.II  of  iho  UHMli  rrifni.rnl,  who  hi.1  Iwn  <lii.roiup<1  tli*  mtti..'  lor  killing  on.> 


m 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


251 


tlu- pul)Iicntionofit.     Neither  did  Sir  Henry  Moore,  from   wiiose  general  conduct  I  liad  no 
reason  to  expect  the  least  favour,  make  such  a  demand. 

These  recent  instances.  My  Lord,  and  the  constant  usage  in  this  Colony,  makes    -le  demand, 

now  made  on  me.  appear  in  the  most  disagreahle  light.     If  persisted  in,  I  shall  he  distinguished 

I.y  a  mark  of  His   Maj"-'  displeasure.     To  support   the  authority  of  (iovern'  has  heen  the 

invariahle  rule  of  my  conduct;  I   have  often  sulfired  by   it,  from  the   violence  of  parties  and 

their  opposite  principles— especially  in  supporting  the  authority  of  I'arliam'  in  the  year  17Gr,, 

when  the  insults   I   receiv.-d   were  the    most   public  and    alarming.     I  trust   it  will    not    be 

presnmir.gtoo  much  to  suppose  the  house  of  Commons  particularly  attended  to  my  case,  when 

they  addressed  His  Maj-'  to  recompence  the  oHicers  of  the  Crown  in  Ame  ica,  who  had  suilered 

on  tha-.  occasion.     People  in  general   throughout  the  Colonies,  expected  I  should  have  been 

d.stinguishe.l  by  some  mark  of  His  Maj'^'  favour  as  I  had  heen  so  remarkably  distinguished  fy 

their  resentment— i'rovidence,  by  the  death  of  Sir  Henry  Moore,  placed  me  in  a  situation  of 

receiving  a  compensation,  had  I   been  suilered  to  remain  in  the  Administration,  and  to  enjoy 

the  usual   prolits  — shall  I,  My  Lord,  be  distinguished    by  a  demand   of  part  of  those  profits 

which  have  been  allowed  to  every   other  Commander  in  Chief?     The   Instruct"  to  the  V.oV 

of  this  Province  relating  to  the  salary  and  perquisites  of  (Jovern',  has  been  understood  in  no 

other  light  here,  than  to  intitle  a  CoV  in  Chief  to  half  the  emoluments  in  case  of  his  absence 

ufter  having  taken  upon  himself  the  administration.     In  this  case  the  Lieut'  Gov',  acting  under 

the   same   Commissioi;,    must  divide   the   profits  with  the   Gov'   in   Chief.     But   after   the 

appointment  of  a   Gov',   and    before    his   arrival  and    the   publication   of   his  Commission, 

thf  Commander  in  Chief,  not  acting  under  this,  but  the  old  Commission,  must  be  entitled  to  the 

whole  emoluments.     The  declaration  of  King  William   in    l()!»7.,  relerred   to,  in  the  extract 

which  I  have  of  your  Lor.h'  letter  to  L"  Dunmore,  lam  humbly  of  opinion  became  inetlectnal 

nt  his  demise,    and  not   being   renewed   by   any  tf  his    successors,   the    Instruction    to    the 

Governors  on  this  head,  has  been  esteemed  the  only  signification  of  the  King's  pleasure.     If 

Ills  MaJ"  had  been  ajiprised  that  the   Instruction    had  never  operated   in  this  I'roV',  in  any 

other  manner  than  as  above  nienticmed,  I  am  persuaded  this  signilicatioii  of  his  pleasure  had 

not  been  made,  nor  Iroiii  his  great  .lustice  and  goodness,  can  I  doubt  his  gracious  interposition 

mid   protection,    that   I    niiy    be    permitted    to   enjoy    in    tranquility,    the    only   considerable 

ailvantago   I   have    reaped,  in    a    series   of  long  and    faithful   services  to   His  Maj'J-  and  iiis 

illustrious  family. 

My  Lord,  while  I  am  writing  this,  the  Attorney  (ienerai  with  Lord  Dunmore's  permigsion, 
has  informed  my  son,  that,  he  has  received  His  Lordi"  commamls  to  file  a  Kill  in  Chancery 
(wliere  the  Gov'  is  the  sole  .fudge)  against  me,  for  recovering  a  Moiety  of  the  Kniolumenls. 
The  siiilig  to  l)o  brought  in  His  Maj>"  name,  to  give<he  proceedings  tlie  semblance  of  .lustice  ; 
but  as  it  is  well  known  to  be  solely  for  Lord  Dunmore's  benefit,  and  that  he  is  in  truth  the 
principal  party  in  tlie  suit,  the  injustice  and  oppression  in  making  himseil  the  .fudge  in  such  a 

of  1,1.  f,  ll,.w  „ir„.,.r.,  ,.,,f,.rr.,l  .•lmri...«  n-nwA  (l,n  M„nulitoi..  fnr  ..(.pro..;,,.,,  Ac  ,  ,.n  wlii.h  h«  «..  tri..,l  t.v  o,m,t.„„rti«l 
..I..I  h...„.r«l.lyii.'.|nitl,.,l  (l,nit,m„„;  il;p..,„„.  NXXIV.,  -»",  !1J:1 ;  i.il.,  ftTrt.  \U  r..o,.iv...l  tl,..  mnrour..  ..Ili,...  ..f  ii„..r„nr 
..f  li.Twiok  in  ITilil,  «n.l  In'osri...  I,uMMonfiiit.i)..n,.n.l  in  1770.     S„iii,.  tinio  hILt  hi<  iiiiHi,'  wax  ,v„t  iii  |,y  th,.  Ilonni  ..f  l>ir.'.|,.r« 

n«  (■..miimh.l,.r  in  .In-f  uf  tl,,.  lnin|M.Mvi  fnr.v.  in  In.lit.  nn.l  lli,.  r.v, n.-n.liiti.m  a|.|ii..v.sl  Uy  hi.  .\!bj,..Iv,  ),.t  ilmuKli  tli« 

n..i.Mi,.,li,.n  w«^r..,u..t..,|iii  IVVi,  il  *«.  ,viil,.,„(  ,ir,..t ;  l|,..  n„n,.l,.r  r.^fn..-.!  tn  „|.p„int  «ny  „tlu.,.r  rocomni.n.l..l  t.nlio 
It...,,l.  /*.,/„  XI.III  ,  •..US.  In  n7s  W  »,.  ,,,|,„int.Ml  (!„v..rnor  »r  IVrl«n,m,lli.  .n.l  r..|.r.....nl,..l  ||,M  |..wn  in  l'«,li„„,„t  „l 
tl...  tun..  „f  Im.  .t,.:,il,  «|,i,.l,,  „.c,.r,lin«  l<.  Ih.  l..,Hd.m  .M,.^w.w,  w,.„rp«l  uii  Iho  -dmh  J.in..,  178*.  iK.lni-lt  •„}•,  l„.  .lio.l  mi 
tli!>  Jil  .>f  .M«y,  \~i^.>,  auil  III.-  IhI  U  |.rf«uiue.l  t.i  b,i  tli«  mure  c.rri.ot  A»l«.  —  Kn 


252 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


case,  must  strike  every  Man  of  common  sense.  The  impression  it  must  make  on  the  minds  of 
the  People,  may  have  a  dangerous  effect  during  His  LukIp'  Administration  —  These  things  are 
too  evident  not  to  draw  your  LordP''  immediate  attention,  and  I  hope  His  Mnj'''''  w^ise  and 
gracious  interposition  will  prevent  the  had  effects.  I  intreat  your  Lordf'  favourable  intercession, 
and  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  lay  this  representation  of  my  case  before  his  Mai":  — 

I  have  the  honour  to  be.  ettc. 

Cadwallader  Colden. 


N»2. 


Mirl  of  Dunmore  to  the  Earl  of  Ifillaharovgh. 

[  New-Tork  Papors  ( S.  P.  O. )  CLXII.  ] 

New  York.  12.  Nov'  1770. 


My  Lord, 

Nothing  of  a  public  nature  has  occurred  within  the  little  time  I  have  been  arrived,  except  the 
addresses  of  congratulation  on  my  arrival,  which  being  full  of  sentiments  of  Loyalty  and 
affection  to  His  Maj"'*  person  and  Govern',  I  have  thought  proper  to  senu  copies  of  them, 
imagining  they  might  be  acceptable.  I  found  the  Assembly  prorogued  to  the  7'''  of  Nov',  and 
I  huve  with  the  advice  of  Council,  farther  prorogued  it  to  the  U""  of  December,  then  to  meet 
to  do  business. 

The  situation  of  the  people  of  this  I'rcv",  in  the  Counties  of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester, 
on  the  Borders  of  New  Hampshire,  is  truly  lamentable;  a  number  of  disorderly  people  are 
continually  committing  Riots;  a  recent  tumult  has  obliged  me  to  issue  a  I'rodnmatiok  for 
apprehending  the  Offenders,  a  copy  of  wlii(!h  is  herewilh  transmitted  to  your  LoniP,  but  the 
authority  of  the  Civil  Magistrate  will  avail  liiile,  when  even  the  Courts  of  Justice  are 
obstructed,  and  their  proceedings  stopped.  The  IMoters  are  instigated  to  commit  those 
outrages  by  the  people  of  New  Hampshire;  suggesting  liiat  the  Magistrates  and  Courts  of 
Justice  established  in  the  said  Counties  act  without  good  authority,  for  they  assert,  that  His 
Maj'"  intends  to  recall  his  Royal  order,  already  issued,  and  to  declare  the  above  said  two 
Counties  to  be  within  the  Jurisdiction  of  the  i'rov"  of  New  Hampshire.  Vour  Lord?  will 
observe  by  the  IVoclamation  already  mentioned,  that  I  liave  contradict.'.l  thiH  Report,  and 
affirmed  the  above  suggestion  to  be  false.  Their  only  encounigPment  in  this  opinion  seems  to 
be  the  restrictions  laid  upon  the  Gov'  of  this  I'rov",  with  n-spect  to  granting  the  Lands  within 
the  said  two  Counties;  nnd  here,  I  cannot  hut  observe  what  iti  truth  is  very  obvious,  that  such 
restriction  obstructs  the  settlement  of  that  Country,  not  only  by  excluding  fresh  people  from 
geltling  there,  but  the  freciuent  disorders,  which  it  has  given  n  sort  of  sanction  to,  entlrelv 
prevents  the  Industrious  efforts  of  those  already  settled  ;  it  therefore  appears  to  me  that  it  is 
become  highly  necessary,  that  the  said  restriction  should  be  taken  olf  lorthwiih,  that  I  may 
thereby  be  enabled  to  exert  my  endeavours  for  the  full  settling  of  that  Country,  nnd  then,  the 
disorders  complained  of,  will  of  themselves  subside,  hut  whi.h  at  present  can  not  happen, 
from  the  thinness  of  the  Inliabitants ;  there  not  being  enough  for  the  appointment  ol' 
Magistrate.,  con8e.|uently  those  few  are  but  very  insufficient  of  ihemseives.  to  enlorce  their 
own  authority,  against  those  daring  violators  of  the  peace  iupporled  ni  they  are,  by  their 
whole  province, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII, 


S58 


I  have  made  It  my  business  to  enquire  and  find  out  the  opinion  of  the  people  here,  on  the 
scheme  .n  ag.tation  of  establishing  a  Colony  on  the  Ohio ;  I  find,  all  who  have  any  knowledge 
of  such  a fta.rs  concurr  in  condemning  the  project ;  they  alledge  among  a  variety  of  reasons, 
that  a  Colony,  at  such  an  immense  distance  from  the  settled  parts  of  America  and  from  the 
Ocean,  can  neither  benefit  either  those  settled  parts  or  the  mother  Country ;  that  they  must 
become  immediately  a  lost  people  to  both,  &  all  communication  of  a  commercial  nature  with 
them,   be   a   vain   attempt,    from    the   dilK.ulty   and   expence   attending   the   Transport  of 

rnZstle7or'i,        :'  ""f   "°""  "  '"''^"^^   *'"   P"^«  ^"«-°f'  -    '-    -"^^  't  utterly 
impos    b le  for   hem  to  pure  ase  such  commodities,  for  they  could  not  raise  a  produce  of  any 

b  h  ^oZ"  r  ""7T  "  ^^""i'  r'  '"^^"'^^  '^^"^'^"^^  ^"^^ '  ^-"^  Colony  must  therefore 
b  her  own  Manufacturers;  and  the  great  expence  of  maintaining  Troops  there  for  their 
protect  on  be  a  dead  weight  on  Govern,  without  the  hopes  of  reaping  any  advantage  hereafter. 
Th  scheme  alarms  extremely  all  the  settled  parts  of  America,  the  people  of  property  being 
justly  apprehensive  of  consequences  that  must  inevitably  ensue;  that  such  a  Colony  will  only 
become  a  dram  to  them  ( now  but  thinly  peopled)  of  an  infinite  number  of  the  lower  Class  of 
inhabitants,  who.  the  desire  of  novelty  alone  will  induce  to  change  their  situation;  and  the 
w,  hdrawing  of  those  Inhabitants  will  reduce  the  value  of  Lands  in  the  provinces  even  to 
nothing,  and  make  It  impossible  for  the  Patentees  to  pay  the  Quit  Rents;  by  which,  it  is 
evident,  His  Maj'^'  interest  must  be  very  much  prejudiced.  Add  to  this  the  great  probability. 
I  may  venture  to  say  ( with )  certainty,  that  the  attempting  a  settlement  on  the  Ohio,  will 
draw  on.  an  Indian  war;  it  being  well  known,  how  ill  afl-ected  the  Ohio  Indians  have  always 
been  to  our  interest,  and  their  jealousy  of  sucl.  a  settlement,  so  near  them,  must  be  easily 
forese^en ;  therefore  as  such  a  war  would  affect,  at  least,  the  nearest  provinces,  a.  well  as  the 
new  Colony.  Your  LordP  must  expect  those  provinces,  will  not  fail  to  make  heavy  complaints 
of  the  inattention  of  (;ov..rn'  to  their  interest.  I  cannot  therefore,  but  think  it  my  duty  to 
recommend  to  your  Lonl-.  not  to  suHer  this  scheme  to  have  effect,  at  least,  until  your  Lord.' 
shall  have  from  the  most  substantial  and  dear  proofs,  be  made  thoroughly  sensible  of  its 
utility.  —  I  am.  ' 

My  Lord  — 

Your  LordP's  most  obed'  humble  serv' 

DiJNMORB. 

p.  S.     1  have  just  received  intelligence,  that  the  plague  is  actually  raging  on  the  I.land  of 
Il.spaniola.  I  have  had  the  pernon  who  brings  this  advice,  examine,]  before  the  Magistrates 
nndsen.1  to  your  Lord-  his  Deposition.     And  have  al.o  made  all  the  disposition  this  place 
admilH  of  (there  being  no  establinlied  health  Olllce)  for  preventing  the  approach  of  .Ships  from 
them  ports,  until  they  perform  a  (^larantine. 


1^1 


<  \\ 


I'Mil  of  I/i/UorotKj/i   to   S,r    William  Juhmon. 

Vu   ,  ,  .  ll'l»n«lloBt  (l«Mr»l(«,  IV  0.)  CCLVI.) 

(<jr^  Whitehall.  16  .Nov'  1770, 

1  have  received  your  Dianntc!!  N'  !i  -.^-.-.A 


spate.!  .-'  14,  auii  liave  mid  U  before  iiio  K 


mg. 


a 


254 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Tho  preventing  the  six  Nations  from  engnginij  in  a  War  witif  the  Western  Indians  &  from 
entering  into  a  Confederacy  with  the  Southern  Indians  for  that  purpose  were  very  important 
objects  of  the  late  Congress  and  80  far  as  your  negociations  have  had  the  effect  to  answer 
those  ends  this  Congress  has  undoubtedly  been  of  great  public  utility ;  but  I  mast  observe 
that  the  reality  of  these  advantages  seems  very  much  to  depend  upot.  the  Answer,  which  the 
Six  Nations  shall  give  to  such  terms  of  accommodation  as  may  be  proposed  by  the  Western 
Ind"'  in  consequence  of  the  Messages  that  have  been  sent  to  them.  In  the  mean  time  I  have 
receiv-*  the  Kings  Commands  to  signify  His  Maj'>''  pleasure  to  the  CJovernors  of  several 
Colonies  connected  in  interests  with  the  six  Nations,  that  they  should  not  fail  of  pointing  out 
to  their  respective  Assemblies,  the  immediate  necessity  there  is  from  every  consideration  of 
justice,  policy  and  interest  to  make  immediate  and  effectual  provision  for  regulating  the 
commerce  upon  such  a  plan  as  shall  be  satisfactory  to  them  and  for  the  lledress  of  those 
injuries  und  grievances  of  which,  they  so  justly  complain.     I  am  etlc. 

HiLLSDOKOUOII. 


t. 


I.f' 


t 


II 


Ji'arl  of  Jlills'borough  to  the  Governors  in  America. 

I  risiilHlli.ni  (Iciiprel  (8.  r.  O.)  CCI.VI.  ] 

Circular  letter  from  L"  Hillsborougli  to  the  Oovernors  of  (Juebec,  New  Vork. 
New  Jersey,  Virginia,  N"  Carolina,  Maryland  &  IVn.isylvania.     Whitehall' 
16   Nov'  1770. 
Sir, 

The  inclosed  extract  of  a  letter  I  have  very  lately  received  from  Sir  William  Johnson,  will 
fully  inform  you  of  the  compiainis  made  by  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians,  and  their  allies  & 
confederates,  at  a  congress  held  in  July  last  at  the  (iermar  Flatts,  of  the  abuses  an.l  violencs 
committed  by  the  Traders  and  frontier  Inhabitants  of  several  o(  His  Maj'"  (%)lonies.  and  the 
inclosed  extrmt  of  the  Conferen.es  will  point  out  to  you  how  earnest  the  Indians  have  been 
111  those  complaints,  and  what  is  likely  to  happen  if  they  are  not  redressed. 

Ader  the  King  had  thought  (it,  from  aregar.l  to  the  (Maims  ami  opinions  of  the  Colonies  to 
leave  It  to  them  to  make  such  regulations  concerning  the  Indian  Commerce,  as  they  judged 
prooer,  there  was  good  reason  to  hope,  that  a  matter  on  which  their  interest  and  safety  do  so 
much  depend,  would  have  been  an  immediate  object  of  their  serious  deliberation;  but  as 
contrary  lo  all  expectation,  nothing  eHectual  appears  yet  to  have  been  done,  an.l  as  the  Indians 
have  in  the  strongest  manner  expressed   their  impatience,  under  the  abuses  to  which  they  are 

ri::i'l,,r[:;;i:''!''V^'''*^   """  '•""7:""''"'  •""  "•  -^-'V    •-   Pl-aHure.  ,hat  you   should 
o,,,r  ,.i  iv„„.,i.  witliout    delay    rrprccnt   r/n,  mailer  ,n  l/.r  slnmgcl  manner  to  ,he   t  ('„««,■./  „«,/f 

fin';:.  "™H«:r'T  "^"""'''y ''f  ""' ^'"'""y  >""''''■  yur   Oovem'  ami  urge  them  in  /./.,  Ma,'-' name  fo,  fall 
yu.,^  ,  upon  some  means  of  putting  In.lian  aff.irs  under  sueh  regulation  as  may  have 

the  ertect  to  prevent  those  ab  ises  oi  the  Tra.le  and  tlio.sj,  violences  and  en.-roachments  of  the 
Iroulier  Inhabitants,  which  the  Indians  so  justly  complain  of.     1  am  ettc. 

IllLLMBOKOrOH. 


-«iB*s'^ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


255 


Earl  of  mihhrough  to  the  Attorney  and  Solicitor  Generah. 


[Plaulotlnns  General  (B.  P.  0)OOLTI.] 

Gentlemen,  Whitehall.  3.  December  1770. 

I  am  commanded  by  the  King  to  desire  you  will  report  me  your  opinion  whether  His  Mnj-x 

laden,  .he  dlerent  Ports  ,n  H,s  Maj""  Colonies  and  Plantations  in  America,  with  provisions 
and  warlike  stores  and  cleared  or  to  be  cleared  out  for  any  Port  or  place  not  belonging  to  His 
Maj  '--Ami  U  such  embargo  may  be  laid,  what  will  be  the  regular  mode  of  layingU.  whether 
by  order  ol  he  King  in  Council,  by  Proclamation,  or  by  ,he  King's  pleasure  sigi.Ld  by  he 
becretaryoffetate,  to  the  respective  Governors  of  America? 

Aa  it  is  of  very  great  importance  to  the  King's  service,  that  no  time  should  be  lost  in  this 
business,  1  am  to  desire  your  answer  with  all  the  Dispatch  that  may  be.     I  am  ettc. 

HiLLSBOROUOH. 


i1 


ut.  J 


Attoi-nei/  and  Solicitor  Generals  to  the  Kirl  of  I lilhhoi'ough. 

[  Plantallnne  General  ( 8.  ?.  o. )  CCLVI.  ] 

To   the    Itight   Honourable   The    Karl    of  Hillsborough  one   of  His    Majesty's   Principal 
Mecretariea  of  State.     4.  Deceinb'  1770. 

May  it  please  your  Lordship. 

In  obedience  to  your  Lordp's  letter  of  the  third  instant  desiring  we  would  report  to  you  our 
opinion  whether  EIis  Maj'^  may  in  time  of  peace  order  an  embargo  to  be  laid  on  all  ships  and 
vessels  laden  or  to  be  laden  in  the  diflerent  I'orts  in  His  Maj'^'-  Colonies  and  Plantations  in 
America  with  provisions  and  warlike  stores,  and  cleare.l  or  tc  be  ueared  out  of  any  port  or 
place  not  belonging  to  His  MaJ-^  and  if  such  Kmbargo  may  be  laid,  what  will  be  the  regular 
moile  o  laying  ,t,  whether  by  order  of  (he  King  in  Council,  by  !'roclain.rtion.  or  !y  the 
King  s  pleasure  ngmfied  by  the  Se.-retary  of  State  to  the  respective  Governors  in  America. 

He  have  taken  the  s.nie  into  consideration  and  We  humbly  represent  to  your  LordP.  that 
theaulhonty  of  the  Crown  to  l:,y  „n  Kmbargo.  has  never,  that  we  know  of.  undergone  a 
judicial  decision ;  but  as  the  Crown  has  constan.ly  exercised  such  authority,  when  the 
exigency  «(  the  case  has  required  it.  in  time  of  actual  war,  'make  preparations  which  are  legal 
just.hahle  by  the  occasion  ;  and  that  such  demonstrations  may  be  made  of  hostility  and  such 
alarms  may  be  given  by  foreign  nations  as  may  create  the  most  instant  necessity  to  prohibit 
the  furnishing  them  with  warlike  stores  ;  and  un.lerthose  circumstances,  we  think,  an  Kml.a.go 
upon  such  articles  will  be-ome.  like  other  preparations  for  war.  legal  and  justifiable  by  the 
exigency  ol  the  occasion.     This  notion  comprises  the  American  Colonies  as  well  as  the  rest  of 

'  Sk.  (\\\\  II  mill/  iiiiike.  —  Ku. 


25G 


NIOWVORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCIIIPTS. 


IliH  Mt\f  Dominiona;  mid  we  tliiiik  thiit  the  |)io|n)r  method  of  doing  it,  is,  by  l»roclamn<.loii 
or  order  in  Council. 

All  which,  is  humbly  subijiitted  to  your  l.ordships  considerntion. 

\V™    DK    GUEY.' 
K.    Tll'JKLOVV.^ 


m 


h'arl  of  Diinmore  to  the  hurl  of  IlilUxmmijh. 

[  New  York  r«|wr«  ( SiBlu  l'u|Hr  oniio)  il.Xlir.] 

.,  ,  New  York,  5'"  December  1770. 

My  Lord, 

In  consequence  of  the  order  [  obtained  from  Your  Lordship,  soon  after  my  arrival  I  made  a 

demand  or.  W  Coldeii  for  half  the  cmolnmenta  iVc  accordiiij^  to  the  said  order,  which  he  has 

thought  proper  to  rcluse  complyinj,'  with,  and  to  deny  the   King's  right  of  disposing  of  any 

part  thereof  &  (irmly  asserts  the  whole  of  it  to  be  his  own  property;  iiis  argument  or  rather 

subterfuge  ia,  that  untill  the  commission  of  the  (Jovernor  he  published  in  form  in  this  place, 

the    Lieutenant    (iovernor  or  other   ('(unmaiider  in  Chief    is  entitled  to  the  whole  Salary, 

emoluments  &c.     I  have  consulted  all  the  nuist  eminent  lawyers  here,  and  they  all  agree, 

without    hesitation,  in  ii  contrary  Opinion  to    M'   Colden :    persuaded    therefore    that   Your 

Lordship  would  not  be  inclined  to  give  up  a  right  of  his  Majesty's,  which  appears  so  well 

established;    I  have  recpiired   the  Attoriu-y  ( ienernl's  opinion   how  to  proceed  :  he  has  atlvised 

that  ii  should  be  made  a  case  in  K(|uity,  and  the  suit  carried  on  in  the  name  of  the  King,  by 

which  means  it  may  be  brought  on  before  me.     I   umlerstand   M-^  Colden  is  now  forming  n 

IVtitiou  to  his    Majesty  setting  forth    the  great   hardsliip    intended  him  by  this  order,  and 

nlleiiging  his  services  of  which  I  do  not  take  upon  me  to  judge,  or  how  tar  his  Petition  should 

be  listened  to,  but  I  must  beg  leave  to  suggest  that  it  is  incumbent  on  Your  Lordship,  not  only 

to  insist  on  his  complying  with  the  order,  but  to  reipiire  a  faithlull  account  from  liim,  in  the 

name  of  his  Majesty,  of  salary,  emoluments  &c  t'roin  the  very  day  the  Covernment  devolved 

upon   him  to  the  liay  of  my  arrival;   that  although  it  should  be  thought   proper  afterwards  to 

consider  his  services,  and  allow  him  to  keep  any  part,  that  he  may  be  made  sensible,  whicli 

be  is  lar  from  being  ;;•  present,  that  it  was  intended  as  a  lieward  from   his  Majesty,  that  ho 

bad  not  been  reipiired  to  -iceount  for  the  whole  of  tlie  moiety  reserved  by  liis  Majesty  for  his 

'  Wii.UAH  III  (UiT,  8<l««nof  Th.Munr  if  Mtrlou,  in  Suffolk,  tCngUii,!,  wanlmin  Ui.Iiilv,  17  In,  cliicm.vl  nt  Tiinitv  Midi,  I'liii'- 
liii.li;,',  1.11.1  sill, li,.il  l«w  m  l.iiuMlhV  Inn.  i..  WH«»|'p.>iiit.'il  Kiii|;'i«(.'miii«.|  Ilnlli.Ummrv.  17.SS;  S..lifil.ir(i.ii,T»l  lu  Ih,.  i^iioiii, 
S.|.t.'n.|.,T,  17iU  ;  w««  .■l.olo.l  In  rr|.|v«.Mil  N.nporl  in  Cornwull  in  I7H'J,  iij.|M.iril,..l  Kiiin'ii  S,.liciu>r  (ion.rsl  Ifl  I  •.•.•.•niliiT, 
17i>;i,  aii.l  |-..rii|,t.,.ll,r  of  111.'  K.v.nu.'  of  lli..  lii,.!  I'liiUHn.!  Tfnlh.;  All..rnry  (i,.n.r«l  il  Au^•wM,  I7«rt,  Hml  wii«  KMi^lll.■.l 
«n.l  «i|voinl.a  i'lii..f,ln«ii.v  of  Hi..  Comm.m  I'Kii*.  •.',!  ,l«nimr_v,  1771,  wlii.li  otli.-e  li..  r.,iKn.-.l  sth  .luiie,  178ii;  lio  wm  .r.Mile.l 
l!«r.iii  W«l»inKli»in  17lli  0.t.,l„T  lollowin^^  an.I  .li.'.l  IMli  M,iy  17M,  l>tb>tll. 

•  I:dw»hi.  Tniiii..w,  «l1i.r«iir.U  I.or.l  llttili  |-|i»noi'llor  .>f  l'nj;l«n,l,  wm  Hi.,  n.iti  of  tli..  K.-v.  Tliom«»,  r.ot.ir  of  A.IiH..l,l,  in 
SutTolk,  iin.l  WK»  ,Mlu.'»ti-.l  Rt  l'aiit,.rl.m'.v  f<cli....l,  nn.l  Hfl.T««r,l»  «l  the  (iiiv.i-i.ily  ..f  t'anil.ri.lK.-.  In  I77ii  ti.'  was  iip|M.inl..l 
8.ili.'il..r-(ieneriil,  in  |.U...  of  liiinniii^r,  *ii,l  in  1771  »u.v..».l.il  Sir  Williuiu  ,!.•  (ii-..y  m  AU.nn.'y  (J.mi.thI.     Ut   wiia  ■!. point.',! 

I.or.1  lliu-li  (■|i.iii,.llor  iii,luii.<,  I,  ,s,  «li,.|,  |„.  «„  ,.r,,n|,.,l  «  y,.,r  by  llio  till.'  ..f  H.ir.oi  I'linrlow  ;  h,.  r.'«i« I  Hi,,  ^•r.'nt  wiiN 

in  April,  17S;i,  >«,ia  «,,-»in  itpp..iii|,'.|  i,.  Hi..  \V,.,il»,...k  in  l>.,vnib.'i  Lillownv,  iin.l  ii^-iun  rv»i«no.l  in  17'.'i.  llin  l.oi.lnliip  .lu.l, 
iiuuiarno.l,  l':tli  S«|itvmbor,   K-.iHi.  Jhtreu. Ki>. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLII. 


257 


™:J:^::;.i.:;::;^;,:;:„r,""'^::x;::,,:""-  -  — • "-  -^ 

Your  (iortlsliip's  most  obed'  Serv« 

P.  S,  DuNMOttB 

KnrI  of  Hillsborough. 


Lieutenant. Governor  CohUn  to  the  Earl  of  llilMorough. 

;  N.w-Yirk  roprn  (HlaUi  I'npcr  (illtM)  orAllI. ) 

My  Lord,  ^''•^^  '^'ork,  December  G"-  1770 

CO  tr>   ul...    greatly  to  the  Resolution  which  the   MerchautH  took   to  iu.port  I»  ili^f     I    ' 
A  ter  Lord  I.unmore'«  arrival  the  principal  and  n>o«t  respected   Mercluu  ts  to  th         n  b      of 
6  ..  when    hey  knew  that  I  intended  to  retire  to  the  Country,  came  in  „  bo.ly  and  tlZ  •    m 
my  Adn..n.trat.on.     Hy  the  in.luence  of  these  Merchants  the  resolution  to  im  fo      fr 
r  at  m  tan.  was  earne,i      The  Ministers,  Churchwardens.  Vestry  &  other  principa   mend.e 
"the     Lurch  o    Kngland  did  the  same  :  and  since  I  leCt  the  town  I  have  been  i.dord    In 
o    cr  d.st,n«u.shed  bodies  designed  to  have  made  n.e  the  same  con.pliment  had  L.t    he 

-lac  sooner  than  was  expected.  My  Lord  J.unmore's  den.and  I  hope  will  excuse  y 
n.ent.on.ng  these  tlnngs  to  shew  how  n.uch  n.y  Adn.inistration  has  contributed  to  his  M  st  's 
he  v.ee  by  res  ore.ng  tran.,uili,y  after  the  Province  luul  been  for  some  years  in  a  most  d  ^d  ly 
H  a  e.  and  to  the  renewing  ,he  Conn.erce  between  (ireat  Hritain  and'the  Colon  s't^ 
Colonies  follow  the  example  of  ,\,.w  York.  •"■■•"■  lor  an  me 

'[,';;'   ■^""■•"^7  *--';-'l  l;y  I-rd  Dunn.ore'a  directions  has.  in  the  King's  name,  fded  a  HiP 
^'     '    -y.  wlu-re  Lord  Dunmore  is  the  sole  .lodge  and  is  to  receive  the  benefit  of  the  su 
Ik.   Id     he  K.ng  recover;  and  I'rocess  has  issued  against  me.     It  is  therefore  inc  m  ent     .' 
m    to  shew   o  ^our  Lor  ship  by  what  right  I  dain.  the  whole  Salary  and  l.en.uisites.     In  e 
M'  SuMth  whose  a. Iv.ce  Lord  Dunn.ore  follows  n.ust  he  convinced  of  „,y  Uight.  othe-wisrho 
never  could  have  advised  his  Lor.lship  to  bring  the  suit  in  Chancery,  Jhere^Us     I'l    , 

any  o.he    (  ourt  ol   .lustu-e,  or  before  a  disinterested  .Judge.     If  we  n.ay  judge  from  pj 
-.ndu..,.  .M;  ..n.,th  takes  a  pleasure  in  throwing  the  Adn.inistration  into  disorder  ' 

%  I  il..    VIII  ... 


'St 


yj 


258 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


A     r: 


The  only  pretence  for  bringing  this  suit  in  Equity  is  to  discover  the  Perquisites  which  I 
have  received  :  whereas  every  farthing  I  could  receive  will  appear  in  the  public  Offices.  I  never 
received  any  private  fee  or  Reward  for  any  service  of  any  kind.  No  other  pretence  or  title  to 
Equity  is  made  use  of  in  the  Bill. 

My  Lord,  the  whole  Salary  is  given  to  me  by  the  authority  of  the  Legislature  of  this 
Province.  Any  perquisite  which  I  received  was  a  voluntary  donation  for  services  done  to 
individuals,  and  I  think  no  man  can  have  a  right  to  any  part  of  them,  who  performs  no  part 
of  the  service.  In  King  William's  declaration  relating  to  the  Salary  of  the  Governors  of  the 
Colonies,  which,  tho  obselete,  is  made  the  foundation  of  this  suit,  only  half  the  salary,  in  case 
of  the  Governor  in  Chief's  death,  is  reserved,  without  any  reservation  of  the  perquisites.  At 
that  time  the  Assembly  granted  a  sum  in  gross  for  the  support  of  Government,  and  the  King 
granted  a  certain  sum  out  of  that  to  the  Governor  for  his  Salary.  But  after  Col.  Cosby  hud 
made  a  similar  demand  to  this  now  made  on  me,  the  Assembly  granted  a  support  of 
Government  only  from  year  to  year,  and  have  fix'd  and  given  the  Salaries  of  all  the  Officers, 
annually,  by  act  of  the  Legislature.  No  instruction  has  been  given  since  that  time  by  which 
the  King  reserves  any  Part  of  the  Salary  or  Emoluments  or  Perquisites  from  the  death  of  one 
Governor  in  Chief  to  the  arrival  of  another.  Many  instances  occur  when  the  administration 
of  Government  has  been  in  the  hands  of  a  Lieutenant  Governor,  or  President  of  the  Council, 
from  the  death  of  one  Governor  in  Chief  to  the  arrival  of  another:  but  no  instance  can  be 
given,  pt  least  in  sixty  years  preceding,  where  the  Lieut.  Gov'  or  Commander  in  Chief  for  the 
time  did  not  receive  and  retain  for  his  own  use  the  whole  salary  and  the  whole  perquisites. 

Lord  Dunmore  haveing  ordered  this  suit  to  be  brought  before  himself  in  Chancery,  no  man 
can  doubt  of  his  resolution  to  give  a  Decree  in  his  own  favour.  I  must  plead  and  demurr,  for 
which  I  have  the  greatest  cause,  but  as  I  expect  his  Lordship  will  overrule  my  Plea  and 
Demurer,  I  am  resolved  to  appeal  to  the  King  for  Justice,  and  have  order'd  Council  to  be 
retained  in  England  for  that  purpose. 

You  limy  immagine,  My  Lord,  what  impressions  their  proceedings  make  on  the  minds  of 
the  People,  and  particularly  in  my  case,  in  prejudice  to  his  Majesty's  service;  and  you  may 
be  assured,  My  Lord,  the  impression  is  universall  on  all  ranks  of  People. 

I  have  presumed  to  write  thus  freely  to  Your  Lordship  that  his  Majesty  may  interpose  his 
authority  in  ordering  the  Bill  to  be  dismissed.  This  I  not  only  pray  in  justice  to  myself,  but 
likewise  to  remove  the  prejudices  which  the  People  otherwise  may  entertain  of  his  Majesty's 
Ministers  and  which  may  be  prejudicial  to  his  Majesty's  Service. 

If  Lord  Dunmore  thinks  proper  he  may  sue  at  Common  Law. 

As  1  am  conscious  of  my  dutif'ull  endeavours  in  his  Majesty's  Service,  for  a  series  of  many 
Years,  I  flatter  myself  that  Your  Lordship  will  think  this  affair  deserves  Your  attention:  and 
you'll  please  to  make  a  lull  Representation  of  my  humble  prayer  to  the  King,  that  his  Majesty 
may  please  to  order  the  Bill  in  Chancery  to  be  dismissed.  If  the  suit  be  suffer'd  to  go  on  it 
will  be  attended  with  distressing  expence  to  me,  while  Lord  Dunmore  by  sueing  in  the  King's 
name  is  freed  of  all  Expence. 

The  consideration  of  what  I  now  write  is  suhaiitled  to  Your  Lordships  honour  &  Justice,  in 
which  great  confidence  is  placed  hy.  My  Lord, 

Your  most  obedient 

and  f'aithf'ull  Servant 

Right  honourable   Earl  of  Hillsborough  Cadwalladek  Coi.de.\. 

one  of  his  Majesties  Principal  Secretaries  of  State. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLII. 


259 


Eavl  of  Dunmore  to  the  Earl  of  Hillslorough. 


N»4. 


[  New.Tork  Pipen  ( Btale  Piper  Offlee )  OLXIII.  J 

New  York  C"  December  1770 


My  Lord. 

I  have  received  the  Duplicate  of  your  Lordship's  private  and  confidential  letter  N"  41  not 
yet  come  to  hand. 

This  City,  My  Lord,  is  in  the  most  defenceless  State ;  the  works  which  have  from  time  to  time 
been  erected  for  its  protection  are  so  injudiciously  constructed  that  were  they  still  in  good 
repair  they  would  afford  but  little  security  to  the  place;  and  tho  there  is  a  considerable 
number  of  cannon  in  a  disorderly  manner,  laying  on  these  works,  no  care  hav'ng  been  taken 
them,  many  of  them  must  be  unfit  for  service,  and  their  carriages  are  all  entirely  useless. 

The  Militia  also  having  been  for  several  years  past  without  exercising  would  be  of  little  use  in 
their  present  state  and  they  are  so  scattered  as  (o  make  it  difficult  to  collect  them  on  an  alarm. 

I  assembled  the  Council  to  advise  with  on  the  necessary  steps  to  be  taken  for  putting  the 
province  in  a  condition  to  resist  the  sudden  attempts  of  an  enemy;  they  are  of  opinion  that 
the  Frost  being  set  in,  and  the  earth  so  hardened  it  would  be  impossible  to  accomplish  any 
additional  fortification  or  even  temporary  batteries,  which  indeed  could  we  effect  we  should 
not  be  able  to  mount  cannon  upon  for  the  reasons  above  mentioned  :  but  notwithstanding  this 
I  would  not  have  your  Lordships  apprehensive  on  our  accounts,  the  severe  weather  and  great 
quantity  of  ice  on  these  coasts  gives  no  little  to  fear  about  the  approach  of  an  enemy,  during  the 
winter  and  the  Assembly  being  to  meet  the  ll"-  Instant  I  shall  recommend  to  them  to  provide 
every  thing  that  may  be  necessary  for  the  safety  of  the  proviffce,  against  the  time  that  the 
season  will  enable  us  to  employ  them,  and  in  the  interim  your  Lordship  may  depend  on  my 
taking  every  precaution  that  the  circumstances  of  the  Colony  under  my  command  will  admit 
of,  although  I  am  not  inclined  to  beleive  we  shall  find  them  necessary;  the  spirited  and 
vigorous  measures  adopted  by  his  Majesty's  Ministers  to  vindicate  the  honour  of  the  Crown, 
will  I  am  persuaded  induce  the  Spaniards  to  make  concessions  rather  than  expose  themselves 
to  the  merited  vengeance  which  they  will  perceive  so  ready  to  fall  upon  them. 

I  am  daily  made  acquainted  (as  by  the  inclosed  Deposition  Your  Lordship  will  see)  with 
fresh  disorders  and  disturbances  happening  in  the  disputed  Lands  between  New  Hampshire 
and  this  Province,  a  number  of  reduced  officers  and  soldiers  of  his  Majesty's  troops,  are  suffering 
the  most  cruel  hardships  while  they  remain  in  suspense.  I  am  therefore  constrained  to  press 
Yrur  Lordship  to  consider  immediately  their  unhappy  condition&  send  me  forthwith  instructions 
that  may  enable  me  to  releive  them  and  establish  order  and  Justice  among  a  luimber  of  his 
Majesty's  Subjects  that  are  now  in  so  affedting  a  mannl^r  without  either.     I  am,  My  Lord, 

,    Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  Servant 

DUNMORB 

P.  S.  In  my  letter  N"  2  to  your  Lordship  I  gave  an  account  of  a  Report  of  the  plague's  having 
broke  out  in  the  Island  of  Ilispaniola,  since  which  many  vessels  have  arrived  from  that  quarter, 
who  ha^  e  all  contradicted  tho  said  Report,  which  we  also  now  beleive  to  have  hiul  no  other 
(bundation  than  perhaps  a  violent  fever  then  raging. 

Karl  of  tiillshorough. 


iHii- 


260 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Earl  of  IlUhhorovgh  to  the  Oovernoi-s  in  America. 

[  riantalloin  General  (  8.  P.  0. )  CCLVI.  ] 

L""  Hillsborough's  circular  to  the  Governors  in  America  excepting.  Bermuda 
S'  John  and  Newfoundland.     Whitehall.  11.  Decemb:  1770. 

The  house  of  Commons  having  voted  an  augmentation  to  the  King's  forces,  consisting  (among 
other  particulars)  of  an  additional  light  Company  to  eve--  Battallion  and  of  20  men  to  every 
company  on  the  British  Establishment,  and  it  being  of  great  importance  in  the  present  situation 
that  tne  several  Battalions  now  serving  in  America  should  be  completed  as  soon  as  possible. 
I  am  commanded  to  signify  to  you  His  Maj'>-  pleasure,  that  you  should  exert  your  utmost 
endeavours  to  give  efficacy  and  dispatch  to  this  plan  of  augmentation,  by  assisting  His  Maj»'' 
J4'rVa'',r"o'„"u  ^'^.''*'"  '°  '"'^^  '"^^  ^  number  of  Recruits  as  shall  be  sufficient  for  that  purpose.* 
p.rX" '"*  """*  ^'^'"^  ^^^""^  encouragement  in  your  power,  that  may  induce  His  Maj'>''  faithful 
subjects  to  engage  in  a  service  so  essential  to  their  security  &  defence ;  and  I 
think  It  fit  to  press  this  matter  with  the  greater  urgency,  as  nothing  has  hapneufid  since  my 
secret  and  confidential  letter  of  the  25"- Sept'  to  strengthen  the  hopes  I  then  expressed  that  the 
peace  might  still  be  preserved,  and  consequently  every  motive  for  a  vigilant  attention  to 
the  security  of  e.rery  part  of  his  Maj'J-'*  dominions  still  exists  in  its  full  force. 

I  am  ettc. 

HlLLSBOnOUGH 


rf. 


Earl  of  inUHborough  to  the  l£arl  of  Dunmore. 

[Now-York  Papers  (8.  P.  0.)CLX1I.] 

Whitehall.  11.  Dec'  1770. 


"ly  Lord, 

I  have  not  failed  to  lay  before  the  King  your  Lordi-'s  letter  to  me  of  the  24"'  October 
acquainting  me  with  your  safe  arrival  in  your  Covern',  and  with  the  favourable  reception  your 
Lord!-  met  with,  since  which  his  M.>j'^  has  been  graciously  pleased,  in  consequence  of  the  death 
of  Lord  Botetourt,'  to  nominate  your  LordP  to  the  Govern' of  Virginia,  and  it  is  a  great  pleasure 
to  me  to  have  the  honor  to  acquaint  y,^ur  LordP  with  this  mark  of  his  Maj'^'  favour. 

■f 

■  NonnoN».  Bkrkhi.kv  wa«  tlu-  „>„  of  J„I,„  Syrao.  B.  anJ  of  Klizal.dh  N.,rbo„„c  of  Cnlne.WiU^  He  w«,  colonel  „f  the  North 
G  ouo,.stor.h,re  .M,l,„a  ,„  n«l  a„,l  .vpreeon.e.i  that  .shire  in  l-,.rli,u„ent ;  he  heM  the  oflioo  of  Kroo.n  of  the  liedeha.nl.er.  at 
T  ?  ."  V;*;;  f"'' «''^.»™"''J  '"  L...-.1  Talbot  in  the  du.,1  with  Wilke«,  in  O.tob.T  of  17.12,  He  wa,  oallej  to  the  lIou.e  of 
L..r.l,  :n  17C4  by  the  t.tle  of  I,„ro„  ,le  Bote.onrt.     Ilavin,.  ruine,!  hi„,..|f  by  ,a,nblin,,  he  heean,.,  .ay,  Juniu.  "a  orinKin, 

Jun.u^  that  wanted  .  governor,  b„t  a  court  favorite  that  wanted  the  .alary."  Gr^r^Me  r„p,r..  However  unfavorable 
U.0  l,arac,.r  of  h,n.,  drawn  by  hi.  political  enen.ie.  it  i,  hut  jn.„ee  to  M.te  that  during  the  «l,ort  period  he  adn.  ni.! 
tered  he  goVernnu.nt  of  Vr.inia,  vi...  fron,  the  fall  of  ,708,  until  hi,  death  in  the  fall  of  ,77,.,  he  enjoyed  the  re-neet  and 
love  of  the  eo!on.U     IVofoundly  penetrated  by  .he  ren.end.ranee  of  hi.  nu.„y  virtu,.,  the  me.nber.  of  the  , 1  „f  »:;: 

I.  ,  t  r  IT  '  r  T  :  """""  '"  '"  "™""'  '"  ''"  ""■""•'■'■  •  '"  ''  """  "'"■"'"'«  '"  "'«  '•'""  "f  Willian,»burK.  Lord  do 
Botetourt  having  died  without  issue,  the  title  became  extinct  -  Kd. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII.  261 

The  Commission  appointing  your  LordP  to  that  Govern',  together  with  the  Instructions 
necessary  to  accompany  it,  are  preparing  with  all  possible  dispatch,  and  so  soon  as  they  have 
passed  through  the  several  Offices.  I  shall  have  the  honor  to  transmit  them  to  your  LordP. 
together  with  such  further  directions  as  may  be  necessary  in  consequence  thereof. 

Inclosed  I  send  your  LordP  an  order  of  His  Maj'3'  i„  Council  disallowing  four  Acts  Passed  in 
N.  York  in  1767,  176S  and  1769.  and  I  am  to  signify  to  you  His  Maj.^'-  commands  that  you  do 
cause  this  order  to  be  published  in  such  a  manner  as  has  been  usual  on  like- occasions. 

The  inclosed  copy  of  the  Board  of  Trade's  representation  upon  these  Acts,  which  I  transmit 
to  your  LordP  for  your  private  information,  will  fully  acquaint  you  with  the  grounds  and 
reasons  for  disallowance  of  them. 

I  am  ettc. 

Hillsborough. 


No.  6 


Earl  of  Dunmore  to  the  Earl  of  llilUlwough. 

[Now-York  r«pci«  (Slato  I'aperOfflce)  CLXIII.] 

New  York  18  Jan'''  1771 


My  Lord. 

I  have  received  Your  Lordship's  circular  letters  dated  Nov'  IS'"  1770  with  his  Majesty's 
most  gracious  Speech  to  both  houses  of  Parliament.  I  ardently  hope  the  issue  of  the  event 
taken  notice  of  therein  and  referred  to  in  Your  Lordships  secret  and  confidential  Letter  of  the 
28'  September  may  correspond  with  his  Majesty's  wishes  to  preserve  the  public  tranquillity. 
J  will  immediately  in  obedience  to  his  Majesty's  Commands  signified  to  me  by  Your  Lordship 
represent  to  the  Council  &  Assembly  the  state  of  the  Indian  Complaints,  according  to  the 
Kxtracts  enclosed  with  Your  Lordship's  letters,  and  urge  them  to  fall  upon  means  that  piay 
answer  his  Majesty's  desires  of  preventing  such  abuses,  and  removing  all  subject  of  Complaint 
from  the  Indians  ;  but  at  the  same  time  I  cannot  forbear  expressing  my  doubts  that  regulations, 
which,  to  answer  the  end  proposed,  ought  to  be  general,  &  equally  well  observed  thro'  all  the 
Provinces,  should  ever  succeed,  when  made  by  the  diderent  Legislatures  separately.  I  am 
therefore  of  opinion  that  a  plan  for  this  purpose  which  might  be  eHectual  must  spring  from 
and  have  the  authority  of  Parliament. 

Not  a  day  passes  without  fresh  applications  from  the  distressed  Officers  and  Soldiers  of  His 
Majesty's  troops  who  have  been  so  long  in  suspense  about  their  Crants  of  the  New  Hampshire 

N»' 2  4  rs"^"^''  ""'  "^''''  '*"  ^"'''  ^'°"'  ^"'■'^''"P  '°  '""'''^''  "'y  ^'"'"  °"  "-^'"^  «"^J^^^ 
I  inclose  to  Yonr  Lordship  the  Copy  of  an  Act  of  this  Legislature  passed  in  Jafiry  1770  and 
be  ore  transmitted  by  M'  Culden.  with  an  intention  of  reminding  Your  Lordship  that  we  are 
8t.ll  Ignorant  whether  his  Majesty  has  approved  of  it  or  not,  it  being  suspended  :  in  the  mean 
time  1  mu.t  beg  Your  J^ordslup  to  signify  to  me  by  the  first  opportunity,  his  M.jesty's  pleasure 
thereupon  :  it  will,  if  approved  of,  releive  many  industrious  and  useful  people  from  under  much 
anxiety,  and  does  not  appear  to  me  that  it  can  be  attended  with  any  prejudice  to  his  Mi.jesty's 
interest,  or  that  there  are  any  reasons  to  object  to  the  Law. 


262 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I  inclose  also  to  Your  Lordship  my  Speech  to  the  General  Assembly  and  the  addresses 
thereupon. 

.  I  am  my  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  humble  Servant 
Earl  of  Hillsborough.  Dunmork. 


(No  15.) 


Sir    William  JoJinson  to  the  Earl  of  Ililhhoromjh. 

[  New-York  Papers  ( Slate  Paper  Office  )  CCLVII.  ] 

Johnson  Hall,  Febry  IS"-  1771 


My  Lord, 

Since  I  had  the  honor  to  receive  Your  lordship's  letters  No  14  and  15,  the  last  of  which  came 

to  my  hands  a  ^&^  days  since,  I  veaited  to  receive  such  informations  as  I  had  reason  to  cxppi;t 

from  the  Southward  in  order  to  communicate  the  same  thro  Your  Lordship  to  his  Majesty. 

The  advices  I  have  now  received  enable  me  to  acquaint  you  that  the  great  Council  lately  held 

at  the  plains  of  Sioto  is  ended.  That  the  design  and  endeavours  of  the  Indians  in  that  quarter 

was  to  promote  such  a  Union  as  I  before  apprehended  and  endeavoured  with  all  possible 

caution  to  obstruct ;  but  that  the  advice  given  by  those  of  the  Northern  Alliance,  joined  to 

their  private  aversion  for  some  of  the  rest,  had  occasioned  it  to  end  after  many  debates  in 

general  resolutions  for  promoting  peace  amongst  all  the  nations  as  a  necessary  introduction  to 

a  more  strict  alliance  between  the  Northern  and  Southern  People,  which  is  to  have  for  its 

Object  some  particular  undertaking,  for  which  matters  did  not,  during  the  Cx)ngress,  appear 

sulficiently  ripe,  and  of  this  I  can  have  no  reason  to  doubt  from  the  present  Maxims  of  Policy 

and  sentiments  adopted  by  the  more  belligerent  Nations  of  both  alliances,  The  Deputys  which 

were  sent  from  y«  Northern  Confederacy  with  sundry  Belts  &ca  from  them  and  myself,  agreable 

.  to  the  Resolutions  at  the  Treaty  I  held  last  July  at  the  German  Flats,  met  the  Indians  from 

Sioto  at  Fort  Pitt,  in  December  last,  and  have  agreable  to  their  Instructions  in  a  spirited 

speech  summoned  them  all  to  reassemble  at  Sioto  without  delay,  when,  and  not  before,  they 

would  communicate  to  them  the  determined  resolutions  of  the  Northern  Indians  entered  into 

at  the  German  Flats  Treaty,  together  with  the  subject  of  the  Embassy,  on  which  they  have 

one  hundred  Belts.     As  I  have  great  confidence  both  in  the  fidelity  &  abilities  of  several  of 

these  Deputys  I  have  good  hop^s  that  when  they  meet  those  Nations  to  whom  they  have  been 

sent,  they  will  be  able  to  defeat  any  dangerous  schemes  or  lleaolulions  which  are  yet  in  view 

in  that  Country  &  awaken  those  Nations  fears  who  have   given  ollence  to  the  Northern 

Confederacy,  which  will  prove  a  sufficient  check  to  their  other  Deslun-  atui  if  [  am  disappointed 

in  my  expectations  it  must  be  thro  some  accident  or  occurrence  against  .yhi,;!.  ao  provisira  cuu 

be  made  at  this  time. 

The  apprehensions  which  I  long  since  communicated  of  an  Union  between  the  Northern  & 
Southern  Indians  and  which  Your  Lordship  makes  particular  mention  of  in  Your  letter  N"  14 
really  a  matter  of  the  most  serious  nature,  fbr  if  a  verry  small  part  of  these  people  ha 
capable  oi  reducing  us  to  such  straits  as  we  were  in  a  few  years  since,  what  may  we  not  expect 
from  such  a  foriridable  alliance  as  we  are  threatened  with,  when  at  the  same  time  it  is  well 


IS 

ave  been 


M 


IE 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII.  263 

known  that  we  nre  not  at  this  time  more  capable  of  Defence,  if  so  much,  as  at  the  former  period. 

This  is  in  some  measure  the  consequence  of  their  becoming  better  acquainted  with  their  own 

strength  and  united  capacity  to  preserve  their  importance  &  ciieck  our  advances  into  their 

Country,  for  at  the  beginning  of  the  late  War  through  the  rapid  advances  for  some  time  made 

by  tin   French  &c  The  Indians  did  realy  conceive  that  we  should  be  totally  reduced,  but  as 

they  discovered  the  encreased  population  of  this  country  even  in  the  midst  of  its  distresses 

and  that  our  army  was  still  recruited  w-  fresh  Regiments  their  sentiments  altered  ;  they  begun 

to  entertain  more  respectable  Ideas  of  us  &  of«  our  resources,  and  thro'  the  imprudence  of  our 

own  people  &  their  natural  suspicions,  have  gradually  become  more  and  more  alarmed  for 

themselves,  tho  they  still  beleive  that  it  is  in  their  power  to  give  us  such  a  check  as  may 

prevent  us  from  attempting  what  they  apprehend  we  have  in  view.     Many  will  talk  some 

will  think,  and  a  lesser  number  will  act  otherwise,  but  this  is  nevertheless  the  true  political 

state  of  their  sentiments  in  general  at  present.     As  I  l^now  the  nature  of  their  unions,  and 

that  the  Southern  Indians  found  many  of  the  rest  in  sufficient  employmeni  during  the  lonir 

war  that  subsisted  between  them,  so  I  could  not  help  suggestin;;  my  apprehensions  of  the 

consequence  of  the  Peace  I  had  orders  to  effect   between  these   people,   but   the  laws  of 

humanity,  the  entreaty  of  the  Southern  Indians,  &  the  earnest  desire  of  some  Colonies  who 

represented  themselves  as  affected  by  that  War,  being  powerfull  considerations,  prevailed  over 

what  might  be  judged  as  a  distant  or  simple  apprehension.     I  sincerely  wish    h   may  not 

contribute  to  any  ill  consequence,  &  shall  constantly  and  steadily  use  all  the  means  in  mv 

power  to  prevent  it,  but  altho  it  may  be  treated  as  a  chimera  at  this  time  yet  I  can  positively 

assure  Your  Lordship  that  both  Spaniards  &  French,  the  latter  of  whom  act  the  part  of  agents 

did  and  do  still  continue  to  make  presents  to  all  the  nations  to  whom  they  can  have  any  access 

by  the  llivers  which  discharge  themselves  into  the  Mississippi,  and  that  they  do  constantly 

endeavour  to   thwart  our   measures   by   various    stories   &    Misrepresentations,   w">    being 

supported  by  favours  &  comeing  from  a  People  of  whom  they  entertain  no  apprehensions 

against  a  People  from  whom  most  of  the   Indians  imagine  they  have  every  thing  to  fear' 

renders  it  almost  impossible  to  prevent  them  from  having  some  eff-ect.     The  Indians  have  for 

some  time  discovered  that  a  War  is  probably  at  hand,  many  of  them  think  that  it  has  already 

commenced,  but  that  we  conceal  it  from  them  on  account  of  some  advantages  the  enemy  his 

gained,  and  in  consequence  of  this  during  last  week  I  was  visited  by  deputations  from  most  of 

the  Six  Nations,  to  whom  I  gave  such  answers  as  I  judged  best  calculated  for  the  purpose    in 

any  event  that  may  happen  in  Europe.     If  a  war  commences,  &  that  any  attempts  are  made 

in  America,  or  in  case  the  Indians  should  Le  reduced  to  disturb  our  frontiers  to  draw  part  of 

our  attention  that  way,  I  am  confident,  (as  I  formerly  proposed )  that  I  can  from  the  measures 

I  have  taken  &  the  inffuence  I  possess  secure  &  attach  to  our  interest,  if  impowered  so  to 

do,  such  a  body  of  Indians,  as,  if  not  so  numerous  against  us,  will  give  a  severe  check  to  their 

attempts,  &  as  the  distant  Indians  dread  nothing  so  much  at  present  as  a  quarrel  amongst 

themselves,  I  am  equally  confident  that  the  verry   appearance  of  some  in  the  character  of 

vigourous  allies,  will  in  any  quarrel,  whether  thro  the  intrigues  of  a  Europian  power,  or  of  a 

confederacy  amongst  the  Indians  themselves  prove  greatly  advantagious  to  us,  and  tend  to 

defeat  their  purposes  as  much  as  any  measures  that  can  be  adopted,  which  I  most  humbly 

submit  to  Your  Lordships  consideration  in  case  my  apprehensions  should  be  realised  by  future 

events  or  occurrences. 


.  hi 


264 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


In  consequence  of  a  former  letter  wliereii.  Your  Lordshli,  signified  liis  Majesty's  inclination 
that  the  Indian  Boundary  Line  should  be  continued  from  where  it  was  made  to  terminate 
by  the  Treaty  of  17GS  (at  Canada  Creek  at  Wood  Creek)  I  have  conferred  witn  the  Chiefs  of 
the  nations  interested  over  whom  I  have  in  general  so  far  prevailed,  tliat  I  beleive  they  will 
when  assembled  for  that  purpose  admit  of  its  ext-  nsion  far  to  the  Northwa.d,  perhaps  to  the 
Kiver  St.  Lawrence,  I  therefore  hope  to  be  honored  with  instructions  respecting  my  conduct 
previous  to  my  taking  any  farther  steps  therein,  &  remain  with  profound  respect,  My  Lord, 

Yoyr  Lordships  most  faithfull 
The  IMght  Honourable  &  ,„ogt  obedient  humble  Servant 

The  Earl  of  Jlillsboroug'..  ^y  Johnson. 


Eaii  of  Diinmore  to  the   h\irl  of  JIUhioroiKjh. 


Wf 


I.  ■ 


N°  7. 


iNow-Vork  Popi-re  (f<inif  I'upcr  imioc)  CLXIII.] 

iVew  York  the  !)"■  of  March  1771 


My  Lord. 

I  have  received  by  the  December  packet  which  arrived  here  the  SS'"  of  Feb''  Your  Lordsiiip's 
Letters  of  the  1 1-  December,  I  laid  Your  Lordship's  Circular  Letter  before  the  Council  and 
acquainted  General  (iage  that  we  were  ready  to  give  him  all  the  assistance  he  could  re.iuire 
of  us,  and  I  immediately  cau8.-d  to  be  published  in  the  usual  form,  his  Majesty's  disallowance 
of  the  four  Acts  of  Assembly,  acconling  to  his  .Nrajesty's  Commands,  signified  by  Vour 
Lordship  in  .\"  1,  but  I  am  sorry  to  be  obligi-d  to  acpiaint  Your  Lor.lship  that  the  whole 
Province,  except  the  lawyers,  express  great  dissatisfaction  at  it,  and  the  more  (rom  having  been 
accustomed  to  observe  the  laws,  thus  repealed  for  so  considt  rable  a  time. 

The  Assembly  have  continued  sitting  untill  the  IC,'"  o^  feb'  the  chief  part  of  their  business 
being  then  finished,  the  members  were  very  desirous  of  a  recess,  which  I  was  averse  (r..m 
granting,  before  the  issuo  of  the  appearances  of  war  be  known  unto  us;  however  at  their 
request  I  allowed  them  a  short  adjournment,  and  upon  their  represent.ition.  that  they  would 
be  able  to  assemhle  again,  in  the  space  of  a  few  days,  I  have  prorogued  them  for  a  week 
which  is  to  be  continued  only  from  week  to  week.  ' 

The  Arts  o(  Assembly,  passe.i  this  Sessions.  &  the  Minutes  of  Council  coiih!  not  be 
prepared  for  this  opportunity ;  I  can  only  transmit  the  Votes  an.l  IVooedings  of  the  Assembly 
They  have  not  thought  proper  to  discharge  the  arrears  <lue  upon  the  accounts  of  furnishing  His 
Majesty's  troops;  I  have  applied  but  it  has  not  yet  been  under  consideration,  for  Ihedefinencies 
of  last  year,  tho'  I  do  not  l.eli.«ve  it  will  he  complied  with,  and  the  only  way  we  can  suggi'sl  of 
making  them  good  is  from  the  s.ving  of  the  two  IhousamI  pounds  granted  lor  the  troop, 
which  sum,  I  beleive,  will  be  regularly  continued  hereaffr.  Your  Lor.lship  will  perceive  that 
one  thousand  pounds  is  voted  for  purchasim;  limber  an.l  plank,  an.l  f.ir  making  gun  carriages 
and  plath.rms  for  the  guns  in  the  Tort  &  Mattery  in  this  City  ;  an.l  tlio  nolhiug  more  he  vet 

done  in  pursuance  o(  the  intimation  made  to  them  in  my  Speech  of  an  apprehen. of  War 

I  am  fully  persuaded  that  his  Majesty  may  rely  on  having  his  most  sanguine  expertutions 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII 
complied  with,  should  the  event  rpnnirp  if      Tk„  \         1 1  .     .   „ 

of  refusing  to  admit  Judge  Li"  ^rrt'.  sit  iftlTr  '  ""'""  '""1""'  "  their  resolution 

endeavouring  to  prevail  on  h  le!lin?MtV  ''"'"'  '"  '''''''''''  "'^erwise  than  by 
among  tl-en^odZth^ffair^^^ 

consulted  together  it  was  determined  Mi  .h  """''"'^'T'  ^»"  ^  '"""''  ''^"^  after  they  had 
of  their  constituents.  To  as  F  ve la  l,ov7r"  ""'7  '  "7""'^  "'  P''"''^''"^'  ^"^  ^«- 
opinion  being  that  .  e  Vs  emblv  ou.  "T  '"Z"^'"!'  '""'"'^  '"  ""  '^''''^''''  "'«  S^'"'''' 
in  this  case.  I  that  es  eTi  ',  Is^'h  try  T;  l^"',"  ''"'"'"°  "'  '"  """^'^  °^  ^•""'""- 
can  always  secure  their  own  F  e    i  n         l7„'  ^'  ^"-  T  '"'■"'"^'''  '"  '^"^^^  ^''"^^  "'^^ 

their  judi.n.ents  on  tluTeni  '  X"  .1  nrti':"  "'"''m""-   ""   '''^^""  ^'"^""^ 

the  frequent  law  suit,  that  prev  il  in  this    'In    v   .  M         ,       t    ^  "  '""'""""'^  '"  '  ""'^ 

of  revenging  themselves  J  th.:  o  l!  ^  2  j  '  ^t ':i;;  C  "  I""  ""'^"^  T^-r""''*^' 
cannot  be  unbiassed  wh.-n  eng.ged  in  party  in  e  es     the  .  H'  7  7"    "^"  "'"'  ''"'^ 

way  ofavohiingthan  by  exdu'ing  til       Hi      s       ,'     T      .  ^"  ^'""^  ""  "'^  """''• 

anything  by  dissolving  L-  Assel  yl^'^I^i.^  V  Inv" ::':!:"  '^  1"^"  'T  '  ^^'""'''  "^"'' 
resolution,  who  would  not  be  returned  n«  i     [Zl.^rZ  \  '  "'"^  ""'''"'^^^  ^'"^ 

it,  some  would   be  obliged   to  Iw^^.Uc^^^^^^^ 

obtaining  the  effect  de  ire      !   nijl     have  o  ]        r''''"'"  '"'""'"•  ''^'"'••''■"^^•'  -'"">"» 

Adn.inistration.  which      1  Ztirrt:  '  T^'""''  """"'  ""^'"  '"^  ^"^"^^  -^ ' 

incline  to  neither  party.  "^     '^  "  '*""'''"^'*  '"  "^""''  ^i'  «««^"'i"g  to 

1  have  communicated  to  the   A««i.ml>i,r    ii;„   m  •     •   .       . 

Kord.hip  concerning  Indian  aII!:::::!  :  J^:^:  ^;..,|;^r;h;  ::^'''  r  M  "^  ^'""^ 
enclose,  and  which  1  have  likewise  transmifed  to  S  rWi  li  T  V  "'"'^/^^^  ^■'"^^''  '  ""^«'^vith 
me  with  an  account  of  those  reguh.  io  to  wl  ch  ll  d"'"  U  T'  ''r'^''^'"'"  '"  '■--■^'' 
the  Assembly  will  pro,...ed  to  L      n    ,  ,?  r  ,  "''' '  '"'"'"  '  '"'■''^«  "°  'J""!" 

answer  His  Majesty'   de  i Is  i   Tia    m      er    T'  T,  '"'  ""  "'"  '""'  "'  ""'  ''^-•'■"--  -J' 

in  .ny  letter  .V  0  t  at  tL^    u       n       ;       H    .,  ."""V-Peat  here,  what  I  observe,!   before 

all  the  (Colonies.  ^    '   '  "'""""'^  "'"""  '^  ""^'^  ^°  "'"'^«  «»>•  Pl""  edeclual  for 

An.cie::r:;::;:;;:;l;;;;:/;::::i; '!:;:;:;;:;  n^  rr":,""''"-^  ^"""-'-^ '-  --- 

we  ought,  bv  every  reasonable  indulirence  1..  ni.„.l.  .  i  .       ""^"""'"P  "'  P'""l''e.  whom 

«.M ,  .r,.h„ L, , „  :  7,  ,:;;::;  r:." '"""■' ■"■" "■  ■-■' 

.  K  «i(li  oil,,,,,  neu-r  l„,l,  i„  ,„ ,,  g,,,,,,  „|,;.,,.,  ^^  ,|,^.,,,  ^^^^^^^^^^  ^^^  ^^^^ 

\  I II       \   f  I  I 


I  (IL 


81 


200 


NKW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


m  ! 


objection  nindt',  which  is  (iominon  to  Aiixilinrii's,  fhoso  buing  estnhlishcd  in  the  Country  nnd 
their  interest  concerned  in  ita  snl'ety. 

Tlio  troubled  State  of  the  Nortii  Kn8torn  Pnrts  of  this  Province,  Beenis  to  deserve  Your 
r,ordsiii|rn  immediate  attention.  I  »\ni»V.  of  that  largo  (iistrict  between  Hudson's  River  &  the 
Lukes  (ieorge  uiid  ('linmplain  on  the  west,  iiud  ('oiinecticut  lliver  on  the  Kiiat ;  nnd  between 
the  North  line  of  the  Massnchusetls  Ihiy  and  the  iS""  degree  of  latitude,  assigned  for  the 
partition  between  this  and  the  Province  of  (Quebec 

This  is  a  fine  Country,  capable  of  great  cultivation,  nnd  of  snijsisting  many  thousands  of 
useful  subjects  ;  but,  before  the  con<|uest  of  l/unada,  was  so  exposed  to  the  incursions  of  the 
French,  and  the  Savages  in  their  interest,  that  very  few  settlements  were  made  in  it,  except 
in  that  (luartcr  nearest  to  Hudsn    h  Kiver. 

It  is  clearly  within  the  limits  of  this  Province,  as  granted  l)y  King  (^iiaries  the  Second  to 
James  |)uke  of  York;  and  accordingly  his  present  iMajesty  in  the  year  17C4,  was  pleased 
to  <ieclare  tiie  Western  Banks  of  ('onneclicut  Itiver  to  bo  the  partition  boundary  between 
New  York  and  New  Hampshire. 

I  wish  [  could  say.  My  Lord,  that  the  Royal  Decision  had  been  followed  withlhat  chenrfull 
s'llunission  which  wa<  due  lo  so  express  &  authoritative  an  intimation  ot  the  King's  pleasure. 
I  am  obliged,  on  the  contrary,  to  complain,  that  there  seems  to  be  too  much  reason  to  beleive, 
that  the  disorders  in  that  country  owe  their  origin  and  progress  to  the  intrigues  of  persons  in 
power  in  the  I'rovince  of  New  Hampshire,  with  uims  of  inhancing  their  private  fortunes,  out 
of  the  Crown  Lands  ;  in  the  vain  hope  that  his  Majesty  may  bo  moved  to  annex  this  territory 
to  the  I'rovince  of  New  Hampshire  under  wliich  their  grants  were  obtained. 

In  the  prosecution  of  this  design  some  of  the  inhabitants  have  lately  been  excited  to  open 
actsol  Violence,  as  well  as  aii  immediate  application  by  petition  to  the  throne.  Upon  procuring 
a  Copy  of  this  Petition  1  referred  it  to  the  Attorney  (ieneral  for  his  Report;  and  as  his 
Representations  appear  greatly  to  concern  his  Majesty's  interest,  and  to  be  supported  by  proofs, 
of  which  the  King  ought  not  to  be  uninformed,  I  now  transmit  tliem  to  Your  Lordship  for  the 
Royal  Consideration. 

I  must  at  the  same  time  appri^.e  Y'our  Lordship  that  a  great  majority  of  the  Settlers  are  not 
only  disposed  to  a  peaceal»le  sul)mission  to  the  derision  of  I7(i4,  but  very  averse  to  the  change 
projected  in  New  Hampshire,  as  will  appear  by  their  Counter  Petition  cinnmuiiicated  to  me, 
to  be  transmitted  in  their  favour. 

Nor  can  I  omit  mentioning  that  it  is  in  this  district  that  many  of  the  reduced  OlVicers  and 
.Soldiers  have  made  their  locations  of  the  bounty  pledged  to  them  by  the  Ifoyal  Proclamation 
of  the  ""'•  of  Oct'  I7«»:i.  Hesides  this  I  find  that  others  of  his  Majesty's  Subjects  have  obtained 
Patents  lor  many  thousands  of  Acres,  umler  the  great  Seal  of  this  Province,  which  will  be  nil 
frustrateii  upon  detaching  this  Country  from  the  Province  of  New  York,  and  greatly  increase 
the  geni'ral  cimfusion. 

Your  Lordship  will  doubtless  perceive  that,  untill  the  order  transmitted  to  Sir  Henry  Moore 
prohibiting  (irants  lo  be  made  of  lands  before  patented  under  New  Hampshire,  is  rescinded, 
there  can  l>e  no  established  tramiuillily  in  that  (piarter  of  this  Province,  since  it  is  natural  to 
suppose,  that  the  discontented  Settlers  (countenanced  na  they  are  by  New  Hampshire)  will 
flatter  Iheinselves  witli  hop<'»  of  favour  ;  and  make  rapid  occessions  lo  their  n\imber  from  llie 
profligate  llauditti  ot  the  other  Colonies,  who  look  lor  safely  where  (Jovernment  ia  weak 
and  disturbed. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII.  2G7 

I  have  only  to  add,  My  Lord,  that  from  all  the  information  I  have  heen  able  to  obtain 
nothmg  more  seems  to  me  to  be  requisite  for  restoring  peace  than  a  Revocation  of  a  late  order, 
by  which  the  Grants  of  this  Province  were  suspended.  The  inhabitants  now  amount  to 
between  six  and  seven  hundred  families,  of  which  number  450  odd  have  signed  a  Petition 
to  me  which  I  have  by  this  Packet  transmitted  to  Your  Lordship,  praying  to  be  continued  in 
this  (.overnment;  there  is  another  Petition,  as  I  understand  sent  home  by  Governor 
Wentworth,  signed  by  about  200,  praying  to  be  under  li.e  Government  of  New  Hampshire  ; 
but  how  these  names  were  obtained.  Your  Lordship  will  easily  be  able  to  conceive  if  you  take 
the  trouble  of  looking  into  the  different  papers  I  have  sent  by  this  Packet ;  but  surely  'tis 
more  natural,  even  supposing  that  the  New  Hampshire  claim  was  preferable  to  that  of  New 
lork,  to  have  a  river  such  as  Connecticut  for  the  boundary.  Add  to  this  that  the  income  of 
(.overi.ment  would  bo  consi.lerably  increased  annually  by  receiving  half  a  Crown  (^.it  Rent, 
instead  of  nine  pence,  per  100  acres,  for  so  large  a  tract  of  Land  as  was  disputed.  1  am. 
My  Lord,  '^ 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  humble  Servant 

DUNMORR. 

p.  S.  I  have  to  inform  Your  Lordship  of  the  death  of  Joseph  Reade'  Ksq'one  of  his  Majesty's 
Council  in  this  Province.  1  also  inclose  to  your  Lordship  three  allidavils  which  1  have  lately 
received,  which  confirm  our  beleif  that  the  disorders  above  meiitioued  are  promofd  by  people 
of  the  greatest  power  in  the  I'rovince  of  New  Hampshire. 


N»  7 


Mrl  of  Jhmmore  to  the  J^Jarl  of  IlilhhormcjL 

I  New. York  ra|>«n  (  SM«  Piiwr  OniM )  t'LXIII.  ] 

New  York.  2*'  April  1771 


My  Lord, 

I  have  received  your  Lordship's  letter  N"  2  and  am  pleased  to  hear  that  the  account  which  I 
had  transmitted,  relating  to  the  disturbances  on  the  borders  of  New  Hampshire  has  been 
laid  before  his  M.ijesty,  and  I  hope  that  it,  together  with  the  further  information  ronlained  in 
my  succeeding  letters  to  your  Lordship,  &  particulaily  my  last  dated  !»'"  of  .March  N"  7  and  the 
papers  referre.l  to  therein  will  prove  sullicieiit  to  determine  his  Majesty  to  confirm  his  Royal 
Declaration  of  \H\\,  and  that  1  shall  speedily  receive  Instructions  in  consequence  tliPreof. 

I  continue  to  prorogue  the  Assembly  from  week  to  week,  that  they  may  be  in  instant 
reailiness  to  meet  in  case  of  war. 

The  Acts  of  the  last  Sessions  of  the  Assembly  are  not  yet  ready  to  be  transmitted. 

'  X..,rn  Tt.^nK  WMpn.lml.lv  hrntlu.r,,f  AMi.l,„(  AIJ.,n,«„  J„lM,  II..  wl„,  r..|.r,.,o,,t..l  IhH-^^^ 

"^■^'"•■•^"';''  '"■ ''"  '"  I"''.  (►W«,(m/,.l/a«,.a/.)  .».!  *l,„  .».  for  ..,.r«.  yr«r. »  V...try.,mn  .,f  Trinity  Ihurob.     Jo.,.,,l. 

w«.  .U,  ,  U..lrv.n.„  .„.l  W„r,l,.n  ..f  ,l,o  ,„„„  ,|Mir.l>  «,,  lo  th.  tin.o  of  1,1.  .l..„,|,.      Hi.  .Uugl,!.,-  S«r,.l,  ,„.r,„  ,1.  i„    174H. 

om'T  "7  m  '"."'        ''"•"'"•'•  '''''''''^''-  '^-     "'"'"--""■"•••l"f»un..il  i„  M.rcl,  n«l.  .„.l  ,..„k  1,1-  ., ,|„„  I , 

.0, ...,.,.  f„llu«M„,.  .».,„,*  roun^l  M,n^^  XXV.     IU.,I«  .Htr....t,  N.  V..  wl.iol,  w«,  ,,r..j.oU.J  i„  IVrto,  .l.r.v...  iu  ..  mo. 
Hi  prc.iiniiHl,  fniiii  tin.  fmiuly.     8u«  nolo,  poti,  y.  2«\>.  —  Kp. 


268 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Hi 


f.  »• 

'II; 


A  person  in  this  town  hiiving  received  an  account  of  the  capture  of  some  whaling  Vessells 
by  the  Spaniards  oH"  the  island  of  Ilispaiiiola,  I  iiavo  lliouglit  proper  to  transmit  to  your 
Lordship  an  extract  of  the  letter  which  brought  the  report  to  this  place. 

Lieutenant  C^olonel  Bradstreet  having  discovered  as  he  asserts  that  the  patent  obtained  by 
Johannes  Harden  berg  and  others  in  the  year  1700,  comnionly  called  the  great  Patent,  was 
issued  on  false  suggestions,  and  witliout  the  formes  that  are  necessary  to  make  it  legal  and 
valid;  &  that  therefore  the  said  Patent  is  void,  and  the  lands  pretended  to  be  granted  thereby 
remain  vested  in  the  Crown  :  This  the  said  Lieut.  Colonel  Uradstreet  represented,  in  a 
petition  to  the  Governor  of  this  Province,  in  order  that  he  might  obtain  a  grant  of  part  of  the 
said  vacant  lands,  and  the  same  has  been  examined  before  me  in  Council ;  &  a  number  of 
evidences,  as  well  on  the  part  of  the  I'atenlees,  as  the  said  Lieut.  Col.  Uradstreet,  were  heard, 
all  which  took  up  many  sittings,  and  in  the  end  no  other  decision  was  made  then,  as  the 
Council  thought  lit,  to  grant  'JO.OOO  acres  of  the  said  lands  to  the  before  mentioned  Lieutenant 
Colonel  IJniiiatreet,  as  a  compciisalion  for  the  expense  ho  has  been  at  in  endeavouring  to  prove 
the  facts  he  alledges;  the  I'atentees  however  object  to  the  Haid  grant,  and  determine  to  defend 
It  at  law,  which  Lieut.  Col.  Uradstreet  nevertheless  is  resolved  to  prosecute,  and  seems 
confident  he  can  support,  &  prove  the  whole,  or  nearly,  to  be  vacant,  as  above  related  ;  This 
has  indeed,'  a  number  of  ollicers  and  persons  who  are  possessed  of  mandamuses,  and  otherwise 
entitled  to  land  by  having  served  during  the  war  in  America,  to  petition  me  that  I  would,  of 
my  own  authority,  order  their  several  locations  to  be  surveyed  for  them  upon  these  said  lands, 
and  to  grant  the  same  to  Iheui  which  they  are  willing  to  acc4>pt,  notwithstanding  the  claim  of 
the  said  Patentees.  I  have  not  thought  proper  to  comply  with  the  said  IV-titions,  untill  1  had 
represented  the  alVair  to  your  liord.-hip,  &  lor  that  purpose  trans-nit  the  petition  above 
niiMilioiied  &  with  it  a  stale  of  the  case  to  prove  the  suggestions  contained  therein,  and  in 
conse<juence  of  whicli,  if  orders  be  sent  me  to  grunt  the  said  IVtilious,  the  Crown  will  be 
brought  into  no  expense  thereby,  the  IVtilioners  being  willing  to  carry  on  the  suit  at  their 
own  expeuce  ami  risk;  however  I  shall  not  proved  in  this  affair  until  I  receive  instructions 
from  your  Lordship  thereupon.  It  is  necessary  to  observe  to  your  Lordship  that  tiu«  said 
J'atint,  which  contains  about  lifleen  hundred  thousaml  acres  was  granted  to  seven  persons 
only,  and  no  more  tlmi\  three  pounds  annual  '|uit  rent  reserved,  whereby  a  manifest  prejudice 
is  done  to  his  .Majesty's  Revenue  and  tlio  the  Patentees  have  been  in  possession  of  the  said 
lands  since  Mie  year  J700  yet  there  are  not  ten  families  settled  thereon  nt  this  time. 
I  am. 

My  Lord, 

Your  I<orii8hij«'8  most  obedient 

humble  Servant 

DlNMOKK. 
'  Si(.  inlilri'il.  —  Kii. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


Earl  of  Ilillslorough  to  the  Governoi-  of  New-  York 


269 


N"  1 


[N«w-YorkruperB(8UW3  riper  Offlco)  CLXIII.  ] 


Sir. 


Whitehall  4""  Mtiy  1771 


l.a"jlai'l  lu   ^''^^^  J°\^^'""  '  '■««--'>  '^^--d  Dunmore's  Dispatch  of  the  9-  of  March  No  7  & 
nave  laid  it  hofore  the  King. 

;I  V       tt'p   ""    ,     "'  "":""*^''  '"  """"  ''^  Hep-e„tatives  had'suHered   the 

ran  lu.il.ly  „|    their  I'roceed.ng.  to   be   in   some  degree   interrupted  by  a  renewal  of  their 

it  CVT"""'"'-''  ^""'''^'""•  ""^  "'^^''^^"^'^^^  ^'---i  »  P-P--  attention  ole 
public  Interests,  excepting  only  in  the  case  of  the  arrears  due  upon  a  count  of  supplying  his 
MiUestys  troops,  which  I  observe  .hey  have  not  thought  proper  L  discharge.  '^^  ^ 

bo  just  a  demand  upon  the  Province  speaks  ibr  itself,  and  therefore  I  hope  that  when  the 

The  attention  shewn  by  the  Assembly  to  the  signification  of  his  Majesty's  pleasure  concerning 
e  expediency  of  son.e  Law  for  regulating  the  Indian  Trade  is  very'  plLiig  to  the  K  la  J 

Will    nfl/''''""",  "','"'  """""""'^  '"^'"«  ^'^'l"-^-'  ''-  '^'l--  &  assistance  !    Sir 
William  Johnson  in  that  business. 

As  the  Province  of  New  York  is  more  particularly  interested  in  preserving  the  good  will  and 
ion  o.  the  OiuMda  Indians  1  make  no  doubt  that  if  8ir  William  Johnston's  hinds  are  . 
ul  1      nt    o  supply  them  with  the  necessaries  they  re,uire  in  their  Message  to  Lord  Dunmore 
in  December  last,  the  Assembly  will  make  proper  provision  for  that  servicl 

1  he  spirited  proposal  of  the  Hody  of  Uerman  Protestants  in  the  Ci.y  of  New  York,  contained 
"      e.r  Memorial  presented  to  Lord  Di.nmore  in  January  last,  could  not  fail  of  being  pi  Z  ' 
to  the  King,  and  although  there  is  not  now  any  occasion  for  their  service  in  the  Military  Ln"^ 
you  will  signily  to  thorn  his  Majes.y's  approbation  of  the  Zeal,  and  the  satisfaction  it  glv     h  ^ 
Majesty  to  receive  (rom  so  respectable  a  Ho.iy  such  declaration  of  sincere  alfection  to  hi  iJa 
I  er^.u  and  (Government,  and  earnest  ,lesire  to  assist  in  the  .h-fence  of  his  Majesty's  posses  il 
With  regard  to  the  lands  in  the  Kastern  parts  of  the  province,  where  I  am  so  ry    o  fi,      the 
.I.Horders.  ear  y  complained  of  by  Lord  Dunmore,  continue  to  increase   I  can  only  say  w  a 
have  lre,uenty  expressed  to  his  Lordship,  that  the  matter  is  un.ier  consideration  01X12. 
of  1  rade,  and  tha,  I  have  not  failed  to  communicate  to  that  Board  every  thing  tha    h  s  l" 
represented  upon  that  subject.  ^         ^ 

A  xU.ll"'y'''"T"'', '"'  T'.'"  "■''""'"'  ■  ""  "'"'  ''"'  ''"'■''^  "''  '''^'"'"  '"'^-'"S  recommended  William 
Axlell"  .s,,Mo  be  o.  the  Council  in  the  place  of  M'  K.-ad.  their  recommendation  has  bet" 
approved  and  the  warrant  for  his  admission  will  be  delivered  to  his  Agent. 

(Oov'of  New  York)  '  "'»•&"'  , 

IJii.Lsuonoi  on. 

JmiiM  I  I-    VvKl.r.     II.' wiia  iii.....i..i...l  I    .1     .<  1.1,..  ••'"-"Ill,  ,1.1  .iniiuiihr  ol  Almilumi  km.    kik  .r  ,,f 

.  ,..r,y  ..f  i,n„.!.  „L: .:::';; ,;::';" '"'"  "'^;  •"•■  ""•' ■'••■ •■ -"■  >v.,i.„  „., «,,  .„.,„.i„i,„ 

.•.t..l.  .„,!  I,„  rHurn,.!  t«  K„„U..,,  i„  „.,  ..'  *  _    .    ,    ^      '     t      '  '  '    *"'  '"  "'"  ''"'""'  '''*  '"" ''^  **'  "••"«'■ 

i««*  J).  r,t.t,r  (/.«a/u»yrioa'I  lift'"'  '"  '  "'  ''"'""'  '"'  ''••'■»"""•  «•""'"•"'  'vahoutle.Wngany 


270 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


N°  IC. 


Sir. 


^rl  of  Hillsborough  to  Sir    William  Johnson. 

[  New-Tork  Pupen  (State  Paper  Offloe)  COLVII.  J 

Whitehall,  May  4">  1771. 


I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  your  dispatch  N"  15  containing  general  observations 
on  the  state  of  Indian  interests,  and  repeating  your  apprehensions  that  notwithstanding  the 
meeting  of  the  Indians  at  Scioto  (which  had  given  so  much  alarm)  had  ended  only  in  generJil 
Resolutions  of  continuing  their  alliances,  yet  that  there  still  remained  some  latent  intention  in 
the  Savages  to  form  a  Confederacy  dangerous  to  the  King's  possessions. 

You  will  allow  me,  Sir,  however  to  observe  that  I  am  fully  convinced,  as  well  from  what  has 
passed  at  this  Meeting  as  from  my  Observations  of  the  Disposition  of  Savages  in  general,  that 
those  natural  enmities  find  jealousies  which  subsist  between  one  nation  and  another,  if  left  to 
have  their  own  operation  without  any  interfering  on  our  part,  are  a  full  security  against  any 
hostilities  which  (they  well  know)  must  in  the  end  terminate  in  their  own  destruction,  &  which 
therefore  they  will  never  attempt,  unless  provoked  by  such  injuries  and  injustice  as  being 
common  to  all  may  make  the  Resentment  of  them  a  common  cause.  To  prevent  such  abuses 
therefore,  and,  when  they  cannot  be  prevented,  to  endeavour  to  redress  them,  will,  I  doubt  not, 
be  the  principal  object  of  your  attention,  avoiding  as  much  as  possible  interfering  or  becoming 
pnrty  in  any  Councils  the  Indians  may  think  fit  to  hold  reiaiive  to  their  own  Interests.  I  do 
not  mean  by  what  I  have  said  to  express  an  opinion  that  there  may  not  be  some  cases  in  which 
it  may  be  adviseable  for  the  Servants  of  the  Crown  in  the  Indian  Department  to  take  some 
share,  nor  would  I  have  it  understood  that  they  ought  to  be  totally  indifferent  about  what 
passes  at  such  meetings;  on  the  contrary  they  cannot  be  too  active  to  obtain  the  fullest 
Intelligence  of  the  Views  and  Proceedings  of  the  Savages,  because  nothing  will  be  more  likely 
to  defeat  any  designs  which  they  may  form  to  the  prejudice  of  the  public  peace,  than  the  lettling 
them  see  we  know  what  those  Designs  are,  but  if  we  persist  in  making  ourselves  parties  in 
their  politics,  either  directly  or  through  the  intervention  of  any  particular  tribe  in  which  they 
know  us  to  have  a  particular  confidence,  it  is  impossible  to  say  to  what  consequences  it  may 
lead,  and  therefore  I  was  concerned  to  find  that  the  Deputies  which  were  sent  from  the  Northern 
Confederacy  to  the  Meeting  at  Scioto  had  insisted  with  the  Indians,  whom  they  met  returning 
from  that  meeting,  that  the  Congress  should  be  re-assembled.  With  regard  to  the  Continuation 
of  the  Boundary  line  from  where  it  was  made  to  terminate  by  the  Treaty  of  1708  it  is  a  matter 
which  requires  much  consideration  but  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  give  you  any  Instructions 
upon  that  head  without  knowing  precisely  in  what  direction  and  to  what  point  the  Indians 
wish  to  have  it  carried. 

I  am  &c* 

IIlLLSUOROroiI. 

(Sir  William  Johnson  Hart.) 


m 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII.  a-r* 

Zord,  of  Tra<le  to  the  Lord,  of  the  Committee  of  the  Privy  Council 

[  Ncw-Tork  Enliiei,  LXVIII.,  486.  ] 

My  Lords 
Pursuant  to  your  Lordships   Order  of  the   6   of  this   Mnmh   «,     i,         .  ,        • 

church  belonging  thereto.  ""  "'"'"'""'''  '"■•  ^'^^  '°'^  "^^  ""'^  ^-^«'  "'^  ^he 

Whereupon  we  beg  leave  to  report  to  your  Lordships 

That  the  encouragement  protection  and  support  in  the  Colonies  of  the  Church  of  England 
as  by  law  Established  are  objects  which  do  in  Our  opinion  well  deserve  vour  7 1/ 
attention  and  therefore  we  think  that  it  will  be  adviseable  in  pJn    o    P    i^y   o  cL'  1  tit'.: 

state  o(  H,s  Maj  sty  s  revenue  of  Quit  Rents  and  the  Establishments  thereon  is  a 
co„s.derat.on  wh.ch  belongs  to  other  Departments  If  however  his  Majesty  shall  begracio  1 
pleased  to  grant  the  remission  of  the  Quit  Rents  in  the  Case  in  Question  u^  th  r      '  i^ 

eu  thereo  .t  may  be  adviseable  that  an  annual  Rent  of  Six  Shillings  a  d  e  g h  '  . 

be  reserved  to  be  pa.d  by  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  New  York  con    r  ' 

th.spet.fon  to  the  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  said  P.-ovinca  sitting  i  Cou„  il 
1        ?     ;  "  T  """''''^  '*''"  ^""''^^  '"  ^'^^'^  y«-  conformable  to   what   we 

Lands  .n  New  V  ork  n,ade  to  his  Majesty  in  1704  on  behalf  of  the  College  of  New  York. 
We  are  My  Lords  Your  Lordships  most  obedient  and  most  humble  Servants 

IIlLI.SBOROUail 

E**  Eliot 
W'liitelial  Bamher  Gascoyne 

21  May  1773.  """'  ^•■'^>'«^'^« 

W.    JoLI.Il'FE 


N"   2. 


Sir. 


Jihrl  of  Ililhhormiijh  to  Governor  Ihjon. 

[NewTork  Piper.  (BUM  P»por  OHImp  )  CI.XI1I.  ] 

Whitehall,  June  fi'"  1771. 


I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  a  letter  from  »!,»  P,.ri  „r  n 
«..«p.>l,.„ry„f,„,„„  .peed,  ,l„i.,„ ,„,,^  ,„  „,.  ,„„j.  „„  fl,;  We.t,,  r  c  ' ' 


-oimecticut 


272 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


River,  I  presume  it  will  be  n  sntisfiiction  to  all  parties,  interested  in  the  questions  Hint  have 
been  agitated  touching  those  lamia,  to  know  that  the  Board  of  Trade  have  prepared  and  will, 
in  a  few  days  transniil  to  the  Privy  Council  their  report  on  that  business,  &  that  you  may 
expect  before  the  Fall  to  receive  such  instructions  thereupon,  as  shall  without  prejudice  to 
titles  derived  from  actual  improvement  and  settlement,  open  a  way  to  immediately  perfecting 
tlie  grants  to  the  reduced  oilicers  and  soldiers  who  have  been  so  long  kept  in  suspense,  and 
that  after  proper  reservations  are  made  of  Woodlands  for  the  use  of  the  Navy,  and  the  rights  of 
individuals  are  provided  for,  the  residue  of  the  land  remaining  for  settlement  will  be  disposed 
of  on  such  a  plan,  and  upon  such  terms  as  shall  best  correspond  with  the  value  and  importance 
of  them. 

I  have  fully  considered  what  Lord  Dunmore  states  in  respect  to  the  proceedings  at  the 
Council  Hoard  upon  the  petition  of  Colonel  Bradstreet,  and  the  step  which  has  been  taken  in 
consequence  thereof,  of  granting  to  that  gentleman  20,000  acres  of  the  Land  patented  to 
Hardenberg  and  others  in  1700,  and  as  1  am  equally  at  a  loss  to  guess  npo'i  what  ground  it 
was  that  llu-  Council  took  upon  themselves  extra  judicially  to  draw  into  question  and  decide 
upon  the  claims  ol  ihone  I'atentees  &  afterwards  to  grant  so  large  a  (juantity  of  the  Land  as 
20,000  acres  to  one  person,  without  regard  to  the  restrictions  contained  in  the  Governor's 
instructions,  I  c.innot  but  consider  such  proceedings  as  irregular,  &  can  on  no  account,  untill 
that  matter  shall  be  l\irlher  explained,  advise  his  Majesty  to  consent  to  the  I'rayer  of  the 
petition  for  the  further  granting  of  those  lands  which  Lord  Dunmore  has  tranrmitted. 

It  is  with  gri  at  pleasure  I  iicquaint  you  that  the  Queen  was  happily  brought  to  bed  of  a 
I'rince  t'lis  morning  and  that  her  Majesty  and  the  young  Prince  are  as  well  as  can  be  desired. 
I  most  heartily  congratulate  you  upon  Ibis  increase  of  the  Royal  Family,  an  event  which  gives 
the  greatest  .Satisfaction  to  all  his  Majesty's  subjects. 


(Gov'  Tryon.) 


I  am  &c» 


Ilii,t.s«ourt7on. 


Ilqyrenenlation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  on  the  New  Hampshire  Gr  ints. 

[Xi'W-Viirk  Kulrlei,  I-XVllI,,  411. 1 

To  the  Right  Hon''""  the  Lords  of  the  Comilitee  of  His  Majestys  most  Hon''''  I'rivy  Council 
for  I'lautation  All'airs. 

My  Lords 

Pursuant  to  your  Lordships  Order  of  the  ft  day  of  .Inly  1770  we  did  on  the  13  day  of  that 
month  take  into  Our  t'onsideration  the  bumble  Petition  of  several  Oilicers  and  Soldiers  who 
served  in  North  America  <luring  the  late  war,  and  were  reduced  at  the  Peace  setting  forth, 
"That  in  pursuance  of  His  Majestys  Royal  Proclamation  of  the  7  of  Oc:jber  17GJ.  they  did 
"obtain  warrants  from  the  Lieutenant  (iovernorof  his  Majesty's  Province  of  New  York  for 
"sundry  tracts  of  Land  to  be  surveyed  and  also  |)atents  for  divers  Tracts  of  I^ands  in  the 
"  Northern  parts  of  the  said  Province  which  lands  the  Petitioners  nlledge  do  yet  remain 
"unsfltlfd  owing  to  a  claim  o(  several  grantees  under  the  (lovernment  of  i\ew  Hampshire, 
"as  also  to  a  late  Instruction  of  Lis  Majesty  to  his  (iov'  of  New  York  restraining  him  from 
"  making  any  further  (I rants  in  these  parts,  till  his  Majestys  Royal  pleasure  shall  be  known 
"  and  humbly  praying  his  Majesty  to  permit  the  Governor  of  New  York  to  Grant  Lands  to 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:     XLIII. 


273 


"  such  of  the  Petitioners,  at  whose  expense  they  have  been  located  &  surveyed  ;  and  to  confirm 
"  to  others  the  Grants  which  have  already  been  made  ;"  a  request  of  such  a  nature  from 
persons  so  respectable  and  meritorious  induced  the  fullest  attention  to  it,  as  it  appeared  to  us 
by  a  letter  from  the  Governor  of  New  Hampshire  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  communicated 
to  Us  by  his  l.ordship,  that  the  Council  of  that  province  were  preparing,  in  order  to  transmit  to 
his  Majesty  for  his  consideration  a  full  state  of  the  Claims  to  Lands  in  that  District  under 
Grants  from  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire  we  thought  filt  to  postpone  any  Report  to 
your  Lordships  on  this  Case,  until  that  Representation  should  be  received.  As  no  such 
Representation  has  yet  however  been  transmitted,  and  as  his  Majestys Governor  of  New  York 
has  repeatedly  and  in  the  strongest  terms  represented  the  necessity  there  is,  as  well  in  Justice 
to  the  Case  of  the  reduced  Ollicers  as  in  propriety  with  respect  to  his  Majestys  service,  that 
some  speedy  determination  should  be  had  concerning  that  very  valuable  and  extensive  tract 
of  Land,  which  in  consequence  of  those  Claims  remains  in  great  part  unsettled  and  unimproved, 
and  in  which  the  greatest  disorders  are  committed,  it  becomes  our  duty  no  longer  to  delay 
makit.g  Our  Report  to  your  Lordships  upon  a  matter,  whicii  in  every  light  wherein  it  can  be 
viewed,  see.ns  to  us  of  great  importance. 

Your  Lordships  are  already  apprized  by  former  Reports  of  this  Board  of  the  very  extraordinary 
Circumstances,  accompanying  the  Grants  made  within  this  District  by  the  late  Governor  of 
New  Hampshire  and  when  we  consider  how  extravagant  those  Grants  are  witii  respect  to  the 
quantity  o(  Lands  they  contain  and  combine  that  Consideration  with  the  many  irregularities 
and  improprieties  attending  them  in  other  respects  we  have  no  doubt  that  they  would 
upon  examination  be  found  null  &  void  But  this  is  a  matter  which  cannot  depend  upon  any 
opinion  of  Ours,  and  is  a  consideration  which  leads  to  questions  that  cannot  now  be 
entered  into  without  laying  the  (bundation  for  further  delay  in  a  matter  that  seems  to  require 
immediate  deciiiion. 

We  are  sensible  how  dillicult  it  will  be  in  a  case  where  so  many  opposite  interests,  depending 
upon  Claims  under  very  dilferent  circumstances,  are  to  be  considered  to  suggest  any 
propositions  that  will  coincide  entirely  with  the  hopes  and  expectations  of  all  parties  but  when 
we  rellect  how  important  it  is  to  all  to  have  some  speedy  determination  We  cannot  but 
Hatter  Ourselves  that  they  will  readyly  acquiesce  in  any  reasonable  conditions,  that  can  he 
proposed  to  them  And  as  this  appears  to  us  to  be  the  only  probable  method  of  bringing  this 
matter  to  a  speedy  issue,  we  shall  beg  leave  in  the  first  place  to  state  to  your  Lordships  those 
Claims  whicli  appear  to  us  to  lie  objects  of  Consideration  &  in  the  next  place  suggest  what 
seems  to  us  reasonable  to  be  proposed  with  regard  thereto. 

The  t'l;>im  that  seems  to  us  to  deserve  attention  in  the  first  place  is  that  of  those  persons 
who  possess  Lands  in  this  district  under  Grants  legally  and  properly  obtained  from  the 
Government  of  New  York  antecedent  to  any  pretence  set  up  by  the  Government  of  New 
Hampshire  to  exercise  the  power  of  granting  Lands  to  th.e  westward  of  Connecticut  River  and 
before  any  such  Grants  were  made  From  the  last  information  we  have  been  able  to  collect 
relative  to  this  Claim,  it  is  confined  to  two  or  three  Grants  but  a  small  part  of  which  lies  on  the 
East  of  the  (Jreen  Mountains  the  Country  to  the  West  of  whicli  was  at  all  times  before 
the  nnwarrantaltle  Claims  set  up  in  consequi'nce  of  the  New  Hampshire  (Jrants  admitted 
incontestablyto  be  within  the  I'rovince  of  New  York  and  therefore  we  cannot  but  be  of  opinion 


Vol.  vim. 


liH 


r^- 


r 


Via' 


*4w 

i. 


274 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


that  the  proprietors  of  those  Grants  should  not  bo  disturbed  in  their  possessions  on  the  Ground 
of  Claims  derived  from  these  subsequent  Grants  of  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire. 

The  Claim  that  in  the  second  place  seems  to  Us  to  merit  attention  is  that  of  those  persons 
who  in  consequence  of  the  Grants  from  tiie  Governor  of  New  Hampsiiire,  have  made  actual 
Settlements  and  Improvement  of  any  Lands  not  comprehended  within  the  limits  of  the 
possessions  above  stated;  for  however  disputable  their  titles  may  be  upon  the  Ground  of 
the  Grants  themselves  yet  there  always  has  been  &  we  think  there  always  ought  to  be  in  the 
Plantations  an  attention  to  actual  Settlement  and  Improvement;  that  in  Cases  where 
the  possession  does  not  interfere  with  the  Rights  of  others  ought  to  have  preference  to  any 
other  consideration  ;  And  therefore  we  think,  that  persons  under  this  description  ought  to  be 
left  in  entire  possession  of  such  Lauds  as  they  have  actually  cultivated  and  improved  subject 
to  no  other  condition  or  reservation  either  of  (iuit  Rent  or  otherwise  than  what  is  contained,  in 
the  (irants  under  which  they  claim. 

The  third  Claim  ami  indeed  the  only  remaining  one  which  appears  to  Us  to  merit  particular 
indulgence  is  that  of  tiie  reduced  OiVicers  and  Soldiers,  as  well  those  comprehended  within  the 
petition  referred  to  us  by  Your  Lordships  as  all  others  under  the  like  circumstances  who  may 
have  obtained  warrants  from  the  Government  of  iNew  York  for  the  survey  of  Lands  to  them  in 
this  district  the  possession  of  which  Lands  has  been  obstructed  by  the  pretensions  of  tiiose 
claiming  under  the  New  Hampshire  Grants;  and  with  regard  to  these  persons  we  cannot  but 
be  of  opinion  that  no  lime  should  be  lost  in  carrying  their  Grants  into  effect,  provided  however 
that  the  Surveys  under  which  they  claim  do  not  include  Lands  which  were  actually  &  bona 
fide  settled  and  improved  by  persons  claiming  under  Grants  from  the  Governor  of  New 
Hampshire  antecedent  to  such  warrants  of  Survey  ;  who  we  think  for  the  reasons  already 
given  ought  not  to  be  disturbed  in  their  possessions  on  any  account  but  that  if  any  such  case 
should  exist  the  Officer  or  Soldier,  claiming  such  Land  under  warrant  of  Survey  from  the 
Government  of  New  Y'ork  should  have  compensation  made  to  him  by  an  adecpiate  Grant  in 
some  other  part  of  the  district. 

With  regard  to  the  remainder  of  the  Lands  contained  in  this  extensive  District  which  if  the 
foregoing  propositions  can  by  consent  of  the  parties  interested  be  carried  into  effect  will  remain 
for  His  Majestys  disposal  they  are  on  all  hands  represented  to  be  of  great  value  &  Importance 
not  only  from  their  iiaturat  situation  &  fertility  but  as  including  very  extensive  Tracts  containing 
large  growth  of  while  pine  Trees,  and  of  other  Timber  (it  for  Naval  purposes  And  when 
we  consider  the  great  advantage  of  lliem  in  this  light  it  is  Our  duty  in  Conlormity  to  what  we 
humbly  represented  to  His  Majesty  on  the  tit  day  of  July  1707  respecting  the  preservation  of 
wood  Lands  in  America,  to  recommend  to  your  Lordships  to  advise  his  IMiijesly  not  to  allow 
any  further  (irants  to  be  made,  or  warrants  of  Survey  issued  for  any  I^ands  within  this 
District;  until  the  person  who  in  consequence  of  that  Representation  has  l)een  appointed 
Surveyor  for  that  Division  of  North  America  in  which  this  district  is  included  shall  have 
carried  his  Instructions  into  execution  &  shall  have  marke[d]  out,  for  Reservation  to  his 
Majesty  such  jiarts  of  it,  as  shall  contain  any  considerable  (jrowth  of  Trees  fit  for  the  purposes 
above  mentioned. 

When  this  service  phall  have  been  executed  we  see  no  renson  why  the  residue  of  the  lands 
mav  not  be  laid  ,ipen  to  Settlement  and  improvement  by  (irants  from  his  Majesty  ;  but  we 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


275 


can  by  no  means  reco.t^mend  to  your  Lordships  to  advise  his  Majesty  to  sufTer  the  Governor 
nnd  Councl  of  New  York  to  dispose  of  the  said  Lands  either  upon  the  terms  or  in  the  manner 
in  which  they  have  hitherto  exercised  that  powc 

The  well  known  fertility  &  particular  advantage  of  these  Lands  arising  from  their  situation 
in  the  midst  of  a  well  settled  and  cultivated  Country  render  them  we  conceive  far  more 
valuable  than  those  which  lye  more  distant  &  remote    And  we  see  no  reasor,  why  his  Majesty 
may  not  m  this  case  at  least  reasonably  expect  the  same  advantages  which  the  proprietors  of 
the  province   of  Maryland    &   I'cnsylvania   derive   from    the   GranU  of    their   waste    and 
uncultivated  Lands  who  over  and  above  a  Quit  Kent  ne.rly  double  what  is  reserved  on  Lands 
Granted  by  the  Governor  &  Council  of  New  York,  receive  five  pounds  for  every  hundred 
Acre,.,,  which  is  required  to  be  paid  to  their  respective  receivers  whose  Certificate  of  such 
payment  is  made  an  indispensable  requisite  for  obtaining  a  warrant  of  Survey  for  the  Lands. 
nU  have  hitherto  avoided  stating  to  your  Lordships  the  pretentions  of  those  persons  who 
claim  th<.-  possessions  of  Lands  in  this  district  under  the  exorbitant  Grants  from  the  Governor 
o(  New  Hampshire  but  who  have  not  taken  any  steps  towards  acquiring  possession  of  the  Land 
or  for  seating  or  improving  the  same     We  are  persuaded  your  Lordships  will  agree  with  us  in 
opinion  that  combining  this  circumstance  of  neglect  of  improvement  with  the  little  degree  o 
attention,  which  is  due  to  the  Grants  themselves,  from  the  manner  &  circumstances  under 
which  they  were  passed  the  claims  of  these  persons  can  or  ought  to  have  in  a  general  view  of 
them  little  weight  in  the  present  consideration ;  In  order  however  to  avoid  all  possible  ground 
ofcomplaint  and  to  give  facility  to   the  execution  of  what   is  proposed   in   the  ca.os  already 
stated  we  submit  it  to  your  Lordships  Consideration  whether  it  may  not  be  adviseable  after 
the  Reservations  aboveinentioned    for   naval    purposes   have    been    made,   that  such  of  the 
Grantees,  as  shall  before  a  certain  day  to  be  fixed  by  proclamation  apply  by  petition  to  your 
Majestys  Governor  and  Council  of  New  York  for  Grants  of  Land  within  the  said  District,  may 
receive  warrants  of  Survey  for  such  parts  of  the  said  Lands  as  they  shall  chuse  in  quantity 
proportioned  to  their  ability  to  cultivate  and  improve  the  same;  with  this  Restriction  however, 
that  no  one  of  the  said  persons,  so  applying  shall  either  in  his  or  her  own  name  or  in  the  name 
or  names  of  any  other  person  or  persons  in  trust  for  him  or  her  receive  more  than  five  hundred 
Acres,  the  said  Grantees  not  be  subject  to  payment  of  the  purchase  money  above  recommended, 
or  to  any  other  terms  or  conditions  than  what  are  usually  contained  in  Grants  from  his 
Majeslys  Governor  o(  New  York  under  the  present  Instructions. 

We  are  aware  that  the  Claims  of  persons  under  this  general  description  must  vary  in  their 
Circumstances;  and  that  a  greater  regard  and  attention  may  be  due  to  one  than  ought  to  be 
shewed  to  another;  but  it  is  we  (ear  impossible  to  distinguish  any  diHerent  Case;  and  we 
humbly  conceive  it  is  the  less  necessary  in  as  much  as  these  General  Kegulations  will  not 
preclude  any  particular  persons  who  think  themselves  intitled  to  particular  Indulgence,  from 
making  such  application  thereupon  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

We  beg  leave  further  to  observe  to  Your  Lordship,  that  there  is  another  Claim  of  interest 
in  these  Lands  which  as  it  stands  upon  Grounds  very  diirerent  from  these  already  stated, 
n'<iuires  a  seperate  consideration  &  that  belongs  to  the  Society  for  the  propagation  of  the 
CJospel  in  Foreign  parts;  who  claim  his  Majesty's  cons[id]eralion  in  consequence  of  their  having 
in  each  of  the  Townships  granted  by  M'  Wentworth  a  Reservation  of  five  hundred  Acres  in 
order  to  enable  them  to  carry  the  laudable  and  pious  purposes  of  their  institution  into  effect. 


i      1 


(  ■;* 


27(j  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

As  tliis  Claim  of  the  above  Society  has  already  been  considered  as  meriting  his  Majesty's 
attention  and  was  as  we  conceive  in  Great  measure  the  foundation  of  that  Instruction  to  his 
Majestys  Governor  of  New  York,  by  which  the  lands  in  this  district  wero  lodged  up  from 
settlement,  until  his  Majestys  further  orders  were  known,  it  becomes  Our  duty  to  consider  in 
what  step  an  adequate  compensation  can  be  made  for  it,  and  we  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  Your 
Lordships,  whether  such  consideration  may  not  be  most  properly  obtained,  &  every  other 
Religious  Establishment  for  which  Reservations  were  made  in  the  New  Hampshire  <Jrant8, 
eftectually  provided  for,  by  sulyecting  every  Grant  which  shall  be  made  of  Lands  within  this 
district  in  consequence  of  the  above  proposals  to  the  payment  to  the  said  Society  for  the 
propagation  of  the  Gospell  of  one  Shilling  proclamation  p'  annum  for  every  hundred  Acres,  over 
&  above  'he  Quit  Rents  payable  to  his  Majesty ;  &  that  it  l)e  recommende.l  to  the  said  Society 
thai  the  moneys  arising  theref-om  be  applied  solely  to  the  purposes  of  providing  Ministers  and 
School  Masters  for  that  district. 

If  these  propositions  should  meet  with  your  Lordships  approbation  and  his  Majesty  should 
upon  your  Lordships  advice  think  fit  to  adopt  them  we  do  not  apprehend  that  any  difficulty 
will  arise  on  the  part  of  those,  whose  different  Claims  are  meant  to  be  provided  for  or  that 
any  other  measure  will  be  necessary  for  the  present,  than  merely  a  transmission  of  the 
propositions  themselves  to  his  Majesty's  Governor  of  New  York  with  the  signification  of  his 
Majestys  pleasure  that  the  said  propositions  be  made  Publick  in  such  manner  as  that  all 
persons  interested  therein  may  have  notice  and  that  the  Governor  and  Council  do  within  a 
reasonable  time  thereafter  proceed  to  confirm  to  the  reduced  Officers  by  Grant  the  property 
of  such  Lands  for  which  they  have  obtained  warrants  with  exception  only  to  such  parts  ns 
may  have  been  seated  &  improved  by  the  Claimants  under  the  New  Hampshire  Grants, 
antecedent  to  the  date  of  such  warrants. 

We  further  beg  leave  to  submit  to  your  Lordships,— whether  it  may  not  be  proper  in  order 
to  prevent  disputes  &  for  elVectually  securing  the  settlers  under  new  Hampshire  (Jrants  in  the 
possession  of  what  they  have  already  settled  an<l  improved  conformable  to  what  is  before 
proposed  that  the  actual  state  of  such  seating  and  improvement  should  be  ascertained  by  a 
Jury  of  disinterested  persons,  to  be  summoned  for  that  purpose  by  the  Sherifl^of  tne  County 
in  which  the  lands  lye,  whose  return  thereof  with  a  plot  &  description  thereunto  annexed  of 
the  Lands  so  seated  and  improved,  being  registred  in  the  County  Court  will  be  a  full  evidence 
upon  Record  of  the  title  in  case  any  (iuestion  should  hereafter  arise  thereupon. 

With  regard  to  the  lands  proposed  to  be  granted  to  other  persons  claiming  under  the  New 
Hampshire  Grants,  but  who  have  made  no  settlement  or  improvement  whatever  the  execution 
of  what  is  submitted  in  their  Case  as  well  as  in  the  Case  of  the  Residue  of  the  Lands  which 
will  remain  for  his  Majesty's  disposal,  within  this  district,  must  be  suspended  until  the  Country 
iiasl)een  surveyed  with  a  view  to  proper  Reservations  of  Woodlands  for  the  supply  of  masting 
&  timber  for  the  Royal  Navy  according  to  the  directions  already  given  for  that  purpose  ;  and 
we  are  of  opinion  that  the  Instructions  to  be  given  to  the  (jovernor  of  New  York  in  the  latter 
Case  cannot  be  too  explicit  and  precise  in  order  to  guard  against  those  irregularities  &  abuses 
which  we  are  concerned  to  say  have  but  too  much  prevailed  in  the  exercise  of  the  powers 
given  to  his  Majesty's'  in  America  for  the  granting  of  lands  to  the  great  prejudice  of  his 

'Sic  Tlio  worit  "governors"  socniii  1"  be  oniitteil.  —  Ki>. 


l|5'- 


w 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


277 


Majeatys  interest  to  the  discourngement  of  Industry  and  in  mnny  Instances  to  the  apprehension 
of  the  Subject  by  tiio  exaction  of  exorbitant  &  unreasonable  fees.     We  are  My  Lords 

Your  Lordships  Most  obedient  and  most  humble  Servants 

HiLLSBOKOUGH 
SoAME    JeNYNS 

E.  Eliot 
John  IIobebts 
Whitehall  W"  Fitzhekbert 

June  6.  1771.  Thomas  Whatelv' 


N»3. 


Eurl  of  Hillsborough  to  the  Governor  of  Nmc-  York. 

[Now-Tork  Papon  (Suite  Paper  Office )  CLXIII. ] 


July  a*  1771 


Sir 

I  have  received  and  laid  betbre  the  King  a  Dispatch  from  Lord  Dunmore  of  the  7""  May 
N"  9 

There  ia  nothing  in  his  Lordship's  letter  which  requires  any  particular  directions,  but  as  he 
very  properly  urges  the  expediency  of  giving  dispatch  to  the  Consideration  of  the  laws  of  the 
Colony,  which  he  says  would  be  a  great  satisfaction  to  his  Majesty's  subjects  there,  it  is  fit  I 
sliouiv.  observe  to  you  that  the  delay  of  which  his  Lordship  seems  to  complain  is  principally 
to  be  attributed  to  the  neglect  of  the  proper  Olficers  in  the  Colony  in  not  preparing  and 
transmitting  in  due  time  Transcripts  of  the  laws  under  the  seal ;  1  must  desire  therefore 
tiiat  you  will  make  a  strict  enquiry  into  the  causes  of  this  neglect  &  take  such  steps  as  you 
shall  judge  to  be  necessary  for  inducing  a  greater  attention  for  the  future  in  a  matter  of  so 
great  importance. 

Inclosed  I  send  you  two  orders  of  his  Majesty  in  Council  on  the  7'''  of  last  iDonlh,  'J'he  one 
confirming  and  ratifying  an  Act  passed  in  New  York  in  January  1770,  the  otiier  disallowing 
three  Acts  passed  in  the  same  session,  and  that  you  may  know  the  reasons  which  have 
induced  the  disallowance  of  the  said  acts,  I  send  you  inclosed  for  your  own  information  a 
Copy  of  the  Representation  of  the  Board  of  Trade  thereupon 

I  am,  &c' 

Governor  of  New  York.  Hillsbohough. 


'  TuoMAS  WnATKLV,  of  till)  Inner  Temple,  was  originally  a  protege  of  Mr.  Greiiville,  who,  when  one  of  the  Sccretjirica  of 
State,  ap|>ointe<l  him  hin  private  sooretary  in  I'A'i  ;  and  Joint  Secretary  uf  the  Treasury  in  176!!,  at  which  time  he  represented 
the  liorough  of  I.udgariilmll,  Wiltuhire,  in  I'arlinntcnt.  On  the  death  of  hia  patron,  Mr.  W.  ia  accused  of  linving  gone  over  to 
Lord  North;  hy  the  iufiuence  of  Ixird  Suffolk,  he  was  elected  fur  the  borough  of  Caatle  Rising,  in  Norfolk,  and  in  January, 
1771,  waa  appointed  one  of  the  Lorja  of  Trade.  In  Jnn\niry,  1772,  he  obtained  the  olfice  of  Keeper  of  the  King's  private 
roads,  gates,  bridges,  and  comluetor  of  his  person  in  all  royal  progresses;  and  when  Lord  Sult'olk  became  Secretary  of 
Stat*  for  the  Northern  department,  Mr.  Wliately  waa  appointed  one  of  the  Under  Secretaries-  He  died  in  June,  177'2.  Mr. 
Whately  was  a  very  piufuund  poliiician  oa  well  oa  an  industrious  and  very  intelligent  purveyor  of  news,  aa  hia  numerous 
lettem  in  the  tirenville  I'apein  show.  In  ni'iB,  he  published  "Considerationa  on  the  Trade  and  Finances  of  this  Kingdom, 
and  un  the  meusurea  of  Administration  with  respect  to  thoae  great  National  objects,  since  the  Conclusion  of  the  Peace." 
lie  waa  alao  author  of  a  tract  called,  "Uemarka  on  the  Budget,"  in  anawer  to  Hartley's  "  Budget,"  aad  ho  wrote,  besides, 
"  Ad  I'^ay  ou  Design  in  Gardening."  CKatham  C(trrtipwid»nc» ;  Orenvillt  Papert,  —  Ei>. 


278 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Earl  of  Dunmore  to  the  Earl  of  TlilMorough. 

[Now.Yurk  I'»|>or»  (BitlePopcr  (ifflco)  OLXIU.] 

,,    .      ,  Now  York,  the  O""  July  1771 

My  Lord,  ■' 

Governor  Tryon  arrived  here  Yesterdny  and  ns  he  had  not  received  my  letter,  which  (in 
consequence  of  Your  lordship's  intimation)  proposed  the  exchange  hetween  us.  I  made  the 
oiler  to  him  in  person,  and  communicated  Your  Lordship's  letter  upon  lliat  sul.ject ;  he  has 
not  thouglit  proper  to  ac(]uiesce  therein,  but  has  taken  upon  him  the  Administration  of  this 
Government,  and  I  shall  with  all  diligence  prepare  myself  to  repr.ir  to  that,  which  it  has 
pleased  his  Majesty  to  appoint  me,  intreating  that  Your  Lordship  will  represent  to  his  Majesty 
that  I  should  not  have  hesitated  to  pay  immediate  obedience  to  the  Orders  I  n-ceived  from 
Your  Lordship,  had  I  conceived  that  my  services  would  prove  more  eilectual  in  Virginia,  than 
in  New  York;  and  I  hope  my  zeal  for  his  Majesty's  service  will  enable  me  upon  this,  as  well 
as  on  every  future  occasion,  to  give  his  Majesty  the  satisfaction  which  will  ever  he  the  object 
of  my  conduct,  and  I  trust  (  shall  be  happy  enough  to  secure  to  myself  Your  Lordships 
approbation,     I  am.  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient 

'p„  .1     V     I    r  iTM  I  .  humble  Servant 

To  the  Karl  of  Hillsborough.  Dunmore 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Rirl  of  llilhlHjrowjh. 

t  Ncw-r.ijk  l'n|.<T«  iSmu-  r«|H'r  onlco)  CI.XIII. ) 

j^l  ,  J  ^  .  New  York  the  9"'  of  July,  1771 

In  pursuance  of  his  Majesty's  Commands  I  embarked  at  Newhern  in  North  Carolina  the 
ao'"  of  last  Month  and  arrived  in  this  (iovernment  the  ?"•  Ins'  The  next  morning  I  had 
the  honour  to  receive  his  Majesty's  Commission  and  Instructions  from  the  Karl  of  Dunmore 
for  my  conduct  and  guidance  in  the  Administration  of  the  ( JovernmenI  ol  NVw  York,  accordingly 
this  morning  I  produced  to  his  Lordship  in  Council,  the  said  Commission  and  Instructions, 
took  the  oaths  agreeable  thereto,  when  his  Lordship  d.'livered  me  up  the  (Jreat  S^e'il  of 
the  I'rovince. 

The  (ienllemen  of  the  Council  then  present  (^lalified  by  taking  the  Oaths  prescribed,  after 
which  !  proceeded  in  nrocession  to  the  'I'own  ILill  where  my  Commission  was  publickly  read 
to  a  multitude  of  his  .   ..jesly's  cheerfuil  and  I  «yall  Subjects. 

I  feel  My  Lord  the  warmest  (Jratilude  for  this  fresh  ;ind  most  distinguished  mark  of  my 
Sovereign's  most  gracious  favor  to  me  and  shall  endeavor  to  the  utmost  of  my  Abilities 
to  deserve  so  highly  honorable  and  important  a  Trust.  1  am,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
und  regard, 

My  Lord,  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient 
humble  Servant 

W"   TUVON. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


279 


p.  S.  I  had  the  satisfaction  to  meet  Governor  Martin'  in  this  Town  who  is  recovering  from  a 
long  indisposition.     Ho  sails  in  a  few  days  for  his  Government  of  Nortii  Carolina. 

Earl  of  Hillsborough. 


r 
see 


Governor  Trijnn  to  the  Earl  of  IlUhhorough. 

.,      ..  [Now.Torkr»p«M  (SUito  Paper  OIIIm)  CLXIlI.l 

INo  2. 

j^,     ,  ,,^j^  f'o""'  George,  New  York,  the  6"  August  177 1 

I  have  been  honored  with  Your  Lordship's  dispatch,  containing  the  Duplicate  of  iV  1  and 
original  of  No  2:  the  letter  is  now  under  the  Consideration  of  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Council. 

Such  of  my  (Jeneral  Instructions  as  I  conceived  affected  the  Council  I  ordered  to  be  entered 
on  the  Minutes  thereof.  I  have  hitherto  done  no  business  of  moment,  receiving  and  returning 
the  Civilities  of  the  Country  has  been  my  chief  employ.  1  herewith  forward  to  Your 
Lordship  the  Addresses  and  Answers  on  the  occasion  of  the  honour  his  Majesty  has  done  me 
in  placing  me  in  this  part  of  his  Dominions. 

'I'he  following  are  the  number  of  the  public  papers  and  letters  of  correspondence  from  you 
Lordship's  Ollice  which  the  Earl  of  Dunmore  left  under  my  care  (I  hud  not  the  honor  to  se( 
any  that  he  wrote)  Vidz' 

"  Additional  Instruction  from  his  ^fajesty  concerning  the  lands  upon  Lake  Champlain 
bearing  date  4""  December  17(;!». 

Letter  to  8ir  Henry  Moore  N"  3;» 

Letters  to  Lient.  Governor  Colden  N"  38.  39.  40 

Letter  to  (iovernor  of  New  York  N"  1 

1  purpose  to  meet  the  General  Assembly  in  October  next. 

1  thank  Your  F-ordship  for  sending  me  the  grntefiiil  intelligence  of  her  Majesty's  Safe  delivery 
of  a  Young  prince,  a  circnmHtance  very  pleasing  to  his  Majesty's  Subjects  in  this  Province.  I 
am,  my  Lord,  with  the  greatest  respect,  My  Lord,  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  Servant, 

W'"  Thv-.x. 

'  Oovornor  J,«,„.  Mart,.  »«,  UM,.r  of  Si.m.ul  M.Hin.  M.  1".  for  f.m.Ifor,!.  (■ornwnll,tKn..l«n.l.  wl,o  wm  S^oroUry  of 
til..  Ir..«.ur.v  M.  I  ;:.rt,  «Uo  T,..«„n..r  to  ll.«  IViucrM  |.,.w,tf,.r  .,f  W,l,.^  «„d  who  I...I  .li,tin«ui.l,<..l  liimwlf  1,t  fl«l,li.,K  • 
.l.,..|  «„l,,  .n,l  wu,.M,lin«,  II,..  f,.„on,  .l.,l„.  W.lk...^     ,lo,inl,  pmLt-.I  tl„.  .rmy  i,.   l.eo„„her,   IVftrt.  „.  K„.i«M  .,f  tlu,  4tl,  or 

h,.,K.o«nr..«iH,..Mt  .,f|.-o„t.     .In  tli«  ii.or..«,e  .,f  ll,e  ,rmy  i,.  I7ni    1...  w«,  »,,,u.i„u.,l   M<j,.r  in   III.   |m:),1    or   V.,lu. r 

llnnl.r.,  ..n.l  tl.nl  rr«iment  (..rinx  l,»en  r».lu..6,l  ...on  aflor,  ho  i,  «a,rw«r.l.  fonn.l  in  Ih.  Ii,t  of  I,i..uton„nt('..l..nrl,  „„til 
n.-,».  -In«v  /.M/.     II..  .nt-r. ,1  ,.n  ll... «,h,.i„i.lr»lion  of  the  ..Ifuir,  .,f  North  f..r..lin«,  on  tho  1 1th  .luly,  1771.  lull in.forlunBt.  ly 

'""  !•••'•''••"-"'■  t""l  >"■•! ' 1  l>ii"  I-lili.'«l  .lilli.ulil,.,  in  whi.h  ho  ...on  I.ecu..  i„r..lvt..l,  hy  th..  »|,",,ro„.h  of  the  K.  .olntior, 

In  Ih..  f.ll  of  1774,  .l„v..rn„r  M»rlin  r,v,»it..,|  N..w  York,  ,n.|  rH.ir„..,l  to  North  C«r..lin.,  In  K..|,rn«ry,  IT'.ft;  »  L.tl.T  ..f  h,. 

'"  "'"'""'  "•"'•  '' """  "  '"ItI.V  "f  ">■'"•  ""'I  » •«H'ili..n,  w«,  .h,.rtly  »rt..r  int.r....,>l..,l,  ,o  fin.linjj  him.oi.  ,..,,,m(...1  ,„.l 

in.,..«ro,  h,.  n,..|,  .,n  th,.  ..411.  of  April,  I77»,  t.,  Kort  .I..hn,t..n,  on  Ih..  .■»,..  K«»r  river.     Hut  tho  WhiK.  p.ir...«1.  .n.l  drov. 
hi.n  fr...,,  th.  K.,rl.  to  tl,..  K.ni;',  ,l,.o|,  of  w„r.  ,h..  (•rni.,.r  ;  fro,,,  11,1.  .l.i,,  ,.„  t|„  »,h  of  A..^..«^  ho  i„„..,l  ,  prn.U,„„,|„„. 

;'"'■' '  7'"""''  ''""«^'"  '"""■'"•'  "•  '"■  '"'""  ''.V  >l...  cotnmon  h»nK,„«„.     Th..  h.tll..  of  .Moor.'.  f.e..k,  in  «hi..h  tho 

r,.,,.li.tM.„.|..r.V..|. .1.1,  w,.,..,l..f.„l.,l   ,n,|  .li.|,„.«,|  l,yf„l„n..||....w.,||,    f.,||„we.l   in    K..|,ru»rv,    177.1     nn,|  (iov.rnor 

*^*""''  •"' '■.''""'  ""  '"■"^''  "'••  "'■•  •  "f  '^'^  '"""^  l'«'k".  •"!».  .1  .t  fh»rlH.t..n,  Sonlh  t„r..lin«.  ..nrly  in  ,1. f  th,t  v«r. 

M,  r,t.r..rf  -«l.« tly,  ,,  N.,w  v..,k,  .„,,  ,M„,  .^  ,i„„k.».,,  ,.   ,..  ,„  tJ„r„„Ur,  1.7H.     II,.  „ut..  ,n  North  fnrolin,  w«. 

•"•^tri-»-««rtl    Sabint  -   Jfarttnj  .VwHA  f  o,-«,fi<.  —  i;„ 


280 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


P.  S.  The  German  Protestants  (as  appears  by  tlieir  address  inclosed)  are  duly  sensible  of 
the  honor  done  them  by  his  Majesty's  approbation  of  their  oilers  to  assist  Government. 

Earl  Hillsborough. 


N">  16. 


Sh-    William  Johnson  to  the  Eitrl  of  IMshormigh. 

[  New-Tork  Papcri  ( Stale  Paper  Office  )  CCLTII.  ] 

Johnson  Hall,  August  O'*  1771 
My  Lord, 

I  was  lately  honoured  with  Your  Lordship's  letter  ( Nno)  which  I  delayed  '  for  some  days  that 
T  might  at  the  same  time  acquaint  Your  Lordship  with  the  issue  of  a  Congress  I  was  then  about 
to  hold  with  the  Six  Nations  which  was  occasioned  by  informations  received  by  my  Deputy  at 
Fort  Pitt  from  a  Shawanese  Indian  and  others.  The  substance  of  which  was,  that  the  Six 
Nations  were  concerned  in  exciting  the  Shawanese,  Delawares,  &  many  others  to  make  war 
upon  us,  and  altho  this  had  been  formerly  propagated  without  any  just  grounds  or  foundation 
I  judged  it  best  policy  to  call  the  chiefs  to  a  Congress  thereon  in  order  to  show  that  such 
Designs,  by  whatsoever  Nation  carried  on,  could  not  be  totally  concealed  from  us,  w''  might 
prove  a  check  on  the  Nation  which  first  excited  it,  and  render  them  suspicious  of  each  other. 

The  Cheifs  only  were  summoned,  but  many  more  attending,  to  the  number  of  350,  I  opened 
the  conference  the  14'*  Ult°  which  held  for  several  days. 

I  began  by  acquainting  them  with  the  ol)ligation  they  were  under  to  give  me  the  earliest 
information  that  was  anywise  interesting  and  that  I  was  surprised  to  hear  (rom  another  quarter 
of  some  dangerous  transactions  which  might  prove  the  ruin  of  those  concerned,  adding  that  I 
expected  to  have  tlie  certain  particulars  from  them.  On  their  appearing  ignorant  of  what 
I  hinted  at  I  gave  them  to  understand  that  I  had  received  an  account  of  their  being  engaged  in 
promoting  a  Ifupture  with  the  Indians,  the  event  of  which  must  have  proved  verry  fatal  to 
themselves.  They  gave  me  many  assurances  to  the  contrary  aiui  requested  to  know  their 
accusers,  on  which  I  related  to  them  what  I  thought  sulVicient  to  convince  any  that  might  have 
been  privy  thereto  that  no  designs  of  any  ill  tendency  could  long  remain  a  secret  to  the  Knglish; 
this  produced  many  speeches  on  both  sides  the  last  of  which  being  the  most  material  I  herewith 
inclose  as  I  did  not  judge  them  of  sullicient  importance  to  give  Your  Lordship  the  trouble  of 
perusing  the  whole.  Alter  this  I  told  them  that  I  couhl  not  think  their  answer  salisfaclory, 
until  the  Belts  mentioned  in  their  Speech  were  delivered  up.  which  they  promised  to  see  strictly 
performed  and  alh-r  renewing  the  Covenant  Chain  the  Congress  ended. 

On  this  Congress  I  have  only  to  observe  that  altho  there  is  some  cause  to  doubt  of  the 
friendship  of  the  Senecas  on  the  Ohio  and  nt  Chenussij,  for  reasons  formerly  given.  Yet  I 
had  not,  neither  have  I,  any  renson  to  suKpcct  the  rest  of  the  Senecas,  or  any  other  o(  the 
Confederate  Nations.  McHides  I  know  it  to  have  been  before  the  practice  of  those  Nations, 
more  remote  from  us,  and  who  are  apprehensive  of  the  Six  Nations,  to  propagate  •tories  much 


•naweiing.  Jvltmmm  Manumrift*.  —  Li>, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLllI.  £81 

to  the  disadvantage  of  the  latter,  with  a  view  to  exasperate  us  against  Ihem.and  thereby  draw 
them  into  their  association,  and  I  am  confident  Ihat  if  an  opportunity  offered  I  could  give  a 
demonstrating  proof  of  their  fidelity,  from  the  part  they  would  u^ke  in  our  quarrels  if  required 
80  to  do. 

I  have  always  been  entirely  of  Your  Lordship's  opinion  with  regard  to  the  advantages  we 
may  expect  from  the  jealousies  subsisting  between  one  nation  and  another,  and  I  have 
more  than  once  observed  y'  like  to  Your  Lordship,  I  have  been  also  always  averse  to  entering 
into  any  of  their  private  concerns.  It  would  therefore  give  me  great  pain  could  I  have  the  least 
reason  to  accuse  myself  of  deviating  from  Your  Lordships  sentiments,  and  my  own  so 
repeatedly  expressed,  and  I  am  persuaded  it  can  be  sulliciently  made  to  appear  that  no  part  of 
my  proceedings,  if  they  have  been  justly  expressed  in  my  pacquets  could  have  a  tendency  so 
contrary  to  the  political  practice  I  have  always  adopted.  Indeed  it  is  extremely  necessary  & 
gives  the  Indians  a  favourable  idea  of  our  justice  &.  friendship  to  appear  concerned  at  their 
private  divisions  or  differences  &  desireous  to  see  them  composed,  but  •  never  interfere  in  any 
where  his  Majesty's  interest  and  the  public  tranquility  is  not  materially  concerned,  which  was 
peculiarly  the  case  in  the  affair  of  the  Deputies  sent  to  Sioto  where  the  Cheils  of  the  most 
powerfull  Nations  on  the  continent  were  assembled  for  purposes  that  were  too  interesting  to  be 
overlooked,  so  that  it  appeared  highly  necessary  to  me  that  they  should  know  we  were  not 
ignorant  of  their  designs,  &  that  they  should  be  reprimanded  for  their  past  conduct,  and 
cautioned  against  any  future  Indertakings  and  the  means  by  which  this  was  ordered  to  be 
effected,  as  well  as  the  agents  made  use  of  were  in  my  judgement  the  best  calculated  for  that 
purpose,  as  well  as  for  keeping  up  that  jealousy  which  contributes  so  much  to  our  security. 
Those  Deputies  are  shortly  expected  home,  when  I  shall  transmit  the  result  of  their  embassy 
and  1  Hatter  myself  that  my  long  experience  in  these  matters,  &  zeal  to  acquit  myself  as  an 
usefull  servant  to  the  Crown,  will  continue  to  me  Your  Lordship's  favourable  opinion.'  Could 
my  authority  extend  to  the  redress  of  grievances  in  any  thing  material  we  should  have  much 
less  apprehension  from  the  Indians,  but,  as  my  authority  cannot  be  so  far  extended.  Your 
Lordship  may  rely  on  my  <ioing  everry  thing  in  my  power  for  the  interests  of  the  Crown  and 
the  public  within  the  limits  prescribed  to  me,  and  that  faithfully  according  to  the  best  of  my 
judgement.     I  liave  the  honor  to  be  with  the  most  perfect  esteem,  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordships  most  obedient 

&  most  humble  Servant 

VV    Johnson. 

'  of  ,i.y  onpnoitv  f-.r  tlio  ..m....  I  h,.v,.  tl,»  1.„nor  tn  1,„M.  „  ,f,„  „  „h...  .,f  ,„oo,-«ful  ,or»io«,  nolhinn  oouM  U  .  more 
•eii..l>l«  i..ort.lu.tu».  t..  I.1U  tli»ii  tlic  tl,„»^,|,i  .,f  l.mi,,;;  i„cu.ri,l  your  l.urJ»l>i,.'»  ocn.uru.  JJtnuH  ilanu^npl,.  -  Eu. 


I         \ 


Vol..  vin. 


M 


28S 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Proceedings  of  Sir   William  Johnson  with  the  Indians. 

[  New-York  Pnpera  ( SUIe  Paper  OBIm)  CCLTII. ] 

Extract  from  the  Proceedings  of  a  Congress  with  the  Six  Nations  held  at  Johnson 
Hall  in  July  1771. 

At  a  Congress  held  on  Tuesday  July  IG""  1771 

PuESENT — Sir  William  Johnson  Bar'  Super  Intend' 

Sir  John  Johnson  Kn' 

Daniel  Glaus  )  ^ 

(luy  Johnson  |        *^      ° 

Richard  Shuckhurgh  Esq'  Sec"'  Ind"  AfFairs. 

John  Butler  Esq'  Interp' 

Dan'  Canipb-ll  Esq'  Judge  of  Com"  l»leas  for  Alhany  County 

The  Kev''  M'  Stuart,  Missionary  to  the  Mohacks. 

The  Rev"  M'  Andrews,  Missionary  for  Schenectady, 
with  several  other  fientlemen. 

The  Indians  being  assembled  to  answer  Sir  William's  speech  of  the  day  before  Tyorhnnsera 
Cheif  Speaker  arose,  and  after  repeating  all  that  had  past  during  the  whole  Congress  on  the 
sev'  Bells  &c  proceeded  as  follows 

Brother  Warraghyagey 

We  are  now  assembled  to  answer  you,  agreable  to  what  you  said  on  your  first  Belt  and  in 

the  first  place  assure  you  that  as  it  lias  given  us  much  concern  to  hear  of  any  suspicion 

entertained  of  our  Fid.-lity,  we  have  given  it  that  serious  consideration  which  an  affair  of  such 

importance  required,  and  we  shall  give  you  as  full  and  true  an  answer,  as  we  are  able  thereupon. 

„    ,,  A  Belt  of  8  Rows 

Brother, 

We  have  for  your  satisfaction  made  :i  very  strict  enquiry  amongst  our  several  nations 
concerning  the  Intelligence  that  you  received  hut  after  the  closest  examination  amongst  the 
principal  nations  here  we  could  not  find  one  single  person  acquainted  therewith,  Y'et  still 
further  to  convince  you  of  our  sincerity,  and  sensible  that  if  any  of  our  People  harbored 
any  evil  thoughts  they  were  not  propagated  on  this  side  of  the  Upper  Seneca  \illage8, 
Sayenqiiarraghla  has  last  night  examined  those  of  the  farthest  Castle,  who  are  here,  who  have 
declared  that  any  evil  yet  remaining  procee<ls  from  Ciaustarax  the  Cheif  of  Chenussio,  who  is 
now  under  the  ground,  and  was  always  a  busy  man.  that  privately  and  wickedly  concerned 
himself  in  mischief  in  the  name  but  without  the  Privity  of  the  Six  Nations.  This  troublesome 
man  sent,  at  the  late  Indian  war,  a  Belt  hatchet  with  many  bad  speeches  to  the  Shawanese, 
and  to  all  the  people  living  that  way.  but  kept  it  very  secret  from  Sayentjuarafjlita  knowing 
he  WU8  n  friend  to  the  English.  By  this  Ihll  he  acquainted  all  these  Nations  that  he  would 
remove  the  door  ot  the  six  Nations  which  was  formerly  at  his  village  at  Chenussio,  down  to 
Scioto  plains,  an<l  that  he  expected  their  assistance  to  enable  hiin  t"  fight  his  way  (here,  This 
was  not  discovered  for  a  considerable  time  allerwar.lH.  as  {;ua8tarax  was  well  known  to  be  ii 
very  artful  designing  man,  always  employed  in  mischief.     We  both  dis-regarded  him  nnd 


LGInDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


283 


disavowed  his  acts,  with  which  we  presumed  you  had  been  well  acquainted,  but  that  you  did 

not  particularly  notice  it,  from  your  reliance  on  our  fidelity.     But,  Brothers,  the  disposition  of 

those  people  who  appear  to  accuse  us  is  well  known,  and  that  they  are  but  too  ready  to  quarrell 

with  the  English,  and  as  Guastarax's  cunning  was  well  known  both  to  you  and  us,  we  should 

not  be  surprised,  if  he  had  at  several  times  dnce,  sent  Belts  to  the  Ohio,  and  particularly  when 

he  met  so  many  In.ilans  from  thence,  at  the  Treaty  at  Fort  Stanwix,  we  having  now  discovered 

«rom  an  Indian  now  here,  who  received  it  some  time  ago  from  a  Shawnnese  at  the  Big  Island, 

that  Guastarax  had  then  sent  Belt.,  recommending  it  to  those  living  at  that  place,  to  retire  to 

the  great  plains,  that  their  young  men  should  apply  themselves  to  hunting  for  three  years, 

to  purchase  necessarys  for  war,  a-id  that  when  they  were  ready  he  would  assist  them.     This 

Circumstance  was   known  to  the  person   who  mentioned  it  Yesterday  for  some  time,  but 

considered  by  him  as  a  project  totally  laid  aside,  and  we  can  truely  assure  you  that  we  knew 

nothing  even  of  this,  till  he  told  it  us,  after  you  had  delivered  your  speech,  and  that  we  have 

never  sent  any  such   belts,  or  messages,  to  those  people,  neither  have  we  ever  heard  of  any 

such  being  sent  by  any  of  the  8ix  Nations,  but  what  we  just  now  mention.     We  have  often 

observed  that  the  Chenussios  are  neglectful,  we  must  acknowledge  they  are  very  liable  to 

suspicion,  they  have  very  often  diflere-"  from  us  in  Sentiments,  and  Conduct,  and  as  it  is  known 

to  you,  that  Gaustarax  was  capable  of  doing  any  bad  thing,  we  suppose  he  may  have  left  such 

Belts  with  these  people,  and  that  they  still  remain  thereof  which  they  now  take  an  advantage, 

but  we  again  affirm  that  none  of  us  had  any  knowledge  of  them,  or  concern  therein,  and  we 

think  It  extremely  hard  to  be  constantly  charged  with  the  Acts  of  particular  bad  men  who 

neither  reg'ird  our  advice,  or  divulge  their  schemes  to  us,  though  they  may  make  use  of  our 

names  as  a  cover  to  their  badness  of  heart.  A  Black  and  White  Belt.  7  Rows. 

Brother, 

Now  having  truely  and  fairly  relate.!  to  you  all  we  are  acquainte.l  with  touching  this 
disagreeable  news,  we  declare  that  in  case  any  such  .secret  hatchet  should  he  siill  amongst  the 
Indians  about  the  Ohio,  we  are  ready  and  willing  to  use  our  utmost  authority  to  take  it  away 
and  bury  it  forever,  but  as  Thomas  King  with  our  other  Deputies  are  now  gone  to  that 
Country  with  the  most  ample  powers  lor  restoring  peace  &  eireclually  checking  all  those  who 
would  disturb  you.  or  us.  we  are  confident  he  will  bring  it  away  with  him  at  lii^  return,  if  any 
such  there  is;  however,  should  it  be  concealed  from  him,  &  siill  remain  in  their  hands,  we 
engage  as  a  hirther  proof  of  our  friendship,  and  pacihc  disposition  to  fetch  it  from  t.icnce,  and 
to  prevent  as  far  as  lies  in  my  power  any  such  private  dealings  in  future.  These  are  the 
Words  o(  truth,  and  our  sincere  resolutions.  a  large  Bell,  1-2  Itows. 


Kxlracted  from  the  Minutes  of  Ind"  AllairB  &  Exam''  by 


Uicii''  iSiircKinudii 

8ecry  for  Ind"  Afliiirs. 


N»6. 
My  Lord, 


O'ovcniiir   7'ri/on  to  tlie  Karl  of  IliHsltorouijh. 

[New-Vurk  Papcn  (.^Ule  Papvr  iifflm>)i;|.XIll.1 


Fort  George,  New  York.  Sept'  ',"'.  1771 


^  As   doubts    have    arrisen    respecting    the    appointment  of  Surrogate    ami   Ifegisler  of   lh« 
rrcrogativu  Uouri  wilhiii  ihm  (iovirumeni,  I  beg  U-ave  to  submit  the  eijiiiiy  and  I'loprieiy  of 


284 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


the  claims  to  his  Majesty:  The  one  claiming  the  appointment  of  the  Officer  of  the  said  Court, 
under  tiie  King's  Commission  as  Commander  in  Chief  In  and  over  the  province,  the  latter  under 
the  patent  of  Secretary  of  the  I'rovince. 

M'  Banyar's  Memorial,  in  behalf  of  M'  George  Ciaik  Secretary,  ]with  a  Copy  he  delivered 
me  of  an  Order  of  his  late  Majesty  in  Council  at  the  Court  of  Kensingto;.  the  S"*  of  May  1768, 
I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  to  your  Lordship,  together  with  my  letter  in  answer  to  Mr 
Banyar's  Memorial,  wherein  I  required  the  Prerogative  Seal  to  he  delivered  up  to  me  ;  The 
rights  of  this  Court,  My  Lord,  I  was  in  the  exercise  of  in  North  Carolina;  with  this  Difference 
that  the  Crown  of  the  Great  Seal  was  used  to  all  instruments  as  the  prerogative  Seal,  and  that 
Wills  were  by  the  Direction  of  a  particulc  ■- .  '"  Assembly  recorded  in  the  County  Courts. 
Finding  therefore  on  my  arrival  here  that  t.>>  al  perquisites  which  were  appropriated  in 

North  Carolina  to  the  support  of  the  Govi  s  private  Secretary,  were  received  by  the 
Surrogate  and  Registry  in  Question,  and  also  finding  the  Earl  of  Dunmore  had  actually  given 
to  M''  Banyar  the  Deputy  Secretary,  the  Commission  of  Surrogate  and  Registry,  and  after 
receiving  opinions,  both  in  England  and  in  this  town,  from  gentlemen  of  the  first  eminence  of 
the  Bar,  that  such  appointment  was  vested  in  the  Governor,  I  gave  the  Commission  in  question 
to  M''  Fanning,'  my  private  Secretary,  as  an  honorable  testimony  of  his  public  and  distinguished 
services  in  the  late  rebellion  in  North  Carolina,  where  he  commanded  the  Orange  Detachment 
of  200  men,  and  in  reconipence  for  the  loss  he  sustained  by  his  house  and  furniture  being 
destroyed  in  the  Riot  at  Hillsborough  Superior  Court  in  September  last.  I  shall  not  trouble 
Your  Lordship  with  any  law  points,  but  rest  my  conduct  in  this  instance  on  the  Equity  of  the 
case.     I  am,  with  real  esteem  and  regard 

My  Lord,  Your  Lordships 

Most  obedient  Servant 

Earl  Hillsborough.  W'"  Tryo.v 


N'O. 


Juitl  of  Jfilhhoroiigh  to  Governor  Tryon, 

[Nt'W-Vork  r>pcn(81ite  P>t>cromcii)CLXni    ] 

Whitehall  4"'  December  1771 


(Gov'  Tryon,)  Sir, 

I  lake  the  first  opportunity  after  my  return  to  London  to  congratulate  you  upon  your  arrival 
nt  New  York  &  to  acquaint  you  that  it  hath  given  his  Majesty  much  satislaclion  to  liml  that 

'  KimiMi  Iannixo,  who  BftiTvnnln  Imiimo  hi  imloiiijim  jn  tin.  war  of  tl.c  Uivolnlion,  wnn  llli^illll1ly  Hii  nltiiriii'y  of  Ninth 
Camlinii,  nml  r.|.ri'«iiil(;(i  in  the  Aiwirnljly  thirc  the  i-ouiilj-  nf  Oriiiiifc,  nf  whii  h  lie  wimthi'  licconhr  of  I>p(i|ii  ami  ('ohm.  1  of 
thoriiihlio.  IK'  iniiriii'il  Uuvurnor  Tryoii'ii  dniii^htcr,  niiil  reinlcreil  himarif  id  oihuu«lu  hin  iirii^hhort  ihnt  he  nocoiii|miiit'il  hli 
fathor-iii-hiw  to  NowYork  in  \\\f  cniinoily  of  I'riviitoSi'iri'tttry.  In  J7"il  he  nceived  nulhoiity  to  enlinl  a  ciir|m  of  l.ojulwts, 
afterwards  ciillfd  tho  Amoeiateil  Kcfiiuces or  King's  American  Ue({inieiil  of  Koot ;  it  wii«  raisecl  wiih  fiindo  »uh«erilMMl  in 
Stalen  Islnml,  Kinp'n  Comity,  town  of  Jntnaiea,  and  eity  of  Ni-wVork.  Thi«  rcKiniont  win  dishiimled  in  17811.  In  Sejiti'm- 
ber  of  that  year  Col,  Tunning  wii»«worn  in  I.ii'Uten»Ml<iovernor  of  NovaSivtia.  He  waiii«il>Ko<|  .ently  appointed  I.ie'Uenant- 
Oovernor  of  I'rince  IMwiird'n  Iithind,   the  nffiirn  of  whieh  I'nivinee  he  adniiiiiiilered  for  nearly  nineteen  venr»,  Suhinr.     He 

beeanie  Major  (Jeneral  in  the  army  in  17Si:t;   l.ii'iiii.nant  (ii'iicral  in   I7!i'.';  (ienerul  ■J.'i  April,  IHiis,  and  died  at  an  advan 1 

ni-'e,  in   hia  houne  in  I'pper  Seymour  Klnel,   London,  on  th«  !J8th  February  lhl8.     Ilia  widow  and  three  daughter*  mrvived 
him.  (JiHtUmant  il<ij/,itim,  L.W.WUI.,  401). —  Eii. 


I  I 
t 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


285 


you  have  met  with  so  favourable  &  affectionate  a  Keception  from  all  ranks  of  his  Maiestv's 
buhjects  in  that  Colony.  J     ^Z  » 

I  have  long  lamented  the  disorders  which  have  prevailed  on  the  lands  heretofore  considered 
as  part  of  the  province  of  New  Hampshire,  but  which  were  annexed  to  the  Government  of 
^ew  lork  by  his  Majesty's  Order  in  Council  of  the  20"'  July  1764. 

By  this  order  however  all  Contests  between  the  two  Governments  in  respect  to  territorial 
.jurisdiction  were  finally  decided.  &  therefore  if  Acts  of  Violence  have  been  committed  with 
impunity  &  the  authority  of  Government  insulted,  it  is  not  to  be  attributed  to  any  want  of 
JJecision  of  Government  here. 

It  is  true  indeed  that  his  Majesty  hath  thought  fit  to  suspend  any  final  determination  with 
regard  to  the  different  claims  of  Property  in  those  Lnnds  until  the  State  of  each  claim  could  be 
fuUy  examined,  and  it  might  reasonably  have  been  expected,  that  in  a  case  where  so  many 
different  rights  &  Interests  were  in  question,  the  servants  of  the  Crown  in  the  several 
Departments  would  not  proceed  without  due  caution  &  circumspection,  and  would  avoid 
hastily  deciding  upon  a  matter  of  so  mud,  difficulty  &  importance,  I  have  the  satisfaction 
however  to  acquaint  you  that  the  Hoard  o(  Trade  did  some  lime  since  make  a  full  Report  to 
the  I'r.vy  Council  upon  this  subject,  and  I  doubt  not  but  that  I  shall  soon  be  enabled  to  send 
you  the  necessary  instructions  in  consequence  tiiereof. 

The  King  approves  of  your  conduct  in  having  demanded  Reparation  of  the  Governor  of  St 
Domingo  for  the  losses  which  Capt.  Frisby  of  the  Hawke  sustained  by  the  Seizure  of  his  vessel 
and  the  unjustifiable  treatment  he  met  with  from  the  Spaniards  in  that  Government,  but  the 
King's  servants  are  inclined  to  think  that  you  went  rather  farther  than  belonged  to  vour 
Situation  111  demanding  the  punishment  of  the  Ollicers  who  made  the  Seizure. 

[t  was  very  natural  in  a  matter  of  that  consequence  for  you  to  think  of  taking  the  advice  of 
your  Council,  I  beleive  however  upon  reconsideiation  of  the  subject  you  will  be  Opinion  that 
11  IS  not  proper  to  lay  before  a  provincial  Council  (or  their  coimideration  any  matters  of  a 
general  public  nature  which  have  no  immediate  relation  to  the  affairs  of  that  Colony  &  I  am 
to  signify  to  you  his  Majesty's  pleasure  that  you  do  for  the  future  avoi.l  taking  that  step  in 
any  instance  ol  a  like  nature. 

I  have  read  with  attention  the  Report  of  the  Committee  of  Council  upon  the  Extract  of  my 
letter  N»a  which  you  thought  fit  to  communicate  to  them,  on  which  I  have  only  to  observe 
that  as  the  Minutes  of  the  Council  to  which  they  refer  for  their  justification  were  not  received 
at  the  Plantation  Office  till  more  than  a  month  after  my  letter  was  wrote,  I  had  nothing  to 
form  my  opinion  upon  hut  f.ord  Dunmore's  Representation  of  the  Case,  in  which  he  neither 
states  the  ground  for  drawing  into  question  the  Right  of  the  Patentees  of  1700,  nor  makes 
any  mention  of  otiier  persons  being  associated  with  CaA.  Hrailstreet. 

As  the  mode  however  of  granting  lands  in  New  York  and  the  Council's  proceeding  thereupon 
are  matters  of  very  great  importance,  as  well  in  respect  to  the  Interests  of  the  Crown  as  to  the 
Rights  of  the  Subject,  and  will  most  probal.,y  be  the  subject  of  serious  consideration  at  a  proper 
opportunity,  I  must  desire  you  will,  as  soon  as  inav  be,  report  to  me  for  his  Majesty's 
information  n  full  state  of  the  method  of  procee.ling  upon  application  for  grants  of  lands  in 
order  that  his  Majesty  may  be  informe.l  whether  such  Metho.l  ,loes  or  does  not  correspond 
with  the  letter  and  spirit  of  the  Royal  Instructions  given  for  that  purpose;  for  if  it  should 
turn  out  that  (iranis  are  made  to  persons  by  name  who  never  personally  appear  at  the  Council 
Board,  or  are  examined  as  to  their  ability  to  cultivate  and  improve  the  I.and  ihev  petition  (or. 


28G 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


and  that  the  insertion  of  Names  in  a  Patent  under  pretence  of  their  being  associates  or 
co-partners  is  only  a  Colour  for  giving  to  any  one  person  more  than  he  is  allowed  by  the 
King's  Instructions;  it  is  an  abuse  of  so  gross  and  fraudulent  a  nature  as  deserves  the  severest 
Reprehension,  and  it  is  highly  necessary,  both  for  the  interest  of  the  Crown  and  for  the 
dignity  of  his  Majesty's  Government  that  some  efTectual  measure  should  be  taken  to  put  a 
stop  to  it. 

As  the  Report  of  the  Committee  of  the  Council  will  I  trust  lead  to  a  discussion  that  has 
become  so  highly  necessary  I  am  not  on  this  account  sorry  that  my  Letter  to  you  which 
produced  that  Report  was  communicated  to  the  Council,  but  as  it  contained  no  directions  from 
the  King  that  it  should  be  made  that  use  of.  His  Majesty  observes  that  you  have  not  attended 
to  his  order  signified  in  my  circular  letter  of  the  2''  of  Sept'  17G8  of  which,  lest  it  should  be 
mislaid,  I  enclose  you  a  Copy. 

I  am  happy  to  be  able  to  confirm  to  you  the  Recovery  of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of 
Gloucester  from  the  disorder  that  put  his  life  in  so  much  danger  at  Leghorn,  an  event  that  I 
am  persuaded  will  give  general  satisfaction  and  joy  to  all  his  Majesty's  faithful  Subjects. 
1  am,  fcc" 

Hillsborough. 


i 


i» 


hi     •  ' 


JSarl  of  HiUshorough  to  Sir    William  Johnson, 


(NM?.) 


[  Ncw-York  I>ap«n  ( SUte  Paper  OBlce )  CCLVlI.  ] 


Sir. 


Whitehall,  Dec'  4."'  177 J. 


I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  your  Dispatch  iNo  IG. 

The  Detention  of  the  airthor  of  the  false  Reports  spread  amongst  the  Indians  upon  the  Ohio, 
with  a  view  to  engage  them  in  a  general  plan  of  hostility,  is  a  very  happy  event,  and  leaves 
no  room  to  doubt  of  the  propriety  of  that  measure  which  led  to  so  important  a  discovery. 

I  am  satisfied  from  what  passed  at  the  Congress  at  .Johnson  Hall  that  the  fidelity  of  the 
Si.\  Nations  is  not  to  be  doubted,  &  whilst  they  continue  firm  we  have  little  to  fear  from 
the  Machinations  of  the  Senecas  at  Chenussio,  who  seem,  for  private  purposes  of  their  own,  to 
have  separated  themselves  from  the  rest  of  their  tribe,  and  whose  intrigues  appear  to  be 
founded  in  views  inconsistent  with  the  interests  of,  and  disapproved  by,  the  Confederacy  in 
general.  Their  Motions  however  ought  to  he  watched,  and  there  seems  nothing  wanting  to 
defeat  their  designs  but  their  knowing  we  are  not  ignorant  of  them. 

I  am  happy  to  find  that  my  sentiments  with  regard  to  the  advantages  to  be  gained  from  the 
jealousies  subsisting  between  one  tribe  of  the  Indians  and  another  correspond  with  your  own 
Ideas  on  that  subject:  I  agree  with  you  however  that  the  operation  of  those  jealousies  to 
defeat  any  dangerous  plan  that  may  be  proposed  is  not  always  to  be  relied  on,  and  I  am  now 
satisfied  as  weil  from  what  you  slate  respecting  the  Congress  at  Scioto  as  from  what  appeared 
at  the  Congress  at  Johnson  Hull,  tlii'.t  our  Intervention  in  the  IJusiness  to  be  proposed  at  the 
first  of  those  meetings  was  necessary,  and  that  the  sending  Deputies  tiiither  from  the  Six 
Nations  was  a  proper  step. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII.  gg- 

in  om  ^'""  ^7  ^"'"","  ^^"'"'  ""^''^  ^"'  ''^''''^  *°  '^°"'-  Con«i'Jeration  when  I  was  formerly 
doe    not  extend  to  redress  those  grievances  which  are  most  material ;  and  I  am  persuaded  that 

^eetng  those  grac.ous  intentions  of  the  King,  which  induced  his  Majesty  to  feave  the 
Regulation  of  the  Commerce  to  them,  their  Representation  on  the  subject  would  have  not  o 
far  prevailed  as  to  have  occasioned  such  a  deviation  from  the  plan  at  first  propo    d    as  h  s 

nothmg  further  can   I  apprehend    be   done  untill  the  King's  Servants  are   annriaed  of  L 
Measures  wich  the  Commissioners,  who  I  find  were  to  meet  at  New  YoTonT  1 '  of  thi 
month,  shall  have  thought  fit  to  recommend. 

wett'em  r!!^"^'  '""'i"  '''  ^'''''°"  °'  ^'"  '''^'^"P''"^  Pouteatamis.  two  Nations  of  the 
ZZ,  ^°"^''^''":^'     P^^«"™«  y-  have  not  received  any  certain  advices  of  their  hostilities, 

ch  sis  „  T  "'^rl  r    '':  °'''"'°"  ^^^"«^^'  ^•''g^  '^-  ^'^'^'  'o  me  of  the  necessity  o 
cha  t.sing  them      Gen'  Gage  has  not  however  proposed  to  me  any  plan  for  this  purpose,  or 
exp  amed  the  Steps  he  intends  to  pursue,  and  therefore  I  am  unable  to  give  You  any  p.art  I  la 
Instruct.on  w,th  regard  to  Your  conduct  on  this  Event;  But  it  is  his  Majesty's  pie' sure    t  a 
you  should  co-operate,  as  far  as  belongs  to  Your  Department  in  every  me'asufe  which  G  ne 
Oage  shall  tinnk  ne,;es8ary  for  the  King's  service  on  this  occasion. 

DnCnTr!"'"'"  '.^T't  '"'■°'"  ""'  '"'^''''  P""''  '^'  '^'■^"S^^  '"  ^hich  His  Royal  Highness  The 

Duke  of  Gloucester  has  been,  from  the  attacks  of  a  very  violent  disorder  at  Leghorn,  and  his 

appy  recovery  from  ,t      It  is  with  very  particular  satisfaction  I  am  able  to  conlirm  to  you  the 

tier  part  of    hat  intelhgence  and  ,o  congratulate  you  upon  an  event  that  cannot  fail  to  give 

the  greatest  pleasure  to  all  His  Majesty's  faitlifull  Subjects.     I  am,  &c 

(Sir  William  Johnson.)  HiLLsuoiiouoir. 


Sir  William  Johmon  to  Colonel  limd^ived. 


[  New-Tork  Tape™  (  S.  l\  O. )  CI.XI  V.  ] 


Johnson  Hall.  23.  Dec""  1771. 


Sir. 

I  am  sorry  to  find  by  your  last  letter,  that  yon  have  mislaid  that,  which  you  mention  to  have 
rce.ved  fron,  me.  shev  ,ng  the  Lands  claimed  by  You  at  P,,.,n,unk  we,,  purchased  befor 
the  1  te  I  reaty  for  establ.sh.ng  the  Boundary  line,  for  being  confined  to  my  room  with  my  usual 
complamts  and  ull  of  pains.  I  ca.mot  possibly  go  to  n,y  study,  or  look  over  any  papers  of  that 
t.me  wh.ch  n.,ght  alTord  me  better  grounds  for  answering  your  presen.  request  that  I  should 
cer  ,fy  the  same.  As  I  had  no  concern  in  that  or  any  other  Indian  purchase,  all  I  can  recollect 
.s  that  when  some  purchaes  were  brought  for  confirmation  before  Sir  Henry  Moore  at  this 
p^ace,  the  Mx  .V.tmns  declared  that  their  Lands  extended  to  the  Popaghtunk  b-anch  of 
Delaware,  and  therefore  that  the  lands  over,  or  to  the  North  West  of  that  branch  clain.ed  by 
M    Harderberghs  patent  was  their  property,  and  had  never  been  aold  by  them    or  any  other 


■A  ■   / 


288 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Ind"',  but  that  they  sold  them  to  You,  that  you  miglit  patent  them,  and  would  consider  the 
Land  between  the  Mohawk  and  Popaghtunk  branches,  as  your  property  or  to  that  effect. 

Whether  this  declaration,  will  prove  of  use  to  you  or  not,  I  cannot  say,  but  it  is  as  much  as 
I  can  recollect  at  this  time,  and  is  freely  communicated  for  your  use  by 

Sir 

Your  most  obedient  and 

most  humble  servant. 

W.  Johnson. 


f0 


N»  14. 


Governor  2'ryon  to  the  Earl  of  irdhhorougk. 

[Nuw-York  Papers  (S.  P.O.)  CLXIV.] 


9""  January  1772. 
My  Lord.  ^ 

The  Commissioners  from  the  several  Colonies  expected  to  meet  in  this  City,  on  the  4""  of 
Decemb"'  last,  agreable  to  Lord  Dunmore's  and  other  Govern"  appointments,  have  failed  to 
give  their  attendance.  M'  Nelson  informed  me,  by  letter,  that  His  Miij'''''  repeal  of  a  Virginia 
Law.  under  which  their  Commissioners  were  appointed,  was  the  occasion  of  their  Failure ;  and 
Mr  Penn  enclosed  me  the  Commiss"  excuse  to  him  for  not  giving  their  attendance,  a  copy  of 
which  I  herewith  transmit  to  Your  Lord"*  Such  a  Congress  for  the  purpose  of  settling  a  plan 
of  Trade  with  the  Indians,  will  be  extremely  difficult  to  effect,  and  when  met  to  concur  in  a 
general  plai;  for  regulating  that  Trade,  will  not  probably  be  less.  But  this  suggestion  I  submit 
to  your  LofdP'a  better  wisdom. 

1  have  received  the  King's  Warrant  for  the  payment  of  my  Salary  for  this  Govern'.  I  beg  your 
LordP  V  ill  make  known  to  His  Majesty  the  humble  n"d  dutiful  sence  I  retain  for  this  and  all 
other  his  most  gracious  favours  to  me. 

The  general  Assembly  being  convened  the  7""  inst:  I  opened  the  Sessions  yesterday  with  the 
inclos<  1  speech,  which  both  houses  have  now  under  consideration. 

1  am  ettc. 

'./"'  Til  VON 


-^■'»  » ■«-♦— 


Draft  of  an  AJditlonal  Imtructiou  to  the  Governors  in  Aine>'ic>%, 

[PlMUlUonB  Ofnoral  Entriet,  XI.VI.  (  N. ),  p.  l)9i!.  ] 

1  Feb:  1772. 
Additional   Instruction   to  Our   Trusty   and    Well-beloved   William  Campbell 
Ksquire  commonly  called  Lord  William  Campbell,  Our  Captuin  General 
and    Governor   in   Cheif  in   and   over  Our  Province   of  Nova  Scotia   in 
America,  (jiven 

Whereas  laws  have  been  passed  in  some  of  Our  Colonies  and  Plantations  in  America,  by 
which  the  Land,  Tenements,  Goods,  Chattels,  Rights  and  Credits  of  Persons  who  have  never 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII.  289 

nuthecr;lr''tl/'r  ^"'""'^^.''^  ^"^'  '"^'«  '^'^  ''^'^  P--'^'  ^ave  been  made  liable  to  be 
ntta  bed  for  be  recovery  of  debts  in  a  manner  different  from  tbat  allo-^ed  by  tbe  Laws  of 
England  ,n  l.ke  Cases ;  and  whereas  it  has  been  represented  unto  Us  that  such  laws  may  ha^^ 
U,e  consequence  to  prejudice  and  obstruct  the  Commerce  between  this  Kingdom  a,  d  Our  sa  3 
CoIon.es  and  to  affect  public  Credit;  it  is  therefore  Our  VVi,l  and  Pleasure  fhat  yo  do  not  o' 
any  pretenc  whatever  give  your  assent  to  or  pass  any  Bill  or  Bills  in  Our  Prov  nee  under  your 
G  vernment.  by  wh.ch  the  Lands.  Tenements,  Goods,  Chattels,  Rights,  and  Cr  di  s  of  n  rson 

Zl^'ZTT  1  "''""  "^^  "''  ^'"^""^  «'^^"  ^«  "^^"«  ^°  '«  attached  fo  the   eT very 

of  Debts  due  from  e.Kh  persons,  otherways  than  is  allowed  by  Law  in  Cases  of  the  like  nTur« 
wuh.n  th.s  Our  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  until  you  shall  ha'.e  first  tnnT^i  L^  „    o  U     by 

re  e.ved  Our  Royal  Pleasure  .hereupon,  unless  you  take  Care  in  the  passing  of  such  Bill  or 
B.ils,  that  a  C  aus.  or  Clauses  be  inserted  .herein,  suspending  and  deferring  the  K  ecu  ion 
thereof,  until  Our  Royal  Will  and  Pleasure  shall  be  known  thereupon.  ''^''^'^"t.on 


^  ■■  »  ■■  » 


No  24. 


Governor  Tvyon  to  the  Earl  of  IlilUhorovgh. 

[Ncw-Toik  r.por.(s.  P.  0.)CLMlv.] 


My  Lord.  ^'^"^  ^°^^-  «•  March.  1772. 

1  thank  you  for  your  congratulations  (expressed  in  your  LordP's  letter  N"  o)  on  u.y  arrival 
\n  this  (»overn'.  '  •' 

I  most  sensibly  feel  the  weight  of  your  LordP's  most  pointed  reprehension  respecting  my 
conduct  in  laying  before  the  Council  lioard,  an  extract  from  your  Letter  N»  2,  desirous  .' 
am,   to  make  known  to  your  Lordn  the  full  extent  of  my  inattention  to  my  du.y.  I  shal 
represent  the  steps  I  took  on  that  occasion.    On  the  perusal  of  the  last  mentioned  letter  I  found 

affa  r  of  Coll:  B  adstree    for  the  granting  of  those  Lands  in  question,  until  the  matter  should 

be  lurther  exp  a.ned.     Tins  explication  I  considered  my  task.     The  Earl  of  Dunmore     VoL 

whom  I  wished  to  have  had  my  information,  had  left  the  City.  &  was  not  expected  to  r  turn 

my  only  resource  then  was,  to  the  (ientlemen  of  the  Council.     I  intimidated  therefore  to  t  em' 

and  I  though    It  a  natural  justice  du.  to  them)  that  your  Lord-  was  at  a  loss  to  com  re  eTd 

the  grounds  0    their  conduct  in  that  business,  at  the  same  time  signifying  my  w.^Z  to  .    e 

your  LordP  fu    sat,sfaction  in  that  paiticular.     They  desired  an  ex.Lt'of  Uie  Itt  r  re  le   o 

a.  matter.     1  complied  with  their  reques..  not  having  been  furnished  by  Lord  Dunm  r    wi  h 

lis  Majesty  s  instructions  o.   .he  2^  8ept' 170S.  or  of  any  of  ins  correspondence  with  your 

Lords  ,p.     1  he  manaer  in  which  the  Council  took  up  .'ms  business,  was  not  at  my  instance 

ya  I   bought  I  was  not  at  liberty  to  decline  the  reques.  of  the  Council,  and  to  traiL  it    he  ; 

eport  to  your  LordP  alter  the  subject  which  was  the  occasion  of  it.  had  onfcje  been  agi m te 
m  Council,  as  a  matter  of  State,  and  under  ll.e  oath  of  secresy  " 

I  was  pleased  to  Jind  Ilis  Maj^^  approved  of  my  Conduct  in  writing  to  the  Gov^  of  S-  Domingo 
to  demuad  repara..on  for  the  injuries  Capt"  Frisby  of  the  Hawk  Sloop  had  suffered.     The 
Vol.  VI  IL  37 


290 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


sentiments  of  the  King's  Ministers  witii  regnni  to  my  requiring  llie  punishment  of  the  OflTicers 
who  ofTered  the  injury,  entirely  convinces  me  I  exercised  n  power  that  did  not  helong  to  my 
situation.  In  any  similar  instance,  instructed  as  I  now  am,  1  shall  be  careful)  to  fuUill  His 
Mnj''"'  pleasure. 

I  shall  lose  no  time  in  procuring  in  order  to  lay  before  your  Lord""  for  His  Maj''"'  approbation, 
a  full  state  of  the  method  of  proceding  upon  an  application  for  grants  of  lands,  at  which  time 
]  shall  subjoin  such  observations  ns  occur  to  me  on  that  important  subject.  I  last  month 
obtained  from  the  several  odicers  of  the  Land  ollice  return  of  the  usual  and  accuslomnry  Fees 
they  respectively  take  with  the  services  they  perlbrm.  Copies  of  all  which  I  here  transmit,  the 
originals  have  been  some  timo  under  the  consideration  of  Committee  of  the  Council,  who  are 
to  report  thereon. 

I  heartily  rejoice  on  your  Lord'''s  confirmation  of  His  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Gloucester's 
recovery  of  his  health,  and  am  with  great  respect  &  esteem 

My  Lord. 

Your  Lordship's 

most  obedient  servant  « 

W™   TUYON. 


(No  17.) 


/Sir    IViUitim  Johnson  to  the  Eiirl  of  J lillisborouyh, 

[  Now  York  Papers  (  Slnlo  I'mier  Ofllco  )  CCLVIII.  ] 

Johnson  Hull,  April  4""  1772. 


My  Lord, 

I  was  lately  honored  with  your  Lordships  letter  No  17  in  answer  to  mine  N"  IC  since  which 
1  took  the  liberty  of  addressing  Your  Lordship  by  a  (cw  lines  on  a  more  private  subject; 
From  that  time  I  waited  with  much  impatience  for  the  return  of  Thomas  King  the  Indian 
Cheif,  who  with  others  went  as  Deputys  to  the  great  Congress  at  Sioto,  as  I  mentioned  in 
my  last  letter,  but  in  October  to  my  great  concern  I  received  tlie  disagreable  news  that 
Thomas  King  died  at  Charles  town  South  Carolina,  after  having  discharged  the  Kmbassy 
committed  to  him,  This  1  considered,  as  I  still  do,  as  a  sensible  disappointment  because  the 
Fidelity  of  that  Cheif,  joyned  to  his  superior  capacity  gave  me  good  hopes  of  receiving  a 
circumstantial  account  of  all  matters  at  his  return,  which  I  could  not  expect  so  perfect  from 
the  rest  of  his  party.  After  waiting  some  months  more,  I  found  that  his  party,  who  had  taken 
shipping  at  Charles  town,  were  landed  at  Philadelphia,  and  in  February  the  greatest  part  of 
them,  with  many  others,  came  to  my  house  here.  1  found  that  Anawacka  the  next  in 
authority  to  Thomas  King  had  died  on  shipboard,  and  that  an  other  was  so  alHicted  with  a 
lameness  that  he  could  not  as  yet  make  me  a  visit.  I  was  therefore  obliged  to  content 
myself  with  such  accounts  as  the  young  men  who  survived  could  give,  who  after  laying  before 
me  a  considerable  number  of  Belts,  Calumets  &ca  began  to  repeat  the  proceedings  of  Thomas 
King,  first  with  the  Shawaneae  at  Fort  Fitt  on  his  way  to  Sioto  where  these  people  assured 
iiim  that  the  Wawiaghtanons  would  shortly  send  Deputys  to  the  six  nations  &  myself  to 
sollicit  u  continuance  of  friendship.     They  next  recounted  that  upon  Thomas 


jpor 


lUgl 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII.  ggj 

Sioto.  he  nsaemhled  nil  the  nations  in  that  quarter  of  the  country,  nnd  first  addrean.-d  the 

p  oT:::  ;;:.  't;;"-*"'^'  '"  ""^'"^  ^°  '-^ "--" '-  "^-'  -•<  ^-  conrede;:^  ; 

a    t     t  he    :    .  '"  -^'^^--''V^"''  '"  «"-^  -P-'-'  •"  each  of  the  Nations  faithfully 

iHt  the  s.xnat.ons  had    long  seemed  to  neglect  them,  and  to  disregard  the  promise  ihey 

th  V  w'r^H  "'«'^";« '"^""  "-  '"-'f  "«•--'  ^'-e  Ohio  and  the  Lakes,  that  til  distressed 

m   1    t  rr    7        .    ""      """  ''''""""'''   '"  ^"  """""  — ^  '•-♦""«  should  drive 
hem.  but  were  stopped  (many  years  smce)  at  Sioto  by  the  six  nations,  who  shook  then,  by 

te  heads  &  hxed  them  there,  charging  them  to  live  in  peace  with  the  Knglish.  but  that  to 
the  r  great  surprise  tlu-y«oon  alter  saw  the  six  nations  inarms  &  coasting  along  the  Lakes 
w.  h  t  e  P  ng  .sh  ,.  e.  ass.st.ng  us  &  acting  oHensively  last  war).  That  then  tL  war  wa 
ended  he  .1  trea.n.ent  of  the  s.x  Nations  increased,  to  whom  thereupon  they  sent  Belts  to 
strengthen  he,r  un.on  but  that  they  supposed  Augastarax  the  Seneca  Chelf  who  received  them 
d.d  not  make  them  pubhc.  for  that  they  never  received  any  answer  thereto ;  The  Shawanese 
and  the  rest  then  shewed  some  emblematical  Belts  representing  themselves  and  the  Ilinois 
Indians  w.th  ten  confederate  Nations  between  them,  they  also  delivered  a  Belt  from  the 
Chickesaws  who  promised  to  be  guided  by  the  Six  Nations. 

Thomas  King  then,  after  accusing  them  of  misrepresentation,  answered  them  by  a  full  detail 
of  all  t  e.r  host.le  acts,  as  also  of  those  of  the  I'outewatamies.  Kickapous  &c  concluding 
w.th  tell.ng  them  that  he  and  the  other  deputys  were  come  to  restore  them  to  their  senses 
&  stre..gthen  the  union  of  those  who  affected  the  Knglish  Alliance,  by  opening  a  Iload  to  the 
Council  Hre  at  ()no,.daga.  &  from  thence  to  my  house,  tor  the  use  of  those  who  chose  to  live 
at  peace  and  be  happy,  but  that  the  first  nation  that  should  obstruct  the  same,  or  look  another 
way  would  assuredly  be  punished  by  the  rest.  To  this  they  ma.le  reply  on  several  Belts  &c- 
excising  themselves  on  various  pretences,  en.ling  with  strong  assurances  of  their  pacific 
intentions.  &  promising  faithfully  to  abide  by  all  that  was  recommended  to  them,  and  forthwith 
to  bring  all  their  confederates  into  the  same  sentiments.  The  Che.okees  particularly  thanled 
th.-  SIX  nations  and  myself  for  the  peace  they  had  obtained  in  HOS  whereby  they  began  once 
more  to  enjoy  themselves.  And  the  cheif  of  the  Creeks  who  met  them  at  Gobi,  expressed 
much  satisfaction  at  seeing  the  Deputies,  promised  to  make  use  of  the  Itoad  they  had  opened 
and  to  adhere  steadfastly  to  his  engagements.  After  this  and  many  other  matters  The  Catabaws 
escorted  the  Deputys  to  Charles  town  where  Thomas  King  died,  and  the  rest  proceeded  as 
before  mentioned. 

This,  my  Lord,  is  a  brief  summary  of  the  deport  made  to  me  by  Nicaroon<lase  the  principal 
survivor,  the  two  cheifs  being  dead.  &  ami  one  of  the  principal  men  yet  behind  from  which 
an.l  some  farther  conversations  I  have  held  with  the  Deputys  who  returned,  it  appears  to  me 
that  the  Shawanese,  who.  to  my  knowledge,  grasped  at  the  lands  on  both  sides  of  the  Ohio 
tho  at  the  late  conference  they  only  mention  the  North  side,  repenting  the  sale  of  y  Lands  oti 
the  South  of  that  River  had  sent  belts  to  the  Senecas  to  stir  up  the  Six  Nations  to  disavow 
the.r  own  act.  propagating  at  the  same  time  reports  which  might  tend  to  alienate  us  from  the 
latter;  That  (iaustarax  and  his  tribe  approved  of  this,  but  that  the  rest  of  the  Confedency 
would  not  give  ear  to  it.  is  evident  from  the  speech  made  to  the  Deputies  at  Sioto  that 
thereupon  Augustarax  sent  Belts  to  the  other  Nations  to  set  them  up.  which  gave  rise  to  the 
story  of  the  Seneca  Plot  &  the  Belts  sent  by  Augustarax  a  little  before  his  death-  The 
Bells  I  am  assured  will  be  speedily  delivered,  those  who  promised  to  see  the  same  performed" 


202 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


only  wi»ilinj<  (he  return  of  the  Dopiities  froni  tlie  flmitliward ;  I  linvo  iiIko  received  notice  tliiit 

miollier  genenil  nieetiiiK  i«  nppoinloil  to  hti  lielil   fit  .Sioto,  which  the  Iniliaiis  in  thiit  (iiiarler 

decline  to  Ix'  inleiided  to  coninuniicale  the  Heiilinients  of  the  six  Nations  to  those  who  were 

not  preBcnl  at  the  Inst  Conference  &  to  tnke  measures  in  consequence  of  their  engngements, 

however  I  have  already  taken  care  that  llione  who  go  from  the  Northward  in  congequence  of 

their  summons  are  men  to  he  depeudeti  on,  &  1  shall  have  a  strict  eye  over  their  proceedings. 

I  ought  to  remark  that,  as  amongst  other  fallacious  pretences,  the  (Shawanese  have  spoke  of 

the  sale   to  the  (/rown  extending  to  Ohio,  that  it   is  not  of  that  part  which  (or  the  several 

reasons  1  lornu'rly  gave  I  ventured  to  continue  from  Kanhawa  to  the  Cherokee  River,  hut  this 

pretended  ohjcclion  is  to  the  part  ahovo  Kanhawa,  to  which  I  was  tliri'cted  to  purchase  liy  his 

Majesty's  orders,  &  indeed  no  other  part  could  cll'cct  them,  hut  even  this  is  a  weak  pretence, 

for  the  North  side  of  the  Itiver  which  they  still  occupy,  is  more  tluin  they  have  any  title  to, 

liuving  heen  ot^en  movetl  from  place  to  place  hy  the  six  Nations,  &  never  having  any  right  of 

soil  there,  so  that  the  admitting  of  any  part  of  their  title  as  just,  would  introduce  n  variety 

of  other  claims  as  weakly  foumled,  which  would  create  a  general  confusion  in  the  Colonies.     I 

considered  the  delection  of  y'  Kicapous  &  routawatauiies  &c  under  the  general  deiu)minali<)n 

of  their  ('oulederaoy,  of  whose  lidelity  I  have  hut  a  very  slemler  opinion.     Their  murders  iV, 

rohheries  are  however  much  owing  to  y"  Jealousy  of  Krench  traders,  and  to  that  lawless  colony 

of  that    Nation    on   the  Wauhache  who  are  daily  increasing    in   nuuihers,    and   whilst    they 

particularly  hate  us  as  Knglish  are  realy  enemies  to  all  (tovernment ;  These  men  should  if 

possihle  he  removed,  hut  possessing  y'  Ksteem  of  the  neighhouring  Indians,  and  actpiiring  u 

conlidence  from  their  connections,  &•  remote  situation,  1  heleive  it  will  he  a  verry  hanl  task  to 

effect  it  compleatly,  or  in  n  proper  maimer,  1  understand  that  Ceneral  iJnge  has  this  in  view, 

nnd  your  Lordship  may  he  assured  that  I  shall  most  chearfidly  ohey  his  Majesty's  orders  Ity 

uo-operating   with  Coneral    tJage    in   this  or  any   other  measure  which  the   King's  service 

niny  require. 

The  Complaints  made  daily  hy  the  Indians  of  the  ahuses  &  irregularities  of  trade  are  many 
&  grievous,  ami  will  dtuihtless  he  niade  use  ol  hy  them  in  case  of  a  deftction  in  any  quarter. 
The  injuries  which  our  own  traders  sustain  to  the  South  West-ward  thro'  the  superior  inthience 
nnd  artiliees  of  the  French,  who  engross  (he  commerce  of  that  Country,  is  likewise  worthy 
serious  attention,  for  ail  which  there  appears  no  prospect  of  remedy,  as  the  Commissioners  did 
not  meet  last  .■^cplemher  ,a»  was  expected,  neither  according  to  the  liest  accounts  Ihiil  I  have, 
is  there  any  likelyhood  that  they  will  do  so,  or  il  met  that  any  thing  ell'ectual  will  bo  agreed  to 
from  the  dillcrent  interests  and  systems  of  policy  prevailing  in  each  t'olony  which  must  ever 
prove  an  «>Wstruction  to  rstahlishnu'uts  that  depeml  on  a  perfect  union  of  sentiments,  &  on 
proportional  quotas  of  Kxpense.  I  am  persuaded  that  such  negligence,  in  a  matter  of  tJeneral 
roucern,  could  not  have  heen  fori«»«een  hy  (Jovernment,  and  1  am  happy  to  lind  that  my 
•rntiments  corresponil  with  those  of  Vour  Lordship  on  the  necessity  there  is  for  a  redress  of 
■uch  grievance*  as  must  endanger  the  public  tranquility. 

I  never  coveted  neither  shall  I  ever  wish  lor  Authority  hut,  where  the  public  service  requires 
il.  to  reach  ahuses  that  may  not  otherwise  he  easily  removetl.  The  attention  w*"  the  present 
duties  of  my  OlVue  require  would  rather  incline  me  to  wish  that  these  important  points  could 
be  elVccled  in  any  other  Channel,  of  which  I  express  my  doubts  with  real  concern. 

The  event  of  the  public  negoti.itions  iii  wliii  h  the  liidiiius  propose  to  be  occupied  the  ensuing 
■easun  arc  for  many  reasons  as  yet  extremely  douhtlul,  they  require  to  be  strictly  enquired 


yi 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


298 


w  w  „ch  Your  LonlHlnp  a,  honored  my  proceeding,.  I  cannot  sudicien.ly  express  n.y 
graftude  upon  that  occaB.on  but  by  „  perseverance  in  n,y  attention  to  His  Majes.ya  Jnterest^ 
&  to  those  dul.es  wh.ch  have  procured  me  so  Haltering  a  distinction. 

1  am  also  much  obiidged  to  Your  Urdship  for  the  contirmation  of  the  most  agreable  news  of 

he  recovery  o   II.s  Uoya   Highness  the  Duke  of  (Gloucester ;  An  event  which  so  nearly  regard, 

h.s  Majesty  «  domest.c  felu-.ty.  and  which  is  so  interesting  to  everry  faithfull  subject,  aHbrds 

Mv  'LrYor,  ;  :■""'""•  .  '  ,'""•'  ""  """^  '^^  '"^  "'^''  "■*'  """-^  respect  imaginable 
Wy  l-ord,  Your  l.ordship's  most  obedient, 

,,,.     ,,i.ii  ,,  n>'J«li  obiidged,  humid*!  Servant 

llie  Kiglit  Honoral)la  ,,,    , 

>i<i, .  I'     1    !•  111!  1  ,  »'   Johnson. 

Ihe  harl  of  Hillsborough. 


N"  28. 


Giwernor   Tnjon  to  the  Earl  of  IfilUunrnjIi. 

I  Ni.»-Voik  P.p,™  (f.  r.  o.  )  CLXIV.  1 

New  Yorit,  11.  April  1772. 


My  Lord, 

Agreable  to  your  directions  con.municated  in  your  letter  N-  0.  F  have  the  honour  herewith 
lhir;;:::rnmeu;"      "  ""  "'"""'  '^  """''"'  P-eedingsou  applications  for  Lan.l  in 

The  grand  objection  your  LordP  points  out  in  persons  applying  for  land  under  borrowed 
name  m  trust  for  then.,  seems  extremely  diHicult  eventually  to  obviate,  for.  were  each 
latent  to  con.a.n  l.ut  one  Thousand  acres,  and  that  only  to  one  person,  no  restriction  I 
presuu,e  could  guard  agan.st  his  alienating  his  Lan.i  as  soon  as  he  ha.l  obtained  the  I'atent  lo 
U,  consequently  thone.  who  had  the  conunan.l  of  money,  might  ac.uire  an  unlimited  landed 
property  ,  an.  very  credibly  iu.orn.ed.  that  in  this  Prov"  n.any  h'undred  thounnnd  acr  o 
patented  land  n.ay,  at  th.s  very  tiu.e,  be  purchased  from  half  a  crown  to  eighteen  pence 
^erhng  per  acre,  and  son.e  at  less  value.  I  conceive  it  My  Lord,  good  policy  to  lo.lge  la  ge 
1  racl.  o  and  ,n  t  «  hands  of  (ientlen.en  of  weight  and  consideration.  Thc^  will  muurJ 
farm   out   the.r   lands    ,«   Tenant.;    a  methu.l    which    will    ever   create    subordinatio.       ,d 

iirj;;u- <';;:.;::"'''  '"*""""• '"" '""""' '""'""« "»'""•  •""'  ^^  ■""'"  ''-^-'^  ■" — «f 

Tlu,  objections  that  occurr  to  me  on  the  present  mode  of  granting  lar.ds,  are.  that  on  the 

Gov;,  preferring  the  IVt.tior.s,  he  receives  for  Land  to  a  Comn.ittee  of  the  Council,  the;!-      e 

no  hxed  perm.!,  for  taking  .he  same  into  consideration,  and  when  the  Report  of  the  Committee 

is  inade  to  the  CoV.  and  the  advice  of  Council  obtained  thereon,  he  receives  such  Ke     r     ^l 

.dviceaaconclusive  to  him.     The  latter  objection   may  perhaps  have   no  weight,   but  the 

""' "y  "'^  ''"^'"K  '"""'  I'^'f'"^'"  l«  »n.ns«cl  the  Land  oiKce  business,  twice  or  thrice  «  veur 

IS  important.  /»'"'» 

I  must  observe  that  upon  the  (JoV^  receiving  the  advice  of  Council  ns  nfore.  .id.  the  Warrant 
he  signs  to  the  Surveyor  (;eneral  to  survey  .»,e  Land.  &  the  executing  the  I'a.ent  when    1^ 

z'lir'r:^::; '""""" ""  "'■  """-^  •  '•""^•■'^" "  --"" -"••"  •"»-  '--^ 

ana   reoUiar  t«  ^sttutt:   t,u:,c   ....muneiui  u.  Couuc.i,   I   would    therefore   submit  the   real 


i  I 


l„ 


ji94 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


II 


expediency  of  having  certain  periods  or  Terms  for  Iiolding  tlie  Land  Office  as  in  North  Carolina; 
at  which  time  all  petitions  lodged  with  the  Governor  in  the  intermediate  space  between  the 
holding  of  the  Courts,  to  be  laid  before  and  considered  by  the  Gov'  in  Council  (or  referred  to 
a  Committee  as  in  the  present  usage),  that  the  warrants  for  all  Petitions  that  are  advised  to  be 
granted,  be  then  signed,  and  patents  executed,  for  such  Tracts  as  have  been  surveyed,  and  the 
warr'  of  Survey  returned  by  the  Surveyor  General.  It  will  be  essentially  necessary,  that 
the  Surveyor  Gen'  &  his  Deputies,  should  attend  at  the  holding  of  these  Terms  to  give 
such  information  and  satisfaction  as  may  be  required  of  them  by  the  Court;  the  want  of  this 
information  is  a  subject  of  complaint  in  the  present  mode.  At  these  Courts  likewise,  all 
Caveats  might  be  heard  and  determined. 

The  next  consideration  will  be  the  Officers  Fees.  The  return  of  their  services,  and  the 
Fees  they  take  by  usage,  has  been  already  transmitted,  and  I  have  now  the  honor  to  inclose 
the  Report  of  the  Council  upon  them.  I  should  submit  the  reasonableness  of  allowing  some 
Fee  on  every  Patent  to  the  Gov'"'  private  Secretary,  as  he  puts  the  seal  to  both  warrants  and 
patents  ;  the  Fee  for  this  service  was  two  shillings  and  eight  pence  in  North  Carolina  for  every 
hundred  acres. 

I  am  not  .Master  of  much  method  in  arranging  my  reflections  on  any  subject ;  I  can,  however, 
My  Lord,  with  confidence  declare,  I  have  here  delivered  them  with  all  the  integrity  my 
Sovereign  has  a  right  to  expect  from  me. 

When  His  ^^aje8ty,  shall  have  fixed  the  great  outlines  and  such  other  directions  as  shall  be 
thought  proper  for  my  future  conduct  in  granting  of  Lands,  I  should  wish  liberty  might 
be  given  me  to  direct  such  lesser  considerations  in  the  Land  Office,  either  by  myself  or  with 
the  advice  of  Council,  as  in  the  nature  and  variety  of  that  business  may  be  found  requisite. 

it  is  extremely  important  I  should  be  instructed  what  regard  is  to  be  paid,  upon  the  reform 
of  the  present  mode  of  granting  lands,  to  such  Petitions  as  have  obtained  the  advice  of  Council, 
and  on  which,  considerable  expenses  may  have  been  incurred  in  making  the  Survey,  tho' 
the  Surveys  may  not  then  be  returned ;  as  well  as  those  which  are  actually  returned,  yet 
not  patented. 

All  which  is  humbly  submitted  to  His  Majesty's  wisdom  and  pleasure. 
I  am,  with  all  possible  respect  and  Esteem 
My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  servant 

W»  Thyon. 


N»  10. 


Juirl  if  Ililhbonmijh  to  Governor  Tryon. 

{llMr.Taril  P>|wn(8.  V.  O.)  OLXIT.] 

Whitehall.  18.  April  1772. 


Sir 

1  have  received  your  several  Diipntchei  from  N"  15  to  24,  and  have  laid  them  before 
tho  King. 

The  lii{ht  in  which  you  appear  to  have  considered  the  petition  of  the  Corporation  of  Albany 
WHS  certainly  the  prn|>cr  one  and  \\\n  Miijculy  approves  of  your  prudence  in  suspending  any 

(i{»l^r|]liljl^li<i{1    I  lliarfil|nnil    li>l*il    tti.>     In.luua    liiit^u    iiiti/l..    l|iuir    |jiiiiMr# 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


295 


The  representations  you  have  made  and  the  papers  you  have  transmitted  with  regard  to 
Coll :  Bradstreet's  application  and  the  State  of  the  Lands  upon  Laite  Champlain,  and  in  that 
Country  wliich  has  been  annexed  to  New  Yorii  by  the  determination  of  the  boundary  line, 
together  with  the  measures  which  you  have  thought  fit  to  pursue  for  confirming  to  the 
possessors  the  grants  made  of  those  Lands  by  the  Gov'  of  New  Hampshire,  are  of  such  a 
nature  as  to  require  the  consideration  of  the  Privy  Council,  and  therefore  I  have  received  His 
Maj'J'*'  CommandH  for  laying  them  before  that  Board  where  I  hope  they  will  receive  a  speedy 
decision.  In  the  mean  time  it  is  His  Majesty's  pleasure,  that  you  do  pay  a  strict  obedience  to 
the  Instructions  that  have  been  already  given  to  you  with  regard  to  both  the  districts  in 
question,  and  that  you  do  not  consider  yourself  as  at  liberty  from  any  circumstances  whatever 
to  deviate  from  the  letter  of  those  Instructions. 

The  proceedings  of  the  Assembly  in  the  case  of  Mr  Livingston,  are  of  a  very  extrnordluary 
and  serious  nature,  but  I  shall  certainly  avoid  bringing  that  matter  into  discussion,  until  I 
receive  the  Journals  of  the  Assembly,  at  the  same  time,  it  would  have  been  a  great  satisfaction 
to  me,  to  have  known  upon  what  ground  it  was,  that  a  negative  was  put  upon  the  very 
sensible,  and  I  think  truly  Constitutional  Questions  moved  by  Coll :  Woodall.' 

'  Brigadier-General  Natiusiki.  Woodiiuu,  of  the  Uevolutionary  army,  was  bora  at  Mastio.  L.  I.,  December  30  1702  In 
1158,  lie  wa.  appointed  »  major  iu  the  IV„vi,„,ial  forces  of  New-York,  and  .erved  in  the  expedition  under  General"  Aber- 
erombie  against  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  I'oint.  and  was  engaged  iu  the  fruitless  attempt  to  storm  the  former  post  He 
aflorwa.ds  accompanied  the  expedition  against  Fort  Frontenac.  under  I.ieutenanlColonel  Itradstreet,  and  was  pre-ent  at  the 
capitulation  of  that  place.  He  is  snpposed  lo  have  accompanied  the  army  nnder  IVideanx  in  1759,  oyainst  .Nia,,«ra  In  17.ii. 
he  served  asColonJ  of  the  3d  NcwVork  Provincials,  and  accompanied  the  army  un.ler  Amherst  from  Oswego  to  Montreal  after 
which  he  returned  home.  On  the  dissolution  of  the  Asscmldy  in  17««,  CoIomcI  Woodl.ull  was  elected  one  of  the  Hep'resen- 
laiives  for  the  c.umly  of  Sutfolk,  and  conftaully  siipporl..]  the  rights  of  the  country  hy  his  votes.  In  April.  1775  ho  attended 
the  Convention,  held  m  New  York,  to  ehoose  deU-gaWs  for  the  Continental  Congress,  and  in  Uie  following  May  was  a  member 
of  the  frovinei.l  Congrcsa,  which  organise,!  the  militia  and  appointeil  Col  Woodhnll  Brigadier-Gene. al.  He  was  eleeUd 
I're.ident  of  the  Provincial  Congress  in  August,  1773,  and  ha.l  the  honor  to  preside  over  that  body  again  in  1776  when  it 
.  ccepted  the  Declaration  of  In.lepcndeuc.  On  the  landing  of  the  British  army,  in  August,  on  Long  Is  and  'lirigadier 
Woodhull  was  ordered  to  march  a  force  to  the  western  parts  of  Queens  county  and  d,  ive  off  the  stock  ;  he  marched  accord 
ingly  lo  .lamaica,  whence  ho  proceeded  to  exceute  hi.  orders  with  the  very  small  force  under  his  command.  Some  disaffected 
parties  however,  sent  uitelligcnc.  of  his  txposed  condi  ion  to  the  enemy,  and  on  the  2«th  August,  he  fell  hack  lo  the  vieinilr 
of  Jamaica,  two  miles  east  of  which  pl.ee  he  was  overtaken  by  a  det.uhment  .,f  the  17th  Light  Dragoon,  and  71s:  Highland 
era  The  (ieneral  immediately,  on  b.ing  discovered,  gave  up  his  sword  iu  token  of  surrcn.Ier.  The  rurtian  who  first 
approached  hiin.  a.  r.l«,rt,d,  ordered  him  to  say,  U.,J  .„vf  Ih,  h';.y;  the  General  r.pli..d  "God  save  ns  all  "  „n  which  ho 
mo-t  cowardly  and  cruelly  a-«aile.l  the  defcncelo..  General  with  his  broad  sword,  and  would  have  killed  him  ii|«>n  the  spot, 
ha.l  he  not  been  prevented  by  the  interference  of  an  otlicer  of  more  honor  and  hunianitv,  (said  lo  be  .\I„jor  Del.ucey  of 
the  dragoons,)  who  arrested  hi.  .avsge  violence.  The  General  was  badly  wounded  in  the  head,  .nd  one  of  his  arms  wa, 
mangled  from  the  shoulder  to  the  wrist.  He  was  t,.ken  to  .I.umiea,  where  his  wounds  were  dressed,  and,  with  other  p.  isoner^ 
was  d..la.ned  there  till  the  next  day.  He  wa.  then  ,  onveyed  to  Gravesend.  and,  with  about  eighty  other  prisoners  (of 
whom  t,olon,.l  Iroup  of  New-Vork  wa.  one,)  was  eonlined  on  board  a  vessel  which  had  been  employed  to  Iran.port'livo 
•tock  for  the  use  of  the  army,  .ml  wa,  wiihout  accommodation,  for  health  or  comfort  The  General  w.i,  releasc.l  from  tli« 
v.s.el  on  the  remonstrance  of  ,„  otlleer,  who  had  more  humanity  than  hi.  superio«,  and  removed  to  a  house  near  the  cliuret. 
m  New  Ltrechl.  where  he  wa-  periuitted  to  receive  some  attendance  and  medical  a«i.t«nce.  A  cut  in  the  joint  of  the  elbow 
render.,!  an  ainpulati..,,  „f  th«  arm  necessary.     A.  so.ui  a.  thi.  wa.  resolved  on,  the  General  .cut  for  hi.  wife   will,  a  rcnust 

that  .ha  .l.ould  bring  with   her  all  the  money  she  had  in  h.r  possession,  and  all  .he  could  procure;   which  1 ,  complied 

with,  he  had  It  distributed  among  the  Ame,  iean  prisoners,  to  alleviate  their  .ulfering,  -  thus  furnishing  a  lesson  of  humanity 

lo  hi.  enemi.«.  and  closing  .  u.efnl  lif,.  by  a t  of  charity.     Me  then  .utfered  the  amputation,  which  .soon  la-ued  in  a  mor. 

""'-"" "'"  l"""""'"'  ''"^'f"  f^op'^mber  2..U..   I77rt.  iu  the  fifty  fourth  ye.r  of  l.j,  ,g,.     The  cruel  Ireatmrnt  of  ihi. 

f""""' '"" '  •'"'  "•"""'"'  """■"  ""•""••■''  '»  "V"y  I'l'lriotie om  feeling,  of  indignation.     Nor  can  the  cireum.Uiicc.  ev.r 

b«  recoll,.cted  without  admiring  the  lofty  spirit  which  no  extremity  could  bend  to  di.honor.  nor  without  .li.dain  and  abhor- 
rene.  of  •  coward  b.utalily.  which  v.inly  .e,k.  for  extenuation  in  the  bitter  »ni.uo,iti,»  of  the  tin,,.,.  Th-mpmu;- W.lo,y  „/ 
J^,.f  l,lanJ.  H  ,  4(.J,  ,t  uq.     A  ballad  on  the  death  of  Woodhull,  with  inlroduelory  remarli^  may  be  foiinu  in  the  Wun 


296 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


With  regard  to  the  application  from  the  consistory  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  it  does 
not  appear,  from  the  manner  in  which  they  state  it  in  their  memorial  to  you,  to  be  unreasonable, 
but  no  determination  can  be  had  upon  it,  until  the  Petition  which  they  intend  to  present  to 
the  King  upon  that  subject  has  been  received. 

The  recommendation  of  persons  to  supply  vacancies  in  the  Councils  in  the  Plantations,  is 
within  the  Departm«  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  I  shall  not  fail  to  lay  before  them  your  letter 
N"  23.  stating  M'  Henry  Cruger's  request  to  resign  his  seat  at  the  Council  Board  in  order  to 
make  way  for  his  son  to  succeed  him.  —  I  am  ettc. 

Hillsborough  . 


Mepresentation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  on  an  Application  from  the  College  in  New-  York 

[  New-York  Entrie*,  LXVIII.,  469.  ] 

To  the  night  Hon''"  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  His  Majestys  most  Hon""  Privy  Council 
for  Plantation  Afl'airs. 

My  Lords, 

J'ursuant  to  your  I^ordships  order  of  the  6  of  last  month  we  have  taken  into  Our 
Consideration  the  Address  of  the  College  of  the  Province  of  New  York  "  humbly  beseechina 
••  h.s  Majesty  to  constitute  that  Seminary  an  University  with  such  privi'.ges.  and  with  such  an 
"  Kstabhshment  of  Professors,  as  his  Majesty  shall  approve  ;  and  also  praying  the  remission  of 
"  Quit  Rents  reserved  on  a  Tract  of  Land  lately  granted  in  that  Province  for  the  benefit  of  the 
"  said  Institution."     Whereupon  we  beg  leave  to  report  to  your  Lordships. 

That  the  protection  and  Encouragement  of  Seminaries  and  Institutions  for  the  Propagation 
of  true  Religion  and  Learning  in  His  Majestys  American  Colonies  are  objects  well  deserving 
your  Lordships  recommendation;  and  His  Majestys  (;raciou8  attention;  and  the  Rev"  D' 
Cooper,  president  of  the  above  College  who  has  attended  us  in  Support  of  this  Address 
having  reported  to  us  such  a  stale  of  the  Foundation  under  his  care  as  gives  us  reason  to 
believe  it's  further  extension  will  be  atten.led  vith  beneficial  eRecls,  we  do  on  this  occasion 
adopt  the  same  Policy  as  in  Our  late  Report  to  your  Lordships  upon  the  Ad.lress  of  the  Rector 
and  Inhabitants  of  New  York  ;  and  are  of  opinion  that  it  will  l,e  adviseable  to  comply  with 
80  much  of  the  prayer  of  the  above  recited  Address  as  respects  the  Remission  of  the  Qait 

ilifr«r  for  I8'J8,  .n,l  in  Thompm,,;  U„g  Hand,  II..  428.  but  It  i.  h.r«  on.itf.l  for  iU  w.nt  of  I.i.toric  truth.     Hi,  bo.ly  WM 
t«ken  liy  l.it  wife  to  M«»tic  mid  iulcrrij  on  hi.  farm.     Tho  foll..wii,g  i.  lli.  inMription  on  hu  tomb.lon,: 

In  Moniorv  of 

Oen'l  NATHANIEL  WOODHIILL, 

Wlio,  wouudod  inJ  ■  priwn.r,  Di..!  on  lliu  2()th  of  Saptrmber,  1778, 

In  Iht  fi4tli  jf«r  of  hia  iijfe, 

Hcgrellcd  by  kII  who  knew  how  to  tkIii*  hia  many  prival* 

vlrtiiM,  nnd  that  pun.  tra\  for  tlio  riithUuf 

bit  country,  to  whii^h  he  per- 

Uhed  •  »ioUni.     OnJtrdimki  linvl.  htidtnU  of  (Juuni  Co.,  lofl. 


Ill 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


297 


Rents  submitt.nff  it  to  your  Lordships  that  the  expediency  of  this  proposition  in  reference  to 
the  State  of  His  Majestys  Revenue  of  Quit  Rents  and  the  Establishments  thereon,  must  in 
th.3cr.se  as  well  as  in  that  of  the  like  application  from  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the 
estab.shed  Church  in  New  York  be  left  to  the  consideration  of  other  departments  ;  if  how  ever 
his  Majesty  should  be  graciously  pleased  to  grant  this  Remission  we  think  it  should  be 
accom,mn,ed  with  the  same  stipulation  which  we  recommended  in  the  case  above  referred  to 
Viz  That  an  annual  Rent  of  six  shillings  &  .ight  pence  should  be  reserved  to  be  paid  by  the 
said  College  of  New  York  to  the  Governor  or  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Province  sitting  in 
Councl  .n  the  Council  Chamber  on  Mon.iay  after  Easter  in  each  year.  And  this  we  must 
observe  to  \„ur  Lordships  is  conformable  to  what  was  proposed  by  this  Board  and  approved 
by  Your  Lordships  in  the  Case  of  an  application  made  to  his  Majesty  in  1704  for  a  Grant  of 
Lands  in  New  \ork  (or  the  benefit  of  the  said  College. 

With  respect  to  the  proposal  of  erecting  this  College  into  an  university  with  such  privileges 
and  professorships  as  his  Majesty  shall  approve,  the  president  D'  Cooper'  having  omitted  to 

■  Reverend  Mv,.«  Coor.mLL  !>..  the  .econj  president  of  King',  (  no^  Col,„nbi.  )  College,  w.,  born  in  Kngland  in  1735. 
Ho  w«,  educated  .t  one  of  tl,e  .-reat  pnl.lio  ,..|.ool,,  and  afterward,  went  to  Oxford,  where  he  took  the  degree  of  M.  A.  in 
!-«,).  an,l  wa,  soon  after  eho.en  to  a  fellowship  in  (iueen's  College.  In  this  oonrse  of  e,,„o,ti„n,  he  imuibel  all  the  habits, 
or.nion,  and  .ante,  of  an  old  fa,h,o„ed  Oxford  man,  in  poliHe^  religion  and  literature.  In  17«I,  he  published  at  Ox  ..  d,  an 
oc  ..yo  volun.e  of  nnseell.neou,  poetry,  whieh,  however,  appear,  to  have  been  written  several  year,  before  the  time  of  it. 
pub  ,eat.on.  as  he  observe,  ,n  h.  ,.ref..ee.  that  the  greater  part  of  the  volume  was  not  only  wrilteu,  but  actually  printed 
off  before  the  author  had  seen  the  age  of  twentyfonr.  It  umy  be  e.v,.rained  in  the  Society  Library,  New-York.  His  reputu- 
t,o„  K.a  ,cl,,dar,tood  s,.  b,gh  .n  the  unive^ily,  ,|,at  in  176-.  when  Dr.  .lohnso.i,  the  first  president  of  the  College  of  New-York. 
«pph-l  to  Areho„hop  seeker,  to  select  from  one  of  the  English  nnive,■sitie^  .  person  qualified  to  as.^ist  ll  in  the  cou^; 
of  .n,tr,.ct,on.  and  shortly  to  succeed  him  a.  pre,i,lent,  that  excellent  and  leurned  preh.t,,  after  n,uel,  inquiry,  recun.mende.t 
Mr,  oopor,  as  .„  every  po.nt  fully  ,pu.l,.ied  for  that  io.portant  station  ;  who,  after  receiving  prie.fs  orders  in  the  .:bureh  of 
England,  e«n,e  over  to  tin.  country  al t  th.  close  of  the  vear  IT.V.      He  wa,  weLotned  wi-.h  great  affeetion,  and  was  immo- 

nr^ I ..tt;  ;  7 ■  ■'" i'";'"^ ■'"'*•• '""  ''""'^  -' '"^  ■"« -'■  --"■'  -<"  -» --"  ^^-^-y-  •••»« " - 

•n.l  a  .f  t "  r ,  """"  ""  *': :  ";"""  '""■  "'"•"  "'-•  ""•'  "■"'  ""'^  ''*••"  ■•""-'"'•''  f™-  •'  '•>•  •- ««"  f-  "•« 

tl;      1  7T         '.:;:"'''"'"'■'''"''  """"•"■  ""'"■"^'-^  """  "'"  "•-•'""«  l""i^-"l  -"trover.,iesof 

betwc     «rcat  Itntam  and  her  An.er.ean  Colonies     Ky  a  North  An.eriean.     New- York,  .774."    8vo,  pp.  32.    Thi,  pa.npbleL 

on  the  Htl.  of  Sept., as.  ,„  f„|,  conclave  of  S f  ,., .,,  („  ^,,.v.„,.  ., ,;„.„,  ,„  „:„''„„..,  by  the'  ,a  ,      ' 

the  common  execaUoner.     He  „  also  re, ted  a.  the  author  of  .  Tract  enti.lcl :  "  A  Friendly  Address  to'all  reasonable 

Amer,ca„^  on  the  .n.,..,.t  of  „nr  political  confn.ion.     |„  which  the  „ecc ,v p.encs  of  violently  opp.^ing  the  King'. 

tro.,p.  an,    of  .  general   non-nnpoHation,  are  f.mly  ...ate.l.     New-Vo.k,  1774,"  Svo..  pp.  6,,.     liul  Dr    111 wkin.  s,v^  'iL 

!,;„,,  " •      '  '""'"'"""■''•  '"  "'  *"''"^*  •"■'  ""-"'"i"".  P"-ipl-  ""'1  »-.timen,a  highly 

otr     .veto  a  n,o,t   numerous  party,  at  a  tm.e  of  great  popular  excitement.   «t  bngt ol.cd  the   indignation  of  hil 

r«bt,eal  opponent^    hat  on  the  n.ght  of  .May  ,„th,  ,77.,,  1 Igings  in  the  College  were  forcibly  entered  by  a  mob,  to  t 

.letter,   la.cl  I  h,lad..|ph.a.  Apr.l  ..•,,  ,775,  .ddre..e.l  to  |,r.  Cooper  and  four  other  obnoxious  .entlen.en  of  New-York.  .scri- 

btng   „    hen.,  and    ,>  the,r  ...urance.  of  the  .lefeetioa  of  tt-s  latter  city,  all  the  h,.,tile  , eeding.  of  Kn.l.n,l-th„  blood  of 

tha,r  lellow  .Ubj,.cts  who  h.     fa  , en  In  Ma.«.eh,„etU  ;  town,  in    rtan.e.  ;  .  .lesolate,!  country;  ..utehered  fatlo.rs;   wee,,i„g 

redmcl  to  .Uperalb-n,  w.l nger  ...ti<v  their  re Iment  with  the  execution  of  villain,  in  etli,y  ;  and  the  letter  con- 

eludes-     Hy  for  your  lives        .ipate  your  d by  beeon.ing  y„„r  own  .xecutioner^     T.,.,«  Mlu.m.s"     Hut    the 

J..,,g„,„  b,sen..n„..,v„.fr,,,.r,,edby..«e..f  |,r.  C ,-.  former   pupils,    who,  preceding  the  throng  of  several  h.,ndr.d 

M.n.  .dmom.hed  I of  l„s  .langer  ju,t  in  tin.e  to  save  him.     lie .p..d.  „,d,  h.lf  dreed,  over  the  Cdb-ge  ,, «  ■  reached 

he  .bore  of  tb,.„ver.  « Iwu  b,.  found  -belter  in  th.  house  of  Mr.  .s,.,y,es.„,.  *her.  he  remained  for  that  , nd  during 

the  n„ht  foll.,„,n.  took  retn^e  on  l.oa.d  the  Kin..,Uher,  CapUin  .lames  .Montagu.,  an   i:„,l..h  .,hip  of  war  at  anchor  n.  ,h« 


Vol.  VIIL 


as 


298 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


furniali  himself  with  a  copy  of  the  Charter  nnd  not  being  enabled  to  lay  before  Us  sufficient 
Lights  and  Documents  for  the  due  investigation  of  a  proposition  of  this  nature  nnd  consequence 
and  being  also  desirous  of  consulting  his  Constituents  in  New  York  upon  such  further 
Powers  and  Instructions  as  seem  necessary  on  this  head  we  desire  leave  to  postpone  our  report 
upon  that  part  of  your  Lordships  reference  until  such  time  as  the  said  president  who  is  on  the 
point  of  embarking  for  New  York  shall  have  in  concert  with  his  Constituents  transmitted  to  Us 
such  information  respecting  the  proposition  of  erecting  the  College  into  an  University,  as  may 
enable  us  to  state  to  your  Lordships  our  opinion  thereupon. 

We  are 

My  Lords 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  and 

most  humble  Servants   • 

HiLLSBOIlOUaH 
,  SOAMK    JeNYNS 

Whitehall  W.  JoM,iFi.E 

June  2.  1772.  Rd  k^iot 


m 


« 

ri 


N»  35. 


Governor  Tnjon  to  iJie  Earl  of  Hillsborough. 

\  N«w-Yort  Pipert  (  8.  I".  O. )  CLXI V.  ] 


,.    ,      .  New  York.  3.  June  1772. 

My  Lord. 

By  late  accounts  from  Albany  County  the  Riotous  conduct  of  a  large  body  of  the  Inhabitants 
P^ast  of  Hudson's  River,  becomes  daily  more  serious.  Depositions  of  their  repeated  &  fresh 
outrages  are  now  under  the  consideration  of  Council.  On  the  1<J'^  of  last  month  I  wrote  to 
the  Inhabitants  in  those  settlements,  by  the  advice  of  Council,  to  invite  them  to  send  some 
persons,  in  whom  they  could  repose  confidence,  to  New  York,  to  lay  the  caused  of  their  illegal 

h«il>..r,  in  which,  loon  Bflor^r«r(l^  he  lailo.l  for  EinUii.;.  ITe  reni.le.l  for  »omo  tim«  at  Oxford,  whrrehe  kept  the  ■iiiniTi'nmry 
of  IhoM  «T«nts  the  following  y,<»r,  hy  writioR  n  |)o.mh  full  of  Ihe  oirciin.tnnee^  tntitle.1  "  StahM*  written  on  the  evening 
of  Ihn  Mih  of  M«y,  177fi,  hj  an  Kxilo  from  Aiiiorioa  ;"  wliioh  wiw  pulilii.h..,l  in  the  OfnIlmaHt  Magaiin*  for  July,  of  the 
same  year.  On  the  13lh  Heeember,  177(1,  boing  the  day  appointe.)  for  a  general  faat,  he  proaclieJ  a  lornion  before  the  IJni. 
Tor.ily,  "On  the  Canneii  of  Ihe  present  Ilelwllion  in  America."  Catalof/Ht  Xtw -York  Stalt  Library.  The  publication  of  ihii 
«>rnion  gare  rise  to  much  oonlroremy  betTf.en  the  whig  an.l  tory  parlie.  of  that  .lay.  He  afterwarja  became  miniater  of 
the  timt  KpiKCopal  Chapel  in  FMinburgh,  where  h<-  eonlinueil  to  «moiate  to  a  Tery  reepeclable  congregation  until  hia  .leath, 
which  Imik  place  in  17H.V  He  .iie.l  eu.l.lcniy,  an.l  w».  inlerreil  in  the  lOjiiti'opal  burying  groun.l.  Dr.  Cooper  wa^  aa  has 
alrco.ly  been  rcniarkc.l,  a  true  OiforJ  man,  an.l  in  all  probability,  fully  agreed  in  hia  opinionj,  preju.licea  nnd  la.tea,  with 
Dr.  Samuel  JolmnoM.  Hi,,  political  pieca  are  dittingui.hed  for  great  etrengtli  an.l  elegance  of  .tyle,  aa  veil  aa  for  ■  boldnesa 
of  aatire  and  aevcrity  of  aarcaaiu,  which  have  aeldom  been  aiirpaaaed.  Ilia  moral  character  waa  without  any  aeriona reproach, 
al-'iough  grnTo  men  were  oceaai.uially  offended  by  the  freedom  and  conviviality  of  hia  aocial  habit*.  The  memory  of  one  of 
•he  peculiarities  of  hia  oonveraation.  Im.!  been  pre«erv«<i  by  a  sarcasm  of  a  .iviil  wit  of  the  opposite  party. 
"  And  lo!  a  rnrdlnifa  hat  ti  spread. 
O'er  /,mirt«r  Uuii|Kr<a  r«Trr<iid  head."    T\nimhHirt  it,U' nnfful, 

Ther*  ii  ■  good  {H)rtralt  of  him  in  nno  of  the  monia  of  the  New- Vork  Historical  Society,  and  another  in  Columbia  College, 
which  have  often  been  rcmaked  f.ir  their  striking  resemblance  to  the  common  engravinga  of  the  poet  Pry.lcn.  uinalnli$ 
MajiUiHr,  .\IV,  7:1,  Maort't  SktUhuf  Cvlumbtit  Vollrgt.  —  Ki'. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII.  399 

The  situation  of  nftairs  appear  verf cW  icl  H       Li  ,'•  n    "'^"'^ '"'\'"^^"- ^--deration. 
New  Hampshire  Grants,  would  extrem    rfaci^tate  a^^  known  respecting  the 

di.cre„o„„j  power.,  ...  ,...  .L  l,y  t.'t     t  ,71°..  ''Th  '""  '^T,'""  "  ""'  " 

Your  Lordship's 

most  obedient  servant, 

W'"  Tryon. 


N»37. 


Governor  Tryon  to  tlie  Earl  of  IlUhhorough. 

t  Not  York  r.p.r«  ( 8.  P.  O. )  OLXI V.  ] 

New  York.  4.  June  1772, 


My  Lord. 

As  the  whole  proceedings  of  the  last  session  of  Assembly    are  now  transmiifp,!  f. 
LordP  ,t  may  be  agreab.e  to  you  to  be  informed  of  the  conduct  I  oilr      '    'uf  l^^f 
M'  Just.ee  L.v.ugston.     At  the  opening  of  the  Assembly,  1  was  well  apprized   if  I  n„i      I 
.nterfered  in  the  behalf  of  his  Right  ,o  take  his  seat  in  the'house,  I  1^!::^^ ^I^^ 
proceedings  agnn.st  h.m.   unless  by  a  previous   dissolution  of  the  Assen.bly;  i    b    '        ^ 
deienn.ned  resolut.on  of  the  majority  to  support  at  all  events  their  former  vote  of  ex  Siln 
Early  ,„  the  sess.on  however.  1  sent  (or  the  .Speaker.'  and  urged  ,o  him  my  earnest  dsTre  thai 
the  Judge  m.ght  be  admuted  to  take  his  seat  without  opposition,  and  Lnded  nw    e^     : 
upon  pnncp  es  o  Just.ce.  and  respect  to  His  Maj..  and  assured  him.I  was  themoreLS: 
or  tie  Judge's  admiss.on.  as  I  had  reason  to  apprehend  a  repetition  of  his  exclusion      ig. 
oss.bIv  .nduce  H.s  Maj-;  to  send  me  such  peremptory  instructions,  as.  in  the  executio  ' 

nterrupt  that  harmony,  I  was  so  sedulous  to  preserve  among  the  branches  of  the  Leg  1  ' 
He  gave  me  very  l.ttle  encouragement,  but  ingaged  to  comn.unicate  n.y  wishes  to  the  Me  1  !«* 
of  Assembly,  the  event  shewed.  I  had  no  foundation  to  Hatter  myself  with  success  a" 
sens  .e  that  the  Judge  has,  through  your  LordP  solicited  His  Majesty!  to  dissolv  Ts'sem.r 
a  po.nt  too  dehca.e  for  n.e  to  enter  upon  ;  it  is  my  an.bition  to  keep  as  clear  as  possib  e"  fj 
part,es.not  unknown  to  your  Lord-,  subsisting  in  this  prov"  ;  a  passion  highly  pre  di  to 
pubhc  ut   .ty ;  and  as  uU  Denominations  in  this  Prov"  are  affectionate  &  loyal  su     ^  ,  " 

Majesty.  I  must  beg  leave  to  rest  this  affair  on  the  general  conduct  of  the  last  «es   o  "      « 
principles  of  good  policy.  '^msioii.  uie 

My  refusal  to  the  offer  of  two  Thousand  pounds  currency  as  a  Salary  from  this  Govern. 
«as  not  less  .n  pursuance  of  the  example  of  my  predecessor,  than  in  obedience  to  the  Iving's' 

'  John  Cti'aut.  —  En. 


,,jf||kiik. 


300 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


instruction.     Not  Itnowing  other  motives  than  what  Lord  Dunmore  set  forth  in  his  Messunge  to 
the  house  of  Assembly  for  his  refusal  of  a  similar  offer,  I  thought  it  particularly  my  duty 
to  decline  the  acceptance  of  a  salary  until  I  was  authorized  by  the  Crown  to  receive  a  sum  I 
could  expend  to  liberal  and  beneficial  purposes,  independent  of  His  Maj'*'*  generosity. 
1  am  with  perfect  esteem  and  lespect  —  My  Lord 

your  Lordp's  most  obedient  servant. 

W"  Tryon 


(No.  IS.) 


Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  IlilUhorovgh. 

t  New- York  Papcn  (Stole  Paper  Office)  C01.VIII.  ] 

Johnson  Hall,  June  29'*  1772 


My  Lo'H- 

Since  I  had  the  honor  of  writing  to  Your  Lordship  my  letter  N"  17  of  the  4""  of  April 
concerning  the  Embassy  to  the  Southward,  &  death  of  Thomas  King  Chief  of  the  Deputies, 
the  Six  Nations  have  sent  Delegates  from  every  Nation,  to  attend  the  second  general  Congress 
at  Scioto,  as  mentioned  in  my  last,  where  my  Deputy  is  gr-ne  to  be  present,  whilst  my  Residl-nt 
on  theOuabache  has  Instructions  how  to  govern  himself  on  any  event  that  may  arise  from  the 
intended  negotiations,  till  when  we  were  likely  to  have  remained  in  a  state  of  suspence,  but 
for  a  late  unlucky  transaction,  the  particulars  of  which  (as  it  may  be  productive  of  verry  ill 
consequences)  it  is  my  duty  to  lay  before  Your  Lordship.  A  certain  man  of  the  name  of 
Ramsay  who  formerly  lived  amongst  the  Indians,  and  was  by  Cap'  Brown  late  Commanding 
Olficer  at  Niagara  sent  away  to  (Quebec  to  prevent  his  doing  further  mischief  amongst  them, 
has  since  found  means  to  g-t  a  small  cargo  of  goods  upon  credit,  with  which  he  went  to  Lake 
Erie,  where  he  traded  some  time  with  the  Chippawaes  &  Mississnges  at  a  considerable  distance 
from  any  Fort  or  place  of  inspection,  or  controul,  but  being  of  a  disagreable  temper,  and 
probably  endeavouring  to  over-reach  them  they  warned  him  to  remove  otherwise  they  would 
maltreat  him,  of  which  however  he  took  no  notice,  but  seemed  to  set  them  at  defiance,  which 
shortly  after  occasioned  a  quarrel  between  him  and  some  of  them  who  were  in  liquor,  of  whom 
he  killed  three,  upon  this  he  withdrew  to  another  place  on  Lake  F>ie,  apprehensive  of  their 
Resentment,  and  last  April  a  I'arty  of  the  Mississagaes  called  at  his  trading  hut  where  they 
drank  verry  plentifully,  and  as  is  usual  with  them  on  all  such  occasions,  quarrelled  and 
threatened  him,  as  he  says,  with  death,  to  which  he  adds  that  they  laid  hands  on  him 
and  bound  him.  However  he  freed  himself  and  killed  three  men,  one  woman  and  one 
infant,  and  as  an  aggravation  of  the  same  took  off  their  scalps,  which  he  brought  into  Niagra 
where  he  was  immediately  confined  by  order  of  the  Commanding  Ollicer,  This  Ace'  is  part 
taken  from  his  own  Confession  to  ihe  Ollicer,  &  from  the  account  given  of  it  by  his  brother  & 
others  before  the  Story  was  new  modelled  as  it  has  been  since  to  favor  him.  To  excuse  his 
having  scalped  them  ( which  with  Indians  is  considered  a  National  Act  and  Declaration  of  War) 
he  says  he  was  told  that  War  had  been  actually  commenced  between  the  English  and  Indians 
&  that  in  his  hurry  &  confusion  the  woman  and  child  were  killed,  but  it  appears  clearly  to 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


301 


era 


me,  and  it  is  likewise  the  opinion  of  General  Gage  that  he  has  been  guilty  of  these  inurd 
thr6  wantonness  and  cruelty.     For  in  the  first  place  the   Indians  whenever  they  meditate 
mischief  carefully  avoid  liquor,  whereas  it  appears  that  they  were  verry  much  disguised,  & 
tho  apt  to  use  threats  and  quarrel  at  such  times,  yet  incapable  of  putting  them  in  execution, 
as  IS  evident  from  the  number  he  killed  of  them,  and  in  the  next  place  he  could  have  had  but 
htlle  temptation  to  kill  the  wom;in,  and  not  the  least  inducement  to  murder  the  child  but  what 
has  arose  from  sentiments  of  barbarity  superior  to  the  most  cruel  savage  who  seldom  puts  an 
infant  to  death.     The  General  has  directed  him  to  be  sent  to  Canada  to  be  tryed,  but,  (as  is 
usual  on  such  occasions)  the  Interest  which  his  creditors  will  make  with  those  who  are  his 
jurors,  and  the  prejudices  of  the  Commonalty  against  Indians,  will  probably  prove  the  means 
of  his  being  acquitted,  allho  he  makes  use  of  threats  that  he  will  do  much  more  mischief 
when  enlarged.     The  Nation  imediately  sent  down  fifteen  Deputys  to  lay  the  matter  before 
me,  and  to  assure  me  that  they   had  given   strict   orders  to   prevent  any   sudden   Act  of 
Tlesentment,  and  that  they  relied  on  our  Justice  in  affording  them  such  satisfaction  as  the  case 
/.  luired,  as  well  as  in  preventing  the  like  for  the  future,  to  which  end  they  (after  complaining 
much  of  the  want  of  any  regulation  for  Trade)  requested  that  Traders  might  not  be  sufftred 
to  go  where  they  pleased,  but  confined  to  the  Posts,  and  there  duely  inspected.     I  enlarged 
much  on  the  Circumstance  alledged  by  Ramsay  that  the  Indians  threatncl  hi*  life,  in  which 
case  I  observed  that  not  only  the  English  Laws,  but  the  laws  of  nature  jus' -f.^a  his  defending 
himself,  and  after  adding  everry  thing  I  thought  prudent  or  necessary,  I  covered  (according  to 
custom)  the  Graves  of  the  Eight  persons  whoir  he  killed  &  dismissed  them  witli  a  verry 
handsome  and  large  present,  &  with  proper  Belt?  and  Messages  to  their  Nat.on.     The  Indians 
at  parting  expressed  themselves  very  favourably,  and  I  am  willing  to  hope  that  the  affair  may 
be  accomodated,  nevertheless  I  am  so  sensible  of  their  Resentment  that  I  have  judged  it 
necessary  to  be  thus  particular,  because  the  Chippawaes  and  M'ssissagaes  are  by  far  the  most 
numerous  and  powerfull  Nation  with  whom  we  have  any  Connection  in  North  America,  being 
second   only  to  the  Sioux  in  numbers,  and  from  their  situation   capable  of  adbrding  great 
encouragement  to  Trade,  or  putting  an  entire  end  to  it,  nor  could  it  be  expected  that  others 
would  enter  warmly  into  Our  alliance  when  they  considered  the  cause  of  their  Defection. 
The  Traders  are  all  come  into  Niagra  &c.  to  avoid  the  Resentment  they  apprehend  from  the 
Indians.     I  have  already  described  what  may  reasonably  be  apprehended  whilst  J  use  everry 
endeavour  in  my  power  to  prevent  its  being  realised,  but  I  leave  Your  Lordship  to  judge  how 
difficult  a  task  it  is  to  calm  (he  passions  of  incensed  Savages  and  to  l.eep  them  faithfull  to 
engagements  whilst  they  find  themselves  exposed  to  the  licentious  outrages  of  our  own  people 
against  which  no  remedy  is  as  yet  provided. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  with  the  most  profound  respect,  My  Lord, 
Your  Lordship's  most  obedient 

and  most  devoted  humble  Servant 

The  Right  honourable  VV.  Johnson. 

The  Earl  of  Hillsborough 


802 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


N"  IS. 

Sir  W.  Johnson. 


Earl  of  IlilMorongK  to  Sir   William  Johnson. 

[Mew- York  r*p«ri  (Hlalo  Taper  Offlci-y  CCLVill.] 

Whitehall,  July  1"  1772 


Sir, 

1  have  received  Your  diapiitch  N"  17  aiid  have  laid  it  before  the  King. 

Had  anything  ol  moment  been  transacted  at  the  great  Congress  at  Sioto,  the  deaths  of  the 
principal  Indian  Chiefs,  upon  whom  you  relied  for  a  faithful  Report  of  the  I'roceedings  at  that 
Congress,  would  havo  been  important,  but,  if  the  accounts  given  by  Nicaroondase  are  true  very 
little  of  importance  was  transacted,  end  the  whole  seems  to  have  ended  as  such  meetings 
generally  have  done,  with  excuses  on  the  part  of  the  Indians  for  past  irregularities,  and  with 
promises  which  are  seldom  or  never  kept  of  behaving  better  for  the  future. 

I  must  confess  to  you  that,  after  the  very  full  assurances  I  had  received,  tha;  all  the  Indians 
concerned  in  the  Ireaty  at  Fort  Stanwix  had  I'ully  pledged  themselves  for  the  Cession  to  His 
Majesty  of  the  lands  in  Virginia  to  the  West  and  South  West  of  the  Allegany  Mountains,  it  is 
a  very  great  P-.rprize  to  me  now  to  find  that  the  Shawanese  are  at  least  dissatisfied  with, 
If  not  disposed  to  disavow,  that  cession,  so  far  as  it  regards  the  lands  on  the  Ohio  above 
the  Kanawah. 

Every  day  discovers  more  and  more  the  fatal  I'oUcy  of  departing  from  the  line  prescribed  by 
the  proclamation  of  17(i3,  and  the  extension  of  it,  en  the  ground  of  a  cession  made  by  the  Six 
Nations  of  lands,  their  right  to  which  is  denied  by  other  Nations,  equally  powerfull  and  more 
numerous,  instead  of  being  attended  with  advantage  to  this  kingdom,  &  Security  to  the 
Colonies,  is  now  likely  to  have  no  other  consequence  than  that  of  giving  a  greater  scor  vo 
distant  settlements,  which  I  conceive  to  be  inconsistent  with  every  true  principle  o*"  olicy,  & 
which  I  clearly  see.  from  Your  last  letter,  will  most  probably  have  the  effect  ;o  produce  a 
general  Indian  War,  the  expense  whereof  will  fall  on  this  Kingdom. 

The  King's  commands  have  been  already  signified  to  General  Cage  ''..  the  removal  of  the 
French  &  other  vagabond  traders  on  the  Ouabache  &  his  ;.!  ,je«:  •  Uving  also  approved  of 
an  Indian  Olhcer  being  established  in  that  part  of  the  cou--,.  you  will  probably  before  this 
reaches  you  have  received  General  Gage's  Instructions  to  you  for  that  purpose. 

You  well  know.  Sir,  what  are  my  sentiments  with  regard  to  the  regulrtion  of  the  Indian 
Trade,  but  as  the  plan  which  I  'lad  the  honor,  in  conjunction  with  the  rest  of  my  Bretheren  at 
Iho  Board  of  Trade  to  suggest  for  tlv:l  purpose  &  which  I  am  vain  enough  to  think  would  have 
operaied  as  a  Remedy  to  the  enormities  which  have  been  complained  of,  was  not  adopted  it 
must  depend  upon  each  Colony  to  take  care  of  its  own  interest,  in  that  respect. 

1  am,  &c* 

HlLLSBOROUGII. 


v) 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII.  gQg 

I'hrl  of  DartmoutJi  to  the  Governors  in  America. 

Circular.  '''     *'"'''''•'•'•  <8'»«>P»p<>r  oaice)  octviir.] 

Whitehall,  August  14"'  1772 
The  K.ng  having  been  graciously  pleased  to  appoint  me  to  be  one  of  his  Majesty's  Principal 
S    retanes  of  State  and  to  commit  to  my  care  the  dispatch  of  all  such  business  as  relates'to 
II.s  Mb  esty's  Colonies  I  take  the  earliest  opportunity  of  acquainting  you  therewith. 

nnl!;  ^T  "T'"'  «°'lf  ^"■°"  ^°  ^«  "b'«  »°  '■"•«"  His  Majesty's  gracious  intentions  in  this 
np  omtment ;  an  as  ,t  ,s  His  Majesty's  pleasure  that  your  dispatches  should  for  the  future  be 
addressed  to  me.  I  shall  not  fail  to  lay  them  immediately  before  the  King,  and  to  transmit  to 
you  such  orders  as  His  Majesty  shall  think  fit  to  give  th/reupon. 

I  am,  &c 

Dartmouth. 


N-  43. 


Governor  Tryon  to  tU  Ikrl  of  IlilMormgh. 

[  MewTork  r«p«™  (8.  P.  0. )  CLXIV.  ] 

Nevy  York.  31.  August  1772. 


Afv  Lord. 

I  returned  las  week  to  this  City  after  an  absence  of  five  weeks  on  an  excursion  to  the 
Westward  I- ronters  of  this  Province.  I  passed  some  days  at  Sir  William  Johnson's,  where  I 
met  near  a  He,  .dred  o(  the  Mohocks,  and  more  than  forty  of  the  Onejda  Indians.  A  copy  of 
he  Congress  held  w.th  the  Mohock  Indians.  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  transmit  to  your 
Lordsh.p,  and  have  ordered  copies  of  the  Indian  deeds,  that  were  executed  on  the  occasion,  to 
be  prepared  m  order  to  forward  them  to  your  LordP.     My  best  endeavours  shall  be  employed 

trrhlh  %  Ar'r '"';''"  "^""'  '"  '"^•'°  ""^  '"•^"^  J-'ice.  which  1  hope  toobtai 
hrou.h  the  a,d  of  the  Legislature,  as  I  consider  their  request  truly  equitable.  It  was  with 
..a  -at.sfact.oni  viewed  the  credit  and  confidence.  Sir  William  was  held  in  by  the  Indian 
ir.bes.  No  hmg  less  than  manifest  injury  in  my  opinion,  will  drive  the  Mohocks  from  their 
steady  attachment  to  His  Majesty's  Interest.  They  appear  to  be  actuated  as  a  community  by 
pr.nc.ples  of  rect.tude.  that  would  do  honor  to  the  most  civilised  nations.  Indeed  thy  are 
in  a  civ.hzed  state,  and  many  of  them  good  Farmers.  ^ 

It  is  impossible  any  man  can  have  more  uniform  zeal  and  attention  than  Sir  William  has 
Z  tl"  Svnglr      '"  '""      '"'•  ""'  "  "°""  ^"  "°  «'•'"'  impropriety  to  style  him  the  Slave 

In  my  journey  up  the  Mohocks  I  reviewed  three  Regiments;  the  first  in  Johnstown  the 

n   he  whole  to  upwards  of  fourteen  hundred  effective  Men;  an  industrious  people,  and  no^ 
less  seennngly  pleased  with  the  presence  of  their  Gov'  than  he  was  with  them         heartily 

K.ver  .H  extremely  fert.le.  and  under  the  highest  cultivation,  producing  as  good  wheat  and 


804 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


pens  as  any  in  the  old  Countries.     The  Towns  of  Albany  and  Schenectady  are  both  flourishing, 
and  will  continue  to  do  so,  in  proportion  as  the  back  settlements  are  extended. 
I  am  with  all  possible  respect 
My  Lord. 

Your  LordP"  most  obedient  servant 

W"  Tkyon. 


'% 

'S 


Proceedings  of  Sir   William  Johnson  with  (lie  Molmwks. 

[Naw-Tork  Fapcn  (S.  P.  O.)  CLSIV.] 

Proceedings  at  a  Congress  held  with  the  Canajohare  Indians  at  Johnson  Hall  on 
Tuesday  the  2S"'  day  of  July  1772. 

Present— His  Excell"^''  W"  Tryon  Esq™  Governor  ette  of  N.  York. 
The  Hon"*''  Sir  W""  Johnson  Bar'  his  Maj'*'"  Superintend' 
The  Hon'''' Oliver  deLancey  \ 

The  Hon-"  Henry  White      }  ^'1"  "''  '^'^  *^°""'="- 
Guy  Johnson  Esq"  Dep'''  Agent  for  Indian  Affairs 
Edm"'  Fanning  Esq"  private  Seer :  to  his  PIxcelK^ 

Rich''   Shuckburgh   Esq"   Sec'''   for    Indian   Affairs   and  several   other 
Gentlemen. 

Decarihoga  Speaker  stood  up  and  addressed  his  Excell'J'  the  Gov',  saying  that  they  were 
happy  to  find  that  the  great  spirit  above  had  permitted  him  to  come  in  safety  to  their  Council 
fire ;  that  the  Ind"'  had  ardently  wished  to  see  him,  and  now  congratulated  him  on  the  occasion, 
he  then  proceeded  as  follows: 

Brother.  We  mean  to  take  this  opportunity  of  laying  before  you  the  grievances 
under  which  we  labour,  and  the  ill  treatment  we  have  received  from  several  White 
people,  who  endeavour  to  defraud  us  of  our  Lands;  this  we  several  times  laid  before 
his  Maj'*'  former  Gov"  of  New  York,  and  have  wfiited  with  the  utmost  impatience  hitherto 
for  redress,  but  to  no  purpose.  At  length,  our  old  people  tired  with  delay,  have  come  to  a 
resolution  of  putting  the  business  into  the  hands  of  the  young  Warriors,  who  will  speak  to  you 
upon  it. 

Whereupon  Joseph  stood  up  and  said  : 

Brother.  We  are  extremely  happy  to  see  you  here  this  day,  as  we  have  long  desired  it, 
and  hope  that  thro'  your  means  we  shall  obtain  redress.  We  have  been  often  deceived,  and 
defrauded  of  large  Tracts  ;  but  that  which  at  present  gives  us  most  concern,  is,  the  little  Tract 
which  surrounds  us,  on  which  we  live,  and  of  which  we  hear,  we  are  now  likely  to  be  deprived. 
This  fills  us  all  with  such  concern,  and  is  of  so  alarming  a  nature,  that  whether  we  are  in  our 
beds,  or  ranging  the  woods  in  quest  of  game,  it  still  occurs  to  us,  and  deprives  us  of  rest. 

Brother.  The  reason  of  our  having  been  so  anxious  to  see  your  Kxccli''''  of  late  was  from 
the  hopes  we  conceived  of  obtaining  redress  through  your  love  of  Justice,  and  from  the  great 


J 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


805 


character,  which  we  reC"  of  you  both,  before  and  since  your  arrival ;  we  therefore  iave  the 
strongest  liopes  of  meeting  with  that  justice  from  you,  which  hitherto  we  have  in  vain 
applied  for. 

Brother,  By  the  many  sales  we  have  from  time  to  time  made  of  large  Tracts  to  accommodate 
your  people,  we  are  now  reduced  to  very  scanty  limits,  and  have  only  one  little  spot  left, 
which  we  can  call  our  own.  This  very  piece,  we  are  told  daily,  by  sundry  people  will  be 
taken  from  us,  which  fills  us  with  great  concern,  neither  can  we  by  any  means  account  for  it, 
having  always  lived  in  the  strictest  friendship  with  the  English,  &  faithfully  served  and  assisted 
them  in  all  their  Wars  against  their  Enemies ;  we  therefore  cannot  but  think  it  extremely  hard 
to  suffer  such  treatm'  in  return  for  our  friendship  and  past  services.  We  have  seen  ihat  those 
Officers  and  Soldiers  who  served  in  this  Country  during  the  late  War,  have  been  rewarded  with 
Tracts  of  Land  in  return  for  their  services,  and  as  we  were  aiding  and  assisting  in  the  same 
cause,  we  must  deem  it  a  peculiar  hardship  in  case  we  are  not  permitted  to  hold  this  little 
Remnant  undisturbed.  We  shall  not  at  present  give  your  Excell'''  the  trouble  of  attending  to 
a  particular  detail  of  the  circumstances  relative  to  this  matter,  especially,  as  our  Brother  Sir 
William  Johnson,  now  present,  is  well  acquainted  with  every  thing  concerning  it,  and  can  lay 
the  same  before  you.  We  shall  only  observe  that  this  Tract  on  which  we  live  was  fraudulently 
obtained  and  surveyed  in  the  night  by  moonlight,  and  a  patent  procured  for  it  by  M' Livingston 
and  others  without  our  knowledge.  Of  this  we  complained  many  years  since,  &  particularly 
in  1763,  when  we  found  that  possession  was  going  to  be  taken  of  our  very  village,  but  still 
desirous  to  live  peaceably,  we  at  length  agreed  with  the  parties  to  take  a  release  of  that  part 
of  the  Tract,  which  we  occupied,  in  which  we  apprehended  there  was  no  fraud;  nevertheless, 
we  have  since  found,  that  there  were  still  designs  to  deceive  us,  for  George  Klocke  one  of 
those  concerned,  refused  to  sign  the  release,  and  on  being  summoned  before  the  late  Sir  Henry 
Moore  in  17GS,  he  persisted  in  his  refusal,  and  said  that  he  had  been  so  advised  by  M"" 
Livingston  at  New  York,  who  told  him,  that  his  ( M'  Livingston's)  signing  it,  could  be  of  no 
efl'ect,  if  Klocke  did  not  sign  it,  and  that  therefore  Klocke  should  not  sign  it,  so  that  we 
apprehend,  an  advantage  is  intended  to  be  taken  of  us,  the  rather  as  some  Surveyors  have  lately 
attempted  to  survey  it.  Now  Brother,  we  rely  on  your  justice  for  relief,  and  hope  we  may 
obtain  it,  ao  as  to  continue  to  live  peaceably,  as  we  have  hitherto  done.  We  are  sensible  that 
we  are  at  present  but  a  small  number,  but  nevertheless  our  connections  are  powerful,  and  our 
alliances  many,  &  should  any  of  these  perceive  that  we  who  have  been  so  remarkable  for  our 
fidelity  and  attachment  to  you,  are  ill  used  and  defrauded,  it  may  alarm  them,  and  be  productive 
of  dangerous  consequences.  We  shall  only  iidd,  that  our  reliance  is  upon  your  Excell'-y  and  that 
as  our  cause  of  complaint  is  well  founded,  and  that  we  have  repeatedly  applied  for  redress,  we 
may  now  as  soon  as  possible  obtain  such  relief,  as  our  case  deserves;  and  we  are  the  more 
anxious  to  urge  it  at  present,  as  we  may  apprehend  it  may  be  in  your  Excell"^'''  power  to 
compel  Klocke  to  execute  the  release  without  luriher  delay. 

Brother,  We  think  it  necessary  to  add,  that  at  the  Great  Treaty  held  at  Fort  Staiiwix  in 
17f.S  in  the  presence  of  several  of  His  Maj'J'"' Gov",  when  we  joined  with  the  rest  of  the 
Confederacy  in  making  a  great  cession  of  Territory  to  the  King,  we  particularly  expected'  such 
parts  as  were  in  the  neighborhood  of  our  Villages.  These  Tracts  we  were  directed  to  get 
surveyed,  in  the  doing  of  which  we  discovered  that  there  is  a  piece  of  Land  patented  by  M' 


Vol.  VFfr. 


'Sir.  oxocptej.   A'w-rDri  Colonial  ManttKri/itr.  —  Ko, 

89 


306 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Golden,  with  which  we  were  never  before  acquainted,  neither  was  it  ever  sold.  This  Brother, 
is  the  sum  of  those  grievances  with  which  we  mean  to  trouble  you  at  present,  and  on  which 
we  hope  for  redress. 

To  which  his  Excell'^  was  pleased  to  make  the  following  answer: 

Brothers.  I  have  given  due  attention  to  all  that  you  have  said,  which  I  shall  take  into 
serious  consideration,  and  deliver  you  an  answer  so  soon  as  I  am  prepared. 


At  a  Congress  held,  c^,  Johnson  Hall  with  the   Mohock  Indiana  on   Tuesday  July  the 
2S"  1772. 


Present — 


as  before. 


Hendrik  Speaker  arose,  and  spoke  as  follows:  addressing  Ilis  Excellency  the  Governor. 

Brother,  We  give  thanks  to  the  Great  Spirit  for  your  safe  arrival  at  this  our  Council  fire, 
where  we  have  long  wished  for  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you.  We  have  heard  so  much  of  your 
wisdom  and  good  conduct  in  the  Colony  wherein  you  last  presided,  that  we  cannot,  but  be 
very  much  pp'iudiced  in  your  favour,  and  we  flutter  ourselves  that  your  Excell'*''  love  of 
Justice,  will  incline  you  to  aHbrd  us  redress  of  those  grievances  under  which  we  labour,  and 
which  we  shall  now  relate  to  you.     We  therefore  beg  you  will  give  attention  to  them. 

Brother,  We  have  been  very  much  wronged  &  imposed  upon  with  regard  to  our  Lands, 
particularly  by  the  Albany  people,  who  lay  claim  to  the  very  lands  on  which  we  dwell,  and 
from  whence  we  draw  our  principal  support.  This  they  endeavour  under  colour  of  a  deed, 
which  they  pretend  conveys  our  Flatts  to  the  corporation  of  that  City,  but  in  truth,  was  onl\ 
intended  by  our  forefatheis  to  be  in  trust  for  us,  and  our  posterity,  judging  the  people  of  that 
City  to  be  their  frient  s,  and  that  they  would  prove  as  guardians  of  the  same  for  our  use. 
When  under  the  Administration  of  Gov'  Cosby  we  discovered  their  fraudulent  intention,  we 
desired  to  see  this  deed,  which  with  ditlicully  was  at  length  produced  and  was  burnt  by  Aria 
one  of  our  .Sachems  in  the  Gov'*  presence  ;  but  we  have  still  reason  to  apprehend  that  they 
mean  to  support  their  uryust  claim,  and  therefore  we  beg  to  have  your  Excel!'''  protection,  and 
that  you  will  secure  these  small  remains  of  properly  to  us,  wh'"",  from  your  Excell'"  known 
character  we  have  the  strongest  reason  to  expect. 

Brother,  As  we  have  no  doubt  but  that  your  Excell''  has  suflicient  authority  to  secure  these 
lands  to  us  and  our  posterity,  and  as  it  is  notorious  that  we  have  ever  been  faithful  fiiends  and 
Allies  to  the  English,  to  whom  we  have  likewise  sold  all  the  Lands  th  7  possess  here,  and  as 
we  made  a  particular  erception  of  the  lands  round  us  at  the  great  Treaty  at  Fort  Stanwix  in 
17G8.  we  hope  that  your  Excell""'  will  nllbrd  us  relief,  in  order  to  which  we  think  it  would  bo 
necessary  to  order,  that  the  same  he  forthwith  surveyed,  that  we  may  know  the  exact  quantity 
of  our  podsessions,  and  may  ho  secured  in  the  eiijoym'  of  them  ;  for  as  we  have  ever  assisli'd 
the  English  in  their  Wars,  and  thereby  so  far  weakened  ourselves  that  we  are  now  reduced  to 
nn  inconsiderable  number,  we  think  o'uselves  entitled  to  the  protectit  n  of  (iovern*. 

His  Hxcfli''''  then  desired  tney  might  be  asked  whether  any  of  the  principal  Inhabitants  or 
Mo.nbers  of  the  Corporation  of  the  City  of  Albany  had  spoke  to  them  concerning  such  claims, 
or  whether  il  arose  fri)n  the  t,  Ik  of  their  neighhoum.  To  which  the  Speaker  answered,  that 
Ihey  had  not  been  particularly  i-pplied  to  t)y  the  Corporation  of  late  hut  th.it  they  (n'(|iiently 
heard  of  it  Irom  iiiuny  other  persona.— ilis  Excell"  then  told  them  th.il  he  had  allen<lid  to  all 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


807 


they  had  said,  but  as  it  was  then  late,  he  should  take  the  same  into  considerat"  and  give  them 
an  answer  to  morrow. 


At  a  Congress  with  the  same  Indians  Wednesday  July  QO""  1772. 
Present —  as  yesterday 

His  Excell^r  the  GoV  delivered  the  following  speech  to  the  Conajohares: 
Brothers,  the  Chiefs  and  Warriors  of  the  Conajohares. 

I  gave  much  alfntion  to  your  speech  yesti-rday  received  it  with  a  very  friendly  regard,  and 
now  thank  you  for  your  hearty  congratulalions  upon  my  arrival,  and  your  favourable 
sentiments  of  my  conduct  in  my  former  Govern'.  I  cannot  however  approve  of  your  Sachems 
relmquishiugthe  subject  of  their  present  grievances  to  the  Young  Warriors.  I  consider  it  very 
extraordmary  and  unbecoming  in  them  to  quit  the  care  of  public  affairs  to  young  men  at  a  time 
when  they  are  in  strict  friendship  and  alliance  with  King  (Jeorge,  therefore,  as  I  visit  your 
Nation  as  his  Maj'*'  Civil  Gov',  1  desire  to  treat  with  the  Sachems,  Officers  of  peace.  Men  of 
wisdom  and  experience. 

Brothers,  When  I  came  up  amongst  you,  I  was  quite  a  stranger  to  the  grievances  you  had 
to  lay  before  me,  but  now  you  told  me  the  nature  of  them,  and  refer  me  to  your  Brother  Sir 
W-"  Johnson  for  the  particulars,  with  the  former  proceedings  that  have  been  had  to  do  you 
justice,  which  you  say  is  not  yet  accon.plished,  I  shall  exert  my  utmost  endeavors,  to  secure 
your  title  to  that  small  Tract,  which  is  the  support  of  yourselves  and  families. 

Brolhers,  it  is  very  probable  I  shall  be  obliged  not  only  to  solicit  His  Maj"  on  your  behalf 
but  the  Legislative  Bo.ly  of  this  I'rov-  in  or.ler  to  eflect  your  apparent  reasonable  wishes. 
You  must  therefore  wait  patiently,  in  the  assurance  that  I  wish  to  serve  you  as  soon  as  [it  is  1 
in  my  power. 

His  Maj'^'  express  commands  to  me,  are,  that  I  should  do  you  all  possible  justice,  and  to 
support  you  against  the  Frauds  and  oppression  of  those  who  are  inclined  to  do  you  any  injury, 
and  it  is  as  mucli  my  inclination  as  my  duty  to  watch  over  your  interest  and  security,  as  by  so 
doing  I  shall  only  ol)ey  my  l{oyal  Muster's  commands. 

You  tell  me,  you  are  more  than  ordinary  uneasy  by  persons  lately  attempting  to  make  a 
particular  Survey  of  the  ancientjiossessions  on  which  you  now  reside  — they  had  no  authority 
from  (;overn',  conse(iuently  had  no  right  to  run  that  Survey;  that  I  may  be  informed  of  the 
exact  (luantity  of  land  you  have  had  released  to  you  and  for  your  own  immediate  satisfaction, 
I  shall  order  the  Surveyor  (ien'  or  one  of  his  Deputies  forthwith  to  make  a  Survey  of  the 
Course  and  distances  of  the  above  mentioned  lands  — therefore  desire  some  of  your  people  will 
accompany,  and  be  present  at  the  sai.l  survey,  a  Copy  of  which,  when  furnished  shall  be  sent 
to  me,  and  another  copy  left  with  your  Brother  Sir  William  Johnson. 

Brolhers  ;  long  before  I  came  into  .\merica,  I  heard  of  the  warlike  disposition  of  tlie  AfohockB 
nnd  the  renown  and  glory  of  their  Actions,  as  well  as  their  steady  and  firm  attachm'  to  His 
Maj'"  cause,  but  upon  this  interview  I  am  confirmed  in  those  sentiments  I  before  entertained 
of  your  Nation  only  from  Ueport. 

Brothers.  1  must  repeat  to  you  again,  I  cannot  recono'o  yoi.r  relinquishing  your  afHiirs  to 
the  Young  Men.  In  a  state  of  war,  I  would  treat  with  War.-io'  s.  but  in  time  of  profound  peace, 
as  IS  the  present,  I  urn  to  desire  you  will  recommit  your  public  concerns  to  the  Sachems.     Your 


308 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANtJSCRirTS. 


rofiisnl  to  tliis  just  expectation  of  mine,  I  shall  interpret  aa  a  want  of  a  proper  confidence  on 
your  part  in  the  public  justice  of  iliis  (lovern*.  You  have  King  (leorge  for  your  protector,  and 
under  him,  his  Representative,  therefore  you  stand  not  in  need  of  warriors  to  support  your 
present  cause,  especially,  while  you  are  in  the  possession  of  the  landd  in  question. 

Brothers.  Sincere  in  my  declaration  &  upright  iti  my  intentions  to  serve  you,  I  shall  only 
ad<i  I  would  not  have  you  make  yourselves  uneasy  while  a  hunting,  or  sutler  your  spirits  to  he 
disturbed  when  sleeping,  on  the  apprehension  of  losing  the  small  Tract  you  occupy  ;  for  while 
you  have  the  protection  of  (Jovern'  in  support  of  your  ancient  and  equitable  claims,  you  need 
not  fear  the  avarice,  fraud  or  injustice  of  Individuals. 

The  Conajohares  answered  as  follows  by  their  Speaker. 

llrother.  We  give  your  Kxceli'^'  many  thanks  for  your  speed),  which  has  been  very  acceptable 
to  us,  in  as  much,  as  we  are  inclined  Irom  your  good  words  to  place  the  greatest  confidence  in 
you  for  redress,  beyond  what  we  have  ever  done,  as  we  have  laid  these  complaints  often  before 
former  ("lovernors,  but  without  eflect.  We  shall  now  let  our  business  go  on  in  the  old  channel 
thro'  our  Sachems,  and  wait  patiently  the  issue  of  Yoiir  Kxcell''"  endeavours  for  the  redress  of 
our  grievances.  We  should  wish  that  our  lands  were  Surveyed  without  delay,  that  no  future 
mistakes  may  be  made  concerning  our  property  ;  and  as  your  Excell'»  has  now  aH'orded  such 
ease  to  our  minds,  we  trust  in  the  continuance  of  your  protection  for  the  more  etreclual  security 
of  our  just  rights  and  property. 

To  which  His  F.xcell"'  answered,  that  as  they  appeared  so  impatient  to  have  their  lands 
surveyed  he  should  order  the  same  to  l)e  dom   immediately. 

His  Kxceli'''  the  (!ov'  addressed  the  Mohock  Indians  of  the  lower  village,  as  follows: 


Pkesent — 


ns  before. 


rirotber  the  Chiefs,  and  Warriors  of  the  Mohocks. 

I  am  much  obliged  by  your  congratulations  on  my  arrival  at  this  place,  and  in  return  for 
your  very  civil  cnmpliments,  I  do  assure  you  that  I  am  strongly  inclined  to  serve  you.  and  that* 
the   character   I   have   received    of  your  fidelity   and   friendship  to   the    English    has    already 
prepoRissed  me  in  your  favour;   I  have  therefore  given  due  attention  to  what  you  have  said  — 

I  am  very  sorry  that  you  should  have  any  causes  of  complaint  against  any  of  his  Maj"' 
subjects,  in  this  province,  particularly  with  regard  to  so  interesting  a  part  of  your  property, 
but  I  am  hopefull  that  you  have  been  misinformed  as  to  the  present  claims  of  the  Corporation 
of  .\lbany,  which  is  tlie  more  probable,  as  it  does  not  appear,  that  you  have  received  your 
iuforination  from  proprr  authority. 

Ik<ithers.  As  you  have  yourselves  expressed  a  desire  that  tlie  lands  you  mention  should  be 
properly  laid  out  liy  a  surveyor  whii  h  I  very  mi.cb  approve,  I  Nhall  accordingly  order  the  same 
to  lie  done  immediately,  and  on  the  return  of  the  survey  to  me,  I  shnli  take  such  mensureii  at 
ar.'  c(»nsisleiit  witli  my  athority,  for  the  security  of  its  contents  to  yourselves,  arui  to  ytuir 
posterity,  being  heartily  disjioHed  to  shew  you  all  the  favour,  and  afford  you  all  llie  pruteclion, 
which  Covern'  can  give  in  return  lor  your  iHithful  attachment  to  his  Maj''*  interest, 

I  ani  told,  you  are  going  to  sell  some  lands  to  certam  of  Mis  Mnj'"  subjects,  who  have 
obtaineii  license  from  this  tiovern'  to  purchase  the  same.  I  wish  therefore,  what  you  are 
determined  to  sell,  may  he  your  own  free  and  voluntary  act,  and  I  recommenil  it  to  you  »o 
take  particular  care,  that  the  bounds  and  limili  of  the  lands  lo  be  sold,  may  be  so  well  fixed 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


309 


and  nssertained,  as  to  admit  of  no  dispute  hereafter,  or  to  give  you  reason  to  complain  of  any 
unfairness  in  the  purchisse. 

The  Mohocks  returnrd  the  following  answer  by  Abraham  their  Speaker  viz' 
Brother.  We  give  your  Exceli^r  many  thanks  for  your  speech,  which  has  been  very  acceptable 
to  us.  We  are  particularly  thankful  for  what  you  mention  concerning  the  sales  of  lands  now 
proposed  to  be  perfected.  As  this  is  the  first  caution  we  have  received  of  that  nature  from 
Govern',  we  are  the  more  convinced  of  your  rectitude  and  attention  to  our  interests.  We 
have  been  solicited  by  several  persons  to  dispose  of  lands  at  this  time,  but  before  we  proceed 
therein  we  think  it  necessary  to  acquaint  your  Excell'^  that  some  years  since  we  sold  a  Tract 
to  Mess"  Glen,'  Funda  .nd  Associates,  for  which  we  received  a  valuable  consi.leration 
amounting  to  above  2000  Dollars,  that  on  the  Survey  of  this  Tract  it  appeared  to  fall  short  of 
the  quantity  proposed  to  be  purchased,  owing  to  a  Tract  which  was  discovered  to  have  been 
patented  thereout,  with  which  circumstance  we  were  not,  neither  were  the  purchasers 
acquainted  at  the  time  of  sale.  Concerned  thereat  Nve  then  gave  Mess"  Glen  &  C"  a  promise 
that  we  should  make  him  a  compensation  by  a  grant  on  the  North  side  of  the  West  Branch  of 
•  Hudson's  lliver,  for  which  he  aow  intends  to  solicit.  We  have  likewise  since  that  agreement 
engaged  with  M^  Jessup  to  sell  him  and  associates  a  large  tract  in  that  Country,  in  which  the 
lands  proposed  as  a  compensation  are  not  included,  but  we  have  since  heard,  that  another 
perso.i  who  is  intereste.I  in  M^  .lessup's  purchase  insists  on  having  the  lands  we  so  promised 
to  M'  Glen ;  but  we  think  this  unreasonable,  &  not  only  contrary  to  our  agreement  with  M' 
Jessup.  but  to  our  promise  to  M'  Glen,  whom  we  are  bound  in  justice  to  fullill  our  promise  to. 
We  therefore  beg  that  your  Kxeeil''  will  not  desire  us  to  act  contrary  to  our  engagements 

To  which  His  KxcvWr  answer<.<l,  that  they  might  be  assured  that  they  were  at  liberty  to 
dispose  of  their  lands  to  such  persons  as  they  thought  proper,  and  hud  first  engaged  with. 


t 


Thursday  July  the  30"" 
The  Sachims  and  Phief  Warriors  of  the  Onejdas  paid  their  respects  to  His  Kxcell'Mhe 
Gov.  giving  thanks  to  the  great  spirit  for  the  opportunity  they  had  of  seeing  him,  of  whom 
they  had  received  a  very  favourable  character,  and  congratulating  his  Kxcell'^  on  his  arrival 
To  which  His  Kxcell-'  was  please.l  to  answer,  that  he  was  sensible  of  their  compliments  of 
rongratiihuion.  and  much  pleased  to  see  so  venerable  a  Body  of  Sachems  an.I  respectable  a 
number  of  chiefs  assembled.  That  he  had  heard  Ihey  iiitende.l  to  dispose  of  some  lan<ls  in 
his  presence,  hoped  that  it  was  their  own  voluntary  Act,  and  desired  they  would  consider  of 
It.  and  net  therein  ho  as  to  have  no  cause  of  complaint  afterwards,  and  that  on  his  part,  he 
was  .letermined  to  see  tluMi,  justly  dealt  with  therein.  &  for  that  purpose,  that  the  same 
•hould  he  Surveyed  in  their  presence,  and  monuments  placed  to  shew  the  limits  to  posterity. 
(!onoghriuieson  Chief  of  Onejda  ad.lressed  the  Gov'  as  follows: 

Brother.  We  are  much  obliged  to  your  Kxcell'^  for  the  question  you  asked  us.  and  for  the 
.mention  you  shew  to  our  interests,  as  it  is  n  proof  of  your  justice  and  .cnvinces  us  that  wa 
shall  be  fairly  dealt  with.  The  Great  Spirit  gave  us  our  lan.lH  and  we  love  them  so  much  that 
we  never  ollered  any  to  sale;  but  whenever  our  Brothers  the  Kimlish  have  .qqu-ared  in  w.nt 
ol  l.ands,  and  applied  to  us,  we  have  ulw.iys  granted  their  de.sire,  as  we  now  purpose  to  do. 


810 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


nnd  we  nre  so  much  convinced,  by  your  conduct,  of  your  Kxcell''''  love  of  justice,  that  we  rely 

contideiitly  upon  you. 

a  true  copy, 
a  true  copy  Examined  by,  G.  Banvar 

G.  Johnson.  D.  Agent  D.  Secretary. 

as  Secretary. 


Governor  Tnjon  to  the  Earl  of  IlUhhorovgh. 

^,  t  Nrw-Tork  Papers  ( 9.  T.  0. )  ILXI V. ) 

N'  44. 

New  York.  1.  Sept'  1772. 
Riy  Lord. 

I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  Lordsliip's  dispatches  N"'  II,  12  and  13. 

It  is  matter  of  real  concern  to  me  to  learn  the  considenition  of  the  Canada  Claims,  has  not 

undergone  a  final  decision.     Upon  a  more  strict  examination  of  the  claims  of  the  French 

grantees  to  lands  within  this  Govern',  I  cannot  bo  persuaded  that  the  last  Treaty  of  peace,  or  the 

articles  of  the  Capitulation  at  the  surrer.der  of  Canada  gives  any  valid  title  to  such  claims. 

The  territory  southwards  of  S'  Lawrence  River,  has  been  always  acknowledged  the  property 

of  the  Fiv»  Nations,  subjects  or  Allies  of  great  Brittain,  and  as  the  French  settlements,  as  well 

as  grants  within  thiit  district  were  made,    not  under  the  sanction  of  Cession,  purchase  or 

coniiuest,  but  by  intrusion,  the  justice  of  the  Title  of  those  Claimants  seems  to  rest  on  His 

Maj"'  generosity  which  will  operate,  no  doubt  \\i  powerfully  in  behalf  of  those  oflicers  and 

Soldiers,  who  now  hold  a  great  part  of  those  disputed  lands  under  grants  from  this  prov"  iu 

consequence  of  His  Majesty's  proclamation  in  1703. 

Your  Lord''  observes  that  it  appear  to  be  very  necessary  to  take  some  elTectual  steps  by"* 

rroclam'"  or  otherwise  to  prevent  settlement  on  any  part  of  the  lands  between  Lake  Champlain 

&  Connecticut  liiver  until  the  lloyal  decision  of  the  controversy.     Your  LordP  is  sensible,  no 

Act  of  Govern'  will  prevent  individuals  from  settling  and  improving  those  large  Tracts,  which 

are  already  granted  to  them  under  this  Govern'.     I'roclamations  have  often  issued  to  prevent 

the  Grantees  under  New  Hampshire  and  others  from  making  any  settlements  in  those  parts, 

all  which  have  been  treated  with   more  or  less  neglect  or  contempt.     I  am  under  the  firmest 

persuasion,  no  effectual  measures  at  present,  less  than  Military  Force,  can  prevent  the  F.aslern 

Colonies  pouring   in  their  Inhabitants   between  the    Uiver  and   the  Lake,   especially    into 

Bennington  and  the  adjacent  Townships,  in  order  to  strengthen  themselves,  that  they  may  be 

the  belter  able  to  mnintain  their  possessions.     I  have  on  a  former  correspondence  candidly 

informed  your  Lordship  with  my  sentiments,  of  the  steps  I  conceived  would  be  most  likely  to 

accommodate  the  subsisting  diHerences  between  New  Hampshire  &  New  York  Claimants; 

differences  that  alarm  the  public  peace  of  this  Country,  a  consideration  serious  and  imporlanU 

1   assure  your  Lord^,   the  delicate   situation  of  affairs  in  that   Tart  of  the  ('ountry  greatly 

embarrass  me,  and  unless  Govern' will  leave  an  extensive  latitude  to  this  (Jovern'  to  settle 

these  matters,  1  am  apprehensive,  the  wisest  and  mont  e(iiMlable  dec  isious  of  the  Crown,  may 

BOt  extend  to  all  the  intricacies  of  these  disputes.     As  property,  not  mere  delusive  opinion,  is 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


311 


the  object  in  dispute,  it  is  natural  to  believe,  the  contest  will  be  maintained  with  great 

r.T7^'  vuT  ^'"Tli  ^^  ''''  ^'"J'^'y'^  'P'"^y  '^^^^'"S  ""-"^  ""«  determining  their 
respective  Ilights,  and  for  Govern'  to  act  upon  here. 

I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  to  your  Lordship  a  copy  of  my  letter  to  the  Bennington  people 
(to  which  as  yet  I  have  had  no  answer,)  sent  in  consequence  of  the  receipt  of  Coll.  Reed's 
^tter  to  me  w.th  Capt-  Anstruther's-  inclosed,  both  wh-  are  herewith  transmitted,  also  the 

Tlh^r.^u".^      .-""/'  "^  B«»"'"g'on  and  other  Townships  delivered  to  me.  while  .t 
Albany  by  M'  Fay  their  Agent 

I  am  will  all  possible  respect  &  regard  My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's  most  obed«  serv' 

W™  Tkyon. 


Sir  William  Johnson  Bar' 


Sir. 


J'Jurl  of  Dartmouth  to  Sir   William  Johnson. 

( N«w  Turk  P«p«n ( SUlo  Pipor  OBlco )  CCLVIII.] 

Whitehall,  Sept'  2''.  1772 


IheKmg  havmg  declared  His  Royal  Intentions  that  a  settlement  should  be  formed  upon 

he  lands  purchased  l.y  his  Mnj.sty  in  17G8  of  the  six  Nations  &  their  Confederates,  inclosed 

send  you  a  Copy  of  His  Majesty's  order  in  Council  on  the  14-  of  last  Month  containing  Ills 

Maj..stys  directions  for  carrying  that  measure  into  execution  ;  and  I  am  to  signify  to  vou 

.s  Majesty's  pleasure  that  you  do  take  an  early  opportunity  of  apprizing  the  six  Nations  & 

their  Conlederates  of  His  Majesty's  gracious  intentions. 

I  am  &c* 

Daiitmoi'tii. 


N»2. 


Sir. 


Karl  of  Dartmouth  to  Sir    ,Villiam  Johnson. 

I  N«w  York  Pipm  ^Hui*  P«i.«  Offlo* )  CCLVIII.  J 

Whitehall  Sept.  SV"".  1772 

Vonr  Dispatcl.  of  the  29'"  of  June  iV  18  has  been  received  and  laid  before  the  King. 

1  he  murders  .„mniitted  l.y  M'  Uimsay  are  of  so  atrocious  and  inhuman  a  nature,  and  may 
li.  ll...  i.reseul  temper  and  disposition  of  the  Indians  have  con8e.|iie„ce8  so  fatal  to  the  public 
pence,   that  nothing  ought  to  be  omitted  that  can  tend  to  bring  that  person   to  con  iign 

•  W,u,»»  A.,™t««  ol,t.ineJ  .  commiMinn   M  Li,«t.n.nt  ia   Ih.   :rU.  Foot,  lath   Jkhutt.   1767,  .n.I   .  com,,,- 

-.1.;.  I.,  l;;;;:;;.;';;r,:;-,;  :;::■"  ;;;:;;;:;;;;-;:;:'•  ■•■  "•■■'  • ■' -' ■ '—  -  • : »- 


812 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


punishment,  and  as  I  find  by  your  letter  that  General  Gage  has  directed  that  he  should  be  sent 
to  Canada  to  be  tried,  I  shall  not  fail  to  write  to  Lieut  Gov'  Cramuhie  upon  the  subject,  and  to 
exhort  him  to  use  his  utmost  endeavours  that  he  do  not  escape  with  impunity  ;  and  if  a  Bill 
of  Indictment  be  found  against  him,  that  the  Judges  be  directed  in  their  charge  to  the  Jury,  to 
guard  them  as  much  as  possible  against  the  influence  of  those  prejudices  which  you  think 
would  probably  be  the  means  of  his  acquittal. 

The  manner  in  which  you  express  yourself  on  the  subject  of  the  present  temper  and 
disposition  of  the  Indians  leaves  but  little  room  to  doubt  that  if  some  method  is  not  soon  fallen 
upon  to  restrain  the  numberless  frauds  and  abuses  which  are  at  present  committed  by  those 
who  carry  on  trade  and  have  intercourse  with  them,  we  shall  be  involved  in  an  Indian  War; 
and  therefore  I  will  not  fail  to  give  the  fullest  attention  to  this  very  important  consideration  and 
shall  think  myself  very  happy  if  I  can  suggest  any  method  that  may  have  the  etfect  in  the  least 
degree  to  avoid  so  great  an  evil. 

I  am,  &c 

Sir  William  Johnson,  Baronet.  Dautmouth. 


N°  60. 


Oovernoi'  2'ryon  to  the  Earl  of  IlilUhorovgh. 

[  New-Tork  r«pcri  ( S.  P.  O. )  CLXIV.  1 


New  York.  7.  October  1772. 
My  Lord. 

The  middle  of  last  month  I  received  an  answer  from  the   Inhabitants  of  Bennington  & 

adjacent  Townships,  to  my  letter  sent  them  from  Albany,  requiring  them  to  put  Col  :  Iteid's 

Tenants  in  possession  of  the  Tenements  and  Farms  they  had  turned  them  out  of.     This  letter, 

with  one  from  M'  Kelly  a  Gentleman  of  the  Law,  I  laid  before  the  Council  Board,  and  desired 

they  would  Report  thereon;   being  willing  that  His  Miij''  might  be  informed  of  the  opinion  of 

that  Board,  as  well  as  my  own  suggestions,  of  the  present  state  of  the  distractions  in  Charlotte 

County.     As  Lieut :  Coll :  Reid'  was  charged  with  very  harsh  proceedings  in  the  Bennington 

'  General  Joim  Ueid  w«i  appointeil,  on  3il  .Inno,  1752,  Ciiplnin  in  the  42il  Iliglilandora,  wliicli  rPKiinent  cnnio  to  Amcric* 
in  Juni',  1751!;  on  ita  au);nii'nluti(in  in  I78S.  ho  ht^onnit!  Miijdr.  llo  diTvecl  uridtr  (Icii'Tttl  Aiiihiiiit  in  llii'  French  w«r  %\\\ 
was  wonndi'd  in  the  ex|i<'(Iition  a^faiiiKt  Martinion  in  ITH'2.  In  rfWiinl  fur  hi*  fervici'K  he  w««  |iruincilv<l  to  u  Lieutenant- 
Culoneley  the  mime  >ear.  After  thla,  hin  regiment  rcturrieil  to  NewVurli  in  Oetcilier  and  «'»■  etntinntd  at  ADiaiiy  until 
17lt:t,  when  'Iwai  sent  to  the  nditf  of  Koit  Pitt,  then  hraie^red  hy  the  Indiana,  who  were  ififiatol  in  the  well  fought  Ijaltlu 
of  Ilushy  rnn.  In  the  following  aiinimt-r,  the  42d  a^iiiu  formed  purt  of  nnolher  expedition  under  Ilompiet  against  Ihu 
Muakiritrnm  Indiana.  In  \1t<h,  Uentenant  t'olonel  Iteiil  enmmanded  hia  Majeatv'a  foreea  in  the  diitriet  of  Kurt  I'itt,  where 
he  wiiA  anniewhnl  annoyed  hy  the  Itiwleaa  frontiernien,  Vfuntiilrnuia  f.olnutiU  lifturtU,  IX.,  2'iVt ;  and  in  171)0,  an  oftiet-r  uf 
the  «anie  name  la  nientii.ne<)  im  emnrnandant  at  Kort  I'lmrlna,  Illii.oia.  Afunellr'n  Vntlni  of  the  Mitiii'"i)ipi,  I  ,  411.  In  177i', 
Lietitennnt-('oIr)nel  Ueid  went  on  Imlf  pay  of  IIm'  H7th  lli^hlnnder^  .  in  the  riiDowin^r  year  he  olitaint-il  a  larf^e  trnet  of  land 
on  Otter  ereek,  in  \erniiinl,  from  whii  h,  liowever,  hia  tenanta  were  e«)  elled  in  1772  hy  the  people  of  llennin);ti<n.  AVw  •  Yark 
Jh^umrtitartf  History,  IV.  In  17ho,  h«  wna  M|')iointed  Colonel  of  the  <,>oth  I'oot,  a  newly  raiaed  ret^imeiit,  ant)  heeunie  Major- 
General  in  Oetoher,  I7sl,  Imt  hia  rcifiment  wai  ri  dneeil  in  I7slt.  He  wna  riiiaid  to  tin'  rank  of  I.ientennnI  llenenil  I'JIli  of 
Oeloher,  1703;  waa  nuide  (cdoiiel  of  the  WHth  or  ('onnnn|jht  U  rij^rra,  27lh  Novemher,  17UI;  I'eenme  a  (ieiieral  in  the 
army  lal  .lannnry,  ll','",  and  died  at  hia  lioiiai'  in  liny  Miirket.  London,  r.tli  rehnmry,  iMtJV.  tieheral  lieid  waa  e'leennd 
tlie  heal  C'tillemiin  player  on  the  (ieiimiii  fliile  in  Knirlund  and  eompooed  tever^.l  iir  itary  marehea  whieli  were  aldl  nnuh 
fdiiiired  at  the  time  of  hi^  dealli.  lie  left  a  fortune  ol  i'6u,<K>ii  ateiling.  AfHi>'  /  laia ,'  Vrvimtt  lliyhlaml  C'/ona,  1 V.,  I>i)> ; 
flfulUmnn'i  Mofi^rini,  I.X.yVIt    j;.'..  —  Kn. 


No.  1. 


Sir  William  Johnson  to  (he  Karl  of  Dartmouth. 


[I'lauUtUou  Oanenl(li.  P.O.)  CCLIX.] 


^\y  i^ord  Johnson  Hall  Nov'  3"  1772 

1  an.   honore.!   will,  tho  receipt  of  your  Lonlslnps  letter  of  tl.e  14'^  Aupust  notifyinfi  your 
nppo.ntment  to  the  oHi.e  of  Secretary  of  State  a,.!  directing  n.y  correspondence  ac'cordi.l.lv 
I  rellect  w.th  pleasure  „n  the  judicious  choice  which  llis  Majesty  has  been  pleased  to  make 
ol  u  Nohlen.nn  ol  Lord  Darln.ouths  most  an.iahle  character  to  till  that  important  oHico 
Vol.  Mil.  40 


■  .1  . 

1 

LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII.  gig 

I'tlr'  \nllT'  ''  ''7'',  '1  T'^  "'^'  ""  ^^"-^^^  ''  «°  '""'^h  °f  *•'«  Jitter  as  related  to 
h  m.  In  consequence  of  winch,  he  delivered  in  Council,  on  Monday  last,  his  memorial  with 
h.s  aiRdav.t.  and  that  of  Archibald  Clark,  in  confutation  of  such  injurious  cl™  and  n 
jusfhcation  of  his  procedure.  Col:  Raid's  honorable  conduct  in  His  M  ;.  r  I  anl^hU 
dehcate  pnnc.ples  of  honor,  would  have  secured  him  from  the  malice  of  these  asp  sio 
among  the  unprejudiced,  tho  he  had  treated  the  calumnies  with  silent  contemp  .'  Zhe 
tr  s  n,s,on  „  .  ese  letters,  Men.orial,  affidavits  and  Report  of  the  Council,  your  Lord' 
w.ll  be  evmcedof  the  real  expediency  of  an  immediate  Royal  decision  to  the  controver  v 
As  your  LordP  must  be  sensible,  that  the  line  of  jurisdiction  cannot  be  exerted  olaveu 
e  lect  unt.1  the  I.ne  of  property  is  drawn.  1  n.ust  beg  leave  to  solicit  His  Maj.  that  I  mrha.l 
penn.ss.on,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  admit  as  many  of  the  Townships  of  iew  Hamp  hire  to 
take  conhrn.ations  under  this  Governs  on  half  fees,  or  such  other  Term.,  as  His  Ma  '"hall 

a  dT,:  ilui'  '       rr"'  °'"  '"  '''; °"^  "'^'^'"'^  """'^^  ^'^'«  ^°^-"'  ""'•- "-  -""'  -«t  ict 
and  l,m  tat.ons       Ih.s  measure  ,s  founded  on  the  soundest  policy,  as  every  such  conf.rn.atlon 

.s  securing  the  mhabitants  of  that  Township  i„  the  interest  of.  and  obedience  to  th  s  C    "e  j 

IW  T  '  r;'"'"  "T:"'"^:  ""^  ''^'^  '^'''^^  '°  -»«-^  ^"-  ^'^les  under  the  seal  of  tl 
Irov     on  half  fees,  and  have  been  restricted  by  His  Majesty's  late  order  forbidding  me  to 

dTZed'tTr'f/     "•  '''''' r  ^"^  ""''"^'""'^"''  ''''  '-^- to  be  so  much  sower'; and 
d.sgu.sted,    that   there    is    much    reason  to  apprehend    as  they  find    the    Bennington    people 
and  adjacent  Country  daily  increase  in  strength  and  uninterrupted  by  Govern',  therwill  In 
rejec  ta„        „        ,         this  Country,  and  combine  in   opposition  to   the  jurisdic^LT       t  i 
Irov     ce;  besides,  the  partition  line  between  tins  Gover...  and  Massachu.ets  Dny  being 
unset  led  ;  by  the  a.d  of  those  Borderers,  the  opposition   n,ay  reasonably  be  expe  re  Uo 
very  formidable  ;  too  much  so.  for  militia  forces  to  encounter.  txpected       bo 

These  observations,  .My  Lord,  taking  under  consideration  with  my  former  correspondence 
on  e  subject  will  I  am  confident  have  that  weight  with  His  Maj-.-  .niLters,  as  is  pro.w  io„"d 
to  their  importance,  and  I  trust,  n.y  Royal  Master  will  believe,  they  flow  from  a  zealous  and 
earnest  desire  to  pro.note  his  service,  and  the  peace  and  welfare  of  this  Colony. 

1  am  with  all  possible  respect  &  esteem.  My  Lord 

Vour  Lordship's  most  obedient  servant 

W™    TUYO.V. 


ri 


-  1 1 


iWA 


NKW.VOHK  (10L0NIAI-  MANrH(Mm»TS. 


Your  l.iirilHlii|)  ntiiy  l>»  tiMsuri'il  tlmt  I  nIiiiII  with  iKlolity  iiiul  ri'^iiliiriiy  (riiiiNiiiit  i'vt>ry  lliiiiK 
iniititriiil  ri>i;iiriliiiu;  tlii<  |)i<|)iti'iiiii>iil  ('niiiinidt'il  In  im<  iiud  tliiit  un  il  ix  of  (li<<  iititioHt  iin|i(>rliini'ii 
Id  lliit  (iiDWili  ol  ilio  ('iiliinii'M  iiiitl  tint  'I'luilii  anil  lruiu|iiillity  ot  Hum  ('i)iiiiliy,  I  i.!,iill  iiol  tail  (o 
olt'iir  tt)  yiitir  l.il|i  lor  Iiim  Miijcsty  royal  (loimiilcralioii  (<V(M'y  tliiiiK  lluil  oiTiirH  au  nccoHHury 
lli(<rt<lo,  Willi  ciiiidor  ami  iliNiiilcri'MloiliioM.i,  proHiiiiiini;  on  llio  iiiiliil^'ciK'o  I  liavo  alwayH 
t<\|)i<riitnrr'.l  lioin  llio  Kiai;  >.V  Iiim  MiniMtiM'M  lor  loii^;,  liiilliliill  and  I  lio|i)<  1  may  lii<  allowed  lo 
May  hui'i'iimmI'iiI  Morvii'i'N,  I  beg  a  ronliiiuam-o  llicro  ol'  iimli-r  your  lii>rdMlii|)M  adiiiiiiiHlriilioii,  iV 
lor  II  lavoraldo  ri<i'(<|)lioii  of  my  Iioiii'mI  ri'pri'si'nlalioiiM,  ol'  wliii'li  I  hIiuII  t'udravoiir  to  rciidrr 
inyNoir  worthy,  liy  ovcry  mi'tniM  in  my  powrr. 
I  hav«  llio  honor  to  l>i<  with  tiiiirh  rfN|ir('t, 

My  Lord 

\(iiir  l.or«l(ilii|iH. 

nioMi  oli«'ilii'iil 

liuiiibitt  Servant 

\\ '"  Johnson 


f 


I*  S   I  have  for  noiiu*   tiino  lii-«u   directeil  lo  iniinlier  my  lellerM,  mIioiiIi!  your   l<ordMlit|)  think 
il  iiiiui'feoMai'y  il  .shall  ho  iliMt'onliiiiit'd 


*SV/'    William  ilohnson  to  the   /utrl  of'  Ihtrtinoiith. 


1  IM«nl»ll.ai«  Orilrr«l  (HIV  0.,N...5H  Ct'lIX  ) 

Johnson  llail  Nov  I'"  177;,' 
My  Lord 

I  have  had  the  honor  to  rereive  voiir  LorilsliipM  letter  of  the  ',"'  of  Sept'  with  iRo 
iiielosiires  a('(|iiaiiiliii,t;  me  with  ills  M;ije»lyM  Ifoy.il  liitentioim  respeclini,' the  (!overiiiiieiil  lui 
the  (>Aiii  and  direetiiif;  that  I  mIiouIiI  Miunily  the  Maine  lo  the  Si\  NatioiiM  wliieh  I  had  an 
immediate  i<p|>oiltinity  ol  doiiik:,  as  t  shall  shew  voiii   LomInIiIp  |)reKently 

My  last  letter  It)  the  Karl  of  ilill8horoiij;h  waM  .\o  1^  of  ihe  •,';'"  .if  June,  on  whieh  (as  I 
presume  il  is  in  your  hiiiids)  I  iiee<l  not  (o  add  inoie  tli  in  lo  remind  your  liOrilaliip  that 
I  therein  i-ave  an  iuet>uiit  of  the  di'parture  of  Ihe  (i  NatioiiM  OepulVM  lor  the  neeond  ^real 
t\)ni;ress  at  St>>to  and  ol  llie  murder  tit  the  eight  Mississagaes  &  ('liippewaes  hy  one  {{amsey  a 
miiall  Trailer  on  l,ak»>  Krie  in  whieh  he  appeared  to  have  liei-ii  lutiialed  hy  wanton  eruelly 
more  thait  hy  any  »>llier  eonsideralion.  Since  that  letter  1  received  an  aeeouat  that  tho 
eonl'ereiu-es  lo  the  Soiiihward  were  ended,  ami  ahoiil  a  forini>;lil  »iiue,  the  riieifs  and  principal 
Warriors!  of  the  Si\  Nations  came  to  this  place  where  they  held  a  Congress  and  related 
the  trannHClioKs  of  their  l>epulieM,  u  I'opy  al  the  most  material  parts  whereof,  I  have  now  th« 
•  N.J iv,v..,..t  honor  lo  tiansniii  lo  your  l.oid>liip,"— The  Sum  ol  what  they  said  was,  Thiit  as 
tlie  Wauhasli  Indians,  KuMpeiis  vV  riaiikiish.iws  notwilhsl.iudinj;  they  wailed  lor  thein  a 
COl\«ideral>le  time  liid  not  intend  tlie  l\>ni;ress  at  .^'i.i.'i'.  hv  reason  or  iiiuler  pretence  that  some 
iyi  their  pev>ple  had  last  year  hcen  killed  hy  a  pally  of  Six  Nations  \  I'lu-okees,  the  I>eputy8 
luul  their  llelt8  and  Me«s,ige»  helore  those  presjeiit  reprimanding  those  concerned  with  lluir 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:     XLIII. 


piiRt  niiHConiliirt,  nnd  clKirjjing  tl 


ItMl) 


|.n.mimMl  lmtl,(ully  to  .l.-livr      Tl.o  I),.,„.,yH  lik-win,,  ,l..,nan,l 


which   hiid   Itcci 


I  circuhiling  &  piiriidihirly  tl 


ChciColf^ri'iit  inlliu'iici',  l)ul  without  th<>  k 


315 

OHO  a!)HHnt,  which  (liey 

Ihone   iniNcheivous  Hells  &cu. 

<)H('  Hiiid  to  havo  gon,'  Croin  Agnmltirax  n  Seneca 


with  what  they  had  to  »ay  to  tli 


Tht)  liiiiiatiH  thero 


nccordiiiKly  iliri'ded  all  the  ad 


Mowledf;c  (iCthe  rest  oC  the  Six  Nat 


ion  coiifedernj 


were  liahlit  to  HiiNpicion,  on  which  several  Hel 


adjoining  Nations  to  collect  all  such  Helt 


s  as 


some  of  which  canie  Iroin  I  hi;  West  side  oC  M 


Is  were  hroiight  in d  delivered  to  the  Deputys, 


ndvisiuK  all  Nations  I 


hands  ol   any   then   present,  having  I 


o  rise  against  the  Knglish  I>ut  the  iJells  ( 


iNsiH,si|,i  containing  assurances  of  Assistan 


ce  a  IK 


W( 


IK  heen   ntopped   by  the  Cherokees     11 


roni  Aginisliiraj:  were  not  in   the 


re  assured  that  Ihey  should  he  eo .|ed,  and  thai  the  CI 


m  well  lis  present  shonM  shortly 


where  they  would  hear  ll 


niiig  I  hem,  and  aliend  a  ( 


K'ifs  or  all  the  Nations  ll 


owever  the   Deputies 


hrCore  mentioned  were  deliveied 
the  largest  I  have  seen  is  evidcntl 


!<•  sense  o(  all  the  Six  Nations  and  n  tily  all  proceed 


lere  absent 
ieiieral   (.'ongress  at  Onondaga 


St  Ange  on  the  Mississi|i|ii   in   the  niinie 

('omniander  iindi'r  the  !•' 

I'r.'ji 

As  these  Indians  however  I 


ip  to  me  by  the  |)e|iuties  and  one  ol   th 
y  a  French  Itcll,  and  from  what  I  can  find 


lings.     The  Melts 


em,  w 


bid 


ll  IS  one  o 


•ench   and   is   now  I 


ll  the  Kreiich  King,  which  St  A 


eami!  (roin  Mons' 


ice  ol  the  Indians,  and  prepare  llieni  (or  cooperat"  wilh  the  I 


nge   was  an   active 
am   ol  opinion  a  secret  Agent  to   heighten   the 


not  Cullilled  their  promise  ii 


(as  it  is  called)  at  Onondaga  within  the  lime  limited,  I  sook 


.neiny  in  case  oCa  War. 
I  <-oniiiig  to  theOrand  Fire  ph 


ice 


charging  them  to  see  thai  tl 


Hell 


iest>  p(>oplt>  attended  without  riirtherd 


poke  warmly  to  the  whoh 


lied 


erac 


s  w 


ere   immediately  deliv.Tcd  into  my  hands,  which  the  Six  N 


'•'lay,  or  that  these  remai 


|)crrormed,  as  well   as  that  at  the  (iroposed 
lidclily  lo  lis,   and  their  resolutions   t 


<'ongress   they  will   conv 


I  compcll   the   rest  to  act 


(hat  Ihey  the  Six  Nations  have  no  part  in  their  designs 

'I'hey  next  represented   the  great  irregularit 
promisi's  made  to  (hem  (ha(  the  sann-  should  I 


in  th 


ning 

alions  have  promised  to  see 

ince  all   Nations  of  their 

same  manner  as  a  proof 


therein  the  abuses  commitled   by  Tradi 
ami  the  (Jeneral  d 


ics  in  the  present  slate  of  the  Indian  Trade,  the 
put  on  a  good  looting,  the  want  ol  Ifegulations 


ral  discontentment  amongst   all  the  Nations 


rainhling  where   they  pleased   with  strong  I 


K  liquors 


them   ihe  best  answer  I  could 


being  made  in  the  Colon 


consiilering  the  little  prospect  ll 


on   (hat  account,  to  which  I   ma<! 


le 


ii's.     Just  heloie  their  d 


is  of  any  such  Ifegnhitione 


second   letter  and  accordingly  c( 


mum 


epartnre  I  was  Inmored    with  your  l.ordsh 


inicated   to  them  His  Majestys  InlenI 


Ksiablishmeni  of  a  (iovernm.'ut  on  the  Ohio  which  I  observed 
advantage  (o  them  \  to  their  Allies  thmi   tl 
public  .Sale  itt  the  greatest  Congn 
just  rights,  and  remove  any  evil    ini| 


e  contrary.     'I'lial  it  was 


ss  ever  held   and  therefore   it 


aression 


ips 
ions  respecting  the 
would   rather  he  attended  with 
in  conscipience  of  their 
was  their  duly  to  support  their 


conceived  thereon  to  all  which  they  made  siiilal 
the  Senecas  of  Ohio  ( 


s  which  a  few  weak  People  their  Dependants  had 


I'roni   thence  and  settle  them  nearer  ll 


their  Connections  with  others  lhi>y  bring  disgrace  & 


lieir 


this  I  was  (be  readier  induced  to  d 
illiience  was  present  &  hail  prival 


ll.'  answer     I  likewise  advise.!  them  to  withdraw 

natural  friends  as  at  present  by 

suspicion  on  their  own  confederacy,  and 

io,  a  man  of  universal 


I  shall  now,  my  l.or.l,  beg  leave  lo  ofler  my  thouel 


o,  as  Kiujinflwiu  the  cheif  of  those  on  Ol 
y  assured  me  that  it  was  agreeable  to  I 


in  as  few  wor.ls  as  possibl.-,  and  lirsl  with 


ghts  on  some  of  the  foregoing  particul 


lo  I 


regard  to  the  new  ( 


iirs 


reasons 


the  Tribes  wl 


•eleive  that  the  Six  Nations  areil 


ispose. 


i  I 


who  siiwe  th..  t'.'.xsion   have   appeared   otherwise   h 


■  overnment  I  have  the  strongest 
o  consi.ler  it  in  a  favorable  light,  and  ihnl 


(h.-iv,  at  Ihe  same  time    I   should    remark    that    as   all    Indi 


ve  no  just  pretension  or  Title 


ins   are   naturally  jealous  of  their 


316 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


liberties  and  extremely  suspicious  of  our  designs.  And  as  the  reduction  of  Canada,  the 
imprudence  of  our  own  people  since  that  event,  and  the  artifices  of  our  secret  entinies  nil 
contribute  to  encrease  these  sentiments  in  the  Indiana,  It  is  not  at  all  surprising  if  any  amongst 
them  particularly,  to  ♦he  Southv/.ird  should  alltho'  they  accord  to  the  Cession  be  alarmed  at 
any  uncommon  increa.-e  vjC^'ottlenu  .jts  in  the  back  Country  all  which  whatever  else  may  have 
been  surmised  mu;it  Oe  attributed  to  this  cause  following,  They  discover  that  the  back 
inhabitants  particularly  those  who  daily  go  over  the  Mountains  of  Virginia  employ  much  of 
their  time  in  hunting,  interfere  with  them  therein,  have  a  hatred  for,  ill  treat,  Rob  and 
frequently  murder  the  Indians,  that  they  are  in  generall  a  lawless  sett  of  People,  as  fond  of 
independency  as  themselves,  and  more  regardless  of  Govern""  owing  to  ignorance,  prejudice 
democratical  principles,  &  their  remote  situnt'on  The  Indians  likewise  perceive  &  frequently 
observe  that  our  Governments  are  wc..,.  &  impotent,  that  whatever  these  people  do  their  Jurys 
will  acquitt  them,  the  Landed  men  protect  them  or  a  Rabble  rescue  them  from  the  hands  of 
Justice,  The  truth  of  all  which  I  am  equally  sensible  of,  the  Indians  are  therefore  ct  rtain  that 
they  will  be  troublesome  neighbours  and  that  they  can  expect  no  redress  from  them.  These 
are  material  considerations  which  principally  induced  me  to  extend  the  purchase  a  little  farther 
down  the  Ohio,  the  Indians  being  willing  to  sell  it,  but  more  especially  as  I  knew  that  at  that 
time  these  frontier  People  were  daily  pushing  into  that  fertile  country  and  would  continue  to 
do  so  without  any  title  whatsoever  (a  circumstance  they  little  regard)  &  that  the  Colonies, 
would  not,  or  could  not  prevent  them,  this  would  have  been  such  a  disgrace  to  Government, 
that  I  judged  it  most  politick  to  purchase  it  for  His  Majesty,  than  farther  to  discover  our 
weakness  to  th"  Indians  by  admitting  their  Title  to  Lands  which  were  dayly  settling  without 
pny  Title  at  all,  and  contrary  to  His  Majestys  orders  but  as  matters  now  stand  a  proper 
authority  in  the  hands  of  the  Governor  of  that  new  Colony  with  a  judicious  management  at 
the  beginning,  joined  to  the  assistance  which  I  shall  give  by  myself  and  my  Deputy  in  that 
Country  may  I  am  hopefull  obviate  the  dillicultys  that  at  first  occur,  but  should  some 
differences  at  first  arise  from  the  Jealous  disposition  of  Indians  or  any  of  the  causes  before 
mentioned,  the  establishm'  of  a  Government  there  will  in  the  end  prove  a  prudential  measure, 
and  in  proportion  to  its  powers  appear  to  the  Indians  as  the  most  necessary  check  that  could 
have  been  given  to  the  unrestrained  licentiousness  w'lich  prevail** '  'ong  before  the  Cession,  was 
daily  gathering  strength,  and,  would  have  done  so  had  no  purchase  ever  been  made  in 
that  country. 

The  proper  regulation  of  Trade  at  certain  fixed  places  there,  is  a  material  consideration,  and 
indeed  the  neglect  of  the  Colonies  since  it  has  been  left  to  them,  the  vast  Cargoes  of  Rum 
carried  into  the  Indian  (Country  &  the  unrestrain''  conduct  of  the  Traders  has  occasioned  much 
dissatisfaction  and  is  likely  to  produce  very  bad  conse(|uences,  whilst  the  Ideas  of  (Economy 
which  prevail  in  America  &  the  different  Interests  ot  the  Colonies  afl'ord  very  little  hopes  of 
any  accordation  of  Sentiments  that  might  be  productive  of  any  salutary  establishments. 

Tlie  Common  Traders  or  Factors  who  are  generally  rapacious,  ignorant  &  without  principle 
pretending  to  their  merchants  that  they  can  not  make  good  returns  unless  they  are  at  liberty  to 
go  where  and  do  as  they  please,  &  present  extravagant  gain  being  too  much  the  Object  and  the 
only  object  of  all,  they  are  tempted  in  pursuit  of  it  to  venture  amongst  the  most  distant  Stations 
where  they  are  daily  guilty  of  the  most  glaring  impositions  —  of  the  fatal  effects  of  Rum  (so 
often  requested  by  the  Indians  not  to  be  brought  amongst  them)  I  have  just  received  a  Iresh 
instance  in  the  murder  of  a  Trader  and  his  two  servants  on  Lake  Huron  by  some  of  the  Nation 


id 


H\ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


817 


who«e  peop  e  were  k.I  ed  by /?a«,.j/.  The  Trader  sol,!  them  Rum  and  neglecting  to  leave 
hem.  tho  advsed  by  themnelves  to  do  so.  on  being  re  used  more  liquor.  iLy  seized  it  got 
n,tox.cated  a  squabble  ensued,  which  ended  in  the  deati:  of  the  Trader  and  his  Servants,  The 
Nat.on  have  promised  to  deliver  the  mur.lerer  but  I  dou  it  much,  as  the  murders  committed 
by  Uamsay  can  not  be  easily  forgotten  by  them  especially  when  disguised  by  Liquor  which 
hey  always  consuler  as  a  mitigation  of  the  oftence.  '• .  I  expect  to  have  the  honor  to  write 
.ourLordsh.p  soon  on  the  subjects  proposed  to  the  fc  s  Nations,  I  have  only  at  present  to 
request  that  your  Lordsh.p  will  honor  me  with  His  Mai. stys  commands  touching  any  part  of 
th.s  lef.r  that  may  requ.re  it.  and  that  you  will  pardon  its  .mmoderate  length  as  my  Zeal  would 
not  perm.t  me  to  abrulge  a  subject  which  appeared  to  n.e  of  some  importance  1  have  t  .e 
honor  to  be  with  great  respect 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

Most  obedient  and 

Most  faithfull  Servant 

W  Johnson 


i 
J 

'     .1 

1 
! 
1 

m 


N'2. 


Sir, 


Mtrl  of  Dartmottth  to  Governor  Tryon. 

[Ntw-Tork  Papers  (S.  P.  O.  )CLXIV.] 

Whitehall.  Nov'  4.  1772 


I  have  received  your  Dispatches  to  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  N"  43  and  44.  and  have  laid 
them  hefore  the  King. 

^  The  attention  you  have  shewn  to  the  acquiring  a  perfect  knowledge  of  the  State  of  the 
Colony,  by  v.s.ting  the  different  parts  of  it.  is  approved  by  the  King;  and  I  hope  that 
the  Congress  w.th  the  Mohawks  will  have  the  good  ertect  to  ren.ove  their  complaints  and  to 
convince  them  that  there  is  a  sincere  disposition  in  the  (Jov-  of  New  York  to  redress  any 
injuries  they  may  sustain  from  the  Inhabitants  of  that  Colony. 

The  engrossing  of  lands  on  the  Mohawk  River  on  preter.ce  of  purchases  from  the  Indians 
has  been  repeatedly  and  justly  complained  of;  and  therefore  I  was  sorry  to  find,  by  the  extract 
of  the  proceedings  with  the  Mohawks,  transmitted  with  your  letter,  that  private  persons  still 
continue  to  obtain  Licenses  Irom  the  Govern'  of  New  York  for  that  purpose;  but  I  hope  no 
steps  will  have  been  taken  to  confirm  to  such  purchasers  the  possession  of  those  lands,  untill 
by  a  transmission  of  the  deeds,  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  purchases  can  be  known,  and  the 
King  s  pleasure  signified  thereupon. 

The  State  of  the  French  Claims  on  Lake  Champlain  appears  to  me,  as  far  as  I  am  at  present 
informed,  to  be  a  consideration  of  great  difliculty  and  delicacy,  an<l  by  no  means  of  a  nature 
to  admit  of  an  hasty  decision.  Those  Claims  are  now  before  the  Board  of  Trade  in  consequence 
of  a  reference  from  the  privy  Council,  and  I  will  not  t,ni  from  what  you  say  of  the  State  of  the 
Colony  as  well  in  respect  to  those  Claims,  as  to  the  increasinir  disorders  &  confusion  on 
tho  Kastcrn  Frontiers  in  general,  to  press  au  immediate  attention  to  both  those  important 


31R 


NKW-YOl^K  COLONIAL  MANTTSCRIPTS. 


conHi(li'ra(ions.|  At  tli«  snme  time,  confident  us  I  iini  of  the  wisdom  tlint  dicliited  the  lloynl 
IiiHlru('(ii)nH  hy  wliicli  ycui  was  fdrhiil  (o  mai<«  any  Krants  vvilliiii  lh«  district  aiiiu'xcd  to  New 
York  i)y  the  deloniiiiialioii  of  tlio  Uotiiuliiry  with  New  llaiiiicjitire,  I  caiiiiot  hut  lament  tiial 
you  should    have  found   it  necessary  in  your  own  judgement  to   depart   from    the  letter  of 


(hat  instruction  ;  which  has  Ix-en  the  more  unfortunate  as  it  h 


•ssarily  had  the  ellect  to 


delay  any  <leterminalion  upon  a  very  full  re|)ort  the  lioard  of  Trade  had  made  upon  the  f^tale 
of  the  claims  in  that  district,  which  must  now  undergo  a  new  consideration,  not  only  on  that 
account  l)Ut  also  from  new  inatler  arisinj?  from  the  complaints  which  have  heen  made  by  the 
proprietors  of  the  'rownship  of  Hinsdale,  who  assert  thai,  uotwithstandinu;  they  derive  their 
titles  from  an  ancient  grant  of  the  I'rovince  of  Massachusets  Hay  and  therefore  are  not  within 
the  description  of  the  grants  said  to  hii\e  been  franduiently  made  by  the  late  (!ov'  of  New 
Hampshire,  they  have  nevertheless  been  deprived  of  a  part  of  their  possessions  under  a  l*atent 
lately  passed  by  you. 

I  do  not  uu-an  however  to  convey  any  opinion  upon  the  nu-rits  of  the  case  of  those  proprietors 
on  their  own  stale  of  it,  and  I  should  do  injustice  lo  llit^  sentiments  I  have  alvv;iys  entertaini'd 
of  you,  if  I  was,  without  the  fullest  examination,  to  give  any  other  comileuance  to  their 
<'om|ilainls,  than  what  the  duly  of  my  ollice  re(|uires. 

The  whole  of  this  very  important  l>usincss  will,  I  am  persnaiied,  he  discussed  by  the  Lords 
of  Trade  with  that  imparlialiiy.  that  has  always  (iislin,i;uislie(l  tiieir  conduct;  I  shall  therefore 
jivoid  saying  any  thing  more  upon  that  subject,  or  upon  the  (Janadian  (.'laims  further,  than, 
that  i  think  it  jiroper  lo  observe  that  the  proposition  in  your  letter  iN"  4:i.  that  all  the  territory 
on  the  south  side  of  the  h'iver  S'  Lawrence  was  the  |)roperly  ol  the  live  Nations,  ami  therefore, 
that  every  Canadian  Cranl  on  that  side  of  the  Uiver,  was  an  encroachment  an  the  Ihitish 
possession,  does  not   appear  lo  me,  I'rom  any   information   I   have  been  alilt?  to  collect,  to  ho 


mainlainahle  on  any  fiir  ground  ol  argument  ;  an  observation  which   1  tliink  1  am  called 


upon 


to  stale  to  you,  lest  by  my  silence  on  that  subject,  I  should  appear  to  ac(juiesce  in  a  |iroposition 
that,  if  adopted  in  the  extent  you  stall-  it,  would  strip  one  liidf  ol'  the  Kiim's  new  suhjects  of 
their  ancient  |)osse8sions  ami  must  spread  an  Alarm  that  may  have  very  f.ilal  cotisiM|uence8  to 
the  King's  interest. 


I  am  etic, 


1) 


AiiT.Muirn. 


My  Lord, 


Jitdije  fjvimjfiton  to  the  Ivtrl  of  ]\vtnin\ith. 

INi'w.Vork  fippn  (».  1'.  o  )  It. XIV. ] 

New  York,  r."-  Nov'  1772. 


I  beg  leave,  tho'  placed  at  this  distance  to  congratulate  your  Lord"'  on  the  groat  (rust 
His  Majesty  has  been  |)le:ised  to  repose  in  you  by  appointing  your  Lord''  oiu'  of  his  Secretaries 
ol  Stale;  ami  to  assure  your  I,ord'',  as  I  am  with  gre.it  Iriilh,  that  no  appointment  to  an  Ollice 
ill  which  we  ,ire  so  much  inlercsled,  could  be  more  agrcabltr  to  His  M.ijcsty's  suhjects  on  this 
hide  ol  the  Atlantic. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


819 


The  reason  of  my  presuming  to  write  to  your  LorcH'  is  to  apprize  you  of  an  Aflair  which 

greatly  conc-ms  His  Maj'>'  authority  in  this  I'roV",  and  the  more  so,  since  if  not  adve.fed  to 

the  ••xample  will  prolml.ly  he  followed  in  the  oth.-r  Colonies— I  have  in  several  letters  slat.;d  the 

whole  matter  to  the  Earl  of  llillshorough,  and  have  some  hopes,  that  he  has  already  laid  it 

helore  the  IJoard  „f  Tra.le.  or  His  Maj'V  privy  Coi-niril ;  for  he  was  pleased  to  inform  me,  that 

he  looked  upon  the  Conduct  of  the  (Je.ieral  Assembly  as  wuuslifyablc  atui  <IUrespa;j,d  to  His 

M„j",  hut  that  ho  deferred  taking  any  resolution,  till   he  knew  what  measures  (JoV  Tryon, 

who  was  then  expected  here,  would  take  on  the  occasion.     Since  this  1  have  given  His  Lord"" 

a  further  account  of  the  Conduct  of  the  Ceneral  Assemhiy,  which   was  transmitted  to  him  hy 

Gov  Tryon,  who  informed  me,  my  letter  was  received;  hut  that  liis  Lord"  deferred  giving  his 

particular  dir.clions,  till  he  received  the  votes  of  the  house.     Mad  I  it  in  my  power,  I   would 

transmit  to  your  Lord"  all  I  have  written  on  the  subject,  but  the  copies  of  my  letters  are  in  the 

Country;  and  if  My  Lor.l   Hillsborough  has  laid  the  affair,  either  before  the  Council  or  the 

Board  of  Trade  it  will  be  unnecessary.     1  shall  therefore  only  lay  before  your  Lord?  this  short 

account  of  the  matter.     I   have  the  iionor  to  serve  His  Mi.J'J'  in  the  Ollice  of  I'uisne  Judge  of 

the  Supreme  Court  of  this  I'rovince,  and  have  been  hv  times  chosen  Representative  lor  the 

Manor  of  Livingston  in  general  Assembly;  four  times  I  have  been  refused  admittance,  and  on 

the  fifth  Election,  I  have  not,  yet  presented  myself.     The  pretence  for  excluding  me,  was  a 

resolution  of  the  House  made  immediately  preceeding  my  first  Election,  that :  no  Judire  of  the 

Supreme  Court  should  ail  or  vole  in  the  lloutc.     I  had  sat  there,  three  or  four  years  alter  Gen' 

Monckton  had  given  me  my  Commission  without  the  least  objection,  and   before    that  we 

hardly  had  one  Assembly,  of  which  one  or  other  of  the  Judges  was  not  a  Member.     1   believe 

there  is  no  house  of  Representatives  in  the  Colonies,  where  this  is  not  the  case,  and  in  imne  of 

them,  but  ours,  are  they  excluded.     Tho'  the  12  Judges  in  England  are  excluded  in  the  House 

of  Commons,  the  sole  reason  of  that  is  llieir  necessary  attendance  on  the  House  of  I^ords.     I'.ut 

our  Judges  are  never  re(iuired  to  attend   the  Council,  and  are  not  admitted  there,  unless 

Members  of  that  IJody.     What  renders  this  assumption  of  power  in  the  Assembly  still   more 

injurious  to  His  Maj'^'  just  authority,  is  that  they  have  excluded  me  on  this   Broad  principle, 

that  they  have  a  power,  to  exclude  anij  periun  tittij  ikink  proper  wiliiout  the  concurrence  of  the  other 

branch  of  the  Ligi.sluiurc,  n  principle  the  house  of  Commons  never  adopted,  as  your  Lord?  well 

knows,   except    when  they   usurped  all   the  powers  of  Govern'.     This  dispute   between  the 

Assembly  has  lasted  now  about  three  years;  and  the  several  Governors  we  have  had  in  that 

time,  to  wit,  Lieut'  CioV  Golden,  Lord   Dunmore  and  M'  Tryon,  have  not  thought  proper  to 

do  any  thing  decisive  in  the  matter  without  His  Maj"''  particular  orders.     1  thought  the  duty 

of  my  ollice  obliged  me  to  lay  the  whole  matter  before  My  Lord  Hillsborough,  and  this  induced 

me  to  mention  it  to  your  LordP 

Having  thus  discharged  my  duty  to  His  Maj'>'  and  the  public,  I  beg  your  Lordi''s  patience, 
while  by  way  of  memorial,  I  add  a  lew  words  concerning  myself.  1  have  served  His  Maj''  in 
the  Office  of  a  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  this  I'rovince  ever  since  the  14""  of  April  J7Ca. 
and  from  that  lime  till  within  three  years,  the  other  Judges  being  of  a  very  advauce<i  n<>-es, 
almost  the  whole  weight  of  the  bi*iuess  has  lain  on  me.  Since  this  M"'  Justice  Ludlow,'  who 
was  appointed  on  the  death  of  M' Justice  Smith  ^  has  born  an  etpial  share  of  it.  II  your  LoniP 
considers  the  extent  of  the  province,  the  variety  o(  business  Criminal  and  Civil,  the  number  of 
miles  we  must  travel  to  perforin  a  circuit  almost  equal  to  that,  necessary  to  make  the  Circuit 


^.i.&?*si 


,ira,  ]i.  24S,  uoto. 


*  Supra,  VII.,  p.  9U'.i,  luito  1.  —  Ku 


320 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


of  all  England,  and  the  small  salaries  we  receive,  scarce  suHicient  to  defray  our  Imveling 
cliarget.,  I  iiope,  you  will  think  my  long  services  in  this  OlHce  give  me  some  claim  to  His  Mi>j'J'' 
favour,  on  a  new  appointment  to  the  Otlice  of  Chief  Justice  for  this  Province. 

If  or,  the  next  vacancy  the  appointment  should  he  left  to  the  Comn>ander  in  Chief  here,  I 
should  not  think  it  necessary  to  mention  my  pretensions  to  the  (Xlice.  For  notwithstanding 
the  heat  of  Parties,  I  am  conlident,  no  one  would  object  to  them,  or  interfere  with  me.  That 
I  have  executed  the  Ollice  to  the  general  satisfaction  of  the  King's  representatives  here,  the  Bar 
and  the  people  in  General,  I  need  give  your  Lord'-  no  other  proof  than  this:  During  the 
violent  opposition  on  account  of  my  chiim  to  a  seat  in  the  house  of  Assembly,  which  has  now 
lasted  for  three  years,  with  no  small  warmth  on  both  sides,  no  objection  has  ever  been  made 
to  me  on  account  of  my  behaviour  as  a  .Judge.  This  I  look  upon  as  a  testimonial  from  my 
opposers,  of  greater  weight,  than  the  warmest  recommendation  of  a  Friend. 

I  hope  your  Lordi'  will  be  of  opinion,  since  the  honor  of  serving  His  AFiij'^  in  the  important 
ollice  I  hold,  is  the  principal  recnmpence,  lor  my  services,  that,  that  ought  not  to  be  diminished 
by  my  being  supercoedcd,  or  having  another  placed  over  my  head.  For  the  truth  of  what 
I  have  advanced,  I  appeal  conlidently  to  any  one  aciiuainted  with  this  Colony,  from  whom 
your  Lord"',  may  have  an  opportunity  of  receiving  an  information.  We  are  often  told,  that  a 
Chief  Justice  will  be  appointed  at  home;  this  has  induced  me  to  lay  before  your  J.ordf  an 
account  of  my  services.  I  rely  entirely  on  your  J.ord'''s  justice  in  regarding  them  as  you  think 
they  deserve,  and  on  your  goodness  to  excuse  the  trouble  I  have  given  you  &  remain  with 
great  respect. 

Vour  Lordi'*  most  obedient 

and  most  humble  servant 

ifou'    1{.    LlVINOSTON. 


Miiiutea  of  the  Atteiulance  of  Mr.  KJmund  HinJcc  on  the  Lmh  of  Trade. 

t  lliiir.l  of  Tru.li-  Journtl,  I.XXX.,  li'T. ) 

At  a  meeting  of  His  Majesty's  Comm"  for  Trade  and  Plantations.     Thursday  Nov  iC.  1772. 
Phksent—  M'  (iascoyne.  Lord  tJreville,  Lord  fjurliea. 

The  Karl  of  Dartmouth,  one  of  His  Majesty's  Principal  Secretaries  of  State,  Attends. 
^  M'  Ldmuud  IJurk.  attended  and  moved  their  Lordships  that  lie  might  he  liear.l  by  his 
Counsel,  as  well  in  I.eluill  of  the  Provinc-  of  New  York,  as  of  sundry  p.Tsous,  Proprietors  of 
Lands  within  the  said  Provmee,  under  grants  fn.m  the  Uovernor  &  Council  ih.'reof,  against 
the  Conlirmation  by  the  Crown,  of  any  grants  ma.ie  l.y  the  French  King  or  the  (Sovernni.'ul 
of  Caiuida  within  the  limits  of  the  said  I'rovince  of  ,N(  w  \urk. 

Their  Lordships  upon  consideration  o(  .M'  Itutkes  motion,  agreed  that  he  should  be  heard  by 
hii  Counsel,  and  he  was  deMred.  so  soon  as  his  C.M.nsel  ^h(luld  he  prepared,  to  arcjuainl  the 
Secretary  therewith,  in  order  that  an  F.arly  day  might  be  fixed  lor  the  lurther  Consideration 
ul  tills  business. 


'Sii 


■  y 


,   i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


821 


Ordered  that  the  Secretary  do  acquaint  Mon'  Lotbiniere  who  now  attends  to  solicit  the 
Cor.nrinal.on  of  two  Seigneuries  on  [.ake  Champlain,  of  which  he  claims  the  possession,  with 
M'  Burke's  application  to  be  heard  by  Counsel,  and  that  he  will  also  be  at  liberty  to  be  heard 
by  his  Counsel  in  support  of  his  pretensions  if  he  thinks  fit. 

Greville.' 


i 


EqyresenMion  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to   the  Committee  of  the  Privy  Council. 

I  New-Tork  EDtriM,LXVni.,  48S.] 

To  the  Right  Hon"''  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  His  Majesty's  most  Hon""  Privy  Council 
for  Plantation  Aflaiis.     20.  Nov'  1772. 

My  Lords 

Pursuant  to  Your  Lordships  Order  of  the  17">  day  of  June  last,  We  have  taken  into  Our 
Consideration  the  .'xtract  of  a  letter  from  William  Tryon  Kscj:  His  Majesty's  fJovernor  o(  New 
York  to  the  Karl  of  Hillsborough  dated  the  first  of  Feb:    1772,  in  whirh  iie  acquaints  his 
Lordship  in  conse<iuence  of  his  Majestys  Koyal  Mandamus  he  had  granted  ten  thousand  Acres 
of  Land  to  Lieut'  Colonel   Howard  in  the  township  of  Kinsdale-'  on  ih*'  Western  si.ie  of  the 
IMver  Connecticut,  apprehending  that  his  Majesty's  4I»"'  Instruction   by  which  he  is  forbidden^ 
to  make  any  Crants  of  Lands  within  the  limits  of  the  Townships  granted  by  \ew  Hampshire^ 
on    the    Western    side    of    that    River    was   supt.M'ded    by    the    Mandamus    aforementioned  ' 
W  hereupon  We  beg  leave  to  Report  to  Your  Lordships.  ^ 

That  the  Township  of  Kinsdale  ^  which  appears  to  have  been  considered  by  Gov'  Tryon,  as 
one  of  the  Townships  granted  by  the  Gov'  of  New  Hampshire,  does  not  derive  its  origin  from 
any  such  Grant  hut  amongst  several  others  under  the  like  Circumstances  established  and  settled 
under  a  Grant  from  the  (Jeneral  Court  of  the  Massachusets  liay  in  the  year  1072  ;  and 
it  appears  to  us  that  the  acceptance  by  the  proprietors  of  that  Township  of  a  Grant  of 
Coiilirmalion  from  the  Governor  of  New  Hampshire  was  only  with  a  view  to  prevent  their 
being  disturbed  in  their  pos^essjions  in  couseipieiice  of  the  district  in  which  it  is  situated 
having  been  adjudged  by  n  determination  in  the  year  1740  to  be  without  the  limits  of  the 
Gov'  of  the  Massachusets  May. 

Krom  their  state  of  the  Cise  it  iloeg  appear  to  us  that  the  proprietors  of  the  Township  t 
Kinodale*  ought  not  to  nave  been  disturbed  in  their  Possessions  by  any  subseipieul  (irant 
whaiever.  and  even  ailmitlinLT  that  M'  'l"ryi)n  is  warranted  in  liix  constructiim  o(  the  Spirit  and 
Intention  ol  His  .M.ijeslys  Mandamus  in  lavitur  ol  ("ol ;  Howard  yet  the  locating  a  griut  within 
the  Limits  of  a  Township  under  these  particular  t  ireumstanees,  was  the  less  to  h,.  j  istih.d  as 
there   were   within   the  district    between    Hudson   and   Connecticut    Rivers,    not    only  many 

'  IJc.m.it  iiM«vin«.rl.l.»l  .•■11  of  Krw..-.«,  I.I  K.rl  ltr.».l,.  an.)  W<ir»i,-k  «h.i  of  KIU«l«.||i.  .iHiuliIrr  ,.f  ll„.  Diik.'  ..f  II  ,rt,i!l„n. 

«••  l...rn    Itllli   S.  |.tiMi,l.,.r,    17  in.     Il«   .uw Ivd  tli.'  Il..h..nil.l.'  T    lt..l.i<.«.ii   in   lli.>  H,.nr,\  v(  Ira,),   Uili  A|iril,    \:\„'; 

riiiiri-i<-.|  (1...  .Milv  ,l»uyl,lrr  «f  l.<.r,l  S,l.oy  in  1771  .  nuci- I..I  I..  In.  t«i|,v.',  tal.i  ..ii  ih,'  miIi  ,I.iI,,  IT7,i.  »m  I  .|„  J  j.l  M„y.' 

iKlfi,  ill  llir  7i'tii  \riir  «if  In"  «({■.    I'lhrrl',  —   Ku. 

'  St.  liin.Uiliil.-.     It  ii  III,.  SuuiImuI  tu»ii  m  the  SIdI,'  of  Vi-i ni. 


Vol..  Mil. 


41 


•■y 


n22 


NKW-YORK  (COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


'rowiiHliip.s  of  11  niurli  later  .vsla!)lisliin<Mil  on  which  no  s.-KliMncnt  or  Fuiprov.'mcnt  whntpver 
Inxi  b.'.Mi  niado  hut  iiIho  vory  consichTahh)  Tracts  of  Lan.l  which  hu.l  never  been  grunted  at  all. 
We  he^  h-uve  however  to  observe  to  your  l.or.lships  tliat  the  Terms  o(  liis  Majesty's  Mati(ii:nui8 
in  lavor  of  IJeuteuani  c;(,h)nel  Howard'  do  not  warrant  the  construction  put  upon  it  hy  his 
Majesty's  (i.)vernor  and  lor  these  It.-a.sons  w.-  think  that  he  ouglit  not  to  have  made  the  (irant 
in  .picstion;  at  the  san)e  tiuio  vv.)  are  not  able  to  su^'gest  any  means,  by  which  the  proprietors 
ol  this  'I'ownship  can  be  relieved  Iron)  the  injury  they  complain  of,  otherwise  than  by  ati 
appeal  to  the  Courts  of  Justice  ol  the  t'olony  wher.'in  the  l.ands  lye  in  which  Courts  alone 
we  can  conceive  the  (irant  of  bis  Majesty's  Covernor,  so  far  as  regards  tlie  legal  operation  of 
it  can  be  <piestioned.     We  are 

My  Lords 

Your  Lordships 

most  o!)edient  ami 

most  humble  Servants 

l)AU'rMi)IITll 

SoAMU  .Ii:.\vN.s 

ItAMIIi:u    (lAMCOV.VK 

(iuiaii.i.K 

(•Altl.lKs' 


r- 


(iorcnior  Tn/on  to  t/n    Lml,  of  tlw  CommitUo  of  (he  Prinj  Council. 

/.,    ..>  lN<'«V.ik  rn|i.  r.,  lliiM.llo  V.».l 

(<npy) 
My  Lords.  '^''^^'  ^'"'^-  ''  "-''•■•'"''••r  »77'-'- 

^  our  Lordships  order  in  I'rivy  Council  upon  the  petition  of  M' Secretary  Clarke,  came  to 
n>y  hands,  so  shortly  I.elure  H.s  Maj"'-  service  calle.l  n.e  to  the  Northern  parts  of  this  IVovince. 
that  I  have  not  been  able  till  now  to  make  the  acknowl...l^n.ents  1  owe  to  your  condescension 
in  .lelerr.n.K.  the  Keport  ol  the  Committee  until  I  had  an  opportunity  to  ac.piaint  your  Lord''i« 
with  the  reasons  ot  that  part  ol  n.y  con.luct  of  which  the  l>etilio.,er  conceives  he  has  cause 
to  complain. 

*     The  controversy  with  ,M'  Clarke,  as  y.'ur  f.ordH"  will  observ.-,  dul  n..t  take  its  rise  in  n.y 

•^•'"""""^ '"•■  ""■"Hi'--'  <••   H.-«>Mer  of  the  Prerogalise  Court  was  out  ol   his   posession 

•everal  year,  belore  I  liad  the  hon..ur  of  the  command  uf  this  Colony.     S,r  Henry  Moore  gave 

•        'O..I..„,IT«.,«A.  IU.*«n  ,.„..r..,l  ,1..  ltr.U.l,  ..,„,,  ..  !.„,.„.„.,„  „„  i.  .,„„ „„.  1.,  U.v.n.n.  .f  K ;,„r,l.  .,„  ■.■H.l. 

J,.m..rv,  l.,VN     ..^r„.l   ,„   ,|„.  r,,,.sl,n,.n    I..  S|.  M.I..  i,,  KM.  t,...,,,,..  l„i.,„,n  .n.l   !.i..,.,..,„.„.C»l,.n..|   ,„    IT«S;  r..l..„.l 
.     ■-.•l.»«M...»iMlT:7,.mltl,(..l.\l.j„r.,ni,..r.-«m„«li„ms.     II,  rHir.  .1  or  ,l„.,l  in  ."„ 

'■'•";;;*"••"•  '••••^l  <'"'"^  ««•  <•<■•  .■"•l"«  ...»  ..r  Al,,..,l.r,  7,1,  U,.  „f  ,;.||.,„,,,  „„,  ,.„h„,i,„,  .u,.,,„..r,.f  tl.. 

11.  ..    «  U.M  ..    II,.  l,^W|..m....r  ...  li....r,.  Ill .  ,„,|  „i.,l „.,,r  ..f  l.,.,.|  ,lr,»ill.,  ,r.-  .H,,r.s  ,..  .HJl ,..      ||,.  .,«„ 

»i.l..r.  U,l>  ilintl-li..  M,,,„i,  „„r,,...|  ,|„,  |,„|„,   |,  ,,  .  ,    .  , "i«"»n 

U.rh«  ...  .,«,.J  M  ll,tt4*  jM.t  m  Ju»„  i»^  J.J  „.,  ,.,|..  ..|  |.«„,„  .>„•.„.,  .,u.l  ,l,..,l  mh  »«f,  im.  luinu       I  ■ 


LONDON  DOCMIMIONTS  :    A'LIII. 


;J2:J 


It  to  his  private  Secretary  M^  Prenrh  i,.  I7(ir,  „n,l  wIhm,  M'  [."rench  died  to  ^\'  I'hJlip  Livingston 
Upon  the  ,i.,...a«e  of  Sir  H.-nry  Moor..,  M'  H.nyar  he,.,me  llH^ister  hy  the  appointment  of 
LUM.  (.ov^  (,ol.l,.n,  ren<i,.ring  a  proportion  of  the  profits  to  M'  David  Golden,'  who  served  hi» 
Father  as  hi«  Secretary,  and  he  (M'  Banyar)  took  it  again  upon  L-  Dunmore'n  arrival,  upon 
1  ermn  henehn.i  to  Capl"  Toy,'  who  ,  mne  out  as  private  Secretary  to  that  Nohien.an. 

Uur  Lor.i-r-  will  therefore  perceive  that  I  was  compelled  to  an  attention  to  the  validity  of 
M  Clarke  8  claim  imme.lialely  after  my  arrival.  The  huHlness  of  the  Prerogative  Court  would 
not  admit  of  long  deliheration,  for  it  wouhl  have  heen  injurious  to  the  Suitors,  if  I  had  shut 
«'|'  llie  Olf.ce  -till  His  M,i<y  pleasure  could  he  known,  and  there  remaine.i  therefore  no  other 
alternative,  hut  either  to  hold  up  the  Crowns  claim,  until  it  could  he  duly  considered,  or  to 
bury  the  controversy  l,y  yielding  to  M'  Clarke,  and  acknowledging  his  right.  I  preferred  the 
former  as  most  prudent,  and  following  the  example  of  the  three  proceeding  Administrations,  I 

nppointc.l  M^  Fm, ,g  „,y  ,,riv;,te  Secretary  to  that  Station,  uniil  llis  M.jesty  shall   please  to 

decide  upon  a  question  never  as  yet  a.lju.lged  and  very  materially  allccting  the  interest  of  the 
(-rown  ill  all  the  provinces  nn.ler  its  more  immediate  direction. 

Whatever  the  Law  may  pronounce  concerning  the  point  of  ifight,  the  Train  of  my  education 
h'll  me  under  a  necessity,  in  an  .■mpiiry  of  this  kind,  to  a  confidence  in  the  opinion  of  others 

&  I  was  early  mlorme.i,  thai  Sir  Henry  Moor i  not  stir  in  this  business,  without  previously 

consulting  the  ablest  in  that  profession  in  this  Country,  who  were  unanimously  of  opinion,  that 
the  Kegisiry  was  no  branch  of  tlie  Secretary's  Ollice,  ami  as  their  reasonings  upon  this  su'l.j.ct 
appeared  very  satisliiclory  to  me,  I  must  beg  your  Lord''"-  to  permit  me  to  lay  'jelore  you,  such 
of  their  remarks  as  confirmed  me  in  my  doahts  of  the  validity  of   M' Clarkes  claims.'for  I 

'  "*""  ''"'■""    "■""   ""-•  >' if**-  •"•'    "•'  "'"  I.i.M.t.n»..t  (;.».. rnnr,    wllli    wlmn,   l,o    liv..,!.     At    l,i<.  f«||„.,'H  .In.ll,     !,« 

.nl„.nl,.,l  ,!,..  |.,.l,..n..l  «,.,.  ,,t  S|,nnK  11,11.  n.i.l.i,,,.,  I.,,,^;  !r.|„n,l.     11,.  w«,  ori«in„llj,  l,r,,l  a  |,l,v»i.i,,n.  Imt  n.v,.,-  pruclLl  • 

w..-.  fou.l  .,f  ,■.(,„.,■..■>,(  ,  „,.„  I,  ,1,  v„t..,l  l„  „.i,.„il|i,.  |,„,,„i„,  ,„„i  i<,,,i  „,,  ,  ,„r.;y.„uh; «ri,h  tl...  |.,arno,l  ,„..n  of  tl,..  ,l„y 

in  Kui-,.i.,.  „i„l  Aii,..n,.«.  wl,„  I,  i.  to  1«  f,,,,,,,!  m  ,.„t,  in un,..,,,,  |uil,li,.,ili«n*     lUvii.K  i„ll...|e.l  l.>  (lie  ll„.v»li,..  ho  .i>rn,.I 

,,nn,Mr,.Mlo(i„v..rm>rTiy..ni„  O-lnlK.r,    177il.  ..ml   w.,«  alUinl...!  in    r.VX     How.,  «|,,..,int...l,  July    13,    17H,i    «Mi,t,.nt 

"""'■'•"'  ""•  """"""I  ^"1'^ n,l..nlnf  l'.,li,...„n  l.,.,,«  Ul,„„l.  will, ,  ,,u,ly  |...w..r.,    In  17h:.,  |„.  r..|ir,..l  tu  KnKl,.n.|  wlim.jio 

''"■•'  ■'"'J'  '""'■  '  ■"'■     ■'^'•■'  '•■'■'•"  '""'"••'  "' 1"'mI'I«t  "f  J"I...  Will..!,  ,.f  KIn.l.ioK,  *'"•  -»rviv..,l  Ii.t  l,n.l..>n,l  .,n,|  rclnrnoj 

I... 1,1.  .■■M.nlry  w.lli  her  fuinily.  cii.i.liiiK  ..f  on-  •'■',  (  (Vlwullu.lor  I. )  un.l  f„ur  ,|„Mj;hler,i  l%.m,„o,.->  ll^u.ru  „f  U,.„ 
hUtti,  II.,  H7.  ^    '  J 

■  C.pMii.  K;.»*iiii  K.iv  rec'lv..,!  «  (•onimi-.ion  ..f  Ut  l.i..,it..n«nl  iii  tl,..  |l„jal  Atlillcrv  on   tl„  i.|  April,  17,-,7    an.l  l.coaino 

Caplain  l.i..i:!..n«nt  on  ll...  l.t  .luiiuiiry,  WWX      In  II,..  i ,11,  .,f  July  |\,!1„„„.>,,  h„   „.,.,l   »|,|,   .„, ,v,.,y  „i   „,„  ^^,„, 

"f  '^ '""  "•'"  '"•  •l'"''i"II.V  .li«tinK„i.h...l  „n  Ihr  .l,.y  .fi.r  ll...  I,„ul..  i.y  llu.  .  •..n„n„n.|,r  i„  '  !,i,.f  h,  hi.  a.l.li.',,  .,.  ,h,.  ,.rn,y 

KntHk,  IV.,  17  ,   i;rHlUm.,H:   .V„^,„„„.     |1„  «•,„  |,r |  ,„  a  . ■«,,|„i,„.y  i„   f.  |„„arv.  17.il,  «n,l  ,„...„r..|„„ I   I..,r.|  l»„i,. 

«,..r..,  ..  h„  ,,nv,.t,.  ...,.r,.|»..y,  I,.  N,.».V„rk   in   177.,,  an.l   w.nt  t »i.h  hi,  I..,r.l.l„,,  t„  Virtrinia  in  177i.   Ilmk.  in  hi. 

//..f..r,  ,.t    y.r.j.nm.  111  ,  M.ls.  .„y,,  thai  Caiaaiii   K,.*  r...i«n..,l   h,.  .,lli,...  a.  Ii..v..rr.c,r  ..f  N..w  IUn.,,.l.,r«  f..r  tli«  |.„r|.o...  .,f  " 

ii..,...|.t..,K  il...  ,i,f,.ri„r  |....l  ..f  ,,riv«l..  ...  i...t.,ry  t..  I>iii,iii„r..,  ami  allril.ni...  ll,..  i.i,..nii«Unoo  t„  " ,. |nt,nt  |..ir|..«e  of  ili„ 

llrin.h  .MihUlry  I..  ,...,i.l„y  hi.  lal..i.l.in  .■«rryii,«,..il  ll ni.am.r,..  whi.l,  h«.|  .In-n.ly  l,....n  ,l,.vi»...l  "     ll.it  ||,i,  ...mnot  .v,.ll 

I...  Ih.. ,.«...,  f,.r  l.'..y  wa.  K..««tl,  ,1  l.i...it..n«nt  ()..».  rnor  of  N..w  lla.i.|..hir..  only  in  .Inly,  1774.  (hnltmiaH,,  .if.,,,ni„„,  XI  IV.. 

a;i.\  n..arly  two  y..«r»  ntUr  hi.  nrriv.l  in  Viruinia.  an.l  f...ir  yoar«  after  h.-  h.i.l  I,. i„  l..,r.l  Duninoi..'.  ...rjtaiy.     Dm,  ,g 

hU  .Uy  ill  that  I  ..|..iiy,  (-.(.Uin  K.-y  unloMuiial,.|y  ,.har,.l  ii.,i..h  ..f  th,-  ...linn,  thai  atia.h-.l  to  Ih.-  (Jovi-rnor,  Willi  «li.>iii  l,« 
i»lir...l..nbo»r.l  lh«  W,rfj(  ..n  8th  .l.ia...  177ft.  In  Ih*  al.li..^  of  ih-  II...ih,.  „f  ILirj;....,.,  „„  ||„.  i,.ih  .l,i,„.  following, 
Ihry  «...Mi.o  Ih.  (Jovornor  ..f  "  ^ivintf  I,.,,  inii.'h  <T..,lil  l„  ...m..  |...rB.in.  wh...  I..  Ih..  ^r...!  injury  of  Ih..  r,..n,i.nnily,  |...,.H«....i 
inii.li  1..0  larne  a  .l.ar.  of  hi.  LonLliip'.  ,.onll,|,.|,o,.,"  »\U,,\,itg  lo  Cai.lj,,,,  Koy,  "an  KuKlithiimn  of  vi,.|,.|,t  |..Lion<  an.I 
h.ulil..  |,i..ju.l,..«  atfa.ni-l  n.,-  who  w,i.  o,.i„.i.l-r..,l  li..\..rn..r  ,1..  f...!..    ll»rk.  IV  ,   a»,  ,V.(,     Tl...  ('..iinl.-..  .,f  |)„nn..,r..  .,.il,.,| 

.....n  «fl..|  anl  ar.iv...|  in  KnKlan.l  in   A.i«.i.t.  17;.V     („|.|,.i.,    l'.,y  r..t,irii..,l  l,.,in..  al,o„l    ll,..  ..< in,.,  will,   .l.-pnt.  h...  for 

Ih..  Mini.lry.  an.l  at  lh»  ,1.*.  .,f  ll„.  f  .,l„wiii^  y„ir  hi.  nan...  i.  f...Mi,l  r...iiit,.r.i^n.-.l  t..  an  ..lliuial  |,a|...r  iMu...l  ai  I'lown 
l'..i.,l  l.y  (i..v.rn..r  <'arl,.|..n,  of  (a,,,,,!,,,  ,!,..rllr  nOor  hi.  .I..r..al  ..f  th.,  AM.,.ri..an  fl.ei  on  Uk»  llumplaiii.  4  Amtneam 
Anhitn;  111,  1617      l.'a|it«in  Toy',  nan,..  .li>ia|.|K.ar«  in  I7hii  li.nii  'lis  .lr»iy  l.ttl  —  Ku. 


'4 


824 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


prv'smnc,  vvitli  prent  submission  to  your  Lonji'"  (Jommiltfc,  that  notliinp;  could  justify  me  in 
countiMiaiu'iiig  tlio  secretiiry's  preU-usions,  but  the  cleart'st  convictions  that  tbe  Lnw  was  on 
his  side. 

I  WHS  informed,  and  I  believe  the  fact,  Mylords,  to  be  indisputable,  that  the  OfTice  of  Prov" 
Secretary  commenced  immediately  upon  the  concpiest  of  the  Country  in  1()()4,  and  that  there 
was  a  succession  of  Secretaries  before  and  after  the  accession  to  the  Throne  of  iiis  Koyal 
Highness  James  Duke  of  York,  the  first  I'roprietor  of  the  i'rovince  to  the  Uevolution  in  l(i>^S. 
That  none  of  the  Commissions  either  in  the  Duke's  time  or  since,  contain  any  express  authority 
to  the  Secretary,  for  intermeddling  in  the  business  of  the  I'rerogative  CJourt,  and  that  the 
erection  ot  that  Court  was  posterior  to  t!ie  creation  of  the  Ollice  of  Secretary,  and  from  these 
premises,  the  comlusion  seemed  to  be  just  and  clear,  that  the  Register's  Ollice  could  not  l)e  a 
branch  of  another  OlHce,  which  in  its  original  creation,  bad  no  respect  to  the  Prerogative  Court. 

II  it  should  l)e  cedefi  in  M' Clarkes  favour  that  his  predecessors  had  actually  exercised  the 
place  of  Register  for  a  very  long  course  of  years,  (which  your  Lord'''"  will  presently  observe 
to  l)e  a  controverted  point)  y.'l  it  is  conceived  here,  that  even  this  will  give  no  operation  to 
any  words  in  his  patent,  because,  tho'  usage  be  a  good  Kxpositor  of  the  rights  of  Office,  yet 
that  rule  is  only  pertinent  when  from  the  ambiguity  of  an  Ollice,  its  origin  is  unknown,  and 
must  be  conseijiiently  misapplied  to  tbe  case  of  a  New  Otlice,  in  an  Infant  Country,  where 
there  is  not  that  necessity  whicii  indicates  tbe  utility  of  the  maxim,  nor  any  usage  venerable 
for  their  iinti<|uity,  &  especially  as  it  is  certainly  known  thai  the  Ollice  of  Secretary  was  created 
not  only  before  the  prerogative  Court  wa,<  set  up,  but  for  many  other  diflerent  uses  and  ends. 

Hut  the  observation  of  tbe  most  weight,  &  what  appears  to  me  My  Lords,  to  be  conclusive 
in  tirs  controversy,  tho'  the  l'etilioii.>r  has  not  suggested  it  in  his  IVlition  to  Iiis  Maj",  is,  that 
tlie  grant  of  the  Prol)ate  of  Wills  &  administration,  is  by  a  Law  of  the  Colony,  expressly  vested 
in  the  (!ov'  or  liis  Delegate  under  tbe  prerogative  seal. 

Your  Lordi'i*  will  remaik  that  this  Act  was  passed  on  the  1  P""  Nov' ICll-J  soon  after  tbe  issuing 
of  tbe  I'atcMt  to  Mr  Clarkson,  by  which,  tlie  Secretary's  ollice  is  said,  to  be  first  constituted 
and  estabiislied. 

In  settling  the  construction  of  ibis  Law,  1  will  candidly  confess,  that  M'  S.  crelary  CiarkBon, 

and   the  two  M' Clarkes   his  su -ssors    kept   the   U.-c  <-,Ih  of  the   Secretary's  » )l!ice,  and   that 

pro!)alcs  and  adininistralioiiM  have  is'iiicd  from  that  place  and  been  there  K.-cordi-d  as  low  down 
iis  to  th.-  year  l/HO.  nor  shall  I  iicny  M'  Clarkes  allegation  lo  be  true  (tho'  I  know  it  not  to  bo 
so)  that  the  Secret. irics  and  their  Deputies  have  In  their  altest.ilinns  and  signatures  to  tlio 
Registry  acts  added  the  Title  ot  .S-creiary  or  Deputy  Secret, iry,  as  tho'  they  were  transactions 
of  that  Olliie  ;  but  ilien,  on  the  other  bind  it  must  lie  iidmitled  in  favour  of  tbe  Oown,  that  at 
the  p;issjii<,'  o(  the  Act  of  Pi'l'J,  the  then  ( iov'  hail  coiisiituteii  n  Surrogate  or  Deputy  lor  llie 
biisiiiiss  (.1  the  prerogiilive  Court,  and  that  there  has  been  ever  since  that  period  a  constant 
succession  id  Surrogates  commissioned  by  tbe  ( iovernours  under  tbe  prerogative  seid.  who  hav« 
peilormed  the  |.rerog,itive  Court  business  in  the  s.ime  jdace  where  the  Secretary  held  ami 
exercised  bis  Ollice.  —  hence  it  results. 

That  the  auihoriiy  to  grant  probates  and  Ailminislralions  if  it  could  be  ,  retended  to  have 
been  a  part  of  the  Seerelar>'x  (Miice,  was  severed  from  it  by  this  Law,  and  further,  that   tbe 

subseijiieiit  transiictiens  of  M' Cl.irkson  and  his  sii< ssors  and  their  !)eputieM  in  lb.'  prerogative 

Court,  must  lienieliirth  at  leant  be  coiisliued  lo  be  referable  to  the  power  Ib.'V  bad  Irom  lliu 
liny",  whatever  may  have  been  their  modes  of  nuiweriplioii  and  whciber  the  «ame  be  iinpuiabie 
to  in.ittenllon  or  design. 


'^'Mim'^t 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


325 


It  can  scarcely  be  imagined,  that  their  practice  of  adding  "Secretary"  to  their  names  can 
be  a  proof  of  the  common  understaiuiingof  the  day,  that  the  Registry  belonged  to  the  Secretary; 
and  that  tliey  would  ciherwise  have  been  checlted  l)y  the  Governors;  for  besides  the 
mmutenesfl  of  such  irregularity,  which  will  account  for  an  inattention  to  it,  I  must  observe  to 
your  LordPP-  that  the  Old  Itecords  of  this  Colony  afford  such  flagrant  proofs  of  ignorance  and 
inaccuracy  in  all  the  Departments  of  Ollice,  as  to  refute  all  presi-mptions  drawn  from  the 
supposition  either  of  vigilance  or  skill  in  the  nffieers.  — And  for  the  same  reasons  Your  Lor.i''P' 
will  perceive,  that  there  is  more  o(  refinement  than  solidity  in  the  arguments  to  evade  the 
force  of  this  Law  bu.lt  upon  the  distinction  which  the  petitioner  hns  thrown  ouc  between 
the  Register  and  the  Surrogate. 

I  shall  ii.close  your  Lordi'P'  two  Copies  of  the  Commissions,  or  letters  of  Delegation  (o  a 
Surrogate,  whence  it  will  appear,  that  so  far  was  the  (JoV  from  restricting  the  Surrogate 
barely  to  the  Administration  of  the  necessary  oaths,  that  the  Instruments  (for  they  run  in  the 
same  form)  actually  put  the  seal  of  the  Court  into  the  hands  of  the  Delegate,  and  thus 
imphcatively  gave  him  authority  to  make  out  the  Documents  and  perform  the  very  services, 
which  the  present  Secretory  -ilaims  as  a  branch  of  his  Olhce,  &  this,  with  submission  is  not 
only  a  refutation  of  M^  Clarkes  first  reason  for  distinguishing  between  the  Surrogate  and  the 
Register  hut  accounts  for  the  non  appointment  of  any  other  Register  thai,  the  Secretary,  while 
the  Secretary  or  his  D-puty  had  the  commi  sion  of  Surrogate,  and  was  inv.-.riably  the  case, 
till  Sir  Henry  Moore  gave  the  preference  to  his  private  Secretary  in  17t;6. 

Nor  does  there  seem  to  he  greater  weight  in  that  other  argument,  which  the  Petitioner 
would  deduce  from  the  practice  of  transmitting  Wills  &  examinations  in  tie  Country,  and 
proof  of  intestacies  to  the  Secretary'^  Ollice;  for  as  tin,  seal  of  the  p.erogative  Court  was 
never  trusted  to  any  other,  than  the  Surrogate  at  the  Secretary's  Ofiice  (which.  My  Lords,  is  a 
Diiildiiig  belonging  to  the  public,  erected  in  tlie  metropolis  and  where  the  business  of  various 
distinct  Oilices  is  trnnHncted)  and  all  probates  and  letters  of  Administration  were  ;iiially  to  be 
issued  only  t>;,  fhat  Sunnjr,ur,  the  propriety  of  transmitting  wills,  Examinations  and  cerlilicafes 
of  .ntestacy  fr><m  the  distant  Counties  to  the  Secretary's  Ollice,  because  ji  was  the  Stated 
place  for  holdin.?  llu,  r^rogative  Coort,  is  apparent ;  and  the  Mnplication  that  it  was  bncauso 
the  Secretary  as  Sec-iary  was  Rt^jister,  and  not  because  he  was  the  Surrogate  of  the  Gov',  is 
slrained  and  inconclusive. 

Nor  can  I  think  more  favourably  of  the  conclusions  drawn  from  the  Act  of  1709,  and  the 
ordinances  that  have  been  frequently  made  for  tl-e  regulation  and  establishment  of  Kees  — how 
can  they  support  a  claim,  against  the  aiithoritaiive  decision  of  the  Law  of  Kiil-J.  t)y  virtue  of 
which  there  was  a  severance  i,(  the  ifegislry  from  the  Secretary's  Ol'ice.  if  the^  ever  had 
been  united. 

The  use  which  M'  Clarke  make  ol  lliein  is  connected  with  a  supposition  that  there  was  a 
degree  of  skill  and  accura.y  in  the  penning  ol  thai  Act  and'  those  ortlinaii.es,  which 
unfortunately  for  his  arguniint  will  lie  refuted  by  the  bare  perusal  of  them.  'J'hey  may  he 
classed  among  the  many  pioolsof  th«  infant  Slate  of  the  Country;  besides.  My  Lords,  the 
Act  of  171)!).  was  repeal.'.l  by  (iueen  Anne  in  a  verv  lew  months  nftet  it  was  made,  mid 
perhaps  among  other  reiisons  for  its  tendency  to  countenance  &  iniplicaiive  Repeal  of  part  of 
the  Act  of  !(K)-.'.  As  to  the  Ordinances  they  too  are  not  in  force,  if  ever  they  were  binding 
on  the  subject,  lor  ih.-y  expire.l  with  the  Authority  o!  the  Governors  in  whose  names  they 
wer«  issued.     And  to  me  to  wiiom  it  appears  that  the  main  design,  both,  of  the  Act  and  iliu 


rM 


...■>.'«; 


aao 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


'IP 


ordinances  was  to  fix  the  quantum  for  services  performed  nt  tlie  respective  Offices,  all  arguments 
deduced  from  them  to  assertaiti  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  Offices  themselves,  stem  to  have 
not  even  plausihility  to  recommend  them.  As  the  Secretary  was  Surrogate  also  by  the 
Governors  appointment,  it  was  natural  to  list  all  the  Fees  that  were  payable  to  him  under  one 
title  and  to  distinguish  him  (as  he  is  in  common  speech)  by  the  Chief  Office  he  sustains,  and 
for  this  reason  alone  we  can  not  (ind  such  or  so  great  a  repugnancy  between  the  Acts  of  1092 
and  170!)  as  to  amount  io  an  implicative  Ilepeal  of  the  former,  had  the  latter  Act  never  have 
been  disallowed  by  'lie  Crown. 

Concerning  the  suggestion,  that  the  Registry  is  a  branch  of  the  Secretary's  Office,  in  some 
of  the  other  Colonies,  !  can  affirm  nothing  for  want  of  information,  but  if  M'  Clarke  should 
have  made  no  mistake  in  this  respect,  I  believe  your  LordfP'  will  npon  en(iuiry  (ind  such 
diversities  in  the  Office  of  Secretary  of  the  ditlerent  Colonies  as  to  render  it  impossible  to 
ascertain  its  nature  by  the  comparison,  and  settle  a  clear  and  safe  interpretation  of  the  Patent. 
At  all  events,  the  Act  of  1()93  will  render  the  words  in  M'  Chirkes  Commission  granting  him 
the  powers  of  other  Secretaries  of  little  use  in  the  present  case,  it  they  are  not  merely 
expletives  in  all  others. 

Thus  far  My  Lords.  I  have  confined  myself  to  the  Petition,  to  which  your  Lordw  were 
pleased  to  cai;  for  my  answer;  but  I  was  iuliuenced  by  some  other  considerations,  to  doubt  the 
validity  of  M' Clarkes  claim,  and  maintain  the  point  against  him  until  the  King's  pleasure 
was  declate<i. 

1  owed  much  to  the  Is'igbts  of  my  own  station  &a  deference  to  the  Judgements  and  characters 
of  my  predecessors,  upon  whose  honour  and  justice  I  should  have  cast  an  oblique  censure,  if  1 
had  given  up  the  contest,  especially  as  I  had  not  been  furnished  even  with  so  much  as  nn 
opinion  of  any  Gentleman  of  the  Law  either  here  or  at  home  in  M'  Clarke's  favour,  ;.nd  add 
to  this,  that  there  were,  as  I  conceived,  reasons  of  general  policy,  which  rendered  the  question 
of  right  wo  thy  of  the  Uoyal  consideration. 

It  is  not  uncomi^on,  .My  Lords,  to  (ind  in  NVw  or  Inlant  Colonies,  several  distinct  offices 
engrossed  by  one  person,  and  it  is  owing  to  the  low  State  of  their  business;  but  when  t'  - 
increase  of  the  Country  takes  away  the  necess.ty  for  these  Monopolies,  their  inexpedi,  ncy 
must  be  very  manifest,  the  public  becomes  ill  served,  and  the  Covert.' weakened,  especially 
when  ther-  seems  to  be  a  want  of  dependencies  upon  the  Crown  for  a  counterpoize  to  the 
popular  scale.  I  think  it  my  duty  therefore  to  apprise  your  Lord'''"  of  the  nature  and  variety 
of  the  em|)loyments  exercised  here   by  .M'  Clarke. 

He  is  Clerk  to  the  privy  Council,  Clerk  of  the  Legislative  Council,  and  Clerk  for  the  Court 
for  appeals  in  Krror.  He  is  Secretary,  and  as  such,  all  civil  (Commissions,  (.'rants,  patents, 
pardons,  and  every  instrument  passing  the  great  seal  goes  thro'  &  returns  to  his  hands  to  be 
recorded.  Among  the  other  branches  of  this  extensive  office,  he  registers  and  enrolls  mesne 
Conveyances  of  every  kind,  copies  of  which  (the  oiiginals  being  proved  or  acknowle.iged)  are 
l)y  the  [,aw8  o(  the  Colony  made  evidence  in  all  Courts  Supreme  and  subordinate.  He  is  also 
Clerk  of  the  Supreme  Court,  a  Court  of  immense  powers,  taking  c.gnizai.ce  of  all  pleas,  as 
fully  as  the  three  gre.it  Courts  o(  King's  Hench,  common  pleas  &  exche(|uer  — a  Court,  Doth,  of 
C.vil  &  criminal  Jurisdiction,  having  four  Terms  in  the  year,  and  correcting  the  Krrors  of  all 
the  interior  Judicatures  in  the  province,  M' Clarke  alon,'  has  the  keeping  of  all  the  minutes 
pleadings  and  l{,M-..rds  that  belong  to  this  Court  with  the  Custody  and  ail  the  profits  of  the  seal, 
for  he  ii  sole  Clerk  for  all  that  immerse  variety  of  business  whicii  in  thrct;  of  the  Cruat  Courts 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


327 


of  Westmmster  ,8  parcelled  out  to  ,o  many  ditlerent  officers,  who  aid,  check  and  controul 
each  other  for  the  common  safety  He  is  therefore,  My  Lord,  in  effect  as  the  Gentlemen  of  the 
Law  assure  me,  Prothonotary.  Chief  Clerk.  Clerk  of  the  Crown,  Secondary.  Filuzer, 
Ch.rographer^  Lxammer,  Clerk  of  the  Judgements,  Clerk  of  the  Dockets,  Clerk  of  the 
enrolments,  Clerk  of  the  Essoins,  and  has  some  other  offices  of  less  consideration. 

lam  not  able  to  inform  your  Lord-.' of  the  amount  of  the  income  of  these  employments, 

which  have  been  ,n  the  hands  of  the  Petitioner  and  his  Father  or  their  Deputy,  together  with 

1  e  Su,,o  „,  ,,,  prerogative  Court,  for  near  seventy  years,  but  priviledgedl    the  Secret    y 

has  been  of  Actm,  .y  a  Deputy,  who  has  many  a.ivantages  in  the  Land'granting  DepaS 

Colony  and  al  owng  for  his  sav.ngs  by  the  difference  in  living,  and  the  Gov-  expenses  in 
supf.ortc.Uhe  d.gn.ty  of  his  Office,  it  is  perhaps  at  least  as  lucrative  as  that  of  the  ColnmaLlr 

I  Jll^^or*  "  •''  TT-V".'  ;"  "'^''  '"  J"^''^^  ''  ""'"''^  ''"'^  my  successors,  that  if  the 
I  cg,ster«  Olhce  .s  ,n  the  (..ft  of  the  (JoV,  either  by  virtue  of  his  authority  as  ordinary,  or  by 

own  S  t  ';'  '^  ;'"  "■"'  "'"  ''  "'"^"  "«  ^•'"'  ^'^"°"'  '-«'  -PP-'  ''-  -peZ  o  ,  ^ 
own  .secretary,  there   ben.g  no  provision  for  that  Officer,  and  the  growing  business  of  tho 

Co lon.es,  rendrmg  suci,  a  p  ace  n.ore  an.l  nmre  necessary,  and  calling  for  such  confidence  and 

abilities,    as    no    contracted    income    will    command.     In    behalf  of  the   appointment   of   M' 

tannmg  a  native  of  this  Province,  I  can  assure  your  Lor.l it  was  n.ade  on  the  principles  of 

grateful  acknowledgment  to  that    (Gentleman's  eminent  services    to  the  Crown   in   the  late 

rI.tT'.,'"  M^r'' '"'"''""• '''"'*^'''  ''"^■'^«-'"  recompenceforthe  injuries  an.iinsults  he 
retuved  with  all  the  aggraval.ng  circumstances  of  cruelly  attending  them,  both  in  his  person 
and  in  his  property,  lumnelf  being  inhumanly  beat  and  abused  in  the  attack  ma.le  by  a  la wles. 
]  an  .u.  upon  the  Officers  of  public  Justice  during  the  sitting  of  IliUsborongh  Superior  Court, 
and  his  house  pulled  down,  his  furniture  and  effects  destroyed  to  the  amount  at  least  of  twelve 
hundred  pounds  sterling,  and  Ibr  noo.her cause,  than  that  he  with  more  determined  spirit  than 
nh.rs  opposed  their  wicked  designs-A  (ientleman.  My  Lords,  that  on  the  auspicious  W^ 
May.  Her  Majesty  s  IJirlh  .lay.  heade.l  two  hun.ired  Men  at  the  IJattle  of  Alamance,  and  by  hi, 
brave  example,  contributed  to  the  success  of  that  day. 

I  shall  enclose  under  this  cover  several  papers  that  may  throw  light  upon  the  controversy. 
and  perh.p,  be  not  easily  found  in  the  Plantation  O.llces.  and  confiding  in  your  LordPP- 
favourable  ann  ju.'  representation  to  His  Maj-.  of  the  motives  of  my  conduct  in  the  matter  of 
M' Clarkes  coiDj.Muni 

1  have  the  honour  to  he  with  all  possible  respect  — My  Lords  ettc. 

\V'»  Tiivox. 


Liettknant-Governor  (hhUn  to  the  luul  of  DartmouOu 


I  NiB-York  P«p.T«  (S.  r.  O.  (  CLXV.  J 


My  Lord, 


New  York.  De<'  \.  177--'. 


The  henevolen.e  by  which  ,o„r  Lord''  i.  distinguished,  and  that  inlimale  knowledge  o 
Govern    to  which  you  aie   led  hy  your  eminent  rank  and  slal.ou,  give  me  the  sironuesi 


f 
strongest 


t 


328 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


confidence  that  you  must  think  it  is  as  necessary  a  maxim  in  good  politicks,  to  reward  and 
respect  the  faithful  and  diligent  oflicer,  as  to  punish  the  reverse  ;  and  that  you  will  be 
concerned  to  hear  of  a  conduct  in  Administration,  so  directly  opposite,  as  that  of  leaving  an 
old,  and  I  flatter  myself  a  useful  servant  of  the  Crown,  who  has  uniformly  persevered  in  a 
zealous  attachm"'  to  the  Authority  of  Govern',  not  only  neglected,  but  even,  My  Lord,  marked 
by  measures  that  indicate  displeasure.  Such  is  my  situation  at  the  eve  of  life,  when  the 
smiles  of  my  Royal  Master,  would  have  sweetened  the  reflection  of  every  difficulty  I  have 
encountered  in  his  service. 

Well  assured  of  the  King's  great  goodnes-  &  impartial  regard  to  all  his  faithful  servants,  I 
must  suppose  he  has  not  been  well  informed  of  my  case,  and  that  this  must  have  proceeded 
from  an  unfavourable  impression,  which  your  LordP's  predecessor  in  office  suffered  to  prevail, 
but  on  what  account,  I  am  at  a  loss  even  to  conjecture.  I  now  entreat  your  generous 
attention.  The  interest  and  honour  of  Govern'  is  concerned  ;  I  therefore  with  more  confidence 
presume  to  address  you. 

1  cannot  think  of  intruding  so  much  upon  your  Lord""''  indulgence,  as  would  be  necessary  to 
go  thro*  a  recapitulation  of  the  many  occasions,  on  which  I  have  been  particularly  engaged  in 
supporting  the  measures  and  authority  of  Govern',  and  of  the  resentments  and  difficulties  to 
which  I  have  been  exposed,  from  the  prevailing  contrary  principles  in  others.  Permit  me  only, 
My  Lord,  to  say,  that  1  have  been  60  years  one  of  His  Maj"'  Council,  and  the  last  12  years 
his  Lieut'  GoV  of  this  Province;  throughout  which  length  of  years,  my  conduct  has  from  time 
to  time  received  the  approbation  of  the  King  and  his  Ministers;  nor  had  I  ever  reason  to 
think  I  had  in  any  degree  lost  my  credit,  till  since  the  year  1765.  The  Act  of  Parliament 
passed  in  that  yea',  your  Lord"*  knows,  drew  every  person  concerned  in  the  execution  o'"  it, 
into  the  most  troublesome  and  delicate  situation.  The  Officers  appointed  under  the  Act, 
extricated  themselves  by  resigning  their  appointments,  whereby,  the  whole  weight  of 
supporting  the  authority  of  Parliament,  and  the  dignity  of  Govern',  fell  upon  the  Governors.  In 
this  ardous  duty,  I  found  myself  particularly  engaged  beyond  any  other  Governor  on  the 
Continent.  This  Prov"  distinguished  by  its  constitution  from  tht  Jharter  Govern",  by 
the  residence  of  the  Gov'  in  a  Fort,  garrisoned  by  regular  troops  ;  by  the  metropolis  being  the 
head  quarters  of  the  gewral  and  Army,  and  at  that  time  the  station  of  several  Men  of  War, 
naturally  excited  the  attention  of  all  our  A'eighbours.  If  the  strength  of  (Jovern'  in  this  place 
was  not  sufficient,  under  all  these  advantages,  to  support  the  authority  of  Parliament,  how 
could  it  be  attempted  in  any  other?  Our  Kxample  was  therefore  of  great  conse(pience,  and  to 
turn  it  against  the  admission  of  the  Stamp  duty,  the  most  violent  and  daring  measures  were 
pursued  by  the  people,  who  seemed  resolved  to  risk  a  dispoliition  of  Govern'  and  the  calamilys 
of  Anarchy  rallier,  than  to  fail  of  success  in  their  purposes.  In  this  critical  and  truly  alarming 
situation,  without  any  notice  from  the  .Ministry  of  the  Act,  or  any  instruction  for  my  conduct, 
I  found  my  task  hard  indeeci  &  difficult.  The  firmnecs  with  which  I  supported  my  conduct, 
preserved  the  authority  and  honour  of  (;overnment,  I  believe  as  far  as  could  have  heeu  done 
in  such  a  situation.  The  .Stamped  papers  were  deliverc  1  to  the  Mayor  and  corporation  of  the 
City,  upon  their  humbly  petitioning  for  them,  and  givii.g  sfciirity  to  be  answerable  tor  the  full 
value  of  the  paper  and  duty.  His  .Majesty's  Council  agieed  unanimously  to  this  measure,  and 
pressed  it,  in  very  strong  terms,  as  necessary  to  .s  ive  the  ('My  from  destruction.  The 
Commander  in  Chief  of  the  army  w,is  of  the  same  opinion,  and  a.lvised  me  to  comply. 
What  more.  My  Lord,  could  be  doiiey     That  Anarchy  &  destruction  were  avoided  ;  and  the 


1 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII.  g^O 

u2!!!7  °^,^°T'  '"!'':."'■''"'  "'"'  '''^  '''^''''^^'  ^'^"''J''  ^  "=>""«<J  '-y«elf,  would  have 
n  uu  e'   ".e  to  a  share  of  H,.,  Mnj'^'.  favour  and  approhation ;  but  while  every  Man.  I  believe 
vvho  had  any  place  under  the  Stamp  Act;  or  sullered  any  injury  from  the  people  on     c  o.m 
OU  even  those  who  without  the  smallest  attempt  to  sup;ort{heir  OlHce.  thr  w  ti:.  n 

he  hrst  appearance  of  the  d.spleasure  of  the  people,  hav.  been  since  gratifyed  and  rewl  ded 
in  some  way  or  other.  I  stand  alone  distinguished  by  utter  neglect 

Ih.s.  My  Lord,  was  full  sufficient  cause  of  chagrin  and  disappointment,  to  a  Man  conscious 
o  av,ng  done  h,s  duty  faithfully,  but  great  as  it  was.  it  was  still  to  be  !„  e  ,  Z  \ 
c       a    accession  to  t  e  Adn.nistration  into  which  I  si.ce  fell,  by  the  de^th  of  Sir  ry 

Lor      f LrV  :'    "■        '  '"'";'"''^  ^VP0Un,n..n  of  another  Gov^  f„  Chief;  and  this  no     Mv 
Lord,  from   any  appearance  of   uneasiness  among  the   people  at  my  coming  n.^ain  into  the 

tTed    po!to:o^^t  r,"'  ""^""«.''-^'-  public  business  gone  on  n,ore  smoothlv,  or 

V     to  .  i      . '•  '''  r''  '"'"""^  '°  '"'^'"''^''-  '->1-l"y.  a'"l  render  the  Gov' 

A  Tovetv  of  h        ,         '  ''"^'^  "'  ''"  "'"•'"■■'^'^^  ^  ^"'^'^-'  '■-"'  -y  Adn,inistra.lon 

fo  t   e      11  r,"'  ''"",  '°  ™'  '^  ""''  °^  ""  '-gi-^'«'"-.  «-'<'  of  the  emoluments  annexed 

to  the  Office  wluch  I  executed,  was  deu.anded  of  n,e  by  or.ier  from  Lord  Hillsborough.     A  suit 

Co^  wh  r?t  e'"T'  T  <"'  '"'  r'  ■"'  '"'"" '  ""'  ^"^  '^''""'-  ""^  '^'■'^"^- 1  --^  ••^■■'-'  i-'"  ' 
ru  an,  unp  ecedente  oppression  !-and  to  add  to  the  misfortune,  I  was  n.n.pelled.  contrary 
o  the   enor  ol   my  whole  life,  to  oppose,  what  was  signilied  as  Hi.  Majesty's  pleasu  e   a  u     o 

show  the  demand  to  be  illegal  and  unjust.  ^      ^      Pleasure,  and  to 

delt^^;^'  ol^coll'  ""•":•  I'"-'  "'"'"""•  ^"  '"'"'■  '''"'^^"'  ^''^  '^'«""y  "^  "-  Crown,  so 
dtstrucuve  of  onhdence  m,  Administration,  tending  directly  to  dispirit  the  friends,  and  to 
encourngo  the  hoes  of  Govern,  could  possibly  have  been  adopted,  had  not  my  cm.d  c  eca 
somehow  strangely  misrepresented.  ^  t-onuuct  been 

I  entreat  your  Lord^  to  consider  that  I  had  the  most  difficult  part  to  act  in  the  disorders  that 
KM'pened  ,n  the  year  1705,  and  sustained  a  considerable  loss  at  that  time   ad     m, 
)ll.cer  who  has  neuher  been  rein.bursed  nor  rewarded ;  and  that  .  have  sill  fu  ter      (        i 
hy  a  very  consulerable  expense  in  .lelending  tnyself  against  the  suit  brought    v    In  IDu   1 1 
I  an,  conh<lent.  your  Lord-  will  think  it  just  that  I  should   be  no  longer'negl"  c         am  t  " 

ought  to  rece.ve   as  all  the  other  Officers  have  son.e  recompence  for  my  losses -sn'Td 
for  my  zeal  and  h  ehty  in  his  Maj.-  service,  and  for  the  dignity  and  autboritv  of  I      I       J 

1  ..re  js  no  salary  annexed   to   the  Office  of  Lieut'  Gov'   of  this    I>rov^-    .n.l  w       7l  1' 
Gov'  .  Ch.f  is  in  the  .'rov^..,  he  has  not  a  single  per,uisite.     The  lCJ'       v^o        J  d    I 
Bay,  was  tn  the  .uue  sUuatioa  1,11   lately,  that  the  King,  to  recon.pense  M'  Oliver,-   g!ue  him 

0.„.ral  Curt  !>»,.,  17  t.i  lo  174.1   l,o>h  vea«  ,.  I„  L         ,  ,  '"  '"l"-«"^^"""ivc.«  of  JJo,,.,,,  i„  ,|k, 

June,  n.„  nu.  o.uu.^;lM.:::;L:^;'i :  ::t; tn ' :  t  "^';  •  ■  "'^' ""'  ""^^■•"''"'  "^  ^'^-  ^'  '--■ 


.  -f 


'■Hi 


330 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


the  Office  and  annexed  a  salary  of  .£300  a  year.  I  am  persuaded  that  no  man,  who  is 
acquainted  with  iDy  services  and  losses  will  lliink  that  I  deserve  less  ravoiir  or  recompense 
than  he  has  obtained. 

My  Lord,  I  am  now  near  the  end  of  my  S5"'  year.  The  period  of  my  days  cannot  be  distant. 
Should  the  King  be  graciously  pleased  to  grant  me  a  salary  as  Lieut'  Gov'  to  recompence  my 
losses,  and  be  an  honorable  testimony  of  his  Royal  approbation  of  my  conduct,  I  beg  it  may 
commence  on  the  IS""  of  October  1770.  the  day  that  Lord  Dunnmre  arriveil  here,  since  which 
the  Office  has  not  been  of  one  penny  advantage  to  me.  The  Custom  house  duties,  or  the  quit 
rents  will  be  a  proper  fund  for  payment  of  whatever  support  or  gratuity  His  Maj''  may  think 
I  deserve. 

I  am  — ettc. 

Cadwalladeb  Golden. 


Ittpresentation  of  the  Lords  of  Tra<h  on  the  Keiv  Ilampuhire  Gram 

I  Ncw-Vork  Entries,  LXVIII.,  4S7.  ] 

To  the  Right  Hon''''  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  His  Majestys  most  Honorable  Privy 
Council  for  I'lantation  AtlUirs. 

My  Lord 

Pursuant  to  your  Lordships  O.dera  of  the  17  day  of  .Juin-  lust  \><  have  taken  into  Our 
consideration  such  parts  of  the  papers  thereunto  annexed  ns  relate  to  disorders  which  have 
prevailed  within  the  district  between  llie  Rivers  Hudson  and  Connecticut  in  consequence  of  a 
variety  of  (Questions  &  disputes  which  have  arisen  with  respect  to  titlles  to  l^ands  and 
Possessions  within  the  said  District  on  the  iround  of  different  Craiit.s  made  by  the  (■"overiiors 
of  His  Maj'>''  Provinces  of  New  York  and  New  Hampsliire  whereupon  we  beg  leave  to  report 
to  your  Lord.'-hips 

That  the  district  between  the  said  Rivers  Hudson  and  Connecticut  within  which  these 
disorders  and  disputes  liave  arisen  lyes  to  the  Norlh  of  the  Northern  Limits  of  the  Massacliusets 
liay  established  in  1740  and  is  described  to  be  of  great  fertility  of  very  considerable  extent  and 
abounding  in  many  parts  with  very  valuable  Timber  fit  lor  Masts  and  other  naval  uses. 

In  early  times  the  Government  of  the  Massacluisets  iJay  under  its  ancient  Charter  which 
was  vacated  in  l(o4  assumed  a  Jurisdiction  ami  granted  Lands  within  that  part  of  this  district 
which  lies  to  tiie  Kast  of  line  drawn  at  twenty  miles  distance  from  lludsons  |{iver  and  there 
are  now  some  Townships  remaining  which  are  derived  under  jiatents  from  that  Colony  ami 

IiuiteJ  ti)  the  pluci;  of  Governor.  Jliuc/iintoti,  III.,  33:!.  In  177.'),  siviittl  lillirs,  wiitlcii  liy  tlufin  iiikI  otlur  gentlemen  lo 
lieraon.'i  in  Enijlcinil,  were  obtaineJ  liy  I'Viiiililiri  uuJ  sent  to  .\lnii..,ucliii«elt».  tireut  exeitiin.iit  follnwiil  nihl  the  (icneriil  I'ourt 
pelilion..d  ilie  King  to  remove  the  one  and  the  oilier  from  tlieir  refpeetive  olfieea  in  tlie  l'ro\inoe.  1  Mass'ichunrllt  llisiiirieut 
C'lilltrliimi,  II.,  45.  Unttlrle  now  to  emlure  tlie  i]i«|ui*  t  ntid  niinery  enuaeil  liy  liin  po.'ilinn,  Mr.  Oliver  aunk  uriclir  I  lie  hurl  lien 
un<l  iliid  «t  niistiin,  oft.  r  iii-lioit  illn.»«,  3  1  .Miireli,  1774.  n^i'd  «7.  Allrn.  'riioui;li  un  e.-.tinmlile  iniin,  in  priviite  life,  no  one  in 
Maa-aeliU!)!  tu  wm  more  iiiipopiilnr.  uml  »o  viulen  vtn*  tlie  feelliii;  n.'iiinit  liiiii,  tliiit  innrk.i  of  ilisie<|ii'el  lo  liia  reinnini) 
weie  stiown  liy  the  |<o:  tiluee  hi  hia  fmiernl.  Un'cliinxun,  III.,  -16*1,  Hi./r.  Heniilea  the  lelters  aliove  nicntioriei],  Lienteiiiint- 
Governor  Oliver  wfts  the  iniilmr  of  s.  ven  litter*  si^Mieil  Frriman,  wliieh  were  ginlilitheil  in  the  lioston  Censor  in  1771,  in 
(upjiort  of  the  Adminiatratiou.   1  Mattat/iutrtf  Hittortcal  ColUcl'oni,  VI.,  74.  —  Ei>. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII.  gg^ 

nltho  the  Province  of  New  York  set  up  pretensions  to  this  district  under  the  General  descriptive 

Words  of  King  Charh-s  the  2"  Patent  to  tlie  Duke  o(  York  in  1604  and  the  Governor  of  tl>at 

Colony  dui  in  late  times  make  some  (Jrants  of  Land  within  the  sanu,  yet  it  does  not  appear 

llint  any  attempts  were  made  to  disturh  the  possessions  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  ancient  Towns 

bettled  under  the  Grants  from  the  Province  of  Massacimsets  Bay  nor  were  any  establishments 

made   con.petent   to  the    exercise    of  any    regular  Jurisdiction    therein     But    when   by  the 

determination  o(  the  boundary  line  between  .Massachusets  Bay  and  New  Hampshire  in  1740  it 

was  declared  that  the  hitler  of  tliose  Provinces  should  extend  West  from  Merrimacks  River 

till  It  met  with  His  Majesty's  other  Governments  and  when   in  consequence  tliereof  the  said 

1  rovince  claimed  to  exteii<i  to  within  :iO  Miles  of  Hudsons  lliver  the  Government  of  New  York 

insisted  upon  their  Claim  with  greater  earnestness  and  tiie  two  IVoviiices  became  involved  in 

a  Controversey  which  after  much  heat  and  altercation  on  both  sides  ended   in   1750  in  an 

agreement  to  refer  tlu-  point  in  question  to  the  Crown  and  each  party  made  a  Representation 

of  the  state  of  their  c^se ;   But  after  several  hearings  at  the  dillerent  [  Boards]  the  Agents  on  both 

sides  desire.!  further  time  to  consult  their  Constituents  and  the  War  breaking  out  in  America  soon 

alter  the  biissiness  was  allowed  to  lye  over  till  the  restoration  of  Publick  Peace  when  the  dispute 

b.Mng  revived  with  much  lieat  and  animosity  it  [appeared]  that  the  Governor  of  New  Hampshire 

Im,I  taken  the  opportunity  pendente  lite  to  grant  away  a  very  considerable  Number  of  Townships 

of  six  Miles  square  each  in  this  County  to  the  Westward  of  Connecticut  Uiver  (This  proceeding 

accompanied  as  it  was  with  otherdisreputableCircumstances  was  fully  stated  in  a  Representation 

made  to  His  Maj.-sty  by  this  Board  in   1704  wherein  it  was  recommended  that  his  Majesty 

by  his  Royal    Adjudication    and    authority  should    put   a   period    to    these   animosities    and 

disputes  by  declaring  what  should  be  the   Boundary  between  the  Provinces  of  New  York  and 

New  Hampshire  and   in  consequence  thereof  His  Majesty  was  pleased  by  his  Royal  Order 

bearing  date  the  St)'"  day  of  July  17ti4  with  the  advice  of  this  Privy  Council  to  declare  that  the 

Western  Branch  of  the  River  Connecticut  from  where  it  enters  the  Province  of  the  Massachusets 

Bay  as  far  North  as  to  the  4:3<''  degree  of  Latitude  should  be  the  Boundary  between  the  said 

two   I'rovinces     Immediately   after    this    decision    which    was   accompanied    with    the    usual 

Reservation  in  Respect  to  private  property  M^  Golden  upon  whom  the  Administration  of  the 

(;overnmentof  New  York  had  devolved  granted  warrants  of  Survey  and  issued   Patents  for 

lands  within  the  limits  ol  several  of  the  Townships  granted  by  the  Governors  of  New  Hampshire 

and  several  of  lh,.se  Surveys  an.l  Patents  extending  over  Land  under  actual  Lnprovement  and 

Settlement  the  Parties  who  conceived  themselves  injured  by  such  proceedings  not  being  able 

as  they  alleged  lo  obtain  Redress  in  New  York  brought  their  complaint  before  His  Majesty 

in  Council)  •'     ^ 

Upon  a  full  hearing  of  those  Complaints  His  .\Lajesty  was  pleased  by  this  order  in  Council 

of  the  iil  of  July  17(i7  to  declare  that  no  part  of  Lands  lying  on  the  Western  side  of  the  Uiver 

Connecticut  within  that  district  before  Chiiined   by  New  Hampshire  should  be  granted  until 

His  Majestys  further  pleasure  was  known  and  au  Instruction  was  accordingly  given  to  the 

(Jovernor  of  New  York  directing  him  upon  pain  of  His  Majestys  highest  displeasure  not  to 

presume  to  make  any  Grant  whatever  or  to  pass  Warrants  for  the  Survey  of  any  part  of  the 

said  Lands  until  His  Majestys  pleasure  should  be  signified  concerning  the  same  which  Instruction 

has  been  ever  since  continued  in  force  and  now  forms  the  4'.>"'  Article  of  the  Code  of  General 

instructions  given  to  M'  Trynu  His  M.ijesly's  present  (ioveriior  of  New  York. 


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332 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  power  of  Granting  Lands  within  this  district  beina;  thus  suspended  a  Petition  was 
presented  by  several  reduced  OIHcers  and  Soldiers  who  had  served  in  America  during  the  late 
war  and  being  inlitled  to  lands  under  His  Majestys  Royal  Proclamation  of  Ocrneo  had 
previous  to  the  above  mentioned  Order  obtained  Warrants  of  Survey  for  Lands  within  this 
district  praying  that  the  Governor  of  New  York  might  be  empowered  to  grant  lands  to  such 
of  them  at  whose  expense  they  had  been  located  and  Surveyed  and  to  confirm  to  others  the 
Grants  which  had  already  been  made  and  this  Petition  having  been  referred  to  this  Board  by 
your  Lordships  Order  of  the  A  of  July  1770  they  in  their  Report  thereupon  of  the  6  of  Jure 
1771  enterd  fully  and  circumstantially  into  the  consideration  of  the  (Juestion  both  as  it 
respected  the  Case  of  the  Petitioner!;  in  particular  as  well  as  every  other  Species  of  Claimants 
under  whatsoever  title  or  pretention  submitting  under  each  head  such  opinion  and  advice  as 
to  them  seemed  best  adapted  for  terminating  all  difficulties  and  disputes  and  putting  that 
valuable  district  into  such  a  state  of  cultivation  as  repose  as  would  make  it  happy  in  itself  and 
beneficial  to  the  Mother  Country. 

The  propositions  contained  in  that  report  being  of  great  extent  and  importance  necessarily 
requires  a  very  serious  Consideration  and  while  this  matter  was  under  deliberation,  the  papers 
annexed  to  your  Lordships  orders  of  reference  and  upon  which  wc  are  now  directed  to  report 
Our  opinions  were  received. 

Upon  examination  of  these  papers  they  appear  to  Us  to  contain  two  objects  of  consideration 
Viz« 

I"  The  propriety  or  impropriety  of  reannexing  to  New  Hampshire  the  Lands  West  of 
Connecticut  River  which  the  Gov'  and  Council  of  that  Province  represent  to  be  a  measure 
of  essential  importance  to  its  intents  and  of  great  Publick  advantage. 

2"-"  The  conduct  of  his  Majestys  Governor  of  New  York  in  having  in  contradiction  to  the 
letter  of  the  49"'  Article  of  his  Instructions  taken  upon  him  to  pass  Patents  of  Confirmation  of 
several  of  the  Townships  heretofore  granted  by  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire  within 
that  district  and  having  also  made  other  Grants  of  Lands  within  the  same. 

With  regard  to  the  first  of  these  Considerations  it  does  appear  to  us  that  the  Representation 
made  Ly  His  Majestys  (Jovernor  and  Council  of  New  Hampshire  contains  a  variety  of  matter 
well  deserving  your  Lordships  attention  and  we  think  there  is  but  too  good  reason  to  l)elieve 
that  many  of  the  Proprietors  of  Lands  in  the  Townships  granted  by  the  Gov'  of  New 
Hampshire  who  have  Ijona  fide  made  actual  Settlement  and  iniprovement  thereon  have 
sustained  great  injury  and  suffered  great  oppression  by  the  irregular  conduct  of  the  Gov' 
and  Council  of  New  York  in  granting  Warrants  of  Survey  for  Lands  under  such  actual 
Settlement  and  Improvement  yet  such  a  repr^'hensible  conduct  on  the  part  of  the  Kin^s 
Servants  in  New  York  ought  not  in  our  Judgement  to  weigh  in  the  scale  of  consideration 
against  those  principles  of  true  policy  and  sound  Wisdom  which  appears  to  have  dictated  the 
proposition  of  making  the  River  Connecticut  the  boundary  line  between  the  two  Coloi.ies  and 
therefore  we  cannot  advise  your  Lordships  to  recommend  to  his  Majesty  to  make  any 
alteration  in  that  Measure. 

With  regard  to  the  conduct  of  His  Majestys  Governor  of  New  York  in  having  departed  from 
the  letter  of  his  Instruction  [it  is]  matter  which  must  be  submitted  to  your  Lordships 
consideration  upon  the  grounds  and  reasons  assigned  by  that  Gentleman  in  his  letter  of  the  J  of 
February  last  Hut  we  think  it  necessary  fto  submit]  to  your  Lordships  (hat  it  is  a  step  of  such 
u  nature  us  to  l.uve  rendered  nugatory  and  impracticable  almost  every  proposition  contained  in 


,^-  i-Oi. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII.  ggg 

the  Report  of  this  Board  of  the  6  of  June  I77i  an^  v,„«  „         n  r     .l 

«ugges^.i  restor>„g  public  Tranquility  and  quieting  possessions  are.      '  ""  '' 

.0^  - -~r':fT:n,:ii.:::-i^^  ;-  ^^-" 

of  the  Northern  boundary  of  that  province  in  1740  '      '  d..er.n.nafon 

S^-'r  Those  Grants  of  Lands  made  within  this  District  by  the  Governor  of  New  York  r,revion, 

o  the  estubhshment  of  the  Townships  laid  out  by  the  Governor  of  New  Halsh    e  !ZrZ 

z:"z„shi;r^"^^^^^  ""^'^ '-''  - "« -^'""  ^^« "-'« Of  so^eLeortro; 

Sr^'r  Those  Townships  which  having  been  originally  laid  out  by  the  Governor  of  New 
Hampslure  eUher  continue  in  the  same  state  or  have  been  confirmed  by  grants  from  New  Vo^ 
and  a  so  those  wh-ch  have  since  originated  under  Grants  from  the  latter  of  tho  e  Colols 

W.th  regard  to  those  Townships  which  fall  under  the  first  of  the  above  men  ioned  descHl„„ 
J.hen  we  consider  their  nature  and  origin  and  the  numberless  difficum  s"    w  "^     Tr'     ^ 
'ropr.etors  of  them  must  have   been  subjected   in   the  settlement  of  Lands  ex  osed  tcf   he 
ncurstons  o   the  Savages  and  ,o  every  distress  which  the  Neighbourhood  of  t  e  F  end  it 

s  .TL,:  hTtir"-; ::  t  ^''t  "'' " ''-'- '-''''-''-  "^«  .reat :::!:;;;::: 

helitvc  that  the  Grants  were  made  upon  the  ground  oi  Military  Services  acainst  the 
emMny  we  do  not  hes.tate  to  subn.it  to  yourLordships  our  opinion  that  L  pre  et  prop  ieto 

t  U  1  (  r"7;  r:"'  T  ■"  '""'"  ""'  '"^'''y  '"  '-  quieted  in  their  posse'ssis  d 
hat  alK.rants  whatever  made  t.y  the  (Government  of  New  York  of  any  Lands  within  Tie 
.nuts  of  those  lownsh.ps  whether  the  degree  of  Improvement  under  the  original  Gr  m  Id 
been  more  or  es.  are  .n  every  light  in  which  they  can  be  viewed  oppressive  a  u  1  "u  .s 
we  are  sensible  that  each  subsequent  Grant  made  by  the  Government  of  N^w  vT 
nn warrantable  cannot  be  set  asule  by  any  authority  ^m  his  M^^^^l^Z  G^  t  r:;:;;! 
■  nsist  upon  t  e,r  t.tles  we  submit  .o  your  Lordships  whether  it  might  not  J  I .  ien  1 
onler  to  q.nei  the  ong.nal  Proprietors  in  their  possessions  to  propose  that  all  sudrso^ 
Grn.nrrr  '^~-'"-'- '^-''-vithin  the  limitsof  such  'IWnships  unde.  New  Yo  k 
or  n.s  s  otid  upon  condu.on  of  their  quiting  such  claim  receive  a  grant  under  the  Seal  of 

Wich  r,-|,„r,l  in  ll,„„  (!,„„„  „,„,|,,  ,     „      ,;„  ,  j,       „ 

ZT'\ """'T " """ """" ""' " - ■•  '™J: ':,:;",,: ;:;: 

your  i.orci«i.ii,8  n.at  lu  bull.  the«e  Guses  mo  Consideration  ought  to  be  had  to 


334 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


any  claims  where  it  shall  appear  that  no  regular  possession  has  ever  been  taken  and  no  actual 
Settlement  ever  been  ninde 

With  regard  to  tliose  Townships  which  fall  within  the  last  mentioned  description  we  submit 
to  your  Lor.isliips  Our  opinion  that  provided  such  Townships  do  not  inciude  Lands  within  the 
limits  of  some  aniecedent  Grant  upon  which  actual  improvement  has  at  any  time  been  made 
it  would  be  adviseable  iliat  they  should  be  confirmed  as  Townships  according  to  the  limits 
expressed  in  the  Grants  thereof  and  that  all  persons  having  possession  of  any  siiares  in  the 
said  Townships  whether  as  original  Grantees  or  by  purchase  or  Coiiveyance  and  upon  which 
shares  any  actual  improvement  or  Settlement  has  been  made  ought  not  in  Justice  to  have  been 
or  to  be  in  future  disturbed  in  the  possession  of  such  shares  nor  ought  they  to  be  bound  to 
any  other  conditions  whether  of  Quit  Rent  or  otherwise  than  what  is  contained  in  the  Grant. 

Having  thus  stated  to  your  Lordships  every  case  that  appears  to  us  to  deserve  consideration 
on  the  Ground  of  legal  title  followed  oy  actual  Settlement  and  Improvement  we  do  not  hesitate 
to  submit  5o  your  Lordships  o^r  opinion  that  all  other  lands  whether  the  same  be  or  be  not 
contained  within  the  limits  of  any  Township  or  of  any  other  Grant  whatever  and  of  which 
no  possession  has  ever  been  taken  or  any  actual  Settlement  or  Improvement  made  should  be 
disposed  of  in  manner  following. 

7"  That  such  persons  who  claim  possession  of  Lands  under  Grants  from  New  York  within 
the  limits  of  any  of  the  Townships  antiently  established  by  the  Government  of  the  Massachusets 
Bay  have  the  first  choise  of  such  a  quantity  of  the  said  Lands  as  shall  be  equivalent  to  the 
quantity  Granted  within  the  said  Townships  excepting  only  in  case  of  actual  Improvement 
upon  such  Grants  they  shall  rective  filly  for  every  three  Acres  so  improved  as  has  already 
[been]  suggested. 

Si"'''  That  all  commissioned  an[d]  non  commissioned  Ofticers  and  Soldiers  wiio  have  in 
consequence  of  the  Troclamation  of  J70:}  obtained  Warrants  of  Survey  from  the  Government 
of  New  Vork  for  Lands  within  the  District  between  Hudson  and  Coiineclicut  Rivers  and  who 
have  not  been  able  to  compleat  their  (irants  on  account  of  the  restriction  contained  in  his 
Miijestys  Instructions  to  his  (iovernor  of  New  Yo'k  should  be  confirmed  in  the  possession  of 
those  Lands  by  immediate  (irants  provided  such  warrants  of  Survey  do  not  include  Lands 
that  have  been  actually  settled  and  improved  under  some  former  Grant  either  of  the  Governor 
of  New  Vork  or  of  the  (Jovernor  of  New  Hampshire  in  which  Case  it  might  be  reasonable  to 
grant  to  the  said  Olhcers  and  Soldiers  nn  equivalent  in  some  other  part  of  the  District 

y''  That  in  every  Township  whether  laid  out  under  (Jrnnt  from  the  Governor  of  New 
Hampshire  or  that  of  New  York  a  proper  quantity  not  exceeding  live  hundri.d  Acres  be 
reserved  in  some  convenient  part  of  the  district  as  a  (Jiebe  for  a  protestant  Minister  and  also  a 
proper  quantity  not  exceeding  two  hundred  and  fifty  Acres  lor  a  Schoolmaster 

4"''*  That  the  Residue  of  the  said  Lands  which  either  have  not  l)een  granted  at  'dl  or  which 
having  been  granted  have  notwithstanding  been  without  any  actual  Settlement  or  Improvement 
pursuant  to  the  conditions  of  the  (irants  should  be  granted  and  disposed  of  to  such  persons  as 
s.iall  he  desirous  to  take  up  the  same  upon  the  following  terms  and  condil'ons  Viz' 

That  each  Grantee  over  and  above  the  usual  annual  (iuit  Rent  to  be  reserved  in  every 
grant  of  lijO  >-'terling  per  hundred  Acres  shall  upon  the  making  guch  grant  pay  n  further 
consideration  of  five  pounds  Sterling  for  every  hundred  Acres. 

The  foregoing  propositions  are  all  which  have  occurred  as  necessary  for  your  Lordships 
immediate  consideration  so  fur  us  regards  the  Claims  and  pretensions  which  huvo  been  aet  up 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLHI, 


335 


and  the  disputes  and  Questions  which  have  arisen  concerning  titles  to  Lands  within  this 
district  and  also  to  the  best  method  of  disposing  of  those  Lands  which  in  consequence  of  an 
adjustment  of  those  claims  shall  belong  to  the  Crown  but  we  beg  leave  to  observe  that  there 
are  one  or  two  other  Considerations  of  a  more  general  nature  and  import  that  will  upon  this 
occasion  deserve  attention. 

We  have  already  st.ted  that  the  District  in  question  between  the  Rivers  Hudson  and 
Connecticut  and  particularly  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  latter  does  abound  in  many  parts  of 
U  with  Trees  fit  for  masting  for  the  Royal  Navy  and  for  other  Naval  purposes  and  we  observe 
from  the  minutes  o(  the  proceedings  of  the  Council  of  New  York  that  one  of  his  Majestys 
ass.stantfeurveyorsof  the  Woods  in  America  especially  appointed  by  the  Lords  of  the  Treasuy 
fc.  the  Purvey  of  this  District  has  made  report  to  them  of  two  Tracts  of  Land  which  he  has 
discovered  upon  Connecticut  River  containing  a  very  considerable  growth  of  White  Pines  and 
therefore  we  think  U  Our  duty  to  submit  to  your  Lordships  whether  it  wonld  not  be  necessary  in 
whatever  p  an  shall  be  adopted  for  the  linal  Settlement  of  this  valuable  Country  that  the  greatest 
care  should  be  taken  and  che  most  precise  Instructions  given  that  the  Limits  of  those  tra-ts 
should  be  ascertained  so  as  that  they  be  not  included  within  the  Limits  of  P.ny  grants  or  any 
Settlements  made  thereon  and  that  if  it  shall  so  happen  that  any  part  of  those  tracts  is  included 
w.t...n  the  nn-.its  of  any  grant  already  made  and  actual  Settlement  or  Improvement  has  taken 
place  in  consequence  thereof  that  proper  endeavours  be  used  to  induce  the  proprietors  to  quit 
such  possession  by  cilering  them  grants  of  waste  Lands  in  some  other  parts  of  the  District 
equal  m  quantity  to  what  is  claimed  by  them  in  consequence  of  such  possession  with  a  further 
allowance  «(  hity  Acres  of  every  three  Aci . .  under  actual  cultivation  and  Improvement 

Another  Case  that  appears  to  acquire  particular  consideration  is  the  claim  of  the  So.MVtv 

for  the  propagation  of  the  (Jospel  in   lorei,.;,.  parts  founded  on  a  Reservation  inserte.i  by  the 

Governor  of   New  Ilan,pshire  in  the  grants   made  by   him  of  five   hundred   Acres   in  each 

lownship  lor  the  use  of  that  Society  a  Reservation  from  which  we  conceive  the  Society  coul.l 

no    have  drawn  much  advantage  and  that  the  best  means  of  rendering  the  intention  ettec.ual 

o  the  pio.se  purpose  (or  which  the  Reservation  was  made  would  be  to  make  coupensation  to 

he  Society  at  the  rate  of  thirty  pounds  for  each  Township    in   the  (irant    of  which    such 

Reservation  was  contained  the  sai.l  compensation  to  be  made  out  of  such  moneys  as  shall  arise 

out  of  the  sale  of  the  fbrfeited  Shares  in  the  manner  beforementioned. 

The  foregoing  propositions  together  with  what  we  have  submitted  to  your  Lordships  upon 
the  Case  of  the  lownship  of  Kinsda.e'  which  appeare.l  to  Us  to  require  a  seperate  consideratiou 
are  all  that  have  occured  on  the  Subject  .natter  of  the  papers  annexed  to  your  Lord.hips 
Or  ers  of  -ference  of  the  17-  of  Jui.e  last  so  far  as  they  relate  to  the  claims  to  possessio  s 
w.tlin  the  D.sir.ct  that  has  been  so  long  a  bone  of  Contention  between  the  Provinces  of  New 
\ork  andNew  Hampshire  and  by  which  Contention  the  public  peace  has  been  so  greatlv 
disturbed  and  it  only  remains  for  us  to  stale  to  your  Lor.lships  a  short  observation  or  two  with 
regard  to  the  mode  of  regranting  those  parts  of  the  Land  in  this  District  which  after  provission 
has  been  made  .,.  the  tnanner  we  have  suggested  fbr  such  claims  as  are  in  equity  and  Justice 
objects  of  attention  shall  remain  for  his  Majesty's  disposal. 

The  circumstance  that  more  particulaMy  maKes  this  an  object  of  Consideration  is  the 
proposition  we  have  submitted  for  the  Sale  of  these  Lands  for  a  valuable  Consideration  ami 
the  necessuy  that  there  is  therefore  that  the  Grantor  Conveyance  should  be  hurtheuM  with 

'Sie.  IIiiiJ.d«lc.  —  Eu. 


!    1 


336 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


as  little  expence  as  possible  because  the  facility  of  selling  them  upon  the  plan  and  for  the  price 
we  have  submitted  will  be  greater  or  less  in  proportion  to  that  expence  and  because  we 
conceive  it  will  be  utterly  impossible  to  dispose  of  that  all  upon  any  such  plan  if  the  Grants  [are] 
to  pass  through  all  the  forms  now  adopted  in  New  York  upon  Grants  of  Lands  and  are  to  be 
sulyect  to  the  payment  of  the  Fees  at  present  taken  by  the  Governor  and  other  OlHcers  of 
that  Colony. 

We  have  upon  former  occasions  found  it  neceosary  to  take  notice  of  the  Complaints  which 
have  been  made  of  the  injustice  and  extortion  of  the  Servants  of  the  Crown  in  New  York  in 
this  respect  and  we  have  at  all  times  considered  the  liberty  they  have  assumed  to  themselves 
of  taking  greater  and  other  fees  upon  Grants  ot  Land,  than  what  were  established  by  the 
Ordinance  of  the  Governor  and  Council  of  the  year  1710,  as  most  unwarrantable  and  unjust. 

By  that  Ordinance  the  fees  allowed  to  be  taken  upon  Grants  of  Land  by  t'.ie  Governor  the 
Secretary  and  the  Surveyor  are  considerably  larger  than  what  are  at  this  day  received  for 
the  same  Service  in  any  other  of  the  Colonies  nor  are  fees  allowed  as  we  conceive  to  any 
others  OlRcers  than  those  we  have  mention'd. 

Of  later  times   however   the  Governor  the  Secretary  and  the  Surveyor  have   taken  and 
do  now  exact  considerably  more  than  double  what  that  Ordinance  allows  and  a  number  of 
other  ofKcers  do  upon  various  pretences  take  fees  upon  all  Grants  of  Land  in  so  much  that 
the  whole  amount  of  these  fees  upon  a  Grant  of  one  thousand  Acres  of  Land  is  in  many 
instances  not  far  short  of  the  real  value  of  the  fee  Simple  and  we  think  we  are  justified  in 
supposing  that  it  has  been  from  a  consideration  of  the  advantage  arising  from  these  exorbitant 
fees  that  His  Majesty's  Governors  of  New  York  have  of  lute  years  taken  upon  themselves 
upon  the  most  unwarrantable  pretences  to  elude  the  restrictions  contained  in  His  Majestys 
Instructions  with  regard  to  the  quantity  of  Land  to  be  granted  to  any  one  person  and  to 
contrive  by  llw,  insertion  in  one  Grant  of  a  number  of  names  either  fictitious  or  which  if  rtal 
are  only  lent  for  the  purpose  to  convey  to  one  person  in  one  Grant  from  twenty  to  forty 
thousand  Acres  of  Land  an  abuse  which  is  now  grown  to  that  height  as  well  to  deserve  your 
Lordships   attention     In  the   present   case    however   the    only    part    for    your    Lordships 
Consideration  is  whether  you  will  not  think  fit  if  the  measure  we  have  suggested  should  be 
adopted  to  advise  His  Majesty  to  give  the  most  positive  instructions  to  the  Governor  of  New 
York  that  upon  any  application  made  to  him  for  the  Lands  proposed  to  be  regranted  on  the 
Conditions  we  have  stated  he  do  upon  the  payment  of  the  consideration  money  to  his  Majesty's 
Receiver  General  issue  his  warrant  into  the  Secretaries  Office,  the  Grant  do  pass  without  any 
other  form  or  process  whatsoever  and  without  any  fees  whatsoever  to  be  taken  eithe'     y 
the  Attorney  General  the  Receiver  General  or  the  Auditor  and  that  neither  the  Governor  cue 
Secretary  nor  the  Surveyor  General  do  take  any  other   fees  than  what  are   prescribed   by 
the  Ordmance  of  1710  which  we  have  already  observed  are  higher  than  what  are  now  taken 
by  the  same  officers  for  the  same  Service  in  any  other  Colony 

Upon  the  whole  my  Lords  we  are  sensible  that  many  diflicullies  will  occur  in  the  execution 
of  any  plan  that  can  be  suggested  for  pulling  an  end  to  those  Disorders  and  Abuses  which  have 
so  long  dishonored  Government  and  disturbed  the  peace  and  quiet  of  a  very  valuable  part  of  his 
Majesty's  possessions  that  it  i,  impossible  to  suggest  every  proposition  that  may  be  necessary  in 
a  case  involved  in  so  much  dillhM.lty  and  perplexity  and  that  the  practicability  and  impracticability 
of  those;  we  have  now  submitted  wil!  depend  in  great  measure  upon  the  acquiescence  on  one 
hand  and  the  obstinacy  on  the  other  of  those  whose  dillbreut  claims  we  have  stated     But  if  the 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


337 


plan  of  accommodation  we  have  chalked  out,  shall  in  the  General  outline  of  it  meet  with  your 
Lordsh.ps  approbation  U  ,«  all  we  can  presume  to  hope  for  and  it  must  be  submitted  to 

= m^ra':;  z::;::^'  ""^-'^ '-  '^^« «-  -^^  ^^-p-  -  -  ^-  lordships  sh:." 

We  are 

My  Lords 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  and 

most  humble  Servants 
Dartmouth 
SoAME  Jenyns 
Whitehall  Bamber  Gascovne 

Dec'  3-  1772.  Grevtllk 

Garf^ies 


liarl  of  Dartrnmith  to  Oovernor  Tryon. 


N'O. 


[New-Tort  Ptpen  (8.  P.  O.)  CLXIV.] 


Whitehall  S"-  December  1772. 


•  Sir. 

2\t'  f-ket  which  left  new  York  the  beginning  of  October  I  received  your  dispatches 
W  45  to  53.  and  have  laid  them  before  the  King.  I     i-  'es 

The  inclosed  c^opies  of  papers,  which  have  been  communicated  to  me  by  Lord  Rochford,'  will 
inform  you  of  the  btate  of  the  negociation  with  the  Court  of  Spain,  respecting  the  capture 
an  detenfon  of  the  lawke  Sloop,  Capt"  Frisby ;  and  .  am  to  desire  you  wilf  acqu  .  M 
Sull  an  agent  for  the  owners  of  that  sloop,  that  I  have  not  failed  to  transmit  to  Lord 
lochordacopyof  h.s  letter  to  Lord  Hillsborough,  in  order  that  the  state  of  the  damages 
they  have  susta.ned  may  be  sent  to  Ills  Maj'*'-  An.bassador at  Madrid,  together  with  t!  ■  other 
papers  inclosed  in  your  letter  to  me  N»  45. 

I  am  very  glad  you  took  occasion  in  passing  thro'  New  Jersey,  to  concert  with  Gov' 
Hank  yn.  the  steps  proper  to  be  pursued  in  order  to  the  transmission  of  a  regular  return  of 
the  determma  ion  of  the  Commissioners  for  ascertaining  the  boundary  line  between  the  two 
provinces,  and  they  are  very  much  to  be  commended  (or  having  ma.ie  provision  for  quieting 
he  possessions  of  the  bona  hde  purchasers  and  settlers  on  the  borders  of  the  partition  line 
Had  he  same  attention  been  shewn  in  the  case  of  the  possession,  of  the  purchasers  and 
ett  ers  under  the  grants  made  by  New  Hampshire,  within  the  district  between  the  Rivers 
Hudson    &  Connecticut,    those    unhappy   disturbances,   of  which   you    have   so   repeatedly 

titL^Irtl ''."<!  ^7"' '" '"'"'""; ""'  '•"'  °'  '''"'''"'■''• "" '""" '""  ■'^-'"'•"'»'--  '"^-  •"-'  — 1-'  t' f-iHT-. 

»  OL.  \  III.  jjj 


-T»^ 

r^^i 

t 

J 

J  y^M 

J    ' 

j.'tjj 

v»          ' 

1 

V'- 


338 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


complained,  would  I  think  not  have  happened.  But  I  will  not  in  this  place,  enter  into  any 
further  observations  on  that  subject,  or  upon  those  parts  of  your  correspondence  which  relate 
to  the  purchases  by  private  persons  of  large  tracts  of  Land  from  the  Indians,  and  to  grants  of 
land  in  general,  as  those  matters  which  are  now  under  the  examination  of  the  Board  of  Trade, 
will,  in  consequence  of  their  Reports,  be  for  the  King's  consideration  in  His  Privy  Council, 
and  will  probably  become  the  subject  of  a  separate  letter. 

With  regard  to  the  case  of  Felix  Meigs,'  as  stated  in  the  papers  inclosed  in  your  letter  N" 
49.  I*  is  the  King's  pleasure  that  you  do  act  therein  according  to  your  own  judgement 
pursuant  to  the  authority  contained  in  your  Commission,  which  having  vested  in  you  a 
discretionary  power  of  pardoning  in  all  cases  where  the  persons  shall  appear  fit  objects  of 
mercy  (excepting  only  those  who  may  have  been  convicted  of  Treason  or  Murder)  [  'ini 
persuaded  you  will  upon  further  reflection,  see  the  impropriety  of  granting  a  reprieve,  'till  the 
King's  pleasure  should  be  known,  in  any  case  not  within  those  exceptions. 

The  settlement  of  the  partition  line  between  New  York,  and  Massachusets  Bay,  is,  as  you 
very  properly  observe,  a  business  of  very  great  importance,  and  when  I  reflect  that  it  is  now 
more  than  five  years  since  the  King  was^  graciously  pleased  to  refer  the  determination  of  it  to 
Commiss"  to  be  appointed  by  each  province,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  guess  at  the  motives  for  delay  in 
a  matter  the  speedy  decision  of  which,  they  are  both  equally  interested  in. 

The  paper  inclosed  in  your  separate  despatch  of  the  1"  of  October  will  be  very  useful  when 
the  Canada  Claims,  upon  Lake  Champlain  come  into  discussion,  but  I  think  it  proper  to 
observe  that  there  are  no  facts  stated  in  that  paper,  which  alter  the  sentiments  expressed  in 
my  last  Dispatch,  in  regard  to  the  unreasonableness  of  the  pretence  set  up  by  New  York,  that 
all  the  Lands  to  the  South  of  the  River  S'  Lawrence,  belonged  of  Right  to  the  Crown  of  Great 
Brittain,  as  part  of  that  Colony. 

I  am  ettc. 

Dartmouth. 


NM. 


JtJarl  of  Dartmonth  to  Governor  Tnjon. 

[  New. York  I'lpera  (  8.  P.  O. )  CLXIV.  ] 

Whitehall.  9.  December  1773 


Sir 

By  the  Packet  that  sailed  from  New  York  in  November,  I  received  your  Dispatches  N°'  1.  2 
&  3.  and  have  laid  them  before  the  King. 

I  have  already  acquainted  you,  in  my  letter  of  yesterday's  date,  that  the  State  of  the  District 
between  the  Rivers  Hudson  and  Connecticut  would  probably  become  the  subject  of  i  separate 
letter,  in  consequence  of  a  Report  of  the  Board  of  Trade  ;  and  therefore  I  shall  decline  taking 
any  other  notice,  in  this  place,  of  the  continuance  of  the  disturbances  on  the  Lands  in  that 
district,  than  barely  to  express   my   hope,    that   the   question   wh''    have  occasioned   those 

'  I'ki  IV  Minis,  of  tlio  city  of  Ni  w-York,  boiitiimn,  wb3,  at  llio  J  .  _,  Term  of  the  8u|ireme  (Vmrt,  in  the  ye»r  1772,  couTicted 
of  (iHBsiiii;  iiiiiiil(rl.'it  liills  of  cifilit  ami  tenlencwl  to  iK'nth.  He  wu  wpriuveil  on  the  8th  Seplciiiher  following  nml  tiimlly 
iMiiJoiiuil  lath  April,  177:1    Hmk  of  i'tmuiiinrMnn,  VI,  7iV  —  Kn. 


lit    *  ' 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


339 


d.s  urbances.  wHI  shortly  be  determined  in  a  manner  that  by  giving  satisfaction  to  all  parties, 
wil  be  more  effectual  to  restore  quiet,  than  the  interposition  of  any  Military  Force,  which 
ought  never  to  be  called  in  to  the  aid  of  the  Civil  authority,  but  in  cases  of  absolute  and 
unavoidable  necessity,  and  which  would  be  highly  improper  if  applied  to  support  possessions, 
wh.ch  after  order  issued  in  1767  upon  the  petition  of  the  proprietors  of  the  N.  Hampshire 
Townships,  mayt  be  of  very  doubtful  title.— 

I  am  ettc. 

Dartmouth. 


m 


<  ■■  «  11  » 


Mrl  of  DartmouJi  to  Governor  Tryon. 


[Naw-Tork  Pipen(B.  P.  O.)  CLXIV.] 


Sir. 


Whitehall.  9.  Dec  1772. 


As  I  have  mentioned  to  you  in  my  Dispatch  of  this  day's  date  N-  4.  that  the  state  of  what 
has  passed  respecting  the  lands  between  the  Rivers  Hudson  &  Connecticut  and  also  re-pecting 
grants  of  Lands  in  General,  would  probably  be  the  subject  of  a  separate  letter.  I  must  not  loose 
th.8  opportunity  of  telling  you  that  the  Reports  of  the  Board  of  Trade  upon  those  subjects  have 
not  yet  been  decided  upon  at  the  Council  Board,  and  therefore  the  instructions  which  I  am  to 
give,  in  consequence  of  their  Lordi'P-  determination,  must  be  deferred  till  the  next  Packet  — It 
becomes  my  duty  however,  in  obedience  to  the  King's  commands,  to  acquaint  you.  that  the 
deviations  from  the  letter.  &  spirit  of  the  Kings  instructions  in  respect  to  the  New  Hampshire 
Townships  to  the  west  of  Connecticut  River ;  to  grants  of  Land  to  the  North  of  Crown  point 
and  to  Licenses  to  private  persons  to  purchase  lands  of  the  Indians,  are  very  much  disapproved 
by  the  King,  and  that  the  reasons  assigned  by  you  for  that  deviation  in  the  first  of  those  cases 
do  not  appear  at  present  either  to  excuse  or  extenuate  a  disobedience  to  the  King's  commands 
declared  in  the  most  clear  and  positive  manner. 

I  am  further  to  acquaint  you  that  the  sentiments  expressed  in  Lord  Hillsborough's  letter  to 
you  of  the  4-  day  of  December  1771.  concerning  the  unwarrantable  and  collusive  practice  of 
granting  Lands  in  general  are  fully  adopted  by  the  King's  servants,  and  I  was  exceedingly 
surprised  to  hnd  that  such  an  intimation  to  you  on  that  subject  had  not  had  the  effect  to  restrain 
that  practice,  &  that  the  same  unjustifiable  collusion  had  been  adopted  to  a  still  greater  extent 
ui  the  Licenses  you  have  granted  to  purchase  Lands  of  the  Indians. 

As  all  the  facts  however,  are  now  under  examination  in  the  privy  Council,  I  will  not 
anticipate  their  Lordnp-  resolutions  thereupon;  but  in  the  mean  time  it  is  the  King's  pleasure 
and  positive  command  that  you  do  not,  upon  any  pretence  whatever,  sign  any  Grant  or  Patent 
for  those  Lands;  that  you  do  not  either  upon  your  own  judgement,  or  by  the  advice  of  others 
presume  )o  depart  from  the  letter  of  the  King's  Instructions,  or  to  Act  contrary  in  any  respect 
to  such  explanations  of  them  as  you  may  have  received  from  those  to  whom  His  Mai'Mias 
intrusted  the  signification  of  his  commands,  which  commands  ought  ever  to  be  held  s  icred 
and  which  it  will  be  my  duty  to  see  obeyed,  so  long  as  I  continue  in  the  situation  in  which  His' 
Rlajesly  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  place  me  — 

I  am  ettc 

Dartmouth. 


840  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Sir    William   Johnson  to  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth. 

J  [  I'luiiUillimn  (!imTal(H.  l'.0.,N,i.2)  ft'MX.] 

Johnson  Ilnll  Dec  2G.  1772 
My  Lord 

Since  I  had  the  honor  of  writing  to  your  LordHhip  which  wns  on  the  4""  of  Nov'  Inst  I  hnve 

reeeiv''  sundry  :iccounts  from   the  Southward  of  the  Schemes  in  ngitiUion   in  tlint  quarter 

amongst  the  Indiana,  wiiich  tho  carried  on  with  the  utmost  secrecy  have  not  escaped  the 

ohservation  of  my  Agents  &  of  the  Six  Nations,  what  these  will  terminate  in  must  depend  on 

the  success  of  my  negociations  &  endeavors  to  counteract  them,  hut  their  present  obvious 

tendency  is  to  form  such  an  alliance  as  may  enable  them  to  act  oflensively  ngninst  us,  and  so 

far  intimidate  the  Six  Nations  and  their  fast  friends,  as  to  prevent  their  taking  any  part  in  our 

quarrell,  being  uiuier  more  real  appreliension  from  our  Indian  allies,  than  from  any  fc  ce  they 

expect  we  can  send  against  them  &  several  of  the  Nations  to  the  South  Westward  are  so  sensible 

of  this  that  they  have  proposed  an  attack  on  the  Six  Nations  first,  as  a  necessary  measure 

previous  to  their  farther  designs,  well  knowing  that  Indians  wiien  they  heartily  engage  in  a 

cause  are  the  most  dangerous  enemies  to  Indians,  from  the  knowledge  they  have  of  each  other, 

the  Nature  and  situation  of  the  back  Country  and  the  mode  of  Indian  warfare — The  conimon 

report  that  they  propagate,  is,  that  they  mean  to  enter  into  a  general  alliance  amongst  themselves 

but  the  secret  designs  of  several  nations  amongst  them  have  been  sufficiently  detected  &  in 

some  circumstances  proved  to  have  a  much  worse  tendency,  than  a  mere  pacific,  alliance  altho 

there  is  no  general  alliance  amongst  them  that  does  not  bode  troubles  to  us.     But  in  order  to 

render  their  measures  tlie  more  secure  as  all  their  endeavours  to  shake  the  fidelity  of  the  Six 

Nations  have  proved  abortive,  a  few  of  the  Shawaneese  and  Delawares  have  lately  resolved  on 

sending  a  deputation  either  to  the  Colonies  or  to  Kngland  to  represent  that  the  six  Nations 

have  long  acted  unfriendly  towards  them  that  they  want  protection  against  them,  and  the 

Governm'  may  give  such  orders  or  make  such  establishments  for  their  releif,  as  may  render 

them  independent  of  the  Six  Nations  should  they  succeed  in  this  scheme,  they  are  sensible  that 

the  Northern  confederacy  can  not  fail  of  showing  their  resentment  as  an  ill  requital  for  the 

faithfull  attachment  of  the  greatest  part  of  their  People,  to  whose  conduct  we  are  really  much 

indebted,  &  on  whose  future  fidelity  a  valuable  part  of  our  frontiers,  and  the  most  valuable 

part  of  our  Trade  does  solely  depend,  as  they  therefore  make  no  doubt  that  should  they  meet 

with  success,  the  resentment  of  the  Six  Nations  will  be  kindled  against  the  English,  so  they 

expect  to  avail  themselves  thereof  by  drawing  them  into  that  alliance  which  they  have  hitherto 

rejected,  for  allso '  they  are  not  at  bottom  fo.id  of  the  Six  Nations,  they  nevertheless  eagerly  wish 

t'j  draw  them  into  their  schemes,  from  the  influence  of  their  name  and  the  power  which  their 

situation  atlbrds  them  to  distress  us.     The  I'lan  for  forming  a  secret  alliance  is  pretty  general 

amongst  them,  but  this  scheme  for  drawing  in  the  Government  as  an  Instrument,  which  I  have 

very  lately  detected,  has  been  only  as  yet  agitated  by  a  few  who  of  themselves  are  very 

inconsiderable  and  may  possibly  be  laid  aside.  However  I  judged  it  a  necessary  part  of  my 

duty,  to  lay  the  same  before  your  Lordship  for  His  Majestys  infoimation.     Some  of  these 

People  have  of  late  eflected  to  be  disatisfied  with  the  six  Nations  under  various  pretences, 

which  may  serve  to  impose  on  those  who  are  ignorant  of  their  real  designs,  and  that  they  have 

'  Sic.  alllio. —  F..->. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


'4 


341 


long  endeavoured  th[r]o'  means  of  the  six  Nations  Emigrants  in  Ohio  to  draw  them  into  their 
Confederacy  for  they  have  no  real  objection  to  the  G  Nations  but  the  general  attachment  of  the 
alter  to  the  English,  one  recent  instance  of  which  they  can  neither  forget  or  forgive,  when  in 
the  late  Indmn  war  a  large  part:  which  I  sent  out  attacked  a  Party  of  Delawares  who  were 
destined  agamst  our  frontiers,  &  then  very  near  one  of  our  best  settlements,  c*"  whom  they  made 
forty  prisoners  with  their  cheif  CajW^  Bull  who  had  himself  killed  twenty  eighi  English  the  year 
before  as  he  confessed  to  me  and  this  effectually  humbled  the  Delawares  at  th.t  time,  as  ihey 
expected  that  we  should  put  these  Prisoners  to  death,  if  they  continued  the  war-Yoiir  Ldp  may 
be  assured  that  nothing  shall  be  wanted  on  my  part  to  prevent  the  evil  effects  of  ,my  of  their 
secret  schemes,  or  associations  but  even  if  this  should  be  found  impracticable,  I  flaitt-  myself 
that  with  the  countenance  and  support  of  His  Majesty,  I  can  convince  them  that  we  iiave  a 
sufhcient  number  in  His  Malys  Interest  who  would  gladly  display  their  fidelity  on  such 
an  occasion 

Since  writing  the  foregoing  (in  which  I  was  interrupted  by  the  arrival  of  several  Onondaga 
Cheifs)  I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  Lordships  despatch  of  the  27"-  of  September  (") 
by  which  I  am  happy  to  find  that  my  sentiments  concerning  the  acts  of  cruelty  committed  by 
Ramsay  correspond  with  those  of  your  Lordship  I  have  lately  heard  that  thto'  the  want  of  a 
material  evidence  who  by  some  means  was  permitted  to  escape  from  one  of  the  out  Posts 
nothing  was  done  in  his  affair,  but  I  understand  he  is  still  in  confinement,  tho'  I  have  little 
expectation  of  its  final  issue  in  any  manner  satisfactory  to  the  Indians,  who  when  ever  ill 
disposed,  are  well  pleased  with  our  delaying  or  denying  justice  as  it  serves  for  a  pretext  to 
commit  hostilities,  a  pretext  we  should  never  afford  them 

I  take  the  liberty  to  mention  to  your  Lordship,  that  the  gentleman  who  is  at  present 
Secretary  for  the  Indian  affairs  (an  office  always  held  under  the  Royal  Commission)  is  aged 
and  of  late  very  infirm.  As  the  department  may  suffer  much  by  the  appointment  of  Gentlemen 
who  are  ignorant  of  the  form  &  Duties  of  that  office,  I  should  therefore  humbly  hope  that 
when  a  vacancy  happens,  your  Lordship  will  indulge  me  with  the  liberty  of  mentioniuK  a 
candidate  for  that  office 

1  have  the  honour  to  be  with  profound  respect 
My  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  and 
The  Right  Ilonble,  ^^^,  ,,„,„l,,^  ^^^^^^^ 

The  Earl  of  Dartmouth  W.Johnson 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

»,„  „  [  N«w  York  r»pori  ( 1. 1'.  O.  )  OLXV.  J 

My  Lord  ^^"^  ^°'^'''    *^"""^''y  ^ '"''S. 

The  legislative  body  of  this  Colony  at  their  last  session  having  passed  an  Act  for  establishing 
a  Militia,  Commissions  have  been  since  issued  by  Govern' for  forming  the  militia  in  most  of  the 


1 

i:l 

I 

■M 

342 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Counties  in  this  Prov",  and  it  is  with  a  hope  that  the  intelligence  may  be  grateful  to  my  Roynl 
Sovereign,  that  I  presume  to  trouble  Your  Lord''  with  the  intbrmation  tlu>t  the  revival  of  a 
militia  Law,  has  been  well  received  by  the  Inhabitants,  and  that  the  OfTicers,  in  general,  have 
discovered  a  laudable  emulation  of  appearing  and  acting  up  to  their  appointments,  and  that 
the  desire  of  acquiring  a  knowledge  in  the  Art  Military,  is  equally  conspicuous  even  among 
those  of  the  rank  and  file. 

Commissions  for  raising  several  Independant  Companies  in  this  City  having  been  given  to 
seme  Gentlemen  of  the  first  families  and  distinction,  on  condition,  that  they  cloathed,  armed  & 
accoutred  them  at  their  own  expense,  the  following  Companies  were  soon  formed  :  viz'  two  ' 
Companies  of  Cadets  or  Governor's  Guards,  one  of  Grenadiers,  one  of  light  infantry,  one  of 
Rangers,  one  of  Germans,  &  three  of  Artillery,  forming  together  upwards  of  five  hundred 
Men.  On  the  7""  of  last  month,  I  received'  them  excepting  two  companies  of  Artillery,  not 
then  in  uniform,  drawn  up  in  one  Batallion,  when  they  went  through  the  manual  exercise, 
and  evolutions,  with  greater  exactness  and  spirit,  than  could  possibly  have  been  expected  from 
the  few  opportunities  they  had  had  of  exercising  together.  Their  regularity,  good  order,  and 
soldierlike  appearance,  gave  general  satisfaction  to  all  present ;  and  I  may  venture  to  say  it 
was  the  most  brilliant  Militia  Review  that  was  ever  had,  within  Ills  Mnj'>''  American 
dominions.  These  nine  companies,  when  compleated,  will  amount  to  nearly  seven  hundred 
Men,  all  volunteers.  A  body  that  will  be  of  more  real  service  in  case  of  necessity,  than  treble 
the  number  of  the  militia  composed  of  the  Inhabitants  generally. — I  am  with  the  highest 
respect  &  esteem 

My  Lord. 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  servant 

■'V"  Tbyon. 


N°  9. 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

(New-York  Pap«n(S.  l>.  O.)  CLXV.) 


,.    ,      3  New  York.  5.  January  1773. 

My  Lord.  ' 

I  have  received  your  LordP's  dispatch  of  the  4"'  of  ^ovember  N°  2.  His  Majesty's 
app.-obation  of  my  endeavours  to  become  acquainted  with  the  state  of  the  diflferent  parts  of 
the  Colony,  that  I  may  be  the  better  qualified  to  discharge  the  important  trust,  which  he  has 
so  graciously  honored  me,  demands  my  most  grateful  acknowledgments ;  and  1  return  your 
LordP  my  sincere  thanks  for  the  obliging  manner  in  which  you  have  been  pleased  to 
communicate  so  valuable  a  Mark  of  favour,  as  well  as  for  the  indulgent  sentiments  which  you 
have  hitherto  entertained  of  me. 

I  entreat  your  Lordn  to  believe  that  if  in  any  instance,  I  have  been  so  unfortunate  as  to 
transgress  the  bounds  of  my  duty,  it  has  wholly  proceeded  from  miHconception,  and  not  from 
a  disregard  of  the  rule,  by  which  I  am  directed  to  walk. 

'  8ic,  Qu  t  reviewed.  —  Ed. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


343 


Pro  ♦.?*  r"!,  ""!  '"f ^"'^l'^'"  which  equally  bespeaks  the  wisdom  and  justice  of  the 
Crown,  that  no  lands  shall  be  granted,  without  a  previous  purchase  from  the  Native  Occupants. 
At  the  same  time,  the  Govern'  here  have  thought  it  good  policv  to  embrace  every  favourable 
opportunity  of  promoting  the  improvement  and  cultivation  of  the  Country,  by  a  compliance 
w.th  the  .ncl.nat.ons  of  the  Mohoks.  when  they  chose  to  cede  their  Rights.  But  no  fund 
being  provided  for  this  purpose,  recourse  has  always  been  had  to  the  subject,  with  whose 

moneyadvanced  on  the  faith  ofa  License  from  the  Gov',  with  the  advice  of  the  Council,  the 
price  was  paid. 

•     Formerly,  it  was  left  to  the  Petitioners  to  make  the  purchases  at  their  own  directions,  but 

"Tins  being  too  frequently  attended  with  unfairness.  &  giving  rise  to  discontents  among  the 

Indians.  His  Majesty  was  pleased  by  the  eighty  fifth  instruction,  to  direct  the  mode  to  obtain 

.  licenses  for  Indian  purchases,  ai/tl  in  all  consequences'  of  this  nature,  there  is  an  express 

declaration  of  trust  for  those,  who  obtained  the  License.  &  paid  the  consideration. 
■       To  such  only  as  have  been  attended  with  this  solemnity  have  I  paid  the  least  regard,  nor 
have  I  been  able  to  discover  an  instance  where  these  have  proved  an  occasion  of  uneasiness 
or  complaint. 

At  the  late  Congress,  in  July  last,  I  was  apprehensive  of  no  restraint,  but  what  is  enjoined 
by  the  above  mentioned  Instruction,  and  I  fluttered  myself,  that  I  was  in  the  faithful  discharge 
of  my  duty,  in  consenting  to  the  purchases  and  Grants  which  in  conformity  .hereto  then 
took  place.  ' 

In  full  confidence  of  the  quiet  enjoyment  of  those  lands,  a  number  of  His  Maj""'  subjects 
have  already  expended,  as  is  estimated,  near  .£5000.  curr:  including  purchases  and  surveys 
and  a  valuable  Tract,  freed  from  the  Indian  claim,  will  be  open  to  cultivation,  and  subject  to 
the  payment  of  a  quit  Rent  to  his  Maj'^ 

Under  these  circumstances  it  is  humbly  submitted,  to  your  LordP  whether  it  would  not  be  a 

real  hardship,  and  greatly  lessen  the  respect,  which  for  His  Maj'J-  interest  ought  to  preserved 

•    to  the  Acts  of  his  Govern',  if  titles  regularly  obtained,  according  to  the  mode  established  for 

settlement,  as  it  is    understood  by  the  officers   of  the  different  departments,  should  suffer 

any  impeachment. 

^  If  any  alteration  is  thought  necessary,  it  will  not  be  more  my  duty,  than  it  is  my  sincere 
inclination,  to  yield  the  most  implicit  obedience  to  His  Maj'>'  commands  ;  at  the  same  time  I 
should  be  unworthy  of  a  public  trust,  if  I  concealed  my  apprehensions,  that  any  expedient 
suspending  letters  patent  to  a  purchaser  after  a  sale  lawfully  obtained  with  his  own  money 
from  the  Indians,  must  prove  a  great  discouragement  to  the  cultivation  of  the  frontier  parts 
of  the  province,  where  a  strong  barrier  against  any  future  attempts  of  the  western  Savages 

f   seems  so  desirable.  °    ' 

To  pretended,  fraudulent,  or  private  purchases,  I  have,  and  shall  continue  to  give  all  the 
discountenance  and  opposition  in  my  power,  and  shall  make  it  my  study  to  do  the  Indians 
upon  every  occasion,  the  stricktest  Justice,  to  conciliate  their  affections,  and  to  preserve  among 
IhtMii  the  happy  temper,  which  distinguished  the  iate  Congress. 

The  opinion  I  presumed  to  give  Your  Lordship  respecting  the  Canadian  Claims,  w,.s 
grounded  on  the  following  facts,  which  if  I  am  righly  informed  are  capable  of  satisfactory 
proof,  i  hope  considering  the  importance  of  the  subject,  to  be  excused  in  submitting  them  to 
you.-  LordP's  consideration. 


1. 


'■  M»  . 


'Sic.  ()iif  couvfviincw.  —  Ei>. 


gi, 


344 


NEW-YOilK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  Dutch,  who  first  settled  this  Colony,  claimed  the  whok  of  Connecticut  River  and  Lake 
Champlair,,  and  ail  the  Country  to  the  Southward  of  the  River  S'  Lawrence  down  to  Delaware 
Hiver;  this  appears  from  many  ancient  Maps,  and  particularly  from  Blau's  and  Ogilby's,  which 
I  hrvc  had  an  opp-rtnnity  of  seeing.  — In  1G64.  King  Charles  the  Second  granted  thiu  Country 
to  the  Duke  of  York,  expressly  comprehending  all  the  Lands  from  the  west  side  of 
Connecticut  lUver. 

On  a  late  actual  Survey,  by  Commiss"  from  this  and  Quebec  Govern',  the  head  of  that  River, 
is  found  to  lie,  several  miles  to  the  Northward  of  the  Latitude  of  forty  five  dt/rrees,  lately 
established  by  his  Majesty  as  the  boundary  between  this  Colony  and  Quebec. 

A  West  line  therefore  from  tne  head  of  Connecticut  River  (which  wiil  compiebend  LSik" 
C:.amplr.in)  has  been  always  deemed  the  ancient  boundary  of  New  York,  according  to  tho 


Royal  grant;  nor  has  been  abridged  but  in  two  instances.  fHis  Maj'J''-  proclamation  limiting 
the  jxtent  of  Quebec,  and  an  argument  confirmed  by  the  Crown  with  Connecticut.     Every  Act 
and  Commission  subsequent  to  King ChaWes's  grant,  describes  the  province  in  Genoral  words: 
"  The  Province  of  i\ew  York  and  the  territories  depending  thereupon"  and  supposes  its  limits^' 
fo  be  notorJcus,  and  properly  established  by  that  grant.     On  tins  principle  the  Judicaiories, 
heie  have  grounded  their  determinations,  in  suits  between  the  New  York  Patentees,  and  the 
N.   Haii'j  .hire  claimants.     The  original  Colony  of  New   Hampsiiire    as   it  was  granted   by  I 
the  Council  of  I'lymo.itb,  and  confirmed  by  t'le  Crown  about  the  year  1<J30,  lay  altogether  '  ^^ 
on  the  East  side  of  Connecticut  River,  whi'ih  it  did  not  reach  by  20  .Tiiles.     As  it  was  new    ^ 
modelled,  and  enlarged  by  the  Commission  to  ^ioVBen-nng  Wentworll.  in  1742.     No  distance  ( 
frum  il  e  sea,  or  station,  is  given  ;  but  it  is  "  bounded  to  the  West  by  the  King's  other  (;overn","  / 


•SI  iiy  int-  i\.mg  s  oiner  iiovern",     > 
Connecticut  River  which  were  V 
of  the  Crown  abovenieiitioned. 


and  could   not  comprehend  the  Lands  on  the  West  side  of 

already   a   part  of  New  York,  as  e8lal)ii,shed    by  the  Grant 

HeTice   on  the  footing  of  original   Itiglit,  oui   Courts  d.'termiued,  that  the   New  Hampshire 

Grants,  were  void  for  want  of  legal  authority  in  that  (Jovern*.     They  considered  His  M(ij'»»  / 

order  in  Privy  C^ouncil  in  17(>4.  as  a  confirmation  of  a  prior  Right,  and  not  as  having  altered  or 

enlarged  the  ancient  Juiisdiction. 

I  am  now  cautious  to  give  an  opinion  on  the  proprie'y  of  this  decision  ;  but  barely  mention 
the  p.-iniipies  as  they  have  been  repre»ented  to  me  for  your  Lordf's  infurmatio:?. 

W'helluT  the  Dominions  of  the  French  in  Canada  interfered  with  'he  bounds  of  this  Colony 
as  anciently  established  by  King  Ch  ;rle8  the  Second,  remains,  to  be  con8idere<l.  AP  the 
Country  to  the  Southward  of  th»  River  .S«  Lnwreme  originally  belonged  to  the  Five  Nations 
or  Inxiuo's,  and  us  such,  it  is  d;scribed  in  the  abovementioned  and  other  ancient  .Maps,  & 
particularly  l^ake  Champlain  is  there  called  "  Mere  ,lr>  [roijmU."  So. el  River,  which  leads 
from  the  lake  into  t!ie  River  S'  Laivrence  "  Jlivicr  Jo  Iroijiioit,"  and  the  Tract  on  the  East  side  < 
of  the  Lake,  trocoisia. 

So  early  as  the  year   ir.sn,  the  Five  Nations,   by  Treaty  with    (he  (;ov'  of  New  York, 
submitted  to  the  Sovereignty  and  protection  of  Great   IJriltain,   and    have  ever   since  been 
,   considered  as  subjects,  anil  tlwir  Country  as  part  o*"  the  Dominions  of  ihe  Crown. 

My  the  Tr.'iity  of  Utrecht,  the  French  King  expressly  recognized  the  !<overeignty  of  (Jrwat 
JJrittain  nv»r  those  Nations. 

Godfrey  Dellius's  purchase  from  tlx*  Mohocks,  and  grant  under  the  Seal  of  .New  York  in  the 
year  U;'M\.  isesteemn;  a  nieniorable  proof  of  the  b'iuhl  o!  this  Province,  under  the  Crown,  tn 
the  Lauds  uu  Lake  ('h.iniplaiii.     Il  couij.reheiids  a  large  Tract  extending  from  .^uraglitoga 


.     .>-.    X»* 


1    ^  ;■.  '1 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


) 


845 


alon,  Hudson  8  R.ver.  the  Wood  Creek,  and  Lake  Champlain.  on  the  East  side  upwards  of 
wenty  m.les.  to  the  northward  of  Crown  Point ;  and  it  is  thought,  a  circumstance  o  TanVd 
Importance,  that  this  «rant  was  repeah-d  hy  ,he  Legislature  in  the  year  .CO  e  trTvZ 

^  our  o  one  suhjecr;  which  Act  would  have  been  a  nullity  if  that  territory  rd  no  bee„ 
within  tlie  jurisdiction  of  this  ProV"  ^ 

thit Flonli e'r  nirTo'f T  r  ''""  •^'""'*'  <J^Predation8  had  long  obstructed  the  settlement  of 
this  frontier  part  of  th.,Co-o,iy.  It  was  not  till  the  year  1731.  that,  in  profound  peace  thev 
.ook  possession  of   Lake  Chanipiain  and  ordered   Kort  S'  Frederick  at  Crown  [Point  5 

u.        .11   ed  of  and  rescnte.. ;  and  the  Colonies  before  the  late  War.  to  disappoint  so  dangerous 

r:re:ed  i:;;;- .ec!.!:.;.'^"""^  ''^^"■"^  '"-^^  «^"""''  -"" '- — -^  >-  ^^y^-  --- 

The  French  had  endeavoured  to  fortify  their  encroachments  by  negociations ;  in  17-50  their 
Anihassador  insisted  as  a  condition  of  the  Convention  then  proposed  t'at  Great  Hr  t  a     slo.l 
linciuish  her  dam.  to  ,he  South  si.ie  of  the  Uiver  S-  Lawrence,  and  the  lakes  which  dis     a  «e 

00  ference      I  ,i  pend,  my  Lord  on  KntiVs-  history  of  the  late  war  (or  the  truth  of  this  fact. 
.8  well  oimded.  It  seems  to  show  in  a  strong  point  of  light  the  sense  of  the  Crown  at  that 

crisis,  respecting  the  territory  under  consideration 

If  it  WHS  necessary.  My  Lord,  to  a.ld  prior  instances  of  the  encroachments  of  the  Canadians 
would    eg  leave  to  refer  Your  r..rdn  to  (.'overnor  lUirnefs  speeches  to  the  GenerafZ  m    ; 

o.  this   I  rovince,  in   H.-r.,  nu-.i  &   17.7.  and   the  resolution,  of  that  house  stated  in  thei^r 
;  irua  s,     eposit.d   in  the  l>.an,atio..  (.Iliee.  on  the  subject  of  those  encroachments.     tZ 

■ov      .n    his  speech  of  the   .'i,,-   Sept'   .7.>7.   has    these    remarkable    words:    .-I    have     he 

•satisfaction  to  inform  you,  that  your  A.ent  has  been  very  active  in  sollici.ing  the  affairs  of 

•this  Prov".  and   particularly  that    he  has  succeeded   in   obtaining,  that   preling  InZ^ 
.•inighc  b.  made  at  the  Court  of  France,  agiinst  the  Stone  House  built  at  Niagara-      t^ 

Hiis  shows  that  the  (.over,.' at   home  so  early  „,  that   period   viewed   this  measure  of  tl'e 
b  r.nch  us  an  encroacliin.'nt  on  the  limits  of  this  Colony. 

r  assure  your  Lord,  that  I  haJl  no  i.lea  that  (he  decision  of  this  controversy  could  afl'ecT 
the  anc-nt  possessions  of  any  <.f  his  Maj-.'.  „e«.  subjects.  Unacpiainted  with  the 
set.  ements.  on,  and  near  the  south  side  of  the  idver  .S'  Lawrence.  I  carried  my  views  no 
lurther  than  the  provin....  over  which  I  preside;  and  which,  as  it  is  now  limited  does  not 
,...  nde  t he  whole  «f  Lake  Champla.n.  I  have  fre.,uen.ly  been  informed,  by  those  on  whom 
l.lmu.htl  eould  depen  that  when  the  French,  on  the  approach  of  Sir  Jefiry  Amherst  in 
1 ....  abandoned  Liowi,  Point,  there  were  found  no  am-ient  possessions,  nor  any  improvements 
worthy  of  consideration  on  either  side  of  the  Lake.  The  Chief  were  in  the  environs  of  the' 
Port,  and  seeme.l  intended  meerly  for  the  accommodation  of  the  (Jnrrrism...  „„d  |  have  reason 
to  believe,  that  even  at  this  day.  there  are  very  lew,  if  any,  t.  the  Southward  of  the  latitu.le 
forty  hve.  except  what  have  been  made  since  the  peace,  by  British  .ubjecls  under  the  grants 
of  this  (yolonv.  B        ■• 


» vr'H^''-";":"'  "'"""■■ "' '"'"  ""^  "^  '"••  "*""•'"'  •^*''  '"'•''■  ^'-  ^-  -"i ""-  "-'i— ■  u-i- ■.  m*. 


Vol.  VIH. 


ii 


'A 


346 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


!        I  had  the  honor  of  transmitting  to  the  Eurl  of  Hillsborough  a  paper  on  this  subject  drawn 

up  by  Council  here,   at  the  request  of  the  reduced  Officers,  to  whom  and  the  disbanded 

,    Soldiers  a  very  considerable  part  of  the  Country  on  the  East  side  of  Lake  Champlain,  hath  been 

granted  in  obedience  to  His  Maj'*''  lloyal  proclamation.     The  proof  of  several  material  facts, 

which  influenced  my  opinion,  are  there  stated,  and  to  which  I  beg  leave  to  refer  your  Lord?. 

I  am  extreanily  concerned  to  have  been  so  unfortunate  as  to  prolong  the  dispute  with  the 

N.  Hampshire  claimants,  as  its  speedy  determination  is  become  so  essential  to  the  peace  and 

I    prosperity  of  the  Colony.     My  anxiety  is  greatly  increased  from  the  additional  trouble  it  is 

t    likely  to  give  your  Lord"  and  the  Board  of  Trade.     I  can  truly  say  in  my  justidcation,  that 

.    what  I  did,  was   with  the  best  intentions,  and  from  an   opinion  that  the  security   of  the 

,'    claimants,  on  terms  which  would  give  them  satisfaction,  was  the  object  of  the  restraint.     I 

j    was  willing  to  make  a  sacrifice  of  interest  by  accepting  half  the  customary  fees.    On  their 

'    part,  they  removed  what  had  hitherto  been  a  great  obstacle,  by  consenting  to  pay  the  New 

York  Quit  rents  of  two  shillings  and  six  pence  sterling  a  hundred  acres,  instead  of  that  reserved 

by  their  i\ew  Hampshire  Charters.     Importunate  and  clamorous  as  they  were  for  titles  under 

this  Govern',  I  feared  unless  they  were  gratified,  the  spirit  of  riot  and  disobedience,  which  so 

unhappily  prevailed  at  Bennington,  and   the  other  eastern  parts  of  the  County  of  Albany, 

would  spread  itself  into  Cumberland  and  (Jloucester  Counties  bordering  on  the  West  Banks 

of  Connecticut  River,  where  the  Townships  in  question  lye,  and  which  had  hitherto  preserved 

,    a  due  respect  for  his  Majesty's  authority.     1  therefore  ventured  to  adopt  the  expedient,  which 

•  to  my  great  regret  I  found  so  inconvenient,  and  which  I  cannot  but  lament  since  it  fails  of 
your  LordP's  approbation. 

1  flatter  myself,  that  my  conduct  wiih  respect  to  the  grant  to  Coll:  Howard,  of  which  the 
people  of  Hinsdale  complain,  will  be  justified  from  a  Review  of  the  circumstances  which 
attended  it. 

It  was  not  a  grant  issued  by  me  officially,  but  in  obedience  to  His  Maj'''  Mandamus.     The 

V  ,  setting  out  of  the  Tract  was  not  left  to  the  Commissioners  of  the  Crown,  but  a  right  of  Election 

t!  vested  in  Coll:  Howard,  of  any  ten  thousand  acres,  within  the  I'rov"',  not  before  granted  or 

,  I  surveyed  to  others,  and  not  posessed  or  claimed  by  the  Indians  ;  an  act  of  so  high  and  solemn 

♦  a  nature  was  considered  not  only  as  superceding  the  rest>-aints  with  respect  to  the  Lands 
claimed  by  New  Hampshire,  but  also  the  ordinary  mode  of  granting  lands,  by  the  intervention 
of  the  (iov'  &  Council  here.     When  therefore  Colonel  Howard  demanded  a  grant  on  the  West 

.   side  of  Connecticut  River,  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  nllix  the  seal  without  hesitation. 

It  was  not,  as  well  as  I  recollect,  till  afterwards  that  I  was  informed  that  some  inhabitants 

who  were  settled  on  part  of  those  lands  pretended  a  claim  under  the  Massachusets  Bay;  a 

circumstance  of  which  I  am  persuaded  not  nn  officer  of  the  (Joveru'  was  appri/.i'il.     I  was 

favoured  with  a  letter  from  <;ov'  Hutchinson  on  this  subject,  which  induced  Coll:  Howard,  to 

get  his  case  stated  for  his  Excellency's  satisfaction.     As  it  would  be  tedious  to  detain  jour 

Lord"'  by  a  detail  of  the  merits  of  ihat  Claim,  1  beg  leave  to  transmit  a  copy  of  the  case,  and 

j    my  correspondence  with  (!ov'  Hutchinson  on  that  head  for  your  Lonl^'s  thorough  iuforination. 

I        It  appears  to  me,  that  any  claim  under  the  Massachusets  to  those  lands  is  destitute  of  legal 

•    foundation,  and  that  the  oiler  Coll:  Howard  made  to  the  occupants  when  he  became  acquainted 

with  their  circumstances,  was  too  generous  to  leave  room  for  complaint. 

I  am  with  the  highest  respect  and  esteem  — My  Lord, 

Vour  Lord'''H  most  obedient  humble  serv' 

»»   -      i  KVO.\. 


I 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


347 


N-S. 


8ir. 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Trym. 

(New-York  P»pen  (B.  P.  O.)  CLXV.] 

Whitehall  3.  Feb')"  1773. 


have  received  your  despatches  of  the  1"  and  1>-  of  Dec'  and  have  laid  them  before  the  Kin., 
t,  very  much  to  be  w.shed  both  for  the  interest  of  the  Crown  and  the  public  that  the 
extent  just.ce  and  legality  of  the  claims  of  th  •  proprietors  of  the  Hardenburgh  n  t  ,t  o  d  be 
brought  ,nto  judgement  and  decided  upon  a  single  suit  at  Law.  but  the  n.ode^  pro  ,o  e  of 
br.ng.„g  on  that  d.scuss.on  by  a  grant  to  Coll:  Bradstreet  of  a  part  of  the  liuls  d  es  no 
appear  0  me  eUher  so  regular  &  proper  as  that  which  has  been  already  adopted,  and  i  i 
t  nnk  the  less  so  as  I  understand  from  your  letter  of  the  1"  of  Dec'  that  a  verdict  has  b  en 
already  g.ven  on  a  process  of  Intrusion.  You  will  therefore  acquaint  Coll:  Bradstree  with 
my  d.ihcult.es.  assuring  him  that  on  any  other  occasion.  I  shall  lie  happy  to  show  i  „  ev  v 
attention  due  to  his  great  merit  and  services.  ^ 

The  State  of  the  Country  west  of  Connecticut  Iliver.  and  your  representation  of  the  disorders 
which  have  prevailed   rom  the  want  of  a  decision  upon  disputes  that  had  arisen  resnec   ng  t," 
different  claims  to  land,  was  one  of  the  first  objects  of  my  attention  upon  my  coming  iUolce 
and  I  so  ar  prevailed  ,n  my  wishes  to  bring  that  business  forward,  as  to  obtain  a  very  lU  land 
immediate  discussion  of  it  at  the  Board  of  Trade. 

The  forming  an  opinion  upon  a  matter  that  involved  questions  of  the  greatest  dillicultv 
ne  es  an ly  took  up  sometime,  but  by  a  diligent  and  close  application  their  Lo'd.-  were  rbled' 
tomake  their  Report  to  the  privy  Council  on  the  3- of  December,  and  1  have  the  satisfacti  >n  o 
acquaint  yon.  t  at  My  Lord  I.resident  fully  apprized  by  me  of  how  great  conseque  c  it  , 
to  yor  ease  and  happiness,  that  this  matter  should  receive  a  speedy  decision,  has  Issured  me 
that  It  shall  be  taken  up  the  very  first  day  the  Committee  meets. 

I  am  ettc. 

Daetmoitth. 


irr 


i    M 


Sir, 


Ead  of  Dartmouth  to  Litutaumt-Governor  Coldttu 

I  Nsw-Torli  Ptprn  (8. 1'.  0.)  CLXV.] 

Whitehall.  3  February  1773. 


I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  1"  D.e'  &  laid  it  before  the  King 

I  beg  leave  to  assu.e  you  that  it  will  always  give  me  great  pleasure  to  promote  the  advnn.ngo 
of  every  meritorious  servant  of  the  Crown,  and  to  lay  before  His  Maj'^  a  just  representation  of 

.Hongaud  aiUihiUervices:  bu.asitis  not  the  King's  intention  tol„ex'::h::!  '^ 
OUaeol  Lieut,  (.ov  in  rtie  Colonies.  I  cannot  take  upon  me  to  recommend  to  His  .Maj.  to 
grant  your  reque.t  of  n  salary  as  Lieut-  (;ov'  of  New  York.  In  the  instance  of  AF-Oiiver  of 
Massuchusels  Hay,  which  you  quote  a.  o  precedent,  the  allowance  which  ihe  Ki-  •• .k.  «» 


848 


NEW  YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


to  make  that  Gentleman,  was  in  consideration  of  his  having  resigned  a  lucrative  Office,  and 
was  not  given  as  a  salary  only  annexed  to  his  appointment  of  Lieut'  Gov',  and  does  not 
therefore  in  any  respect  apply  to  your  case. 

I  am.  ettc. 

Dauvmouth. 


11 


Earl  of  Dartmoutli  to  Sir  William  Johnso)i. 


[  PlnnlstlomOeneral  (  8.  P.  O.,  No.  3.  >  CCLIX.  ] 


Sir 


WhiteHall  Feb^  3"  1773 


By  the  last  Packet  from  New  York  I  received  your  Dispatches  No'  1  &  2. 

In  your  letter  of  the  4""  of  Nov'  you  refer  to  a  paper  mentioned  to  have  been  transmitted 
and  which  you  state  to  be  a  copy  of  the  most  maleriul  part  of  the  late  Congress  at  Johnson  Hull  but 
as  that  paper  has  by  some  mistake  not  been  sent,  what  I  have  to  say  to  you  upon  that  business 
must  be  confin'd  to  y  observations  contained  in  your  letter 

In  general  I  am  sorry  to  find  from  the  Report  made  of  what  is  passed  at  Scioto  that  our 
neighbours  on  the  Mississippi  have  still  the  means  by  Talks  and  Messages  of  keeping  up  that 
jealousy,  discontent  &  enmity  towards  us  among  the  Western  Nations  wliich  may  hereafter 
when  an  opportunity  otters  prove  fatal  to  the  security  of  the  British  Dominions  in  that  part  of 
America,  and  I  see  this  with  the  greatest  concern,  and  my  appreheiiaionsof  the  ill  oonaequenees 
are  the  stronger  as  the  ill  humour  is  every  day  increas'-'  and  our  only  hope  of  preventing  that 
dangerous  union  of  Interests  that  appear  to  he  forming  rests  upon  the  friendship  of  the  Six 
Nations  and  their  acquiescence  in  that  extension  of  settlement  which  has  apparently  given  so 
much  ollence  to  other  Tribes  who  both  claim  to  possess  th"  (yountry 

From  what  has  heretofore  passed  with  the  Six  Nations  upon  this  subject  I  am  to  presume 
that  no  difficulties  will  occur  on  their  part  to  the  measure  His  Majesty  has  thought  fit  to  adopt  for 
establishing  a  Government  up  the  Ohio,  but  I  must  observe  that  your  letter  does  not  state  that 
any  thing  con.lusive  was  said  by  them  by  way  of  answer  to  the  communication  that  you  was 
directed  to  make  to  them  of  the  Kings  intentions  in  that  respect  and  I  must  candidly  confess 
to  you  that  the  proposition  which  you  have  made  to  :he  Senecas  of  withdrawing  from  their 
possession  on  the  .South  side  of  the  Ohio  appears  to  have  been  founded  upon  Keasons  & 
Arguments  which  induce  an  apprehension  that  very  great  ditliculties  will  occur  in  carrying 
the  intended  I'lan  of  StUlement  into  execution  unless  the  other  Tribes  who  reside  within  the 
Limits  of  the  proposed  Colony  can  be  brought  into  the  same  measure  which  I  fear  will  bo 
impracticable  though  the  tienecas  should  have  consented  to  it,  which  however  does  not  appear 
from  your  letter. 

The  advantages  of  a  regular  I'lan  for  Indian  Trade  are  apparent  and  the  want  of  it  in  the 
present  situation  is  very  much  to  be  lamented.  Hut  as  I  apprehend  there  is  not  sullicient 
authority  in  the  Crown  for  the  execution  of  such  n  IMaii ;  and  as  ihe  Colonies  do  not  seem 
disposed  to  concur  in  any  general  Regulations  lor  that  purpose,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  suggest  any 
mode  ■  y  which  tbii  impurtunt  service  can  be  otherways  provided  for  than  by  the  interposition 


'  i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


349 


of  the  authority  of  the  Supreme  Legislature  the  exertion  of  which  would  be  in  such  a  case 
unadviseabie  untill  Truth  &  Conviction  have  removed  the  unhappy  prejudices  which  have  so 
long  prevailed  in  the  Colonies  on  this  subject. 

I  am  very  sensible  of  the  obliging  expressions  with  respect  to  myself  contained  in  your 
letter  of  the  .V  of  Nov'  and  it  will  give  me  great  pleasure  upon  every  occasion  in  the  course  of 
my  correspondence  with  you  in  the  office  His  Majesty  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  place  me 
to  do  justice  to  the  Desert  of  so  meritorious  an  officer  and  soTaithful  a  servant  of  the  King 

I  am  &c  &C'' 

To  Sir  William  Johnson  Bart  Dartmouth 


N°  IG. 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  DartnmttJi. 

I  New-Vork  Papcri  ( S.  P.  O. )  CLXV.  ] 


»,    ,      ,  New  York.  7  Feb^  1773. 

My  Lord, 

I  received  last  evening,  from  M'  Elliot'  His  Maj"''  Commission  under  the  seal  of  great 
Brittain  and  the  proceedings  had  thereon,  relative  to  the  partition  line  between  the  Govern" 
of  New  York  and  New  .Jersey,  requesting,  I  would  transmit  the  same  to  His  Maj'\  M' Jiiy, 
clerk  to  the  Commiss"  refusing  to  deliver  up  the  Commission  and  papers  unless  authorized  by 
an  express  order  of  the  Crown  under  the  great  Seal,  or  act  of  the  Legislature,  I  yesterday 
passed  a  Bill  of  that  tenor,  a  copy  of  which  is  lierewilh  transmitted,  with  the  Commission  and 
papers,  also  Gov'  Franklyn's  letter  to  me  inclosing  an  Act  of  the  Assembly  of  New  Jersey, 
which  was  obtained  in  consequence  of  the  conference  I  had  at  Amhoy  last  September  with 
the  Cov'  &  other  parties  concerned  in  the  premises  —  Should  these  proceedings  meet  with  his 
Maj"''  approbation,  we  may,  1  hope,  soon  receive  the  Uoyal  conlirmalion  to  the  territoria 
Jurisdiction  between  the  two  (Jovern" 

Your  Lord"'  will  observe  the  Great  Seal  is  entirely  defaced  and  reduced  to  a  small  I  .np  of 
wax,  which  is  the  case  of  almost  all  the  great  seals  sent  from  Great  Brittain,  occasioned  bv  its 
bfing  chiefly  composed  of  Uosin  which  is  reduced  to  powder  by  the  friction  of  the  voyage. 
Were  the  seals  to  be  formed  of  a  proper  mixture  of  Bees  wax  and  Turpentine  without  any 
Uosiii,  they  would  arrive  uninjured  ;  a  circumstance  not  without  its  weight  as  the  validity  of 
those  instruments  have  been  doubted  to  which  the  Great  seal  has  been  affixed  and  defaced,  like 
the  one  to  this  Commission. 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect  and  Esteem, 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lord'"8  most  obedient  Servant 

W"'  Tkyon. 

'  Supra,  p.  90.  —  Kd. 


!     ;?' 


350 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


N"  18. 


G(yvernor  Tnjon  to  the  Earl  of  Durtmmth. 

I  Now-York  P.pen  (8.  p.  o.)  CLXr.  ] 


My  Lord,  New  York.  8.  FebrJ'  1773. 

^^^:rZr::i;:z^2^'^-'''^'-:  i^-- '-  ^-^  -^  ^-^^  ■•-  -^y  ^-'"- 

His  Mnj-  displeas  re  a      s  a  V  t    17"     V\  '  ''''  '•"^"  ''  ""'"^PPy  -  ^°  ■-- 
farther  to  urge  i„  „,y    usl    cation         fn      "''    7"'"''  ''  ^°"'"  ''''"'  ^"  ''  '  ''^^^  ""thing 

in  pursuing  the  usual  melhoZofZIZ.ZT  7'T    '"''  "^  '^'  ''"  '^  ^'''"^^''  1^72. 
letter  of  tSe  4.-  of  dTc'  ,771    b'he  f         r  '^/  '""P'  °^'^^  ^■'"•'  "^  Hillsborough's 

the  reformation  in   he  llndoL  was  ooSr:t\  "T  f/"^'  '^"^^'  ^  ""^-«'-<J 

fullest  representation  of  the  method  pr3d    „    h      ^' '  '    « "      "'  "°  ""'  '"  ^^"'^'"^  "'« 

lands  I  considered  ^y  changin^re  rdTtt:  i  'l^ ^    ;^:  LtTHh^  ^!"^'^ 

would  create  confusion  rather  than  order      T  n,.,  r  !      received  fresh  Instructions, 

pleasure  on  the  informations  tra  lit  e    to  tl  e  EaH  oJhTiT  h      '"  ^  -"f""^'  °'  ^"^  ^'"^'^ 
11'-  of  April  1772.  N'  28.  Hillsborough  with  my  Dispatch  of  the 

I  ^v:  :^e  ir  u  •s'ii;^:;;^:- :: :::  '^r!  ^  7  --^-^ »« -»^  ^-^p-ehed.  ana 

my  disobedience.  ^  '  "^'"' "'"'°  ''  ^^^^''^  "«"her  extenuate  nor  excuse 

The  Governors,  My  Lord,  of  His  MaWt  r-  i     •  .  .     ^ 

The™,  i.  „.  p..,/„f  ,„,;  A,."i?l";i ,,.'  :;r,:v::  r;;,::'/'"  -^'^  -^ 

emergencies,  to  put  a  liberal  internrot.tinn  .      ■    »    .     ^^  "^'''^  °"  ''"'"••aordinary 

as  libtrai  a  consfructio  he  ole;:  "conr    T'  '"'";'""'  ""'  ''^  ^"'««  ^""-'-» 

that  Station,  cannot  long  ke  rhTs  'roZ  '         "^°''  '^^'''''■"'  ^*'"^"'  "'"  '''«  ^rowM  in 

a.  the  dictates  of  a  jj^^ -Z^  ^  ^n  Wsr:e::rr^:^;- , --  ^^^  -^^ 

I  Shall  pay  a  ^-fu,  obedi.ce  to  the  King's  Commands,  and  am,  wit/,  a.rprb.e  respect 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  servant. 

W-  Tryon. 


-» -■ » »»■»- 


Chief  Justice  Ilorsvmndea  to  the  Earl  of  DartumUh. 

t  Ncw.York  r»p«n  (8.  P.  o, )  OLXV.; 

My  Lord,  New  York.  20""  Febr'  1773. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


351 


letter  to  Gov'  Wanton'  was  published  in  the  Boston  Weekly  paper  and  spread  industriously 
over  .o.il  N  England.  However  amazing  to  us,  upon  enquiry  it  came  out,  that  the  Gov'  had 
communicated  it  to  his  Assembly,  who  had  got  it  printed;  upon  expostulating  with  the 
Gov'  upon  it,  he  said,  he  by  Law  was  obliged  to  communicate  all  dispatches  from  the  Ministry, 
to  his  Corporation,  and  sworn  so  to  do;  that  such  Dispatches  were  usually  directed  to  the 
Gov'  and  Cornp'.  Upon  enquiry  how  Your  Lordship's  packet  was  directed,  neither  he  nor 
his  Secretary  could  inform  us;  the  superscription  they  said  was  mislaid,  and  not  to  be  found  ; 
but  that  this  was  not  so  directed  as  the  Gov'  said,  I  infer  from  its  being  addressed  to  him  (Sir). 

My  Lord,  as  to  the  Govern'  (if  it  deserves  that  name)  it  is  a  downright  Democracy;  the 
Gov'  is  a  mere  nominal  one,  and  therefore  a  Cypher,  without  power  or  authority,  entirely 
controuled  by  the  populace  elected  annually,  as  all  other  Magistrates  &  oHicers  whatsoever. 
The  Governor  treated  the  Commissioners  with  great  decency  and  respect,  and  to  do  that 
Gentleman  justice,  behaved  with  great  propriety  as  a  Commissioner,  excepting  his 
communicating  your  Lord^'s  letter  to  the  Corporation,  which  indeed  he  seemed  constrained  to 
do  under  the  above  circumstances. 

To  shew  that  the  Gov'  has  not  the  least  Power  or  Authority  he  could  not  command  the 
Sheriff  or  a  Constable  to  attend  us;  he  prevailed  with  them  indeed,  but  in  expectation  of 
being  paid  their  daily  wages  by  the  Commissioners,  so  that  they  were  hired  for  this  service  at 
our  expence,  and  even  for  expresses  sent  to  summon  witnesses  the  Coi  .miss"  found  it 
necessary  to  advance  their  own  money;  also  for  the  very  (ire  wood  expended  for  our 
accommodation  in  the  Council  Cluimberon  this  occasion  ;  this,  My  Lord,  we  readily  disbursed 
{»nd  all  other  contingencies  relying  upon  the  honor  of  Govern'. 

We  found.  My  Lord,  that  the  Gov'  upon  the  first  notice  of  this  piece  of  villany  hud  issued  a 
proclamation  ottering  ilOO  reward  for  a  discovery  but  without  ertect. 

My  Lord,  it  is  suggested  in  the  Commission  that  the  people  assembled  upon  this  adventure 
in  the  Town  ot  Newport,  and  the  places  adjacent  by  beat  of  Drum,  ettc,  which  was  intimated, 
doubtless,  through  misinformation,  for  it  comes  out,  that  it  was  at  Providence  on  the  iNarraganset 
River,  about  30  miles  from  Newport,  and  7  or  8  from  the  place  where  the  Gaspee  run 
a  ground.  The  news  of  which  was  soon  communicated  to  that  Town,  and  there  it  is  supposed 
the  people  assembled  and  soon  formed  their  scheme,  to  Man  G  or  7  Boats  on  purpose  to  attack 
her  at  that  disadvantage. 

My  Lord,  the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island  is  branched  out  into  three  divisions ;  Newport  on 
Rhode  IsW,  Providence,  and  Warwick  more  inland  adjoining  to  the  Massachust-is  Colony  ;  at 
these  three  places  the  Assemblies  are  held  alternately,  but  Newport  is  reputed  the  seat  of 
Govern';  between  the  two  former,  there  is  an  emulation  with  respect  to  their  Trade,  and  u 
kind  of  F.nmity  likewise,  so  that  they  do  not  generally  correspond  cordially.  I'rovi<ience  is 
30  miles  distant  from  it,  so  that  it  seems  most  unlikely  that  the  people  of  Newport  could  be 
concerned  in  so  8ud>'Mi  and  precipitate  an  enterprize,  nor  was  the  fact  known  at  Rhode 
Island,  till  the  day  after  the  Treason  Committed. 

My  Lord,  as  to  the  Negro  evidence,  which  seems  to  be  the  foundation  of  this  enquiry,  it  is 
much  to  be  suspected,  though  his  story  is  told  with  much  plausibility,  and  he  pertinntiously 
repeated  it  upon  examination  before  the  Commiss";  and  a  Sailor  of  the  Crew  of  the  Gaspee, 

'  Jiwipii  Wantun  liclontjccl  to  n  fnmily  which  hml  ulrpB.ly  fiirninlicil  f.>iir  (iovernors  tci  Rhode  Isluml.  lie  (;rnil»iitcil  nt 
lliirvBid  in  nM,  nml  wu»  I'li'i'ti"!  in  ni')'.)  «ii('ct"«or  In  (ioviTiior  I-ymlim.  llu  w««  n|i|ioiiiieil  one  of  the  I'oii.iiiissiiuieii  to 
in(|uiro  into  llto  buriiirg  of  the  Uatpf  iu  177:J,  aiij  wiu  depuavJ  from  otHoe  in  177  J.     lie  ilieil  ia  17i*i  tiabint.  —  Kd. 


K       i 


852 


NEW-YOHK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


swore  he  was  one  of  the  Negroes  after  the  attack,  that  rowed  the  Boat  which  landed  part 
of  the  Gaspees  crew  near  I'rovidence.  But  to  countervail  this  Information,  it  was  asserted  that 
the  master  of  this  Negro  from  whom  he  had  escaped  on  board  the  Man  of  War,  with  intent  to 
run  away,  who  is  u  person  of  undoubted  Credit,  would  swear  that  about  nine  o'clock  that 
night  the  Gaspee  was  destroyed,  he  ordered  this  Negro  to  Bed,  and  that  he  saw  him  go 
accordingly  with  his  two  other  Negroes,  with  whom  he  usually  slept,  and  'twas  said  that  these 
Negroes  would  also  depose,  that  ho  lay  with  them  all  night,  'till  his  Master  called  him  up  in 
the  morning  on  business. 

My  Lord,  the  Commissioners  did  not  enter  upon  counter  evidence,  though  I  myself  was 
inclined  to  do  it,  as  we  proceeded,  and  bring  the  witnesses  face  to  face,  considering  the 
Commission  required,  we  should  report  all  the  circumstances  attending  the  attair. 

Capt"  Dudingston  had  been  plying  upon  his  business  in  the  Narragansett  Itiver  for  some 
time ;  he  had  not  communicated  his  Commission  to  the  GoV  on  his  arrival,  as  M^  Wanton 
informed  us ;  M'  Dudingston  has  made  several  seizures  of  prohibited  goods  on  that  Station, 
and  on  seizing  their  trntfick,  might  probably  have  treated  the  boatmen  with  severity,  roughness 
and  scurrillous  language,  by  which,  the  people  of  that  place  might  be  provoked  to  this  daring 
insult  and  resentment ;  and  not  knowing  Dudingston  bore  the  King's  Commission  of  what  he 
had  done,  they,  as  they  gave  out,  look'd  upon  him  as  a  pirate  and  Treated  him  as  such.  For, 
as  the. Cover'  informed  us  upon  complaint  of  his  abuses,  as  they  pretended,  he  expostulated 
with  M'  Dudingston  and  demanded  he  would  satisfy  him  as  to  the  Commission  upon  which 
he  acted,  which  at  length  he  did. 

From  these  three  different  branches  of  Govern'  My  Lord,  there  arise  three  different  Factions; 
their  election  of  the  Chief  Officers  being  annual,  sometimes  one  party  prevails,  perhaps  the  next 
year  a  different ;  I  was  told  by  a  Gentleman  of  the  Law  there,  he  had  known  a  Land  Cause 
of  considerable  value  that  had  judgement  reversed  diff^erent  ways  seven  or  eight  times  ; 
prope.-ly  being  thus  rendered  wholly  insecure,  no  wonder,  that  persons  of  property  and  best 
sense  and  most  sincerity  among  them  have  long  wished  for  a  change  of  Govern',  and  to  be 
under  His  Maj'>''  more  immediate  protection.  Though  by  their  charter,  they  are  inhibited 
from  passing  Laws  contrary  to  those  of  England,  but  to  be  as  near  as  may  be  agreable  to 
them,  yet  they  seem  to  have  paid  little  regard  to  that  injunction,  as  may  sufficiently  appear 
upon  inspection  of  the  printed  Books  of  them,  they  have  never  transmitted  them  for  the  Royal 
approbation,  nor  indeed  by  their  Charter  were  they  obliged  to  do  so. 

Under  these  circumstances  your  LordP  will  not  wonder  that  they  are  in  a  State  of  Anarchy 
and  I  assure  your  Lord-  that  their  sist.,r  Colony  Connecticut  is  in  the  same  condition  in  all 
respects,  Justice  has  long  since  ffed  th;.t  Country.  1  have  had  an  opportunity  of  being  more 
intimately  acquainted  with  the  people  of  that  Colony  for  about  30  years  past,  having  had  the 
honour  of  attending  there  twice  upon  lv%-o  Koyal  special  Commissions  (or  determining  n 
controversy  between  tliat  Corporation  and  a  Tribe  of  Indians  and  the  Family  of  the  Masons. 
Ali.jor  Mason,'  a  Gallant  officer  of  the  Army,  a  principal  person  among  the  ffrst  of  the  English 

'  Mnjor  ,l..,iy  Ma,on  wn,  l„,r,i  in  Knylnn,!,  nl,o„l  the  yonr  IfiOd,  «„.!  wa,  l,re,I  to  anm  ir  ll.u  Nc-tlaTlanJs,  u.uKt Sir  TI,on.,„ 
Fairfux.  After  l>„  nrriv,,!  in  thi,  ountry,  when  th.  -t,,,!,,!,.  n,>«.  i„  1:„b1«...1  l,et,v.,.„  K,m«  Churlo*  I  ..,,,1  tl„.  l'„rli,..,a.nt, 
bir  Ihointta  r,.,,„e,t*,l  him,  by  ,  K-ller,  to  join  |,„  ,i„„,la,.,|,  «,„1  «,,i,i  ti„„„  ^ho  wcro  oo»tendin«  for  th«  lil,«rti.»  of  tla- 
l-vopk..  1|.  ,;,vitntK.n.  however,  wa»  .leeline.l,  Slujor  M.i.o.,  w«»  one  of  the  tircl  .ettler.  of  l)oiehe«ter,  .Mw,  Kron,  that 
plaee  he  move.!  to  \V,„.l,or  «t,out  the  year  I.!;.5,  a,ul  a.»i.le,l  i„  laying  the  foundation  of  a  new  Colony,  lie  .li^tin^nishej 
liim.eir  ,„  1,1117  «8  eo,nn,an,ler  in  the  war  aKain-t  the  |'..,|u..l  |n.lian«,  ,oon  after  whieh  he  was  appoint,.,!  l.y  ,|,..  ,,overn- 
meat  ol  (Jonneolicut,  Major-Uene.al  of  all  ,U  force^  in  whieh  offiee  he  coniinne.l  till  hi.  .leath.     lie  remained  .  m«Bi»tri.t. 


i^KSs'-} 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


353 


^^^lo  first  anded  ,n  these  parts,  fought  their  battles  with  the  Savages,  conquered  severals  Tribe, 
became  t  e  Foster  Father  to  the  Colony,  acted  with  so  much  generosity  humanity  and 
prudence  towards  the  Natives,  and  so  conciliated  their  Friendship  and  esteem,  that  after,  they 
had.  thro  h,s  persuasion,  granted  away  great  Tracts  of  their  Lands,  to  form  the  new  proposed 
Colony,  and  to  mak  a  sufficient  plantation  or  settlement.  The  Natives  prudently  thought  of 
fal hng  upon  a  method  for  reserving  and  securing  for  the  future  a  sufficiency  for  the  subsistance 
ot  heir  r.be;  and  pulmg  entire  confidence  in  Major  Mason  as  their  Patron  and  Frienri  (who 
had  treated  them  w,th  great  generosity  and  humanity )  requested  that  Corporation  or  Govern', 
hat  they  m.ght  with  their  approbation  invest  the  remainder  of  their  lands  in  Major  Mason  and 
his  he.rs,  as  the  CJuanlians  an.l  Trustee,  of  the  Mohegan  Tribe.  &  that  in  future  they  should 
be  restrained  from  selling  more  of  their  lands  without  the  advice  and  consent  of  that  familv 
oome  were  afterwards  from  time  to  time  sold  with  the  consent  of  the  Masons,  and  to  preserve 
the  fidelity  of  the  Masons,  the  Family  was  to  have  an  interest  in  the  lands  so  to  be  conveyed, 
coupled  with  the  trust.  "»c;rcu, 

For  this  purpose,  My  Lord,  a  Deed  was  executed  with  solemnity,  and  by  the  declared 
approbation  o(  the  Corporation  entered  upon  their  Records. 

Notwithstanding  this  solemn  engagement  so  Recorded,  the  heads  of  this  Corporation,  did 

fron.  time  to  time  afterwards  unknown  to  the  Masons,  inveigle  the  Indians  to  convey  to  them 

several  tracts  of  very  valuable  reserved   lands,  without  consent  of  the  Masons,  and  divided 

hem  among  themselves  ;  and  this  was  the  ground  of  their  complaint,  upon  which  those  special 

Commissions  issued. 

Upon  the  whole.  My  Lord,  I  was  and  am  still  of  opinion,  that  the  devices  in  consequence  of 
them  in  favor  of  the  Corporation  were  unju.t;  for  it  appeared  to  me,  that  the  Corporation  had 

mostshamefullyprostitutedthegood  faith  andhonourof  Govern' by  ungratefully  andfraudulently. 
wresting  many  large  and  valuable  Tracts  from  that  Tribe  and  the  Masons,  and  becoming  the 
instruments  ot  impoverishing  that  honest  and  worthy  Family  (whose  Ancestors  first  founded 
the  Colony)  in  prosecuting  &  maintaining  their  Riglits  at  tlieir  own  expense  for  30  years  past 
and  hitherto  in  vain;  for  the  matter  still  lies  before  His  M.ijesty  &  Council,  waiting 
a  determination.  ° 

These  two  Colonies.  My  Lord,  commenced  their  settlements  nearly  at  the  same  time  their 
Charters  bear  date  one  year  after  the  other,  and  they  adjoin  each  other;  the  Charters  are 

similar,  each   has  a  Grant  of  1   Hoyal  mines.minerals  &  precious  stones"  which  maybe 

t  .might  a  priv.lege  of  too  much  importance  for  a  subject  to  njoy.  My  F.onI,  these  Colonies 
United  which  as  Twins  are  so  alike  in  features,  temj.er  and  disposition,  that  'twere  pity  they 
should  remain  .separate.  For  from  my  knowledge  of  the  people,  and  cre.iible  information  from 
many  in  each,  I  am  fully  persuaded,  the  better  sort  of  them  have  long  groaned  under  their 
motley  A.iministrations.  and  wish  for  a  deliverance,  to  be  taken  more  immediately  under  the 
Irotection  of    the  Crown.     These   two   consolidated   might   become   as   respectable  a  Royal 

t  II    !n>,  1„„    «!„.„    „  ,nl,n.„u.,  muIuc-.,!  1 lu  ,vti.v  f,.„„  ,;ul.lio  life.     He  .liod  in  l,Vl  or  167;.,  «KeJ  72.     At  .he  «„«,. 

.e  l,.,,„o,.\V  ».:,„., My  .,f  the  memorahlo  Taking  of  .h.ir  Fort  at  MU,i,.U  i„  ronn...,|.„t  in   1«:,7    Wrltt,,,   .,-  ..  ,,"a 

."""",,"  ' '•''"■'  '^'^-'^l'— '.  «•  ""■"  <• f  l-..|.ui..  «n,l  C„.„„„.,„l,.r  nf  C  .nM0..ti..„t  I.-,..,,.     W„h  „„  l,„..,„l,u,;;.„  „„d 

T"  '-:' ;"  7^ '."'"  '^  '"r  '''^^"-'^  '^"•-  •'■'■>""■-  '■--  -  «■■■'"•»  ■  •■■■iuteJ  ....J  .M  Uy  ,.  lu,.„,.„a  Hud  T.  Ur.ea  in 

»iu«.n  .Slr,...t,  I7;w."  'i  Ma,MchmtU,  t/nlurkal  VolUclu,,,,,  VIM     l-'d  -Ed 

Vui,.  VI 11.  .15 


j  •■!}»-' 


354 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Government  as  any  on  the  Continent.  The  Country  in  both  has  a  rich  soil,  abounds  in 
Timber,  fit  for  ship  building;  the  Country  upon  the  whole  in  my  esteem  superior  to  any  I 
have  seen  in  my  travels  from  Boston  to  Virginia.  But  it  must  be  confessed  as  io  the  people, 
it  wrould  require  a  Gentleman  of  very  extraordinary  qualifications  and  abilities  to  adventure 
upon  the  first  ardous  task  for  modeling  them  into  due  subordination  and  decorum. 

I  humbly  entreat  your  LordP's  pardon  for  trespassing  thus  much  upon  your  Lordi-'s  time  and 
Patience.  I  flattered  myself  that  some  account  of  the  present  as  well  as  former  temper 
and  circumstances  of  these  two  Colonies  might  not  be  unacceptable  to  me  in  your  LordP's  high 
Departm'  and  conclude  with  the  assurance,  that  I  am  with  the  most  profound  resj  ,ot—  My  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient 

and  obliged  humble  servant 

Dan  :  Horsmanden. 


Lords  of  Trade  to  Governor  Tryon. 

[Now. York  Enlrlw,  LXVIII.,  p.  Bie.] 


To  Governor  Tryon 


Whitehall  Feb :  26.  1773. 


Sir 

We  have  had  under  Our  Consideration  thirteen  Bills  passed  by  the  Council  and  Assembly 
of  New  York  in  March  1772,  to  which  you  thought  fit  with  great  propriety  to  withhold  your 
assent  for  the  reasons  assigned  in  your  Letter  to  Lord  Hillsborough  of  the  O'"  of  April  1772. 

The  observations  we  have  to  make  upon  these  bills  are  short,  and  apply  to  a  very  few  of 
them  and  in  order  to  avoid  mistake  or  unnecessary  Repetition,  we  have  annexed  to  this  letter 
a  list  of  the  titles  of  the  Bills  in  numerical  Order. 

No  1.  Appears  to  us  to  relate  merely  to  a  regulation  of  internal  occonony  and  we  see  no  reason 
to  its  being  passed  into  a  law  provided  the  duration  of  it  be  extended  to  two  years  for  we  concur 
with  you  in  opinion  that  the  short  period  of  one  year  is  insufficient  to  carry  into  execution  the 
powers  contained  in  the  Bill. 

N"  3.  Is  in  our  Judgement  liable  to  great  doubt  both  in  point  of  Justice  and  Policy  and  we 
think  it  therefore  necessary  that  the  Ground  and  Foundation  for  this  Bill  should  be  further 
explained  to  us  before  it  is  enacted  into  a  law. 

No  10.  The  clause  in  'his  Bill  enacting  that  the  oflence  created  by  the  Act,  when  committed 
upon  the  high  Seas  shall  be  tried  before  such  Court  and  in  such  Manner  and  Form  as  in  and 
by  an  Act  of  Parliament  made  in  ll"-  year  of  King  William  the  S-*  is  directed  and  appointed 
is  expressly  repugnant  to  an  Act  of  Tarliament  of  the  1"  of  Queen  Anne  Stat:  2  Cap  9  which 
has  provided  another  mode  of  Tryal  for  such  offence,  when  committed  on  the  high  Seas. 

As  to  the  other  parts  of  this  Bill  they  do  not  appear  to  be  exceptionable  and  therefore  if 
this  provision  be  omitted  you  may  very  properly  give  your  assent  to  it. 

N"  11.  The  provisions  made  by  this  Bill  appear  to  us  to  be  of  a  very  serious  nature  and  the 
general  propriety  of  them  very  doubtful  but  there  is  one  part  of  it  by  which  it  is  enacted  that 
no  person  shall  be  prosecuted  indicted  or  tryed  for  treason  or  misprison  of  Treason  committed 


'nf  . 


Ik-'** 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


355 


after  a  certain  day  mentioned  In  the  bill  unless  the  indictment  be  found  by  a  Grand  Jury 
within  three  years  after  the  offence  committed.  This  appears  to  us  highly  improper  and 
dangerous  and  of  a  nature  unknown  to  the  laws  of  any  well  regulated  State  and  therefore 
when  we  consider  the  doubtful  Policy  of  the  Bill  in  general  and  the  strong  objection  that  lies 
in  that  particular  part  of  it  we  cannot  be  of  opinion  that  it  would  be  adviseable  for  you  to 
consent  to  its  being  passed  into  a  law. 

N»  12.  The  objection  you  state  to  this  Bill  in  regard  to  its  dispensing  with  the  pu*  "nation  of 
the  attachments  in  the  News  papers  is  certainly  well  founded  and  however  unexceptionable  it 
may  be  in  other  respects  it  ought  not  to  be  passed  into  a  law  in  its  present  Form. 

No  13.  We  are  clearly  of  opinion  that  the  notice  of  sixteen  weeks  previous  to  the  Sale  of  a 
mortgaged  estate  is  much  too  short  but  we  do  not  concur  with  you  in  opinion  that  the  clause 
that  bars  the  equity  of  redemption  in  certain  cases  is  objectionable  on  the  grounds  you  slate  on 
the  contrary  as  the  Jurisdiction  of  the  Court  of  Chancery  is  only  taken  away  in  case  of  bona 
fide  Sale  in  consequence  of  an  express  power  give  by  the  Mortgager  and  that  too  when  the 
Mortgager  is  of  the  age  of  25  We  think  that  the  power  of  the  Court  ought  not  in  this  case 
ever  to  have  existed  and  that  the  exertion  of  it  is  properly  taken  away  and  as  we  conceive, 
that  as  the  law  now  stands  the  Court  of  Chancery  is  at  liberty  in  every  case  to  entertain  a  bill 
where  Fraud  or  Misbehavior  is  charged,  that  appears  to  us  to  be  fully  sufficient ;  and  therefore 
if  the  time  of  notice  can  be  altered  from  sixteen  weeks  to  six  months  we  see  no  reason  why 
you  may  not  very  properly  give  your  assent  to  this  Bill. 

With  regard  to  the  rest  of  the  Ellis  they  do  not  appear  to  be  exceptionable  in  any  light  and 
we  think  you  may  consistent  with  your  duty  give  your  assent  to  them.     We  are 

Sir 

Your  most  obedient 

humble  Servants 

Dartmouth 
Bamber  Gascoyne 
Grevillb 
Whitehall  W.  Jolliffb 

Dec:  26.1773  Garlies 


List  of  Titles  of  Bills. 

N»  1.  An  Act  for  the  better  laying  out  regulating  and  keeping  in  repair  common  and  publick 
Highways  in  Richmond  County  and  for  suspending  the  two  Acts  therein  mentioned. 

N"  2.  An  Act  for  the  amendment  of  the  Law  and  the  better  advancement  of  Justice. 

N"  3.  An  Act  better  to  regulate  elections  for  representatives  in  general  Assembly  for  the  City 
and  County  of  Albany  and  the  County  of  West  Chester. 

N   4.  An  Act  for  the  better  Security  of  Rents,  and  to  prevent  Frauds  committed  by  Tenants. 

N"  5.  An  Act  for  the  relief  of  Creditors  against  fraudulent  devises. 

N°  6.  An  Act  for  enabling  the  Sale  of  Goods  distrained  for  Rent  in  case  the  Rent  be  not  paid 
in  a  reasonable  time. 

N"  7.  An  Act  to  settle  how  far  owners  of  ships  shall  be  answerable  for  the  acts  of  the 
masters  or  mariners. 
N"  8.  An  Act  for  giving  Relief  on  promissory  Notes. 


356 


NEW-yORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


N-  f>.  An  Act  to  enable  poslhuinous  children  to  lake  estates  as  if  born  in  their  fathers 
life  time. 

N"  10.  An  Act  for  punishing  accessories  to  felonies  and  receiversof  stolen  goods  &  to  prevent 
the  vviKul  burning  and  destroying  of  Ships. 

N-U.  An  Act  for  regnlating  of  tryals  in  Cases  of  Treason  and  Misprision  of  Treason. 

NM2.  An  Act  for  rendering  more  effectual  nn  Act  entituled  an  Act  to  prevent  Frauds 
in  Debtors. 

N»  13.  An  Act  for  the  more  effectual  liegistry  of  Mortgages  and  for  securing  the  purchaser! 
of  mortgaged  Estates. 


U 


N-e. 


Sir. 


£a7-l  of  Dartmouth  to  Goi:ernor  Iryon. 

(New-Tork  Pipers  (8.  V.  0.)  CLXV.] 

Whitehall.  March  3.  1773. 


I  have  received  your  several  Dispatches  numbered  from  7  to  13.  (N"  C.  is  still  wanting^  and 
have  laid  them  before  the  King. 

A  well  regulated  Militia  is  certainly  a  very  constitutional  establishment  and  it  will  be  a 
sat.sfiictmn  to  me  to  find  that  the  act  passed  by  the  legislature  of  New  York  for  that  purpose 
has  been  framed  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  lial>le  to  no  objection;  at  the  same  time  it  does  not 
appear  to  me  that  this  is  in  the  present  moment,  so  much  an  object  of  attention  as  to  require 
any  new  or  particular  managements,  that  may  either  induce  the  necessity  of  greater  burthens 
upon  the  people,  or  divert  them  from  the  pursuit  of  those  more  useful  arts,  which  ought  to  be 
cultivated  in  times  of  so  great  public  tranquility. 

I  have  already  signified  to  you  the  King's  commands  concerning  the  purchases  made  of  the 
nd.ans  m  virtue  of  Licenses  granted  by  you  for  that  purpose,  and  1  must  confess  to  you,  that 
1  see  no  grounds  to  depart  from  the  opinion  which  I  humbly  submitted  to  His  Maj'^  upon 
that  subject.  Had  the  question  been,  whether  those  purchases  should  have  been  made  with  or 
without  a  License,  I  should  have  readily  adopted  every  argument  you  urge  upon  the 
proposition  considered  in  that  light;  and  I  as  readily  agree  with  you  in  opinion,  that  you  had 
no  reason  to  apprehend,  there  was  any  other  restraint  in  respect  to  such  purchases,  than  what 
18  contained  in  the  Instructions  to  which  you  refer;  but  when  I  consider  tliat  by  those 
Instructions  you  are  expressly  forbid  to  grant  Licenses  to  any  one  person  for  more  than 
a  Ihousand  acres,  1  lament  that  I  am  not  able  to  agree  wiih  you  in  thinking,  that  vou 
were  acting  ,n  conformity  to  those  instructions,  in  consenting  to  the  purchases  made  .i  ■  r. 
late  Congress. 

With  regard  to  the  grants  heretofore  made  by  the  Govern"  of  Canada  adjacent  '  .  ?  V 
Champlain,  and  by  the  Gov'  of  New  Hampshire  to  the  west  of  Connecticut  lliver,  I  do  not 
conceive  that  the  titles  of  the  present  claimants  or  possessors  ought  to  have  been  discussed  or 
determined  upon  any  argument  or  reason  drawn  from  a  consideration  of  what  were  or  were 
not  the  ancient  Liinits  of  the  Colony  of  New  York.  Ha.l  the  soil  an.l  Jurisdiction  within  the 
irov    of  New  York  been  vested  in  p-oprietaries  as  in  Maryland,  Pennsylvania,  Massachusets 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


357 


Bay  or  other  Charter  fJovern",  it  would  have  been  a  different  question;  but  when  both,  the  soil 
and  jurisdiction  are  in  the  Crown,  it  is  1  conceive,  entirely  in  the  breast  of  the  Crown,  to  limit 
that  Jurisdiction  and  to  dispose  of  the  property  in  tlie  soil  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  thought 
n.ost  ht;  and  after  what  had  passed,  and  the  restrictions  which  had  been  given  respecting  the 
claims,  ns  well  on  Lake  'i.amplain,  as  in  the  district  to  the  west  of  Connecticut  River,  by 
which  the  King  had  reserved  to  himself  the  consideration  of  those  claims,  I  must  still  have 
the  misfortune  to  think,  that  no  steps  ought  to  have  been  taken  to  the  prejudice  of  the 
claimants  under  the  original  Titles.  At  the  same  time  conHdent  of  your  integrity  and 
impressed  with  the  moat  favourable  sentiments  of  your  conduct,  so  far  as  rests  upon  the 
Intention,  I  will  not  fail  to  do  the  fullest  justice  to  the  explanation  of  it,  contained  in  your 
letters  upon  this  subject,  and  there  is  no  one  of  your  friends  that  will  be  more  forward  than 
myself  to  hear  testimony  of  the  sense  I  have  of  your  zeal  for  the  King's  service,  or  more  ready 
to  concur  in  any  proposition,  that  may  induce  the  conferring  upon  you  such  marks  of  the 
Kings  Favour,  as  shall  be  judged  adequate  to  your  great  merit.     1  am 

Sir 

your  most  obed'  humble  serv' 

Dautmouth. 


Order  in  Council  prohihiting  all  Grants  of  Land  until  otherwise  instructed 

[New-York  Council  MinuUs,  in  Si'critarj'i  Ofllcc,  Albany,  XXXI.,  T4.] 

At  the  Court  at  S'  James's  the  7""  day  of  April  1773. 

Pkesent —  The  Kings  most  excellent  Majesty 

l,ord  President  Eorl  of  Rochford 

Earl  of  SuflTolk  Earl  of  Dartmouth 

Earl  of  Sandwich  Lord  Mansfield 

Whereas  it  has  been  represented  to  his  Majesty  that  the  State  and  Condition  of  his 
Majesty's  Colonies  and  Plantations  in  America  do  both  in  Justice  and  Expediency  require  that 
the  Authority  for  granting  Lands,  contained  in  the  Commissions  and  Instructions  given  to  his 
Majesty's  Governors  in  the  Plantations,  should  be  further  regulated  and  restrained,  and  that 
the  Grantees  of  such  Lands  should  be  subjected  to  other  Conditions  than  those  at  present 
prescribed  in  the  said  Instructions:  His  Majesty  having  taken  the  same  into  his  royal 
Consideration  is  pleased  with  the  Advice  of  his  Privy  Council  to  order,  And  it  is  hereby 
Ordered  that  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  I'lantations,  do  take  into  their  immediate 
Consideration  the  Powers  and  Authorities  for  granting  Lands  contained  in  the  Commissions 
and  Instructions  to  his  Majesty's  Governors  in  the  Plantations,  and  that  the  said  Lords 
Commissioners  do  represent  to  his  Majesty  at  this  Board,  such  Alterations  as  they  shall  think 
fit  and  necessary  to  be  made  therein  — And  his  Majesty  is  hereby  further  pleased  to  Order  that 
in  the  mean  Time,  and  until  his  Majesty's  further  Pleasure  is  Signifyed,  all  and  every  his 
Majesty's  Governors  Lieuteuaut  Governors  or  other  Persous  iu  Command  in  his  Majesty's 


358 


NEW  YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


•is  t 


Colonies  in  North  America  who  are  entrusted  with  the  Disposal  of  his  Majesty's  Lands  in  the 
snid  Colonies,  do  forbepr  upon  Pain  of  his  Majesty's  highest  Displeasure  and  of  being 
immediately  removed  from  their  Oihces,  to  issue  any  Warrant  of  Survey,  or  to  pass  any  Patents 
for  Lands  in  the  said  Colonies,  or  to  grant  any  Licence  for  the  Purchace  by  private  Persons 
of  any  Lands  from  the  India:,-,  without  especial  Directions  from  his  Majesty  for  that  Purpose, 
under  his  Majesty's  Signet  or  Sign  Manual,  or  by  Order  of  his  Majesty  in  his  privy  Council; 
exceptmg  only  ,n  the  Case  of  such  Commission  and  Non  Commissioned  Officers  and  Soldiers, 
who  are  entituled  to  Grants  of  Land  in  virtue  of  his  Majesty's  Royal  Proclamation  of  the  7th 
October  17G3,  to  whom  such  Grants  are  to  be  made  and  passed  in  the  Proportions  and  und^r 
the  Conditions  prescribed  in  his  M.'.je8t)'s  said  Proclamation. 

Steph  Cottrell. 


Js"!. 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon. 

[  Ncw-Vork  r«per«  (  8.  I*.  O. )  CLXV.  ] 


g|j  Whitehall.  April  10.  J773. 

I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  your  several  Dispatches  numbered  from  14  to  t>0. 

His  Majesty  having  upon  a  consideration  of  the  case  of  John  Thorpe'  been  graciously  pleased 
to  extend  bis  Royal  mercy  towards  him ;  I  have  transmitted  to  the  Recorder  of  London  the 
proper  Warrant  for  that  purpose,  an  attested  copy  of  which  I  herewith  inclose  to  you,  in  order 
that  you  may  take  the  steps  usual  on  such  occasions  for  the  release  of  the  prisoner. 

The  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Counties  of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester,  praying  to 
be  continued  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  CJovernment  of  New  York,  has  been  favourably 
received  by  the  King,  and  1  have  the  satisfaction  to  ac.iuaint  you  that*  there  is  not  at  present 
any  intention  of  making  any  alteration  in  tb"  boundary  line  on  the  side  of  Connecticut  River 
as  settled  by  his  Maj'>'  order  in  Council  of  the  20"-  of  July  1704.  I  do  not  well  see  upon  what 
ground  It  waa.  that  M'  Jay  had  his  doubts  as  to  the  delivery  of  the  Commission  and  the 
proceeding  thereupon  for  running  the  boundary  line  between  New  York  and  New  Jersey  •  i 
am  to  presume,  however,  trom  the  step  taken  by  the  Legislature,  that  there  was  «on.e 
foun<lat.on  in  Law  lor  those  doubts;  at  the  same  time  1  am  very  glad,  the  business  has  been 
brought  to  its  present  issue,  and  hope  that  the  final  conlirmation  by  the  Crown  will  not  meet 
with  any  further  obstruction. 

The  papers  inclosed  in  your  Dispatch  N»  1I>.  respecting  the  proceedings  in  the  case  of  Col 
Uenslaer's  petition,  are  so  voluminous  that  I  have  not  yet  bad  time  to  peruse  them  ;  but  I 
must  not  omit  to  say  to  you.  i!.at  your  conduct  on  that  occasion  appears,  in  the  general 
view  I  have  of  the  business,  to  have  been  just  and  proper  in  every  respect,  and  1  have  not  (ailed 
to  represent  it  to  the  King  in  that  light  — 

I  am  ettc. 

Daktmol'th. 
'  Tl.il  ma.,  WM  c.,nvi,.te.l  ,.f  U.o  nMi,.l..r  uf  i.i.  w.fr.  Ktm-Yotk  VouneU  ifinfUa,  XXV.,  83J.  -  Eo. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


359 


N»  8. 


Sir. 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tnjon. 

tUew-Tork  Paper«(8.  P.  O.)  CLXV.] 

Whitehall.  10.  April  1773. 


The  Lords  of  Trade,  having  in  a  report  to  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  Council,  slated 
several  considerations  and  propositions  respecting  the  claims  of  property,  and  possession  of  lands 
lying  between  the  River  Connecticut,  and  a  supposed  similar  curve  line  at  the  distance  of  20 
miles  from  Hudson's  River,  His  M-^f  has  been  pleased,  upon  a  Report  from  the  said  Committee, 
to  approve  the  several  propositions  recommended  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  I  have  received 
his  Maj'^''  Commands  to  give  such  directions  to  you  as  may  be  necessary  thereupon.  But  as 
the  carrymg  those  propositions  into  effect  depends  upon  the  consent  thereto  of  many  persons 
having  different  interests  in,  and  claims  to  the  Lands,  and  upon  their  acquiescence  therein, 
and  as  there  are,  I  conceive,  many  Facts  and  circumstances  which  have  never  yet  been  stated, 
that  if  not  attended  to  may  create  difliculties  that  will  render  the  whole  plan  abortive,  I  think 
it  tit,  before  I  transmit  to  you  His  Maj''"'  final  Instructions  upon  so  delicate  and  dinicult  a 
matte,',  to  state  to  you  what  those  propositions  are,  and  to  desire  your  full  and  candid 
sentiments  thereupon 

The  objects  that  are  stated  to  deserve  attention  in  the  consideration  of  this  business  are: 

First,  those  Townships  lying  in  this  district  between  the  River  Connecticut  and  the  line 
abovementioned  which  were  originally  settled  and  established  under  grants  from  th.^  (Jovern' 
of  Massachusets  Bay  in  virtue  of  their  Ancient  Charter. 

Secondly,  Those  Grants  of  Land  within  the  said  district,  made  by  the  Govern'  of  New  York 
previous  to  the  Grants  made  by  the  (Jovern'  of  i\.  Hampshire. 

Thirdly,  Those  grants,  which,  having  been  originally  made  by  the  Govern'  of  New  Hampshire 
continue  in  the  same  state,  or  have  been  coi.lirmed,  by  grants  from  New  York,  as  also  ihosj 
grants  which  have  since  been  made  by  the  Governm'  of  New  York  of  Lands,  not  within  the 
limits  of  any  of  the  grants  abovementioned. 

On  the  ground  of  these  considerations  it  is  proposed :  that  all  cHims  to  lands  derived  from  the 
grants  of  Townships  heretofore  made  l,y  the  I'rovince  of  Massachusets  Bay.  should  be 
established  and  confirmed,  an.l  the  present  proprietors  quieted  in  their  possessions,  and  th  ,t 
nil  grants  whatever,  mad-  by  the  Govern' of  New  York  within  the  limits  of  llie  said  Townships 
being  in  their  nature  oppressive  and  unju.t,  should  be  set  aside,  but  that  tlie  persons  ciainiiiig 
possessions  under  those  grants  should  upon  conditions  of  their  quilting  such  claim  receive 
grants  under  the  seal  of  New  York  upon  the  like  Terms  and  free  of  all  expense,  of  an  equal 
number  of  Acres  in  some  other  part  of  the  District  lying  between  the  Rivers  Hudson  and 
Connecticut.  And  that  in  cases  where  any  actual  improvement  has  been  made,  tho  possessor 
should  receive  fifty  acres  of  waste  lands  for  every  three  aires  that  have  been  bo  improved. 

That  all  other  (iraius  of  Lands  made  by  the  (Jovern'  of  New  York  within  the  district 
beforementioned  r.ntecedent  to  any  grants  made  by  the  Govern'  of  New  Hampshire  ho 
confirmed,  provided  it  shall  appear,  that  possession  hath  been  taken  and  improvement 
made  thereon. 

That  all  Townships  laid  out  within  the  anid  district,  either  by  the  Governors  of  New  Hampshire 
or  New  York,  uii-i  which  do  not  include  Lands  within  tht.  limit,  of  dome  antecedent  (irant,  bo 


mr 


360 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


.,| 


established  as  Townships,  according  to  the  limits  expressed  in  their  respective  Charters,  and 
that  all  persons  posessed  of  shares  in  those  Townships,  whether  as  original  Grantees  or  by 
Inheritance  or  conveyance,  and  upon  which  shares  actual  settlement  and  Improvement  have 
been  made,  be  quieted  in  such  possession,  without  being  bound  to  any  other  condition  of  quit 
rents  or  otherwise,  than  what  is  contained  in  the  original  Grant. 

That  some  short  and  effectual  mode  be  established,  by  Act  of  Legislature  or  otherwise,  for 
ascertaining  by  the  Inquest  of  a  Jury,  the  state  of  possession,  settlement  and  Improvement, 
upon  all  lands  within  the  said  district,  claimed  under  grants  made  by  the  Govern"  of  New 
Hampshire  or  New  York,  and  that  all  such  Lands,  which  shall  by  the  verdict  of  such  Jury 
appear  never  to  have  been  possessed  or  improved,  as  also  all  other  Lands,  which  have  not 
been  granted,  be  disposed  of  in  such  manner  as  t,  .■  King  shall  think  (it  to  appoint  for  the 
disposal  &  granting  of  waste  lands,  within  the  Province  of  N.  York,  provision  having  been  first 
made  for  an  equivalent  to  such  of  the  Claimants  of  Land,  under  Grants  from  New  York  within 
the  old  Massachuset'a  Townships,  in  manner  as  before  directed,  and  also  for  making  good  to  the 
Commissioned  and  non  Commissioned  Officers  and  Soldiers,  the  amount  of  their  several 
allotments,  under  such  warrants  of  Survey  as  they  may  have  already  received,  in  consequence 
of  ttie  Royal  Proclamation  of  1703. 

These,  Sir,  are  in  general  the  Propositions  which  have  been  suggested  by  the  Board  of  Trade 
and  approved  by  His  .Majesty  in  Council,  and  it  will  be  a  great  pleasure  to  me  to  find  by  your 
Report  that  they  are  satisfactory  to  all  parties,  and  can  be  carried  into  execution  without 
difficulty  or  Discontent. 

1  am  ettc. 

Dautmouth. 


Furl  of  Dartmouth  to  Sir  William  Johnson. 

[ri«iilaloiu(li>n<rnl(S.  I',  o.,  No.  4. )  CCLlX.  ] 

j<jr  Whitehall  10'"  April.  1773. 

The  information  of  the  present  state  of  affairs  in  your  Department,  coi.lained  in  your 
Despatch  of  the  -(i-  December  No  2,  is  of  very  great  importance.  A  general  alliance  and 
confederacy  of  the  Savages,  by  whatever  mean.s  it  is  broni^ht  about,  has.  as  you  truly 
observe,  a  very  unfavorable  appearance,  and  will  most  probably  be  atten.ied  with  very 
flangerons  consequences 

Kvery  circumstance  state.)  in  your  letter,  induces  an  apprehension,  that  such  a  plan  of 
conlederary  is  in  greater  maturity  than  I  at  first  cnceiv.-.i,  and  that  we  may  probably  be  soon 
involv,.<i  in  the  dreadful  consecjuences  of  an  Indian  War. 

It  is  true  that  by  a  detection  of  the  diirerent  Channells  through  which  the  Imlians  pursue 
this  favorite  object,  some  a.lvanlage  will  he  gained,  and  many  of  their  designs  may  be 
Irustrated  and  therefore  you  can  not  bo  too  attentive  to  what  passes  amongst  them  ;  but  I 
still  fear,  that,  unless  the  ground  of  their  j..al..u.y  &  .iisconlenl  c„.,ld  be  effWtiially  removed, 
which  I  am  sensible  it  now  can  not.  an  Indian  War  is  an  evil  which  sooner  or  later  we  must 
submit  to;  and  the  only  comfort  I  have  under  this  apprehension  is  in  the  ussurunce  you  givu 


ti, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


361 


me  that  you  shall  be  able  to  convince  those  Indians  who  are  endeavoring  to  create  this 
Confederacy,  that  we  have  a  sufficient  number  who  are  well  attached  to  His  Majestys  Interest, 
and  who  will  be  eager  on  such  an  occasion  to  give  testimony  of  their  fidelity  and  attachment 

o-   Mr-  T  .  I  am  &ca. 

Sir  W"  Johnson.  „ 

JJartmouth. 


Sir    William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  Flantatloiu  General  (  8.  P,  O.)  CCLIX.] 

My  Lord  Johnson  Hull  April  22.  1773 

In  consequence  of  my  Transactions  last  year  &  proceedings  which  I  transmitted  in  October 
to  your  Lordship,  the  cheif  Hachems  &  principal  Warriors  of  the  Six  Nations  arrived  here  the 
C  Instant  and  laid  before  me  the  issue  of  their  proceedings  since  that  time,  a  Copy  of  which 
1  have  now  the  honor  to  enclose  to  your  Lordship 

Their  first  step  was  to  send  Belts  to  the  Emigrants  from  their  confederacy  living  on  Ohio, 
who  being  ren,oved  to  so  great  a  distance,  and  residing  in  the  Neighbourhood  of  disaffected 
Inbes  that  are  no  real  friends  to  the  Six  Nations  became  alienated  from  the  latter,  followed 
other  councils  &  were  guilty  of  many  irregularities,  they  were  therefore  required  to  remove 
from  thence,  and  settle  near  their  own  confederacy,  which  at  their  present  distance  can  not 
be  made  accountable  for  their  own  actions,  they  then  called  a  Council  at  Onondaga,  where 
hey  at  length  brought  the  Senecas  to  a  sense  of  their  misconduct,  and  obtained  from  them 
ti.e  strongest  assurances  that  they  would  in  future  pay  due  regard  to  the  true  Interests  of  the 
Confederacy,  which  they  have  likewise  repeated  to  me.  and  the  whole  have  united  in  decIariuK 
their  resolution,  to  send  one.'  more  to  those  troublesome  Nations  about  the  Ouabash  and  in 
case  It  18  disregarded  to  manifest  their  attachment  to  the  English  by  bringing  those  people  to 
adue  submission,  and  that  they  will  without  delay  hold  a  General  Congress  on  all  these  points, 
they  likewise  spoke  much  on  the  irregularities  committed  in  Trade  and  declared  theni  to  be 
a  principal  cause  of  most  of  the  late  disturbances.     I  have  in  former  letters  to  His  Mnjestvs 
M.msters  pointed  out  the  evil  occasioned  by  the  residence  of  those  emigrants  from  the  Six 
Nations  in  the  midst  of  a  disaflected  &  troublesome  people,  who  dislike  a  Confederacy  on 
whom  they  have  been  so  long  dependent,  and  seduce  their  people   whenever  it  is  in  their 
power  and  who  are  perpetually  forming  alliances  for  very  bad  purposes,     But  whatever  steps 
are  taken  (or  War  by  the  Indians  in  the  Northern  Department  (particularly  to  the  Northward 
of  \  irginia)  they  can  have  little  effect  so  long  as  the  Six  Nations  are  unanimous,  and  preserve 
their  fidelity.     Indeed  the  Countenance  of  the  latter  would  have  a  greater  effect  than  all  their 
arms,  but  of  this  I  am  not  apprehensive  whilst  due  care  is  taken  to  preserve  them  in  His 
Majestys  Interest,  «n.l  greivances  removed,  their  superior  importance  at  present  arises  in  a 
great  measure  from  their  situation  next  to  our  portages.  &  Frontier  Settlements,  and  qualities 
them   for  acting   the   part   of  our   best   friemis,   or   most  dangerous  enemies.     From    the.e 
considerations,  the  attachment  of  the  Senecas  is  of  the  greatest  consequence  particularly  of  the 
upper  Sonotms  who  alone  have  been  suspected,  they  lye  nearest  to  our  grand  communicalioui 
Vol.  Vin.  46 


I       tJ 


862 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ant]  the  Portage  near  Niagra,  they  arti  noar  as  numerous  as  all  the  rest  of  the  Six  Nations  and 
they  lye  next  to  other  Nations  who  thro'  means  of  the  Emigrants  endeavor  to  render  them 
discontented  Indeed  one  half  of  the  Senecas  have  behaved  with  great  fidelity,  but  the 
Example  of  the  Rest  may  have  an  e\  1  effect  upon  them,  &  this  conduct  of  the  upper  Senecas 
will  not  at  all  appear  surprizing  on  perusing  the  accounts  I  have  formerly  given  of  its  motives 
and  Causes.  In  short  they  had  always  emissaries  from,  and  were  loaded  with  favors  by  the 
French  as  appeared  clearly  by  the  Books  of  accounts  which  fell  into  my  hands  wlien  I  had 
the  hotior  to  take  possession  of  Niagra,  wliich  very  important  Fortress  I  beleive  we  should 
have  found  it  very  dKlicuIt  to  reach,  much  less  to  reduce  with  so  small,  an  army,  &  without  a 
single  vessel  on  Lake  Ontario,  but  for  thr,  secrecy  and  fidelity  of  the  Senecas  at  that  time, 
who  having  had  a  little  misunderstanding  with  the  French,  I  took  care  to  improve  it  by 
shewing  them  the  many  advantages  tli  _  ..  ould  derive  from  its  being  reduced,  and  by  Promises 
concerning  fair  Trade  kc"  which  alltho'  I  was  authorized  to  make,  I  am  sorry  to  say  it  was 
never  yet  In  my  power  to  perform  with  efieet  For  all  these  reasons,  I  was  well  pleased  to 
bear  the  Senecas  give  me  such  assurances  as  they  have  lately  done  &  shall  do  all  in  my  power 
to  improve  their  present  disposition,  as  it  will  induce  the  rest  of  the  confederacy  to  act  with 
more  spirit,  iind  strengthen  their  attachment  to  us,  when  they  find  that  their  advice  has 
succeeded  with  the  upper  Senecas  &  tiiat  their  Interests  are  no  longer  separate — and  as  I 
purpose  to  hold  a  congress  with  the  Shawanese  Delnwarcs  Hurons  &c»  next  month  1  shall 
then  endeavour  to  put  a  stop  to  their  pernicious  practises  with  the  Six  Nations  Emigrants  8cc. 
as  well  as  to  other  more  dangerous  matters,  after  which  I  shall  do  myself  the  honor  of  writing 
to  your  Lordship 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  highest  Esteem  —  My  Lord 

Your  Lordships  most  obed* 

&  very  humble  Servant 

W  Johnson 


Proceedings  of  Sir    William  Johnson  with  the  »S/.r  Nations. 

[S.  P.O.  PliinUillomO»n(nil,CCI.I.\.] 

At  a  Congress  with  the  Cheifg  of  the  Six  Nations  Held  at  Johnson  Hal'  on  Wednesday 
Ap  7.  1773. 

PiiKsr.NT  —  Sir  William  Johnson  Rt  Siiperinl*"  &c 

I)ani(>l  C'lauH     ) 

,^       1  I  f  Deputy  Agents 

(luy  JoliMBon    )        '     .'     » 

Sir  John  Johnson  Kn' 

Ifichiird  Shuckliurgh   Escj'"  t^t'v'^  to  Indian  .Mfrs. 

John  IMagge  Esij"  Clk  of  the  County  of  Try(ni 

John  Dease  E8(|"  &  several  other  (lent m". 

Teyawnrunle  Speaker  ofOnondaga  addressed  Sir  William  Johnson  on  behalf  of  all  the  Six 
Nations  present  and  alter  |)erlormiiig  the  Ceremony  of  Condolence  accor<ling  to  the  usuiil 
form  delivered —  3  Strings ol  Wamputn 


M 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


3G3 


Sir  William  then  after  acquainting  them  that  he  was  unwilling  to  give  them  any  delay  in 
proceeding  to  business  repeated  what  they  said,  as  is  usual,  and  then  returned  the  ceremony 
of  condolence  on  the  parts  of  the  English  in  due  form,  aftei  which  he  delivered  them 

Sir  William  then  added  that  as  they  had  been  detained  for  some  days  untiU  aIl'Z"r  cheifs 
came  to  'e  Council  fire  &  as  the  Customary  Forms  u.re  now  finished,  he  was  ready,  and 
desirous  that  they  should  proceed  immediately  to  business. 

Teyawarunte  then,  on  behalf,  of  the  rest,  told  Sir  William,  that  agreeable  to  his  desire  they 

were  ready,  and  would  immediately  proceed  to  business.     He   then    repeated    sundry    past 

ransactions  particularly  Sir  Williams  speech  of  October  last  respecting  thiir  Conduct  towards 

he  rwightwees.  P.ankashaws,  &c,  and  assured  him  that  the  Six  Nations  had  paid  due  regard 

pay  due  attention  (.^^^  ^  j3^.,^  ^^  ^ 

tie  then  proceeded 

Brother  Warragjiiyagey 

We  have  thought  very  seriously  on  your  former  speech,  wherein  you  pointed  out  to  us  the 
many  ill  cons..iuences  that  must  attend  our  People's  entering  into  foreig,.  alliances  or 
associating  in  Councils  with  those  who  have  not  paid  due  regard  to  their  engagements,  or  who 
were  not  of  our  natural  confederacy -We  have  since  taken  this  into  full  consideration  among 
ourselves,  and  we  think  your  advice  so  wholesome,  and  friendly,  that  we  are  now  sensible  of 
he  errors  into  which  some  of  our  Nations  were  running,  and  have  taken  measures  accordingly 
to  prevent  it  by  withdrawing  from  the  Councils  and  Politicks  of  these  people.  You  inay 
therefore  depend  that  it  is  the  unanimous  determination  of  all  our  People  to  follow  your  advice 
Brother  Warraghiyagey.  ^  ^''"  "'  ^  '^"^s 

We  are  all  very  thankfull  to  you  for  reminding  us  in  your  former  speech  of  our  ancient 
Customs,  and  pointing  out  to  us  the  impropriety  of  the  Con.luct  of  some  of  cur  People  in 
carrying  on  private  Transactions  and  neglecting  the  proper  Fin:  Place.  We  are  now  fully 
sensible  of  all  this,  and  unanimously  resolved  to  pay  .hie  regard  to  what  you  have  said  by 
avoiding  any  bad  connections,  and  by  the  openness  of  our  conduct,  to  which  end,  we  sinll 
undertake  nothing  without  your  knowledge  and  we  flatter  ourselves  that  we  shall  act  mutually 
together  upon  tins  occasion  in  preserving  entire  all  past  engagements 

Brother  A  Belt  of  G  Hows 

We  have  taken  notice  of  your  having  poini.-.l  out  to  us  those  thing,  in  which  some  of  us 
have  erred,  and  followed  evil  councils  without  considering  our  true  Interests,  and  of  vour 
recommending  it  to  the  Mohawks,  and  Onoi.dagas,  ns  elder  Branches  of  the  (;onfe,ierMcV  to 
bring  the  Senecas  to  a  due  sense  ol  their  Inattenlion  to  its  true  Interests— We  thank  you  "very 
kindly  (or  your  advice,  and  do  assure  you  on  behalf  of  the  Scnecas.  whose  cliriCs  are  h,.re 
present,  that  ,t  has  had  the  desired  ertk-t.  and  that  the  are  heartily  sorry  lor  their  imnradent 
Conduct,  which  was  wholly  owing  to  Aguastarax  the  old  Cheif  (now  deceased)  who  turned 
his  (ace  the  wrong  way  and  did  not  act  as  the  Door  to  our  conlederaiy  to  the  W.stward  •  l,„t 
tiie  Senecas  now  assure  you  that  they  will  no  longer  be  niisguid.-d  but  ke.  p  tluir'  ( ue 
towards  the  great  Council  (ire  at  Onondaga,  and  this  Place,  an.l  set  a  uood -XMnple  ,o  il,.. 
rest  by  listening  only  to  you.  and  their  own  ,  un(..dcracy.  and  taking  care  iIk.I  li.e  />,„„    ,„ 


"^^^f^' 


864 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


the  Westward  be  not  kept  continually  open  to  receive  ail  bad  News,  as  has  been  the  Case — 

We  likewise  assure  you  on  behalf  of  the  whole  Confederacy  that  we  shall  pursue  the  measures 

we  have  already  taken  for  bringing  our  People  from  the  scattered  villages  within  the  Pale  of 

the  Confederacy,  to  which  end  we  have  sent  to  Kayashota  the  Cheif  on  Ohio,  and  the  People 

there  to  direct  them  to  pay  due  iegard  to  what  was  recommended  to  them,  and  in  this  we 

declare  that  we  are  sincere  of  which  the  Senecas  give  you  assurance  by  this  Belt 

A  large  Belt  of  8  Rows 
Brother 

We  embrace  with   pleasure  your  advice  to  cultivate  the  friendship  of  the  English,  and 

strengthen  the  union  between  us  —  be  assured  we  shall  testify  to  all  nations,  our  firmness 

therein,  pay  due  regard  to  all  our  old  engagements  with  you,  and  bring  any  offenders  amongst 

us  to  a  sense  of  their  duty— Thoroughly  persuaded  that  you  speak  for  our  Interest  and  having 

for  many  years  experienced  your  knowledge  of  all  our  Nations,  and  your  capacity  to  advise  us 

to  what  will  best  tend  to  our  Happiness,  we  likewise  by  this  Belt  assure  you  on  behalf  of  the 

Warriors,  that  they  are  determined  to  abide  by,  and  enforce  what  we  here  promise,  and  to  follow 

your  good  council,  requesting  that  you  will   continue  to  us  your  advice,  and  assist  us  in 

the  undertake.  A  large  Belt  of  11  Rows. 

Brother 

As  soon  as  the  Messengers  return  from  our  People  on  Ohio,  we  shall  then  as  an  unanimous 
body  call  a  General  Council  at  our  own  Great  Fire  I'lace  at  Onondaga  and  summon  the 
Twightwees  Piankashaws  and  other  troublesome  Nations  to  appear  and  answer  for  their 
conduct  —  we  have  already  called  upon  them  twice,  and  agreeable  to  our  own  ancient  customs 
shall  do  30  the  third  time,  before  we  strike:  but  should  they  then  neglect  us,  you  may  be 
assured  we  shall  fall  upon  them,  and  shew  them  their  folly,  and  our  attachment  to  the  English,  who 
we  beleive  have  suffered  much  from  them  to  the  Southward ;  and  to  give  them  an  opportunity 
of  making  proper  atonement,  we  prefer  this  delay  to  any  harsh  measures,  unless  we  find  them 
irreclamable. — But,  Brother,  we  must  observe  to  you,  and  we  request  it  may  be  seriously 
considered  that  the  misconduct  of  these  Nations  is  much  owing  to  the  English  themselves  for 
these  Nations  were  never  hearty,  and  some  of  them,  not  even  pretended  friends  to  the  English. 
Yet  the  English  Traders  and  also  the  French  have  of  late  years  rambled  in  great  numbers  all 
over  this  Country,  for  the  sake  of  Gain,  and  are  but  too  often  guilty  of  frauds  which  inflame 
their  resentment.     In  the  French  time,  their  Traders  rambled  in  that  manner,  they  were  often 

plundered,  and  killed ;  but  the  French  did  not  resent  it,  knowing  it  to  be  their  own  faults 

And  we  must  again  remark,  as  we  have  often  done  lately,  that  there  is  no  certain  way  of 
preventing  this,  but  by  having  fixed  I'osts,  and  proper  Itegulations  for  the  Traders,  whilst 
iliese,  there  were  seldom  any  Outrages,  the  Indians  were  better  pleased,  and  the  Traders  had 
Profit  enough  — we  heartily  wish  that  you  would  consider  these  things  as  matters  of  great 
importance  to  the  general  I*eace  A  Belt  of  7  Rows 

Brother 

When  we  first  saw  the  White  People  and  fastned  their  ship  to  the  great  Tree,  the  Band  of 
our  Union  was  a  fair  Trade.  When  we  strengthened  our  Alliance  with  the  English,  and 
fastned  their  ship  with  an  Iron  chain  (there  being  one  afterwards  made  of  Silver)  Trade  was 

our  mutual  object I   in  most  8ul)8e(|ut'nt  Treaties,  it  was  provided  that  Trade  Hhould  be 

pleiililul  and  that  we  should  not  be  cliealed.     The  Places  of  Trade  were  lew,  and  the  Traders  were 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


365 


all  well  known  ;-the  like  promise  was  made  to  us  whenever  Canada  should  be  reduced,  for  a 
time  It  went  on  pretty  well,  but  ofiate  the  Traders  go  about  where  they  please,  and  sell  at  the 

people  by  means  of  L.quor  the  bring  with  them.    Of  all  this  the  Ind.an  Nations  complain  ;  for 

o  hlrfj'l'    ^  r""""^'  ■;  ^''"'"''  "  '"°'"  ^'""'y  «'-«'^^"^«  '°  ^hem,  than  it  would  do  to 

llo  -t  I  :        '"'"'"""''  °^  ''''•  ^"'  ^«  '''^  "°  '''''''''  ^"d  therefore  if  these  repeated 

mp  s,t.ons   obstruct    our  good  intentions  the  fault  is  not  ours.     Brother  we  beg  you  w  II 

Z   r    °"        V"  V^'"'  '^'  ^"''•■"^'-^  '"'"^^'"^^  ^^y  '^^  ^hat  has  been  pro  Jsed.  we 
must  hkewme  solhc.t  the  favor  of  the  General  that  bothe  he  and  you  may  lay  our  Hardships 
before  the  K.ng.  who  I  trust  will  releive  us.     In  this  hope  we  now  on  bJhalf  of  a     ou 
confederacy  renew,  strengthen  and  brighten  the  Covenant  Chain  and  the  Senecas  particularly 
assure  you   hat  they  and  all  their  Dependants,  do  now  take  hold  of  it,  and  brighten  the  same 
firmy  resolvmg  to  contribute   all   their  endeavours,  in  conjunction  with   t'he  rest  ofTh 
Co.  ederacy  to  keep  ,t  br.ght,  hoping  that  you  will  be  assisting  therein  for  our  mutual  Interest 

"t    .?r'''     ""  "'  ^  '"''         ^  ''^^S^  ^"^'^"^"t  Chain  Belt  with  12  Squares.  11  Rows. 

S,r  VV.Iham  answered  them  that  he  had  given  due  attention  to  what  they  had  said,  and 
would  give  them  an  answer  there  tomorrow,  then  gave  them  Pipes,  Tobacco  and  some  Liquor, 
after  which  the  withdrew  to  their  several  Encampments 

The  day  following  the  Indians  had  several  Conferences  among  themselves  and  therefore 
were  not  assembled  till  the  day  next  succeeding 


1     ' 


At  a  Congress  with  the  Six  Nations  Held  at  Johnson  Hall  on  Friday  April  O'"  1773. 
Present—  as  before 

Sir  Williuni  Johnson  addressed  the  Indians  as  follows  viz. 
Brethren  of  the  Six  Nations 

I  have  heard  and  fully  considered  all  you  said  to  me  yesterday,  and  am  glad  you  remember 
so  well  my  Speech  of  last  Autumn.  As  the  purport  of  your  three  first  Belts  is  nearly  the 
same  I  answer  them  with  this  Belt,  assuring  you  that  the  regard  you  say  you  have  paid  to  my 
advice  &  admonitions  is  highly  pleasing  to  me,  and  as  I  advised  you  to  shake  off  all  connectio.« 
which  were  foreign  to  your  true  Interests,  so  I  expect  that  it  will  appear  by  your  actions,  that 
you  have  done  so.  which  you  will  find  to  be  to  your  advantage  A  Belt 

Brothers 

It  gives  me  great  satisfaction  to  hear  that  the  Mohocks,  and  Onondagas  agreeable  to  mv 
advice,  have  brought  the  Senecas  the  third  elder  Branch  of  their  Confederacy  to  their  proper 
senses  in  which,  through  the  advice  of  the  rest,  and  the  good  Councils  I  shall  give  them  I 
hope  they  will  remain,  and  I  am  well  pleased  to  hear  the  same  strengthened  by  their  prese'nt 
de.laration,  and  Promises- 1  am  not  ignorant,  that  Aguastarax  &  several  others  of  that  Nation 
sought  Interests  foreign  to  yours,  and  that  he  was  highly  criminal  in  sending  and  receiving  bad 
Bells,  acting  therein  as  your  general  Knemy,  though  it  was  his  duty,  as  the  Western  Door  of 
the  b.x  ^at.ons,  to  take  care  that  nothing  dangerous  should  enter.  At  the  same  time.  I  do 
not  yet  find  much  satisfaction  concerning  those  bad  Belts  which  certainly  are  still  lurking  some 
where,  and  which   I  expect  to  see  very  soon  to  confirm  my  opinion  of  the  Sent.as  good 


866^ 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


■  5  ' 


intentions  You  act  very  wisely  in  the  Steps  you  have  taken  to  bring  your  straggling  people 
within  the  immediate  influence  of  your  confederacy,  as  they  are  at  present  exposed  to  bad 
advice  and  negligent  of  your  directions.  I  persuade  myself  that  Kayashota,  their  cheif  will 
cooperate  with  you  therein,  and  I  hope  to  see  it  soon  effected.  A  Belt. 

Brothers 

I  hear  with  satisfaction  that  you  repeat  your  resolution  of  bringing  all  refractory  members 
of  your  confederacy  to  order,  that  you  will  act  with  firmness,  and  that  you  appear  thoroughly 
satisfied  that  my  advice  is  wholesome,  and  good,  and  I  am  greatly  pleased  to  hear  the 
Declaration  of  the  Warriors  to  support  &  strengthen  the  same,  which  I  expect  they  will  do 
with  becoming  spirit,  according  to  the  design  intended  A  Belt 

Brothers 

You  tell  me  that  as  soon  as  all  matters  are  settled  with  your  people  at  the  Ohio  you  will  call 
a  general  Council  at  Onondaga,  and  summon  the  Twightwees  and  tlieir  adherents  to  attend  the 
same  for  the  last  time.  I  do  not  doubt,  but  that  in  this,  you  imagine  you  act  right,  and 
agreeable  to  ancient  custom ;  but  you  must  be  sensible  that  I  do  well  know  your  ancient 
customs,  tiint  I  cannot  be  mistaken  in  them,  having  committed  them  all  to  writing  an  age  ago, 
when  they  were  better  understood  than  they  are  at  present,  and  from  which  I  assure  you,  that 
there  is  no  necessity  of  your  using  so  much  delicacy  with  people,  who  so  little  deserve  favor 
from  your  hands,  especially  as  you  are  in  a  great  measure  accountable  for  the  actions  of  those 
uho  have  been  always  deemed  your  d-pendants  : — and  perhaps  it  were  better  that  you  brought 
them  to  reason,  than  by  tollerating  their  depredations  to  expose  them  to  the  powerfull  arm  of 
the  English,  who  will  certainly  no  longer  suffer  them  to  Act  as  they  have  done  with  impunity. 
Whatever  therefore  you  do,  should  be  done  quickly  before  the  People  are  so  involved  in  guilt, 
that  the  resentm'  of  the  English  c;>-..,ot  be  restrained. —  I  can  hardly  think  that  their  conduct 
is  merely  owing  to  abuses  in  Trade,  but  rather  to  a  malevolent  spirit  and  evil  Communication — 
and  as  to  the  establislim"  of  Posts  for  Trade  I  have  long  since  acquainted  you  that  His  Maty 
has  left  the  Trade  free,  and  open  with  a  view,  that  you  should  lind  plenty  of  Goods:  at  the 
same  time  that  he  recommended  it  to  each  of  the  American  Governments  to  fall  upon  such 
Regulations,  as  would  prevent  any  abuses  therein  which  they  promised  to  do,  and  which  I 
have  often  recommended,  and  I  shall  still  continue  as  far  as  is  in  my  power,  to  recommend  the 
necessary  Establishments  for  that  purpose  A  Belt 

Br(jthers 

1  am  well  acquainted  with  the  nature,  and  terms  of  your  first  Treaties  with  the  English,  and 
that  Trade  was  always  considered  as  an  article  of  much  importance,  neither  can  I  find  that  it 
was  ever  withheld  Irom  you. 

After  the  reduction  of  Canada,  it  was  greatly  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  many  new 
Traders,  whereby  goods  were  |)lenly  and  cheap.  Among  such  a  number,  there  are  doubtless 
some  that  will  deceive  you,  es|)ecially  as  long  as  you  continue  your  passion  for  that  liquor, 
which  is  the  source  of  so  many  evils  —  There  is  hower  no  doubt,  that  when  the  Colonicg 
are  agreed  as  to  the  nature  oi'  the  regulations.  Provision  will  be  made  against  the  abuses  you 
complain  of,  and  in  the  mean  time  I  recommend  it  to  you  to  endeavour  at  reforming  yourselves 
by  a  more  nuuierati!  use  of  that  licpior,  in  which  case  tirj  Traders  will  bring  less  into  your 
(,'ouutry,  and  you  will  be  more  on  ^uard  aiiainsl  their  Frauds,  whilst  i  use  my  endeavors  as  i 
hiUf  hilliiilu  iloiu':  lo  jiiuLUiu  \uu  llif  ocilulary  coliibllsliinents  you  reijUlle 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


3G7 


Your  case  has  been  already  laid  fully  before  the  Governors,  and  I  can  assure  you  that  the 
Governor  o(  th.s  Provmce,  and  those  M'  the  other  Colonies  that  are  concerned  in  the  Regulations 
for  the  Indian  Irade  are  heartily  disposed  to  promote  every  thing  in  your  favor-The  General 
who  commands  the  army,  is  also  much  your  friend,  and  as  he  is  shortly  to  go  over  the  Great 
Lake,  he  will  I  persuade  myself,  recommend  these  points  to  the  Great  King  who  is  heartily 
disposed  to  protect  and  favor  all  faithfull  Indians  ^ 

I  thank  you  for  renewing  &  brightening  the  ancient  chain  of  Friendship,  and  particularly  in 
that  the  Senecas  are  so  w,se  as  to  take  a  firm  hold  of  it-Whilst  they  value  themselves  and 
^>e.r  confederates,  I  hope  they  will  retain  it  firmly,  and  I  expect  that  as  they  are  the  western 
Door  they  W.11  hencefoUh  take  care  that  they  admit  nothing  among  them,  that  may  give  offence 
to  those  ,n  the  rnuldle  or  at  the  East  end  of  the  Chain,  but  hearken  to  good  advice  and  follow  it 

lo  promote  all  th.s.Ido  now  on  behalf  of  the  Great  King  and  his  subjects  Renew,  strengthen 
and  brighten  this  Chain  assuring  you  that  it  shall  be  held  fast  and  kept  bright  on  the  part  of 
the  English  and  that  it  shall  last  for  ever,  if  you  do  your  parts  to  preserve  it.  I  hope  you  have 
too  much  sense  of  its  value  to  expose  it  to  any  danger  and  that  you  will  treasure  up  my  advice 
as  essential  to  your  happiness.  Gave  a  large  Covenant  Chain  Belt  13  Rows  Black  with 

White  Squares 

To  which  after  a  little  consultation  the  Indians  answered  by  their  Speaker 

Brother 

We  thank  you  for  what  you  have  done  and  for  acquainting  us  with  the  good  inclination  of 
the  Governor  of  this,  and  the  other  Provinces.  We  are  sorry  that  the  General,  who  has  been 
so  long  known,  and  so  kind  to  us  is  going  away,  as  we  have  a  great  friendship  for  him.  At 
the  same  time  we  think  it  will  be  a  good  opportunity  for  laying  our  Greivances  before  the 
Great  King,  and  we  hope  the  General  will  continue  his  friendship  to  us  when  he  gets  over 
the  Great  Lake,  from  the  Success  of  which  we  have  much  expectat 

Saturday  April  10  The  Indians  being  all  assembled.  Seriohana  Cheif  of  the  Senecas  of 
Chenussio  then  addressed  Sir  William  Johnson 

Brother  Warraghiyagey 

If  we  were  not  sufHciently  explicit  regarding  the  bad  Belts,  it  was  really  because  we  thought 

It  needless,  as  they  are  no  longer  of  Force,  nor  shall  they  ever  rise  to  disturb  the  peace.     U  is 

very  true  t  ,at  alter  hav.ng  made  repeated  complaints  inelfectually  concerning  the  murder  of 

several  of  our  friends  to  the  Southward,  as  well  as  at  Juniata  we  were  so  exasperated,  and 

Inimed  lest  the  English  had  a  seneral  design  against  us,  that  some  of  our  People  sent  Belts 

AuJ  the  Nations,  adviseing  them  to  have  the  Hatchet  in  readiness  in  case  of  an  attack  on  notice 

from  us— These  Belts  were  sent  far  South,  and  one  is  now  in  the  Cherokee  country,  but  our 

bad  advisers  are  now  dead,  and  our  Resolutions  now  changed,  as  a  Proof  of  which  we  shall 

iiiunediatelysend  for  that  Belt,  and  bring  it  in  case  it  is  not  taken  up  by  Kayashuta.as  he  was 

directed,  and  have  now  entered  htartily  into  the  measures  recommended  by  you,  and  the 

confederacy,  and  assure  you  by  this  Belt,  that  we  shall  faithfully  observe  the  same 

A  Belt. 
Sir  V\  ilham  then  told  the  Chenussios,  that  they  were  right  in  making  a  plain  drclaration 
respecting  the  Belts  especially  as  it  was  accompanied  by  assuran.'es  of  fetching  them  away  and 
acting  a  dillerent  part  in  future  all  which  he  expected  to  see  fully  perform''  as  an  atonement 
for  the  offence. 


is 


868 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


He  then  acquainted  them  with  the  intelligence  he  haa  just  received  from  the  General 
respecting  the  Conduct  of  the  Powtawatamies,  six  of  whom,  and  three  Squaws,  last  December 
had  wounded  and  attempted  to  murder  M'  Van  Slyck  a  considerable  Trader  at  St  Joseph's 
killed  one  of  his  People,  and  dangerously  wounded  an  other  and  that  one  Indian  was  killed,  and 
two  wounded.  That  Van  Slyck  was  obliged  to  fly  leaving  goods  of  his  and  W  A^Comb's  of 
above  ^1600  value  behind  them  [Note.  The  French  were  in  fault  on  the  occasion,  & 
particularly  that  Lauison  Chaville  a  very  bad  man  who  was  married  to  a  Squaw,  encourages 
these  murders]  —  Sir  William  observed  that  the  unparallelled  ill  conduct  of  those 
Powtawatamies  would  no  longer  pass  unresented,  and  asked  them  what  they  thought  of  it 

After  some  consultation  among  themselves,  they  returned  their  answer  declaring  their 
detestation  of  such  proceedings  which  they  said  were  much  owing  to  the  French  who  ought 
to  be  removed  out  of  that  country.  At  the  same  time,  as  a  proof  of  their  aversion  for  the 
Powtawatamies  on  account  of  their  repeated  ill  behaviour,  they  the  Six  Nations,  were  ready  to 
resent  it,  to  which  end  they  delivered  Sir  William  a  Belt  from  them  to  the  Powtawatamies 
to  be  seat  by  his  express  to  the  Commanding  officer  at  Detroit  acquainting  these  Indians  that 
their  conduct  towards  the  English  reflected  on  all  the  Nations  That  they  advised  them 
immediately  to  desist  and  repent  heartily  of  what  they  had  done,  otherwise  that  they  the  Six 
Nations  would  think  themselves  under  the  necessity  of  compelling  them  thereto  by  force  and 
that  without  delay,  they  therefore  desired  to  have  an  answer  soon. 

Sir  William  told  them  that  he  would  forward  their  Belt,  as  they  desired,  and  after 
acquainting  them  that  he  intended  meeting  the  Shawanees  Delawares,  and  Hurons  in  May 
put  an  end  to  the  Congress,  and  on  Monday  following  delivered  them  out  the  Present. 

A  true  Copy  Ex"" 

G  Johnson  D^  Agent 
as  Secretary 

in  the  absence  of  M'  Shuckburgh  who  returned  home  at  the  close  of  the  Conguss 


Sir  WiUiam  JoJmaon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[PlanUtlou  Oencral  (S.P.  0.,Na.6)  GCLIX.] 

Johnson  Hall  April  30.  1773. 
My  Lord 

After  finishing  the  dispatches  which  accompany  this  I  was  honored  with  your  Lordships 
letter  (No  3)  of  Feb'  last,  from  which  I  am  concerned  to  find  that  the  copy  of  the  Proceedings 
referred  to  in  my  letter  of  last  Nov'  was  omitted  to  be  sent,  a  circumstance  which  never  before 
happened  to  me  &  which  can  only  be  attributed  to  the  peculiar  hurry  and  trouble  in  which  I  am 
involved  at  the  close  of  every  Congress,  a  Degree  of  trouble  which  can  not  be  conceived  by 
those  who  are  not  spectators  of  it 

As  the  general  scope  of  that  congress  was  given  in  my  letter,  and  as  the  proceedings  of 
the  late  one  which  accompany  this  are  in  some  measure  a  recapitulation  of  the  former,  but 
more  especially  as  the  Packet  will  sail  by  the  time  this  can  reach  New  York,  I  think  it  best 


-4\ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


369 


to  forward  these  without  waiting  till  a  copy  can  be  made  of  tiie  former  Transactiona,  and  as 
It  appears  necessary  immediately  to  answer  your  Lordships  last  Di(=patch. 

With  regard  to  tlie  acquiescence  of  the  Six  Nations  on  tlie  sul)je,  l  of  His  Matys  Intentions 
to  establish  a  Government  on  the  Ohio,  I  am  to  assure  your  Ldp  that  after  having  (agreeable  to 
my  orders)  fully  acquainted  them  therewith,  they  unanimously  expressed  their  satisfaction 
at  the  same,  and  their  inclination  to  support  their  Grant  at  the  same  time  I  beg  leave  to 
observe  that  the  Lands  comprised  within  that  proposed  Government  have  never  been  claimed 
with  any  colour  of  right,  and  are  not  more  especially  in  the  Southern  Parts  occupied  by  any 
Indians  claiming  the  same  and  scarcely  by  any  Indians  whatsoever. 

The  advice  which  I  gave  the  Six  Nations  to  draw  their  People  from  the  Branches  of  Ohio, 
and  bring  them  nearer  the  Capital  residences  of  their  confederacy  was  cheifly  in  consequence 
of  the  repeated  comp!  lints  to  me  that  these  emigrants  were  thro'  the  practices  of  others 
perpetually  acting  coni  .uy  to  Treaty,  and  the  Maximes  of  their  own  people,  and  who  therefore 
declared  that  they  could  I  -.  vo  longer  answerable  for  their  conduct,  but  as  my  not  having  been 
sufficiently  particular  in  describi.-g  the  actual  residence  of  these  Emigrants,  has  naturally 
induced  your  Lordship  to  consider  the  scheme  for  their  removal  as  in  some  measure  affecting 
the  new  Government,  it  is  my  duty  to  assure  your  Lordship  that  it  was  not  founded  on  any 
principle  relative  thereto,  neither  can  it  in  any  manner  affect  the  same,  for  the  place  of 
Kesidunce  of  the  Emigrants  proposed  to  be  removed  is  far  to  the  Northward  of  the  New 
Governm'  upon  the  upper  forks  &  Branches  of  Ohio,  towards  its  Head,  and  on  the  Northern 
side  thereof,  but  still  too  far  from  the  cheif  Residence  of  the  rest,  &  the  object  is  purely  to 
weaken  the  factious  of  disalfected  Tribes,  and  make  the  6  Nations  accountable  for  the  conduct 
of  all  their  own  People  whose  depredations  joined  to  those  of  their  associates  have  long 
threatiied  us  with  a  war,  a  few  Ineians  were  formerly  scattered  about  the  Neighbourhood  of 
Fort  Pitt,  but  all  these  removed  some  years  ago,  and  tis  on  the  North  side  of  the  Ohio,  and  for 
the  most  part  far  to  the  Northward  of  that  Hiver  that  these  Indians  reside  who  have  created 
us  any  trouble  or  are  likely  to  do  so. 

I  tlatter  myself  that  on  due  consideration  of  the  foregoing,  the  design  of  withdrawing  the 
Six  Nations  Emigrants  will  appear  in  a  more  favorable  point  of  view  but  if  it  should  not,  I 
must  request  to  receive  the  honor  of  your  Lordships  farther  commands  respecting  the  same. 
I  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  perfect  esteem — My  Lord 

Your  Lordships  most  obliged  &  most 
The  IJight  Honble  humble  Servant 

The  Earl  of  Dartmouth  W  Johnson 


N"  27. 


Governor  Tnjon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[Now- York  Papers  (8.  1'.  O. )0I.XV.J 

New  York.  l"\May.  1773. 


My  liord, 

I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  to  your  Lordn  two  acts  I  rejected  last  Session  of  Assembly. 
My  reasons  for  rejecting  the  Act  entitled  "An  Act  for  the  more  easy  recovery  of  the  possession 
Vor..  \  in.  47 


i 


370 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


of  Lauds"  I  viewed  as  dangerous  to  the  property  of  the  poorer  Inhabitants,  by  extending  the 
right  of  ejectments  so  far  back  as  sixty  years.  This  I  conceived  would  place  the  meaner 
settlers  (who  may  perhaps  have  set  down  on  their  possessions  under  very  colourable  Titles) 
too  much  in  the  power  of  the  proprietors  of  the  exorbitant  grants  in  this  Frov",  as  the  doubtful 
bounds  to  many  of  them  would  give  the  owners  a  plea  to  eject  all  those  settlers,  that  should 
come  within  their  computed  claims. 

The  Act  entitled  "an  Act  more  effectually  to  call  in  the  Bills  of  Credit  of  this  Colony,  and 
for  Cancelling  the  same"  was  objectionable,  as  coming  in  my  estimation,  within  the  Terms  of 
the  second  Clause  of  the  Act  of  Parliament,  passed  in  the  fourth  year  of  His  Maj'»''  Reign  to 
prevent  the  Emission  of  paper  Bills  of  Credit  ettc.  in  America,  as  the  object  of  the  Bill  was 
to  sink  all  the  paper  money  remaining  of  the  diHerent  emissions  before  the  passing  of  the  Act 
of  Parliament,  and  which  has  no  other  credit  at  present,  but  the  common  consent  of  the 
Country.  I  should  wish  to  be  honored  by  Your  '.ord?  by  any  expedient  to  call  in  and  destroy 
the  old  Bills,  as  the  public  faith  seems  pledged  to  redeem  them,  tho'  the  Laws  for  that  purpose 
have  expired.  If  my  construction  of  the  present  act  is  found  to  be  too  rigid,  as  is  the  opinion 
of  many  Gentlemen  here,  I  hope  I  may  have  leave  to  assent  to  the  passing  of  the  Bill 
next  Session. 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect  &  esteem 

My  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  servant 

W"  Tkyon. 


N°2D. 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[Sow-Vork  I'iii>er<(8.  P.O.)  CLXV.] 

New  York.  3*  May,  1773. 


My  Lord, 

I  have  been  honored  with  your  Lord?'  Dispatch  N"  5.  and  agreable  to  your  Commands  have 
communicated  to  General  Bradstreet  the  paragraph  that  related  to  his  Petition  for  part  of  the 
Lands  claimed  by  the  Proprietors  of  the  Hardenburg  patent. 

I  esteem  myself  unfortunate  in  dillering  with  your  Lordn  in  the  mode  of  defending 
the  Crown's  right  against  the  exorbitant  claims  of  that  and  other  large  grants.  There  is  but 
little  doubt,  but  the  original  proprietors  of  many  of  the  large  Patents  within  this  Govern'  left 
their  boundaries  oflentiuies  purposely  dubious,  in  order  to  have  the  better  plea  of  encroachment 
on  the  Indians  by  setting  up  extravagant  claims  to  their  grants.  P^ncroachments,  that  in  many 
instances  operates  now  against  the  Crown  where  the  Indians  have  ceded  their  titles  to 
the  Sovereign. 

I  am  peculiarly  thankful  to  your  Lordi"  for  your  earnest  recommendation  to  My  Lord 
president,  to  obtain  a  speedy  d  jcision  to  the  important  disputes  respecting  the  property  of 

Lands  within  tiiis  Govern' 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect. 

My  Lord,  ettc. 

W™  TiivoN 


i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


371 


N»32. 


Governor    Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmmtth. 

t  N«w.york  rapcn  (S.  P.  O. )  CLXV.  ] 

New  York.  5.  May  1773. 


My  Lord. 

1  was  this  morning  informed  by  His  Excell'"  General  Gar-,  that  about  a  fortnight  ago,  the 
w.nd  bemg  very  boisterous,  a  Chimney  at  Crown  Point  took  fire,  which  communicating  itself 
to  the  .Neighbouring  buildings,  afterwards  to  the  Ramparts,  an.l  at  length  to  the  Magn/.ine,  blew 
up  one  hundred  barrels  of  Gunpowder,  and  totally  destroyed  all  the  Fortification  and  otiier 
buildings  in  that  Garrison.  I  presume  that  your  LordP  will  be  furnished,  by  the  General,  with 
a  particular  account  of  this  accident,  b -t  it  being  a  principal  post  on  the  Frontiers  of  this 
Irovince,  I  esteemed  it  incumbent  on  me  to  make  some  mention  to  your  Lordn  of  a 
circumstance  of  this  nature,  when  happening  within  the  limits  of  my  Govern',  altho'  I  have 
had  00  official  notice  of  that  unfortunate  afTair. 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect  and  esteem 
My  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  servant 

W™  Tryon. 


N»33. 


Govrnor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

i  New. York  Papera  (8.  P.  O. )  OLXV.  1 


My  Lord.  New  York.  31.  May.  1773. 

I  returned  to  this  City  from  Connecticut  the  22"  inst:,  and  have  tiie  pleasure  to  inform  your 
Lord-  that  the  Commissaries  who  met  at  Hartford  have  amicablv  and  unanimously  agreed  upon 
a  line  of  partition  between  the  (Jovern"  of  New  York  and  Massachusetts  Ray,  and  the  Gov' 
Hutcliinson  and  myself  assented  to  and  approved  of  the  same ;  one  of  the  originals  of  this 
agreement  with  an  actual  survey  of  that  Part  of  Hudson's  River,  which  lies  opposite,  upon  a 
medium  course,  to  the  dividing  line,  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  transmit  to  your  Lord-.  As 
the  earlier  the  Royal  decision  is  had  upon  this  matter,  the  iiappier  for  both  Govern".  I  am 
satisfied  that  single  reflection  will  be  a  sufficient  motive  with  your  Lord?  to  press  forward  this 
business,  [t  is  very  probable  the  parties  may  not  agree  to  run  the  line  until  the  Royal 
confirmation  is  obtained.  I  laid  the  above  agreement  before  the  Council  Doard  the  20'"  when 
it  was  unanimously  approved. 

My  journey  through  Connecticut  was  made  very  agreeable  by  the  hospitable  attention  I 
received  from  the  Gentlemen  of  that  Country  and  particularly  fromCiov'"  Trumbull.' 

^  ■  .loNATHA.  TuuMHULL,  ,o„  .,f  Joaeph  Tru.nhull.  of  M.anon,  Couneclieut,  wh,  born  iu  1710,  an.l  was  Rra.lualcl  nt  Harvard 
vulloge...  1727.  Ho  wu«  oho-en  Governor  of  Connecticut  in  178»,  „n>.  was  annnally  .Ww.\  t,ll  17S3.  wli.n  1„.  r.^i,.,,.,! 
Iiavng  beon  ooou|.,e,l  for  fiRy  year,  without  interruption  in  public  en.plovmenl,.  and  having  ren.lercl  Anun^  ,l,o  ei-ht 
ye.r.  war,  the  n.ont  in.portant  .erviee,  to  bis  country.  At  ll,e  tenninati'.u,  of  the  eontest  an.!  on  the  ...tubli.lunont%f 
the  ,mlepc,„len..e  of  A-neriea,  be  with.Irew  fron,  public  labor.,  that  he  n,i,ht  .levote  hi.us.lf  to  the  concern,  of  roli-ion  an,l 
<o  a  be  ter  preparal.on  lor  his  fntnre  exi,(„nec.  Me  die,!  August  17.  178.-,,  „;.e,l  7  1.  Washington,  in  a  letter  of  comiolcnco 
""  ''"  '■'  ■"■"  ' "■  "'  '"'  "'""•  l'l'"--'J  Uuvcrnor  T.nnibull  aiuun;;  the  lir.t  of  p.,t,ioU.   .UUn.  -  V.i,. 


372 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  opportunity  this  expedition  gave  me  of  an  ficqiiaintance  witii  Gov'  Htitcliinson  afTordcd 
me  real  satisfaction.  It  is  a  matter  of  mucli  astoiiisliment  to  nie,  that  a  Geiitleinim  of  sucli 
genuine  wortli,  probity  and  lieeency,  of  manners,  sliould  l)e  made  so  uiiliappy  in  liis  CJovern'. 
Were  the  public  Ollices  within  the  Govern"  of  America  at  tiie  disposal  of  the  respective  Gov", 
I  am  lead  to  believe,  His  Maj''"  affairs  on  this  side  of  the  water  would  wear  a  smoother  aspect, 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect 

My  Lord, 

Your  lord'"8  most  obedient  Servant, 

W"'  TuvoN. 


m 


'4 


A 


N"  84. 


Gooei-nor  Tnjon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[Niw-rnrk  Papers  (S.  I'.  0.)  CI.XV.  ] 

New  York.  1.  June  1773. 


My  Lord. 

By  the  tenor  of  Your  LordP'a  letter  N"  0. 1  have  reason  to  apprehend  my  arrangement  of  the 
Militia  is  not  entirely  approved.  The  Militia  Law  I  believe  is  nearly  similar  to  what  lias  been 
usually  passed  in  this  Ciovern',  nor  have  I  made  any  new  arrangement  under  it,  but  in  the  case 
where  Counties  by  their  increase  of  settlers  made  it  necessary  for  the  conveniency  of  the 
Inhabitants  to  augment  the  number  of  the  HMttalions  in  some  of  the  Counties.  The  nine 
independent  Companies  formed  last  year  in  this  City,  were  not  emhodied  under  any  express 
clause  of  the  Militia  Law,  except  one  of  the  Cadet  Companies,  but  purely  in  virtue  of  the 
delegated  prerogative  of  the  Crown.  And  as  this  Town,  by  its  Situation  lies  extremely  open  to 
the  insults  of  an  Knemy,  I  thought,  times  of  public  tranquility  were  the  most  leisure  (and  best) 
season  to  form  a  body  that  miglit  in  time  of  occasion  be  of  public  service.  I  purpose,  however, 
next  session  of  Assembly  to  endeavour,  under  a  Clause  of  the  Militia  Act,  to  incorporate  into 
one  Battalion  seven  independent  Compi'uies,  kee|)ing  the  two  Companies  of  Cadets,  or 
Governor's  Guards  as  a  distinct  ("orps,  under  a  ("oil :  Conimandant.  But  this  or  any  otiier 
regulation,  that  may  be  directed,  shall  most  punctually  be  obeyed. 

Lnder  the  consideration  of  the  expense  of  Arms,  Cloaths,  nnd  accoutrements,  that  lu»s 
attended  the  forming  these  Couipaniis,  the  disbanding  them  by  a  Kepeal,  or  a  (lisconliiniaiice 
of  the  .Militia  Law,  would  cause  great  disappointment  to  those  who  voluntarily  eaten d  and 
equipped  tliemselves  for  the  pul)lic  service 

I  am  ettc. 

W'"  Titn.N. 


iN"  It. 


I'Mrl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor   Trijon. 

I  Ni'H.V.irk  I'np.'M  (H    I'.  O  I  i  I  \V    1 

Whitehall.  •,'.  .luiie.  I7;;i. 


Sir. 

Your  several  Disputclies  numbered  21.  2-».  1.':!.  21.  2o  and  2fi.  have  bien  re(ei\ed,  and  laid 
l)t  lore  the  Iving. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


373 


I  had  flattered  myself  that  tlie  disputes  concerning  Titles  to  Lnnds  between  the  Rivers 
Hudson  &  Connecticut,  and  upon  Lal^e  Chaniplain,  might  have  been  ended  upon  some  equitable 
Plan  of  accommodation  ;  the  utmost  however  that  1  can  now  hope  for  is,  tiiat  where  diiFerent 
Grants  have  been  made  by  different  Governors  of  the  same  Land,  the  validity  of  the  Titles 
may  he  tried  in  the  Supreme  Court  of  Justice  in  the  Colony  upon  some  General  question  that 
shall  comprehend  every  case,  and  the  suit  brought  to  such  an  issue,  either  by  a  special  verdict 
or  otherwise,  as  that  the  whole  merits  may  come  before  His  iMaj'^  in  His  privy  Council 
by  appeal. 

With  respect  to  the  lines  of  Jurisdiction  that  are  finally  to  limit  the  Prov"  of  New  York  on 
the  side  of  New  Hampshire  and  of  (Quebec,  His  Majesty's  pleasure  has  been  already  declared 
on  that  head;  and  as  to  all  lands  within  the  Prov"  of  N.  York  for  which  the  Governors  of  that 
province  have  not  granted  I'atents,  whether  they  be  waste  Lauds,  or  lands  claimed  under 
grants  from  the  (;ov'  of  N.  Hampshire  or  from  the  Crown  of  France  or  its  Ollicers,  the  King 
reserves  to  himself  as  a  matter  appertaining  to  his  own  Dignity  and  Authority,  the  determination 
of  what  may  be  advisable  to  be  done  thereupon  :  His  Majesty  however  does  not  think  fit  that 
any  countenance  should  be  given  to  claims  (bunded  on  Indian  purchases  of  the  nature  of  those 
to  which  your  letter  refers,  and  therefore  the  utmost  those  purchasers  can  hope  lor  is,  that  His 
Maj'»  may  he  induced  out  of  his  Grace  and  indulgence,  to  consent  that  they  should  be  repaid 
their  expences  out  of  any  monies  that  hereafter  arise  by  the  disposal  of  those  lands  upon  such 
plans  as  will  probably  soon  be  adopted. 

1  am  ettc. 

Daut.molth. 


! 


N"  35. 
My  Lord. 


Governor  Tnjnii  to  ilie  Karl  of  Dartmoutk. 

tNfw.Vork  I'ipiri  (S.  p.  O.)  CIAV.J 

New  York.  June  2'  1773, 


It  gives  me  real  concern,  that  the  mntiveaof  my  conduct  respecting  the  Indian  purchnsrs  at 
the  last  Congress,  as  explained  in  my  letter  N-  9.  have  not  met  with  your  Lor.jp's  approbation 
This  iransactmn  unhappily  aUi-cts  the  Interest  of  many  of  his  Maj.'sty's  subi<.cts  who  on  the 
laith  and  authority  of  Govern',  having  expeiuled  large  sums  of  money  in  exploring  the  Country 
and  in  the  purchases  and  necessary  .Surveys,  and  being  now  disappointed  of  their  Grants  look 
up  to  me  as  the  author  of  their  misfortunes,  and  earnestly  solicit  (or  redress;  and  indeed  with 
too  much  justice,  as  if  any  error  has  been  committed,  I  who  ought  to  have  understood  and 
pursued  the  IJoyal  Instructions  nm  alone  to  Wame.  Hut  I  Hatter  myself  when  your  Lord''  is 
more  fully  iufbrmed.  of  the  course  ofjgguing  Grants  of  His  Majesty's  Lnnd«,  within  this  Prov"', 
I  shall  still  have  the  satisfaction  of  being  entirely  justilied. 

Had  I  been  >o  fortunate  as  to  have  conceived  that  the  objection  nrose  from  the  License  in 
not  specifying  tliat  a  Thousan.l  acres  only  should  he  purchased  (or  one  person,  bv  explaiuing 
the  occasion  of  it  sooner,  I  should  have  spared  your  Lordn  the  trouble  ,.f  this  letter. 

However  uncivilized,  there  are  no  people  more  cautious  mh.I  deliberate  in  hiisiness,  than  the 
Five  Nations;  and  as  in  a  Colony  which  begins  to  be  s,,  ,,,j,ully  ..itUL  ib...,.  m,!,!  !,..■  !..<•=,.  „! 


m 


:h 


7  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

applications  for  Grants;  if  it  should  he  necessary  to  Negotiate  a  separate  bargain  and  sale  for 
every  Tract  of  a  Thousand  acres  of  Land,  there  would  be  no  end  to  the  Time,  the  expense  and 
fatigue  of  a  Congress;  and  indeed  it  must  become  impracticable  for  the  Gov'  whose  presence 
by  a  late  Instruction  is  rendered  essential,  to  attend  this  Branch  of  his  numerous  duties  without 
neglecting  othi»rs. 

Besides,  as  the  Indians  have  no  Record  but  the  memory,  and  no  idea  of  figures  or 
measuration,  a  misconception  of  the  Boundary  in  such  a  multitude  of  din'erent  Tracts,  must 
prove  a  perpetual  source  of  jealousy  and  discontent;  against  which  there  is  no  effectual 
expedient  but  to  consult  nature,  and  to  bound  their  sales  by  remarkable  Mountains  and  streams 
of  water,  or  some  land  mark  notorious  among  themselves,  or  in  some  instances  by  the  Magnetic 
course  of  the  Compass. 

Hence  has  it  become  usual  for  the  Inhabitants  when  they  incline  to  purchase  to  form 
as.sociations;  and  after  contributing  to  the  expense,  to  leave  it  to  a  few  of  their  Number  to 
manage  the  business  in  Trust  lor  the  rest,  and  in  their  names  alone  the  Petition  and  License, 
and  the  purchase  itself  are  negotiated.  The  Cession  is  immediately  to  the  Crown,  and  the' 
purchasers  who  advance  the  money  derive  no  other  advantage  from  it,  than  a  Claim  upon 
the  honor  and  justice  of  Govern',  to  a  preference  in  Letters  Patent.  For  this  purpose  a 
second  Petition  is  presented  praying  for  a  grant,  and  here  the  advice  of  Council  is  again  as 
necessary  as  before  it  had  been,  to  authorize  the  License.  In  this  stage  of  the  proceedings  all 
the  parties  interested  become  petitioners  by  name,  and  to  each  is  advised  to  be  granted  a 
Thousand  acres  and  no  more.  The  Surveyor  (ieneral  then  receives  the  (Jovernor's  Warr' 
re(iuiring  him  to  Survey  for  each  of  those  Petitioners  a  Thousand  Acres,  and  their  proportions 
are  united,  and  laid  out  in  one  Tract  or  Township  or  in  separate  lots,  as  they  agree  among 
themselves.  The  return  compleated  it  'f  presented  to  the  Commiss"  for  laying  out  the  Crown 
Lands,  who  are  to  examine  and  see  that  it  corresponds  with  the  Instruction  ;  and  having  given 
their  certificates  to  that  effect,  a  Warr'  issues  to  the  Attorney  General  to  prepare  the  Draf!  of 
letters  Patent,  and  this  l)einp  done  and  accompanies  with  his  certificate,  that  they  contain 
nothing  contrary  to  His  Maj'>'  interest,  the  draft  is  delivered  to  tiie  Secretary  to  be  engrossed, 
and  the  seal  being  atlixed.  it  is  registered  and  Docketted  in  the  Auditor  Gen"8  ollice. 

Your  LordP  will  be  pleased  to  observe,  that  according  to  this  system,  which  is  in  all  cases 
(except  on  a  Mandamus)  strictly  pursued,  the  Indian  Deed  makes  no  part  o(  the  Subject's 
Title,  who  holds  immediately  from  the  Crown  ;  and  it  is  of  no  other  moment,  than  to  salisly 
the  claim  of  the  Native  occupants.  It  must  therefore  appear  to  be  immuterial,  whether  that 
deed  is  expressed  to  be  taken  lor  the  benelit  of  one,  or  many,  since  it  vests  no  legal  right  ;  and 
none  can  be  obtained  but  by  the  |{oy;il  Clrant,  and  in  the  mode  which  the  liistructioiiH  prescribe. 
I  am  sensible,  that  it  frequently,  and  I  believe,  generally  happens,  that  the  purchusem,  by 
making  use  of  the  solicitations  and  names  of  their  l-'rieuds,  even'ually  obtain  a  greater  share 
in  the  Tr;ict  than  one  thou.sand  acres.  But  if  tins  is  an  evil,  it  is  hardly  to  be  prevented. 
Men  of  property  in  a  Country  where  the  soil  i(  of  little  value,  must  have  it  in  their  power  to 
purchase  large  Tracts,  if  they  chuse  this  method  to  raise  their  families,  tho'  as  the  benelit 
seems,  at  present,  remote,  the  temptation  is  not  very  strong.  For  my  own  part,  I  should  think 
it  good  policy  rather  to  encourage  than  to  check  such  a  spirit.  The  Subordination  which 
ariscK  from  a  distinction  in  Bank  and  fortune,  I  have  lonnd  (roni  experience,  to  be  friendly  to 
(;overi.',  and  conducive  to  the  .slreiigthcnin^;  the  hands  i.f  the  Crown,  and  perhaps  it  will  prove 
the  only  counterpoi/u  against  a  levelling  and  Bepnblican  spirit,  which  the  popular  cunstilutiuim 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


875 


of  some  Colonies,  and  the   Temper   of  their   Inhabitants,   who   are   spreading   themselves 
throughout  this  Continent,  so  naturally  excite. 

Precautions  against  the  secret  Trusts  of  Patenters,  seems  extremely  diflicult.  nor  can  J  think 
of  any  other,  than  to  oblige  Petitioner  to  swear  that  the  Grant  for  which  he  applies,  is  for  his 
own  immediate  benefit,  and  even  that,  would  not  prevent  subsequent  alienations,  but  whether 
Ihe  multiplication  of  oaths  is  not  already  one  of  the  great  misfortunes  of  our  Govern',  and  to  be 
dreaded  as  an  inlet  to  perjury  and  a  corruption  of  morals,  seems  to  deserve  consideration. 

Having  thus  laid  before  your  LordP,  a  circumstantial  detail  of  the  method  of  appropriating  the 
Crown  Lands,  permit  me  to  add  in  my  own  vindication,  that  as  in  granting  the  lincence  and 
consenting  to  the  Indian  Deed,  I  pursued  and  adopted  the  usual  practice,  so  I  never  entertained 
the  most  distant  thought  I  was  deviating  from  my  duty  in  the  least  circumstance.  Embarrassed 
as  I  now  am.  with  the  purchasers  who  have  parted  with  their  money  in  a  firm  reliance  upon 
the  authority  and  honor  of  this  Govern'.  I  entreat  your  Lord^  to  intercede  with  His  Maj'^  that 
I  may  be  left  at  liberty  to  do  lor  them  what,  religiously  appears  to  me.  to  be  no  more  U.an  an 
act  of  Justice,  and  which  they  importunately  solicit  at  my  han.ls.  Was  I  conscious  of  having 
erred,  or  oflended,  it  would  be  my  duty  to  be  silent,  and  I  should  not  presume  to  ask  this 
Favor;  but  as  my  intentions  were  upright,  and  I  was  acting  in  the  ordinary  Course  of  the 
Landed  Departm',  I  confess  it  would  give  me  very  great  uneasiness  and  concern  to  be  reduced 
to  the  necessity  of  dismissing  those  Petitioners  &  Purchasers  without  redress  or  compensation, 
and  I  conceive  I  cannot  in  honor  dismiss  them. 

I  am  sorry  the  conduct  of  this  Govern'  respecting  the  Canadian  and  iNew  Hampshire  claims, 
appears  to  your  Lordn  in  an  unfavorable  point  of  light,  and  altho'  the  chief  of  those  transactions 
happened  before  my  A.lminislra-  the  honor  of  the  Council  IJoard,  and  the  Interests  of  the 
Officers  and  Soldiers,  as  well  as  many  other  of  His  Majesty's  subjects  under  my  care,  call  upon 
me  to  communu'ate  every  useful  information,  which  has  come  to  my  knowledge  on  this  subject 
and  this  must  plead  my  excuse  lor  troubling  your  Lord'-  with  a  few  observations  in  addition  to 
those  which  I  liave  already  submitted  to  your  consideration. 

The  Country  between  the  Connecticut  River,  and  the  Wood  Creek,  Lake  George  and  Lake 
Champlain.  had  long  been  the  scene  of  war.  and  was  first  rescued  from  encroachment  and 
obscurity  by  the  conquest  of  Canada.  Natural  was  it  lor  the  Military  who  were  entitled  to 
lands  by  the  Bounty  of  the  Crown,  and  of  which  they  had  the  Klection  by  the  express  terms 
of  theltoyal  IWIam'"  of  170,).  to  fix  upon  that  district,  which  tli.y  considered  as  won  by 
their  valor.  Besides,  as  the  rest  of  the  vacant  Lands  were  -object  to  the  Indian  claim,  the 
Clause  of  the  IVoclam".  re(|uiring  that  their  grants  should  pass  without  Fee  or  Keward,  could 
not  have  been  obeyed,  but  by  complying  with  their  Klection.  Indeed.  I  am  assured,  that  1/ 
(iov'Colden.who  then  presided  represented  those  applications  loIIisMaj'"  Secretary  of  State, 
With  his  opinion  of  the  Canadian  claims,  intiinauiig.  that  he  should  withhold  the  Grants,  for  a 
limited  time  in  order  to  receive  the  King's  Commands,  alter  which,  being  furnished  with  no 
direclions  to  the  contrary  he  proceeded  to  atlix  the  seal. 

The  prohibitory  instruction  on  occasion  of  the  Petition  of  the  New  Hampshire  claimants 
was  not  framed  or  communicated  till  the  year  1707.  long  after  the  military  rights  had  been 
located  &  surveyed,  and  in  general  appropriated  by  Patent..  Had  it  accompanied  the  Koyal 
decree  of  the  ^iU''  day  of  July  17(,l.  which  determined  the  controverted  boundary  between 
New  York  and  New  IIam,.shire  there  is  no  doubt,  but  it  ought  implicitly  to  hmv  been  obeyed; 
the  jurisdicti.jii  and  Soil  as  Your  Lordship  justly  observes,  beinu  in  the  Crown  and  the  property 


37G 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


at  His  Maj  >''  disposal,  according  to  his  gracious  pleasure.  Indeed,  had  those  lands  at  the  time 
of  his  Royal  adjudication  been  settled  and  improved  either  under  Canadian  or  i\ew  Hampshire 
Grants,  it  must  be  admitted  that  no  steps  ought  to  have  been  taken  to  the  prejudice  of  the 
occupants,  without  His  M.ijesty's  directions,  and  Your  Lord?  will  find  from  the  proofs 
accompanying  the  cases  wiiich  I  lately  had  the  honor  to  transmit,  that  all  the  Country 
comprized  within  the  Counties  of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester  where  they  now  at  that  time 
cliielly  settled,  were  reserved  for  their  benefit;  and  that  even  to  the  Westward,  and  withia 
what  remained  part  of  the  County  of  Albany,  a  suitable  provision  was  made  by  reserving  out 
of  every  Grant  two  hundred  acres  for  each  occupant,  who  had  strayed  so  far  within  the  known 
limits  of  this  Prov"  Jf  those  adventurous  people  had  not  encroached  within  the  ancient  N. 
York  Grants,  there  could  after  so  equitable  a  disposition  in  their  favour,  have  remained  no  room 
for  uneasiness  or  discontent;  but  here  it  was  not  in  the  power  of  Govern'  to  protect  them,  if 
it  would  have  been  just  in  itself.  A  small  Military  grant  of  ^JOOOacresin  Bennington,  included 
a  few  of  the  settlements  under  N.  Hampshire,  but  it  was  surveyed  and  returned  as  I  am 
informed  before  the  Govern'  was  apprised  of  the  cirr  .mstances  of  that  part  o(  the  Country, 
which  induced  them  in  tenderness  to  the  occupants  to  make  the  ubovementioned  provision 
for  their  security. 

I  hope.  My  Lord,  that  these  considerations  will  have  weight  in  removing  any  unfavourable 
impressions  with  respect  to  general  conduct  of  His  Maj''*  servants  within  this  (Jovern'  on 
occasion  of  a  contest,  which  has  introduced  so  much  trouble  and  disorder,  &  which  I  anxiously 
wish  for  a  happy  termination. 

It  is  with  the  warmest  gratitude  that  I  return  Your  Lord?  my  sincere  thanks,  for  the 
honorable  mention  you  are  pleased  to  make  of  my  zeal  for  His  Maj''*  service,  Your  favorable 
sentiments  of  the  uprightness  of  my  intentions,  and  your  disposition  to  recommend  me  to  the 
King's  favor 

I  am — ettc. 

W'"  TiivoN 


Draft  of  AddiUonul  Instruct iona  to  the  Governovfi  in  America. 

t  PlinUlloni  nrnoril  Intrl«^  XLVt.  (  N. )  p.  4«i.l 

Draft  of  Additional  Instructions  to  the  Governor  of  Ilia  Majesty's  Colonies  & 
I'lantatious  in  America.     3  Juno  1773 

[Omittcil,  M  tUe  UfticiRl  luitruatiuns  ar«  printed,  pott,  under  d«to  of  6tli  Fcbruar/,  l';74.  ] 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII, 


377 


N-SG. 


Govei-nw  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[ New-Tork  Pap«n  (8.  P.  0. )  CLXV. ] 

New  York.  3.  June.  1773. 


My  Lord. 

thi^Prov-'u  ''f"*^' 7"!  T"  '°  «"'  ^°"'"  ''°'''  "°  '''^  °f  '"^^  «'»'«  of  the  Militia  of 
th.s  Prov  though  not  of  the  strength  of  the  Companies  and  Battalions  which  I  am 
unacqua.„ted  with  .yse.f,  not  having  had.  ns  yet,  any  ifegimental  return^  fZ  tie  ColoneiT. 

I  am  with  the  greatest  respect  and  esteem 
My  Lord. 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  servant, 

W"'  Tryon. 


Jieturn  of  the  Militia  of  the  Province  of  New-Yoi-k 

An  Abstract  of  the  State  of  Militia  in  the  Province  of  New  York,  shewing  the 
Number  of  Regiments  Battalions  and  Companies  with  the  Number  of 
Colonels,  L'  Colonels,  Majors,  Captains  and  Subalterns  in  each  County. 
S*"  June  1773.  ' 


C-OUMTT 


Kegt 


Klug't 

liuemi's 

Suffolk 

Itii'liniond 

Nuw  York  . , . . 
Wmi  (.'heater  . . 

DutchoM.   

()raii|{ti 

I'laler  

Albany  

'I'ryon 

('httrlott« 

t'uinliciland  ... 
Uloiiocater.  . . . . 


Ball: 


Total. 


Compy 


7 
18 
25 

3 
U 
29 

in 

23 
2S 

2'.) 
21) 


Coin 


2M 


LlCol 


MiOr> 


S3 


1 

33 


CapU 


7 
18 
25 

3 
14 
2B 
46 
28 
23 
2« 
2K 


Lleul 


7 
18 
25 

6 
28 
58 
92 
411 
40 
49 
58 


Knffnia 


251   I     488      251 


7 
18 
25 

3 
14 
29 
46 
23 
23 
29 
29 


lilUAIKa. 


And  one  Troop  of  light  liorae 
And  two     do 
do 

il.. 


And  one 
And  one 
And  one 
And  one 


do  4  9  Indopent  or  unrfffi- 
do  [mented  Compuiea 


And  one  do  [the  Compaof  3  Regta 
And  two  do  N.  a  no  ritnrn  made  of 
And  one      do  (in  this  County. 

No  .Militia  KxtaMishnient  formed  aa  yet 
Coiupaniea  uol  returued  or  formed . 


Sir.  William  Johnson  Bar'  Major  General  of  the  Northern  District 
Coll:  (!.  Johnson  Adj'  General  Lieut:  Col :  John  Glenn  d'  Master  General 
And  Sir  John  Johnson  Kn'  Col:  of  Reg'  of  Horse  in  d" 
Oliver  De  Lancey  Eg.,"  Col :  in  Chief  of  the  Southern  DiMrict. 

W"  Tryon. 


m 

■  y 


Vol.  VIH. 


liij 


378 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Edmund  Burhe,  Esq.^  to  Seo'etary  Pownall. 

C  New  Tork  Ptpera,  Bundle  Y.  v.,  No.  71.  ] 


15  June  1773. 


Sir, 

-     I  am  honoured  with  your  letters  of  the  li"*  wishing  to  be  informed,  on  whose  behalf,  and  on 
what  question,  I  desire  to  have  Counsel  heard  against  the  Canadian  Grants  on  Lake  Champlain. 

You  will  be  so  good  as  to  acquaint  their  LordPi",  that  I  would  have  Counsel  heard  on  behalf 
of  the  grantees  under  New  York  Govern',  who  are  composed  '•<  •  '  •■'»  measure  of  half  pay 
Odicers,   that   have  received  grants,  agreably  to   His  Majesi,^  .imation.     And    1  am 

instructed  to  take  care  of  the  interests  of  these  Grantees,  not  only  •     ..r  as  they  f»>*e  concerned, 
but  also  so  far  fis  the  territorial  rights  of  the  Province  may  be  aflected  by  the  French  claims. 

I  beg  leave  to   be  heard   by  Counsel  (if  their  Lord'''"  should  not  expressly  confine  the 

Counsel)  to  all  such  matters,  as  they,  or  the  parties  shall  advise  as  proper  and  effectual  towards 

invalidating  the  said  French  Grants,  and  establishing  the  rights  of  the  New  York  Grantees  — 

I  am  with  great  regard 

Sir 

Your  most  obed'  and  humble  serv' 

Edm  :  BuuKE. 


liqiresentation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Committee  of  the  Prlmj  Council. 

[  New-York  Enlrloa,  LXI S.,  9.  ] 

To  the  Right  Hon''"'  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  His  M^j.-sty's  most  Hon'''"  Privy  Council 
for  Plantation  Affairs. 

My  Lords, 

In  obedience  to  His  Majesty's  Order  in  Council  of  the  5""  of  March  last  We  have  taken  into 
Our  Consideration  the  Petition  of  Major  (ieneral  John  Hradstreet  setting  rth  amongst  other 
things  that  the  Petitioner  for  himself  and  in  behalf  of  others  his  associatts  in  the  year  17(33 
in  the  Presence  of  Sir  Henry  Moore  then  Governor  of  New  York  and  with  the  approbation 
of  Sir  William  Johnson  Superintendant  of  Indian  Affairs  did  in  His  Majesty's  name  purchase 
for  a  valuable  Consideration  of  the  Tribe  of  Aughquagey  Indians  at  a  public  Meeting  of  the 
said  Indians  held  for  that  purpose  by  His  Majesty's  said  Governor  agreably  to  the  several  Kules 
and  Forms  in  such  case  prescribed  by  His  Majesty's  Uoyal  Proclamation  a  large  Trad  of  Land 
therein  particularly  described  containing  by  estimation  300,000  Acres  and  humbly  praying  for 
the  Reasons  therein  contained  that  His  Majesty  will  he  graciously  pleased  to  grant  and  confirm 
to  the  Petitioner  and  his  Associates  under  the  (ireat  Seal  of  (Jreat  Britain  the  said  Lands  to  ho 
holden  under  the  like  reservation  of  Quit  Kent  &''  as  in  Case  of  Lands  purchased  by  Sir 
William  Johnson  and  conGrmed  to  him  or  in  such  other  manner  as  to  his  Majesty  shall 
seem  meet. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


379 


This  is  the  substance  of  Mnjor  General  Bradstreets'  Petition  but  before  we  enter  into  any 
discussion  of  his  particular  Case  it  will  be  necessary  in  General  to  premise  to  your  Lordships 
that  upon  full  and  early  Conviction  of  the  many  prejudicial  Consequences  which  were  found 
to  result  from  the  practice  of  obtaining  Grants  and  Concessions  of  Lands  from  the  different 
Tribes  and  Nations  of  Indians  it  was  considered  as  a  matter  of  Great  Importance  both  to  the 
Interest  of  the  Crown  and  the  welfare  of  the  Provinces  within  whose  Limits  such  Grants  had 
been  obtained  to  restrain  by  particular  Instructions  all  persons  purchasing  Lands  of  the  Indians 
without  special  and  particular  licence  for  that  purpose  from  the  Governor  of  the  Colony  within 
which  the  lands  should  lye  and  this  Policy  in  General  obtained  throughout  the  Provinces  till 
his  Majesty's  Proclamation  of  the  r-of  October  1763  put  a  more  effectual  stop  to  the  pracMce 
by  an  express  prohibition  strictly  forbidding  any  private  person  to  presume  to  make  any 
Purchase  from  the  Indians  of  any  Lands  reserved  to  the  said  Indians  within  thooe  parts  of  the 
Colonies  where  his  Majesty  had  thought  proper  to  allow  Settlement  this  being  the  case  whether 
we  consider  the  circumstances  of  the  purchase  which  the  Petitioner  alledges  to  have  finally 
concluded  with  the  Indians  in  the  year  1709  or  advert  to  wiiat  has  been  offered  in  his  behalf 
of  his  having  enter'd  into  agreement  with  them  during  the  course  of  the  War  previous  to  his 
Majesty's  Proclamation  it  does  appear  to  us  that  proceeding  has  been  such  as  can  neither  in 
the  one  instance  be  reconciled  to  the  Spirit  and  intent  of  his  Maj'^'  Instructions  subsisting 
before  the  Proclamation  by  which  all  private  purchases  whatever  are  forbidden  at  the  same 

'  Mnjor-Goneral  J.m,:,  Bradstrf.kt  was  born  in  1711,  and  accompanied  the  expedition  .gainst  Louisbours  in  1745 
«8  Li.utonanl-Colonel  in  IVpperell's  York  frovinciaU,  Maine,  Of  his  conduct  in  that  cunpai-n.  Oen  I'enperell 
observe,:  " No  per.on  in  the  army  couUI  poRaibly  have  behaved  with  more  zeal,  activity  and  judu-ncnt  in  the  measure, 
taken  for  the  aecon,ph.hment  of  our  deign,  which  added  to  his  particular  knowledge  in  the  circumstances  of  thi,  nlaee, 
ju.  ly  ent.tle  hnn  tu  the  estee.u  and  thanks  of  every  well  wisher  to  the  succes,  of  the  expedition."  1  iIa„acl,u.HI,  IliLical 
ColUct,on,,  I.,  40.  On  the  5th  of  September,  1745,  he  received  aco.nu.issionc.f  Captain  in  a  Royal  regiment  called  Sir  William 
I'epperells  foot.  (  Parson.'  IJf,of  Prpp.rell,  160,  IflU,  31i,  347  )  and  as  an  additional  reward  for  his  s.rv;ec^  w«.  appointed 
on  the  Itith  .September,  1746,  to  the  sinecure  place  of  LieutenautUovernor  of  .St.  John,  Newfoundland.  Undon  Magazine 
X\.,  480;  Otntleman'.  Jtagaun,.  Captain  Hn.dMreel  remained  in  garrison  at  Louishourg  with  his  regiment  until  1748  in 
«hieh  year  it  was  disbanded.  On  the  renewal  of  hostilities  in  1765,  he  was  ordered  by  Uraddoek  to  march  with  a  parly  of 
IVov.neiaU  to  Oswego,  preliminary  to  operations  against  Niagara ;  and  when  Shirley  succeeded  to  the  command  he  made 
liradstreet  hi,  A.ljutantGener.l.  1  Ma„ackw»lU  llUtorical  ColUclion,,  VI[.,  90,  1 1.1.  In  the  following  year  he  wa,  again 
ordered  to  conduct  s.ipplie.  to  Oswego.  On  his  return,  after  having  ,nccc«,fully  performed  tliat  duty,"  he  was  attacked  on 
the  3d  July,  nine  miles  .outh  of  that  place,  by  a  .trong  party  of  the  enemy,  whi.h  he  defeated.  Ktw-rork  I>ocum»,lar« 
JI,.tory,  8vo.,  I.,  482-487.  In  .March,  1757,  he  was  appointed  to  a  company  in  the  COlh  or  lloyal  .Americans,  and  became 
Lieutenant  Colonel  in  the  lUvular  army  on  the  «th  December  following,  at  which  time  he  was  Deputv  (Juarler  Master 
Oeneral.  Army  lA.t.  He  served  in  17.',8,  under  .Vbercrombie.  in  the  unsuccessful  attack  on  Tieonderou-a,  "immediately  after 
which  he  was  permitted  to  march  at  the  he.,,1  of  3000  l-rovineinls  against  Fort  Froiitenac,  which  he  reduced  on  the  27th  of 
August  l>»ul.,,,:  lli,lorv  of  Xe,c-York,  1.,  3',I4 ;  Kno^;  Va,npaign,,  I ,  l.'.O.  The  details  of  Ihi.,  acliicTement  were  publislie.I 
the  following  year,  under  this  title  :  "  An  Impartial  Account  of  l.ieutenai,t-C,d,.,iel  Itradstreefs  e.podilion  to  Fort  Frontenae 
■lo  which  are  adde.l  a  few  retlection,  on  the  conduct  of  that  enterprise,  and  the  advantage,  resulting  from  its  success  Hy  a 
\oluntcer  in  the  Kxpeditioii.  London."  8vo.,  pp.  fi,).  In  1759,  ho  accompanied  General  Amherst  a,  (Marter  Master- 
General,  in  the  expedition  against  Tieondcrogaand  Crown  I'oint,  and  had  his  head  ipiartors  the  following  summer  at  Oswego 
where  the  neeessarie.  were  provided  lo  faciiit..te  the  descent  of  the  Army  to  Sfon  ■  .al.  but  ill  health  prevented  him  aecom' 
ranying  the  tr.op..  In  February.  I7«2,  h.  wa.  promoted  to  be  Colonel,  and  continued  (Marter-Master-C.enoral  for 
»  few  year,  after.  Army  LUt,  In  17(14,  he  commanded  an  expedition  against  the  Western  Indians,  and  negotiate.l  a  peace 
with  these  tribe,  at  Detroit  on  the  7th  September  of  that  year,  after  which  lie  returned  to  the  Kast  Parkman',  J'onliac  On 
the  2,Mh  .May.  1772,  he  was  a.lvanced  to  the  rank  of  Major-General ;  and  after  a  life  of  great  activity,  and  after  rendering 
essential  serv  to  his  eour.try,  di-d  at  New-V„rk  25lh  S,.plcmber,  (  Allen  incorrectly  say.  "Ist  October)  1774.  The  civil 
Riid  military  .  „.  .rs,  and  the  47th  regiment  attended  hi,  remain,  to  Trinity  Church.  Jh,„l„p'i  Uhlory  afXntYork  II  cclii 
(ien.ial  lir»d-tre,.f,  will  bear.  d„t.  2:id  September,   1774,  and  is  recor.l.,1  in  the  surrogate's  office,  New-York.     It  i^  sayj 

'^''-  '■  '■    ""'■"' >■•  " ''■'  "f  '"■"*''.*■  "•"'  ''Icaine^.  and  was  ,lr;.«  n  by  ilic  famous  Willium  Siiiilh.     Further  particulars  of 

the  family  ar.'  to  be  fiuind  iii   W'cndtU't  Hupreim  Vourl  /i>/iur(»,  XII,,  tiOJ,  —  Ln. 


W'. 


YW 


liffilP: 


380 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


time  we  cannot  omit  observing  to  your  Lordship  that  the  present  petition  goes  to  a  very 
considerable  extent  being  for  a  Tract  which  by  Estimation  contains  300,000  Acres  and  we 
doubt  not  that  your  Lordships  are  well  apprized  of  the  objections  which  operate  against 
recommending  or  confirming  Grants  and  Concessions  to  private  persons  of  so  exorbitant  a 
nature  at  the  same  time  it  is  a  justice  we  owe  to  the  Character  of  Major  General  Bradstreetto 
observe  that  thro'  a  long  Course  of  public  Service  his  merits  have  been  such  as  seem  to 
recommend  him  in  a  particular  manner  to  the  Bounty  and  Munificence  of  His  Majesty. 
Having  therefore  laid  before  your  Lordships  this  together  with  every  other  Circumstance 
which  may  serve  to  direct  your  Judgements  in  the  Case  we  must  submit  it  to  your  Lordships 
to  give  such  advice  to  His  Majesty  upon  the  whole  as  your  Lordships  duly  weighing  the  Matter 
of  the  Petition  on  the  one  hand  and  the  Merits  of  the  petitioner  on  the  other  shall  in  your 
Wisdom  think  expedient. 
We  are 

My  Lords 

Your  Lordships 

Most  obedient  and 

most  humble  Servants 
Dautmouth 
Whitehall  E"*  Eliot 

July  1"  1773.  Bambek  Gascoynb 


N°  37. 


Governor  Tnjon  to  tlie  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  Now-Tork  Pipcn  (  8.  P.  O. )  CLX  V.] 

New  York.  1.  July.  1773. 


My  Lord. 

The  confidence  with  which  your  Lord?  is  pleased  to  honor  me  in  your  dispatch  N"  8.  as  it  is 
a  proof  of  your  favourable  opinion  calls  for  my  gratitude.  However  difiicult  and  delicate  the 
task,  I  should  be  wanting  in  duty  to  my  Sovereign,  and  respect  to  your  LordP,  if  I  did  not 
readily  obey  your  commands  by  communicating  without  reserve,  my  candid  &  undisguised 
sentiments  on  so  interesting  a  subject.  This  appears  to  me  the  more  necessary,  as  your  Lord^ 
seems  to  be  apprehensive,  with  good  reason,  that  there  are  /acts  and  circumstances  unstated, 
the  knowledge  of  which  may  be  found  essential  to  any  plan  for  reestablishing  the  public 
tranquility  to  a  province  unfortunately  involved  in  disputes  with  several  of  the  neighboring 
Govern". 

Your  LordP  is  already  apprised  that  the  measures  recommended  by  the  Lords  of  Trade 
cannot  be  carried  into  execution  without  the  authority  of  the  Legislature,  and  you  will  permit 
me  frankly  to  declare  that  I  think,  I  cannot  flatter  myself  with  the  slightest  hope  of  procuring 
the  concurrence  of  the  Assembly  of  this  Prov"  in  a  scheme  so  repugnant  to  the  claims  of 
persons  who  from  their  numbers  and  connections  have  a  very  powerful  influence  in  the  Colony. 

With  ri'spect  to  that  part  of  it,  which  concerns  the  (.and  in  controversy  between  this 
Province  &  the  Maasachusetts  Bay,  I  foresee  nu  great  dillicullies^  for  the  lute  ugreem<:nt  at 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


381 


•K  .rtford  I  believe  will,  if  it  receives  the  Royal  approbation,  happily  terminate  these  disputes, 

whether  they  regard  private  property  or  public  Jurisdiction. 

There  are  four  Tracts  of  Land  affected  by  that  Partition,  the  Manor  of  Renselaerwyck 

granted  in  1685  the  Manor  of  Livingston  in  1GS6.  The  Patent  of  Hosick  in  1688.  and  the 
^  Patent  of  Westenhook  in  170S.  and  I  do  not  learn  there  are  any  possessions  under  either  of 

•  them  to  the  Eastward  of  the  line  agreed  upon  by  the  Commissaries. 

;      As  these  Grants  are  very  extensive  and  valuable  on  the  western  side  of  the  Line  and  charged 
with  trifling  rents  and  reservations,  I  have  no  reason  to  imagine  the  New  Vork  Patentees  will 
:  either  set  up  their  claims  in  the  Massachusett's  Courts,  or  seek  for  a  compensation  out  of  any 
.   other  of  the  waste  lands  that  belong  to  the  Crown. 

It  is  also  very  improbable  on  the  other  hand,  that  these  N.  York  Proprietors  will  meet  with 

■  any  further  trouble  from  the  Massachusett's  Claimants,  whose  titles  and  possessions  on  the  West 

•Bide  of  the  line  are  modern,  and  whose  losses  can  be  abundantly  recompensed  by  the  Govern' 

•  under  which  they  settled,  out  of  the  vacant  lands  of  Sagadahock  which  are  comprehended 
within  the  Charter. 

In  the  list  of  claimants  under  the  Massachusett's  Bay,  I  do  not  reckon  those  whose  lands 
were  discovered  to  be  on  the  North  side,  which  was  adjudged  on  the  settlement  of  the 
controversy  between  that  Prov"  &  New  Hampshire  in  1739,  to  be  the  North  boundary  of 
the  Massachusett's  Bay.  These  composed  the  Towns'.iips  of  Brattleborough  and  Putney,  and 
that  Part  of  Hinsdale,  which  was  granted  to  Coll.  Howard,  the  first  settlers  of  which, 
upon  that  determination  all  acquired  new  Patents  under  New  Hampshire,  esteeming  the 
Massachusett's  title  a  meer  nullity,  and  those  Patents  to  have  issued  through  mistake.  Besides, 
My  Lord,  as  to  Brattleborough  and  Putney,  they  are  both  confirmed  under  New  York,  and  so 
Hinsdale  might  have  been,  if  the  occupants,  either  from  an  unwillingness  to  pay  the  quit-rents, 
or  a  slight  of  their  Interest,  had  not  neglected  to  make  themselves  and  their  case  known  to 
this  Govern',  until  a  part  of  their  Township  was  granted  to  Coll :  Howard,  who  brought  over 
the  Royal  order  for  a  grant  of  Ten  thousand  Acres,  and  agreeable  to  the  priviledges  given  him 
in  the  Mandamus  made  his  Election  of  that  spot. 

To  me  therefore  it  appears  clear,  that  no  person  can  justly  avail  himself  of  a  Massachusett's 
title  out  of  the  line  assigned  for  the  North  Boundary  in  1739.  and  I  submit  it  therefore  to  your 
Lord!-,  whether  it  will  not  be  inexpedient  to  excite  applications  to  the  Crown  for  compensations ; 
and  to  guard  ag"  frauds,  I  must  observe,  that  as  some  of  the  New  York  Patents  extend  several 
miles  beyond  the  partition  agreed  to  at  Hartford,  an  ill  use  may  be  made  of  the  generosity  of 
the  Plan  by  a  concert  between  the  New  York  Patentees,  and  the  Massachusett's  Possessors  to 
set  up  a  very  extravagant  demand  of  filly  acres  for  every  three  that  are  improved  by  the  latter, 
beyond  the  partition,  and  within  the  letter  of  the  New  York  Patents,  the  Proprietors  of  which 
have  made  no  improvements  there,  as  I  have  already  observed,  and  who,  (the  extent  of  their 
(irant  remaining  out  of  controversy  considered,  with  the  smallness  of  the  r.  nts  they  are 
chargeable   with)   ought  to   be   content,   though  they  should  receive  no  allowance. 

Butthechief  objection  that  will  be  raised  against  any  Law  grounded  upon  the  plan  proposed 

by  the  Lords  of  Trade  will  relate  to  the  second  and  third  Articles  of  it,  whicli  respect  the 

•   disposition  of  the  Country  to  the  Northward  of  the  Massachusett's  Buy. 

I  presume  that  their  Lordi"!"  were  not  aware  that  the  curve  line  they  propose  for  the  Westerr 
side  of  that  immense  Tract  which  is  the  object  of  their  Report,  will  run  to  the  Westward  o 
Lake  Champlain,  before  it  reaches  the  Northern  extent  of  this  ProV"  in  the  latitude  4-j^'.     Bu 


''\ 


■"■'il 


\      ^" 


382  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

this,  My  Lord,  will  be  the  Fact,  for  the'  the  course  of  the  River  from  Albany  is  Northerly  to  J 
about  3.  miles  to  the  North  of  Fort  Edward,  yet  it  then  takes  a  turn  for  several  miles  to  (he 
Southward  of  West,  and  then  again  a  Northerly  direction  as  far  as  it  has  been  explored,  many 
miles  to  the  westward  of  the  Lakes  George  and  Champlain.     And  fis  the  River  Conneclicut, 
on  the  other  side,  tends  so  far  to  the   Eastward  of  the  North  as  at  the  45"'  degree  of  latitude' 
to  be  ninety  one  miles  from  Lake  Champlain,  Your  LordP  will  perceive,  that  the  Report  of 
the  Board  of  Trade  must  effect  a  great  number  of  Patents  Granted  under  this  Govern',  and 
give  a  preference  to  the  New  Hampshire  Claims  home  to  the  waters  of  Lake  Champlain,  and,' 
to  lands  three  times  as  far  west  as  the  Curve  line  would  leave  to  the  Massachusett's  Hay,  where, 
the  intermediate  distance  between  such  curved  line  and  the  Connecticut  River,  does  not  exceed  L 
thirty  miles;  the  Rivers  Hudson  and  Connecticut  being  there  not  more  than  fifty  miles  apr.rt, £ 
and  were  probably  thought  to  keep  that  distance  when  the  Lords  of  Trade  first  conceived  theff  ■ 
idea  of  countenancing  an  extent  of  the  N.  England  claims  to  a  line  so  far  West  as  to  twenty! 
miles  from  Hudson's  IV.  i 

The  Patents  under  N.  York  within  the  district  distinguisb'd  by  the  Report  are'very  numerous, 
and  contain  many  hundred  thousand  acres.  And  as  they  now  belong  to  an  infinity  of  persons, 
in  and  out  of  the  Prov",  &  valuable  considerations  have  been  paid  by  the  original  proprietors, 
never  to  be  recovered  hack  on  account  of  the  changes  wli'^''  time  has  made  in  their  circumstances 
&  situations,  how  is  it  possible.  My  Lord,  to  frame  any  Law  for  the  distribution  of  Justice  to 
the  present  claimants?  or  what  prospect  is  there  that  such  a  number  of  persons,  of  all  Ranks, 
Civil  and  Military,  C!in  be  brought  to  submit  to  any  project  to  diminish  Estates  that  are  held 
under  the  Royal  Grants — that  were  bought  for  large  sums,  and  some  of  which  have  been 
improved,  &  maintained  at  a  still  greater  expense?  Indeed,  My  liOrd,  the  task  would  be  a  very 
difficult  one,  if  we  had  only  to  deal  with  the  first  Patentees,  but  it  has  become  Mnspeakably 
more  arduous  and  delicate,  as  thtstj  lands  are  now  claimed  by  creditors  and  bona  fide 
purchasers,  under  all  the  modes  of  alienation,  as  well  as  by  the  original  Proprietors  and 
their  Heirs. 

And  that  Your  LordP  may  more  fully  comprehend  the  reasons  that  induce  nie  utterly  to 
despair  of  the  co-operation  of  the  Assembly,  I  beg  leave  to  particularize  a  few  of  the  many 
obstacles  to  the  proposed  Ar,  ,  that  rise  to  my  view. 

First— Loud  Complaints  will  be  made  of  the  Crown's  reseizing  of  unimproved  lands  by 
those  who  have  had  iNew  York  Patents  since  the  Royal  decision  in  1761  for  Tracts  not  before 
granted  by  N.  Hampshire.  For  these  Proprietors  will  l-isist  that  no  advantage  can  e(|uitahly 
be  taken  of  their  unsettled  Parcels,  since  the  non  improvements  are  to  be  imputed  to  th« 
violence  &  power  of  the  general  opposition  of  the  N.  Hampshire  Planters  in  the  vicinity  — 
and  the  justice  of  their  claims  to  an  exemption  from  the  forfeiture  seems  to  be  strongly  inforced 
by  the  neglect  of  Government  to  aid  them  in  repelling  this  violence,  which  it  must  he  confessed, 
they  have  repeatedly  implored  as  essential  to  their  deriving  any  benefit  from  their  grant;  and 

Secondly;  even  as  to  such  of  the  New  York  Patentees  whose  claims  interfere  with  prior 
Grants  under  N.  Hampshire  ;  they  too  ind  Igo  an  unshaken  confidence  in  their  Titles,  and  are 
encouraged  in  it  by  the  common  suHrage  of  the  Colony  —  May  I  not  be  permitted  to  say  more? 

The  two  Provinces  contending  about  their  partition,  it  was  referred  to  the  dtcision  of  the/ 
Crown.     The  King  was  pleased  in  17()4.  to  declare  the  West  Banks  of  Conneclicut  Ifivcr  to^ 
be  the  Eastern  boundary  of  New  York,  and  this  ccnsidercd  with  reference  to  the  Grant  of  the 


Province  to  the  Duko  of  Vork  in   Kiiil,  which  c 


onveyed  to  His  Royal  Highness  all  the  Lands 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


888 


I 


from  the  head  of  Connecticut  to  Delaware,  together  with  the  wiiole  of  the  River  Hudson.t- 
which  is  between  tliem,  what  room  was  there  for  questioning  the  Right  of  tiiis  Colony  to  issue' ' 
Patents  for  those  lands?  and  heing  issued,  the  Patentees  will  most  assuredly  assent  and  maintain! ' 
the  Title  in  all  the  Forms  In  which  they  can  be  justified  by  the  Law  of  that  Land.  C 

Thirdly;  There  are  fifteen  Townships  granted  by  New  Hampshire,  and  which  have  been 
confirmed  by  N.  York.  These  Voprietors,  who  above  all  things,  have  avoided  to  give  umbrage 
to  the  Govern',  or  disturb  the  tranquility  in  both  Provinces,  must  surely  be  entitled  to  special 
indulgences  ;  but  thro'  the  troubled  State  of  the  Country,  great  Part  of  these  Townships  remain 
still  unimproved,  and  their  case  will  be  thought  singularly  hard,  if  they  are  to  loose  the 
unsetlled  parcels. 

Fourthly ;  diOicullies  will  also  attend  the  provision  that  is  to  be  made  for  the  Oflficer?  and 
Soldiers,  who  are  the  objects  of  the  Royal  promise  in  t;'e  Proclam'"  of  the  7""  of  Octob'  17G3 
—  1  cannot  comprehend,  in  what  way  the  value  of  their  lands  and  improvements  is  to  be 
adjusted  without  expense  to  themselves;  nor  by  what  arguments  they  ever  can  be  persuaded 
to  dismiss  their  claims  until  they  are  actually  vested  wi,h  the  equivalent.  Besides,  many  of 
these  Military  Grants  are  now  owned  by  other  persons  who  have  paid  for  their  possessions  and 
will  never  become  volunteers  in  the  cession  in  expectation  ofotherTracts,  while  there  is  reason 
to  apprehend,  that  the  residue  of  the  Lmd  in  the  district,  out  of  which  they  are  to  be  satisfied, 
(free  from  claims)  is  not  of  sufficient  value,  ite -amoteness  and  quality  considered  to  compensate 
for  the  surrender  of  what  they  hold  by  their  Patents. 

Fifthly;  how,  My  Lord,  can  the  State  of  the  possessions  f  nd  improvements  which  are  to 
remain  to  the  Patentees  be  seti'ed  by  Inquests  i.i  so  extensive  a  Woodland  Country  —  will  not 
the  partial  prejudices  that  prevail  in  the  respective  Provinces  of  N.  York  &  N.  Hampshire 
exclude  the  Inhabitants  of  both  as  Incompetent  Tryers?  and  by  whom  is  the  expense  to  be 
sustained?  This  will  be  considerable,  for  disinterested  and  fair  Jurors,  must  be  brought  from 
distant  places.     I  shall  only  add.  My  Lord, 

Sixthly;  that  scarce  any  measure  can  raise  a  more  General  discontent  in  this  Colony,  thut  a 
Law  to  vacate  Patents  for  non-settlement— those  of  which  the  fdvantage  might  be  taken  are 
many,  and  the  dread  of  a  precedent  of  this  kind  will  unite  all  the  Landholders  to  oppose  a 
project  so  alarming  to  their  Interest.  I  will  not  presume  to  say,  there  is  no  instance,  in  which 
the  avarice  of  a  Patentee  ought  not  to  expose  him  to  the  forfeiture  on  the  condition  for 
settlement;  but  I  must  nevertheless  observe  to  Your  Lord^  that  some  of  these  Patentees,  plead 
in  excuse  that  their  improvements  have  been  obstructed  by  the  Incursions  of  the  Savages,  or 
by  disputes  with  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  and  that  it  is  the  general  opinion,  that  the  Prov" 
is  improved  according  to  its  Population,  and  that  the  Burthen  of  the  Quit  Rents,  is  a  suliicient 
spur  to  sales  &  cultivation. 

I  should  be  happy,  My  Lord,  after  showing  the  improbability  of  executing  the  plan  proposed 
by  the  Lords  of  Trade  if  I  may  be  able  to  suggest  any  other  in  its  place  to  answer  their  Lordi'i" 
benevolent  uesign  of  appeasing  these  anii^iosi  'es,  which  have  given  so  much  trouble  to 
the  Administration,  &  daily  afford  new  ground  for  serious  apprehension. 

In  contemplating  the  State  of  this  Country,  it  is  materia!  to  observe  ;  that  there  are  one 
hundred  and  foiirteen  Tow[n]ship8  of  Six  miles  square  granted  by  New  Hampshire,  besides, 
those  fifteen  wh  ch  have  been  confirmed  by  New  York;  that  the  Patents  under  this  Prov"  to 
Ollicers  and  Soldiers,  &  others  includa  about  six  hundred  thousand  Acres;  that  many  o.  those 
grants  interfere,  and  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  ascertain  what  part  of  any  N.  Hampshire 


384 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


•Patent  is  included  in  the  OrantunderN.  Yoili,  for  ns  N. Hampshire  proceeded  with  precipitancy 

and  without  previous  Surveys  to  seize  a  priority  of  possession,  and  therehy  countenance  their 

Claim,  there  is  the  utmost  uncertainty  in  the  description  and  bounds  of  these  Grants;  and  it  is 

'•more  than  probable  that  they  would  be  found  upon  a  Survey  to  interlock  with  each  other,  or 

spreaii  beyond  the  breadth  of  the  Country  in  which  they  are  supposed  to  be  contained. 

That  these  Charters,  grant  Priviledges  conformable  to  the  popular  Bias  of  the  New 
England  Colonies. 

That  the  Eastern  Parts  of  this  Country,  comprehend  in  our  New  Counties  of  Cumberland 
and  Gloucester,  pay  a  cheerful  submission  to  this  Govern',  and  that  none  of  the  Inhabitants 
even  on  the  most  westerly  Parts  of  the  Counties  of  Albany  and  Charlotte,  where  the  New  York 
Patents  chieHy  clash  with  the  New  Hampshire  grants,  are  desirous  of  a  change  of  Jurisdiction 
for  any  other  reason,  than  because  they  conceive  hopes  of  a  support  of  their  Charters  and 
claims  by  the  Juries  and  Courts  of  Law  in  that  Province. 

Whence  it  results,  and  more  especially  as  the  malady  consists  in  the  double  Grant  of  the 
same  lands  to  different  persons,  that  independent  of  the  original  right  of  this  Prov"  and 
the  Royal  decision  in  1764.  there  are  the  most  cogent  reasons  for  continuing  that  Country 
under  the  Govern'  of  New  York  and  suffering  the  doctrine  to  prevail,  that  all  the  grants 
within  it  under  the  Seal  of  N.  Hampshire  are  void. 

I  feel  therefore  a  very  sensible  pleasure  in  the  retlection  that  I  need  be  at  no  pains  to  assign 
any  reasons  to  Your  LordP  against  a  Ilecision  of  the  declaration  of  July  ITCi,  for  I  collect  from 
Your  LordP's  correspondence  that  His  Majesty  has  no  intention  at  present  of  ciianging 
the  Jurisdiction. 

Your  LordP  has  doubtless  adverted  to  the  smallness  of  the  rents  reserved  to  the  Crown  by 
these  numerous  Charters  under  N.  Hampshire ;  and  it  is  my  duty  to  observe,  that  there  is  more 
than  ground  for  mere  conjecture,  that  they  would  under  that  Govern'  be  totally  lost.  Issued 
as  they  were  without  Surveys,  and  for  lands  described  without  accuracy,  and  often  clashing 
with  each  other,  a  handle  would  be  made  of  their  uncertainty  for  the  purpose  of  eluding  the 
payment  and  performance  of  the  Quit  Rents  and  conditions  by  a  spirit  of  litigation,  which 
would  be  restless  and  active  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  Planters  in  like  circumstances,  and 
the  popular  averson  to  all  verdicts  in  favor  of  the  Crown. 

I  understand  it,  My  Lord,  to  be  a  question  of  Law  between  the  Patentees  of  both  Govern", 
whose  is  the  best  title?  and  that  if  they  are  obstinate  in  their  claims  it  must  receive  a 
determination  in  the  Courts  of  Justice.  Certainly,  both  Govern"  had  not  authority  to  issue 
grants  of  the  same  Lands. 

If  there  is  no  hope  of  a  decision  from  the  Legislative  Authority,  the  only  prospect  of  a 
speedy  restoration  of  the  common  tranquility,  must  depend  upon  Govern"  prevailing  with  one 
or  other  of  the  contending  Parties,  to  make  voluntary  cession  of  their  claims.  For  reasons  to 
be  mentioned  in  the  sequel,  I  am  not  to  expect  ihat  the  N.  York  grantees  will  come  into  such 
a  measure ;  but  I  do  not  despair  that  this  event  may  be  effected  on  the  other  side,  if  the 
present  opportunity  is  speedily  embraced.  I  believe.  My  Lord,  that  the  claimants  under  New 
Hampshire  may  be  induced  to  throw  up  their  Charters,  upon  T(.rms. 

The  discontented  inhabitants  of  Bennington  have  declared  their  readiness  to  submit  to  the 
Royal  opinion  in  this  controversy  upon  an  apprehension,  that  it  must  one  day  come  before  His 
Maj'^  in  a  Court  of  Errors.  The  point  they  hold  is,  that  the  order  of  1764.  settled  the 
Jurisdiction  only  from  that  time,  and  that  a  prior  grant  under  N.  Hampshire  is  valid. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII.  395 

As  these  are  the  most  tenacious  asserters  of  that  Doctrine  and  Claim,  I  cannot  help  wishing 
for  some  new  Declaration  of  His  Maj'v  mind  upon  this  subject;  for  if  their  title  should  be 
deemed  vmd,  and  an  immediate  submission  take  place  in  this  Quarter,  it  will  doubtless  prevail 
throughout  the  whole  extent  of  the  controverted  Territory.  And  even  upon  the  supposition 
that  this  desirable  end  should  require  compensations  from  equitable  considerations,  towards 
the  N.  Hampshire  claimants  yet  if  proper  distinctions  are  attended  to,  it  may  be  eHected 
without  any  Tragical  consequences  to  the  settlers  as  persons  at  a  distance  and  unacquainted 
with  their  real  State  and  condition  may  imagine. 

In  prosecuting  this  subject  I  must  first  take  notice  of  the  disparity  between  the  N. 
Hampshire  Patents  &  those  under  New  York.  The  solidity  of  the  latter  being  uncontroverted 
in  this  Colony,  and  especially  those  issued  after  the  year  17G4;  the  sales  of  them  commanded 
high  prices,  not  to  mention  that  these  patents  cost  very  considerable  sums  for  the  Survey's 
and  Fees ;  whereas,  the  suspicious  circumstances  attending  the  N.  Hampshire  Grants  rendered 
them  proporlionably  cheap,  &  the  purchasers  of  them  were  considered  rather  as  gaining 
Adventures  than  certain  and  substantial  acquisitions 

And  among  these  New  Hampshire  Grants  we  carefully  distinguish  between  such  as  are 
improved,  and  those  which  from  the  little  value  set  upon  them,  are  not  only  unsettled,  but 
their  very  situation  not  accurately  known,  except  In  their  relation  to  others,  upon  which  they 
are  described  to  abutt,  and  as  they  stand  ranged  upon  a  general  I'lan  of  an  insurveved 
Territory.  ^ 

Again,  My  Lord,  with  respect  to  the  Townships  which  have  the  Name  of  being  settled, 
even  these  will  upon  examination  be  found  to  be  but  few,  and  the  improvem"  on  si^ch  slight 
estimation,  that  compensating  them  for  their  losses  out  of  the  unsettled  Townships,  or  the 
unpatented  part  of  the  Country,  will  require  no  great  proportion  of  the  waste  lands  of 
the  Crown. 

At  all  events,  these  waste  lands  alone  will  be  more  than  sulTicient  for  the  indempnity  of  all 
such  of  the  N.  Hampshire  Grants,  as  can  set  up  any  equitable  pretensions  to  His  Majesty's 
favourable  notice,  especially  as  the  Crown  can  besides,  ease  the  Grantee  by  deferring  the 
payment  as  well  as  r,  ducing  the  quantum  of  the  Quit  Rents,  and  give  a  still  further  relief  by 
commanding  that  the  New  Patents  issue  upon  moderate  Fees  to  the  Officers  of  the  Govern', 
and  without  any  to  His  Governor,  if  this  should  be  thought  reasonable. 

Your  Lord-  may  rest  assured  that  of  all  the  N.  Hampshire  Grants  interfering  with  Patents 
under  N.  York,  there  are  none  considerable  for  their  improvements,  except  that  part  of 
Hinsdale  which  was  granted  under  the  Royal  Mandamus  to  Coll :  Howard,  and  the  Township 
o(  Bennington,  and  one  or  two  more  in  that  Vicinity ;  &  I  am  persuaded,  that  the  main 
difficulty  will  lay  in  satisfying  the  settlers  in  these  Townships,  and  that  His  Majesty's  Grace 
to  the  other  N.  Hampshire  Grantees  will  be  most  gratefully  accepted. 

To  guard  against  any  improper  advantage  that  may  be  taken  of  His  Maj"''  instructions  in 
favor  of  possessions  and  improvements.  Terms  used  in  the  Report  of  the  Lords  of  Trade,  I 
must  not  omit  mentioning  to  your  Lord^,  that  with  the  Inhabitants  of  America,  they  are  not 
restrained  to  Houses,  and  Barns  and  Lands  inclosed,  and  prepared  for  the  Scythe  and  Plough, 
but  applied  often  to  a  Tract  of  girded  Trees  surrounded  by  dry  loose  brush,  and  a  square  Hutt 
made  of  unhewn  Logs,  and  covered  with  Bark. 

I  am  sensible.  My  Lord,  that  agreable  (o  these  Hints,  the  peace  of  the  Prov"  is  to  be 
puivlias.d  ,it  His  Maj'x  expense,  but  there  seems  to  be  an  inevitable  necessity  for  (he  Sacrilic- 
\..i..  \  III.  4i) 


i 


886 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i 


1  ^f 


111! 

!'"  i 

m 

PA  ,3> 


l-nf 


II  it  be  thought  to  be  most  eligible  for  His  Maj'J'  to  take  the  work  into  his  own  hands, 
without  the  Legislative  aid,  which,  I  fear  cannot  be  had  in  the  Colonies,  I  hope  your  Lordi' 
will  pardon  my  importunity  in  repeating  the  intimation  that  its  success  will  depend  upon  the 
proper  measures  being  immediately  prosecuted.  The  parties  concerned,  who,  in  the  present 
Infant  State  of  this  controversy,  may  now  listen  to  the  Royal  Voice  and  overtures,  will  in  a  very 
short  time,  look  only  to  the  Law,  for  a  settlement  of  their  disputes,  and  when  strengthened 
by  numbers,  impoverished  by  Law  suits  and  animated  by  a  concourse  of  Banditti,  whose 
interest  it  is  to  liock  to  such  troubled  quarters,  the  Law  itself  will  loose  the  authority,  and  the 
whole  Country  become  a  scene  of  the  wildest  confusion,  equally  destructive  to  the  felicity  of 
the  subject,  and  the  interest  of  the  Crown. 

Bu^  th^"  I  "onceive  the  restoration  of  the  common  tranquility,  practicable  with  some 
'liberality  to  the  N.  Hampshire  Grantees,  yet  nothing  hut  a  sense  of  duty  prompts  me  to  urge 
it,  foreseeing  as  I  do,  that  in  the  execution  of  the  trust,  much  must  be  left  to  His  Maj'-'- 
servants  in  this  Prov",  and  that  the  jealousies  of  avarice  and  ignorance  of  the  Petitioning 
Claimants  will  render  the  service  neither  desirable  nor  easy. 

Before  I  conclude,  and  for  your  LordP's  more  ready  comprehension  of  my  idea  of  the  State 
of  the  Country  in  dispute,  the  condition  and  situation  of  the  Claimants,  and  what  general 
principles  will  best  suit  the  exigency  of  those  alfairs,  I  shall,  with  the  utmost  deference  oiler 
several  propositions  for  your  LordP's  attention,  to  which  I  confess  myself  a  Convert. 

That  some  more  Kasterly  line  be  substituted  instead  of  the  Curve  line  proposed;  be  it  a 
continuation  of  the  line  agreed  upon  at  Hartford,  or  the  Western  boundary  lines  of  the  Counties 
of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester,  dividing  them  from  Albany  and  Charlotte  as  established  by  an 
Act  of  our  last  Session  either  of  which  will  reduce  the  object  of  the  Report  from  that  degree 
of  liberality  to  iXew  Hampshire,  so  alarming  to  the  I'roprietors  under  New  York. 

That  all  the  \ew  York  Patents  within  this  Govern'  be  declared  valid  whether  they  do  or  do 
not  interfere  with  prior  or  subsequent  (Jrants  under  N.  Hampshire. 

That  all  New  Hampshire  Patents  be  declared  void  being  destitute  of  Legal  foundation.  But 
that  all  occupants  under  New  Hampshire  Grants  not  covered  by  New  York  Patents,  may  have 
confirmations  of  their  Possessions  under  the  Great  Seal  of  this  Prov"  in  such  propositions,  and 
upon  such  terms  as  His  Majesty  shall  prescribe. 

That  nil  occupants  under  New  Hampshire  Titles,  and  within  New  York  Patents,  whether 
the  latter  be  prior  or  subse-iuent.  have  such  liberal  e.juivalents  out  of  the  waste  lands,  and  such 
other  indulgencies  by  a  suspension  of  (iuit  Rents,  as  His  AFaj-r  gball  think  e.,uilable,  the 
situation  of  these  Settlers  being  the  consideration  of  the  greatest  hardship  &  dilhcully. 

That  all  persons  generally,  who  shall  be  found  to  have  made  settlements  at  the  time  of 
the  Royal  order  for  terminating  these  differences  be  consi.lere.l  as  bona  fide  occupants,  it  b..in„ 
conceived  to  be  impracticable  to  distinguish  then,  according  to  the  .lilferent  periods  of  settling; 
and  that  the  settlers  would  not  accept  of  such  partial  tho'  perhaps  equitable  distinctions. 

That  a  time  be  limited  for  all  occupants  to  make  their  applications  to  Govern',  and  in  failu 
to  be  excluded. 

That  the  terms  of  the  future  instructions  upon  this  subject  lie,  as  much  as  possible,  absol.,.. 
and  unaccompanied  with  con.litional  Clauses,  that  are  dependant  on  the  dilatory  declaration  or 
the  consent,  of  the  interested  Parties. 

It  only  remains  to  say.  that  the  more  speedy  the  Royal  decision,  the  more  liberal  the  adopted 
principles,  the  greater  the  bounty  to  those  New  Hampshire  settlers  who  are  within  the  N.  York 


re 


ute 


-^t 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


3S7 


Patents,  and  the  more  extensive  the  confidence  given  to  His  Majesty's  servants  of  this 
Government,  the  more  readily  will  the  present  storm  be  dispersed,  and  a  fertile  Country  be 
reduced  to  a  State  of  cultival"  and  improvement. 

Notwithstanding  all  this,  I  stand  ready  to  make  any  experiment  with  the  Assembly  whicli 
Your  Lordship  shall  be  pleased  to  point  out.  I  am  to  request  in  the  mean  time  that  your  Lordn 
will  excuse  any  imperfections  in  these  sentiments  as  they  proceed  from  a  sincere  desire  to  give 
you  all  the  information  in  my  power  with  that  candour,  which  your  commands  and  the 
confidence  you  honor  me  with,  call  for.  The  subject  being  unusually  delicate  and  difficult,  I 
have  made  the  proper  enquiries  respecting  it,  but  in  the  use  1  have  made  of  the  information 
procured,  I  have  preserved  the  free  exercise  of  my  own  judgement,  and  the  whole  is  humbly 
submitted  to  His  Majesty's  Great  wisdom,  and  the  sagacity  of  his  Ministers. 
I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect  and  esteem 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's 

most  obedient  servant 

W""  TiivoN. 


r''fa<l 


ii'l 


N"  10. 


Sir 


A'arl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon. 

[  Nc!W-V.irk  r»iicrii  (  S.  P.  O. )  I  I, XV.  1 

Whitehall.  July  6  1773. 


I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  your  Dispatches  numbered  from  27  to  32  inclusive. 

Voiir  attention  to  the  provision  of  the  several  Acts  of  Assembly  olfered  to  you  for  your 
nsHent,  is  very  commendable,  and  the  King  approves  your  having  rejected  the  net  for  the  more 
easy  recovery  of  the  possessions  of  Lauds  and  also  that  for  calling  in'  &  cancelling  the  liills  of 
Credit,  for  the  reasons  assigned  in  your  letter  of  the  1"  of  May  ;  but  as  the  present  State 
of  this  paper  credit  of  the  Colony,  Is  an  object  of  great  importance  and  seems  to  require  the 
aid  of  the  F-egiHlature  in  order  to  give  it  a  due  stability,  F  will  not  fail  to  take  the  first 
opportunity  of  bringing  the  consideration  of  it  before  the  Board  of  Trade  as  early  as  possible 
ill  the  ensuing  autumn. 

The  final  settlement  of  the  lloundary  line  between  the  Provinces  of  New  York  and 
Massachusets  Hay  will  be  eijually  for  His  Maj'»'  inttrest  and  the  advantage  of  his  subjects; 
and  it  will  Iw  a  very  great  satisfaction  to  me  to  hear,  that  this  important  business  has  been 
accomplished  to  the  mutual  Bnlisfaction  of  both  provinces. 

I  am  My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's 

most  obedient  servant 

DAiirMiirTii. 


388 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Eail  of  Dartmouth  to  the  (lovernor^'  in  A^orth  America. 

[  I'liinUlluiu  OciwraKS.  P.O.)  CCMJC] 

Circulnr  Lre  to  the  Gov"  of 

New  York  ]]alininns 

nt-riniKJii 
liiirbiuloes 
Lewani  Islands 
CircniKles 
Dominica 
IVnsylvania 
Maryland 


Quebec 

Island  of  St  John 

New  Hampshire 

Massacluisetta  Bay 

New  Jersey 

V'irjjinia 

N"  Carolina 

(ieorgia 

West  Florida 


Rhode  Island 
Connecticut 


Whitehall  5""  July  1773 
The  Kinir  having  observed  that  the  aeeounts  received  from  IlisMalys  Governors  in  Ameriea, 
of  the  condition  of  their  respective  (iovernnieiita,  have  not  been  so  full  and  explicit  with' 
respect  to  the  state  and  progress  of  the  Commerce,  Cultivation  and  Iidiabitancy  thereof  as 
they  might  &  ought  to  have  been,  and  that  thoy  have  contented  IheniKelves  with  l);!rely 
reporting  in  their  correspondence  the  ordinary  events  of  their  administration  I  am  coniniatided 
to  transmit  to  you  the  enclosed  Heads  of  Kmiuiry  relative  to  the  Proiimr  under  your 
(..'overnment,  and  to  siunify  to  you  His  .M.ijeslys  pleasure  that  you  do.  as  speedily  as  may  he, 
transmit  to  me,  for  His  Malys  information,  a  very  full  and  particular  answer  thereto, 
accompanied  with  such  Papers  as  shall  be  necessary  to  illustrate  and  explain  every  circumsti'.nce 
that  may  appear  to  require  it 

The  rapid  progress  that  is  making  in  Commerce,  Cultivation  &  Inhabitancy  is  an  object 
that  deserve!  the  utmost  attention,  and  it  will  be  necessary  that  you  do  not  content  yourself 
with  barely  transmitting  to  me  answers  to  the  present  Heads  of  Knquiry,  but  that  you  do 
continue  to  report,  in  the  fnllesl  manner  such  variations  as  may  occur  in  any  of  the  circumstances 
relative  to  your  (iovernment  to  which  those  Ilea.ls  of  i:u(|uirv  do  apply,  as  that  you  do  from 
lime  to  time  inform  me  of  such  alterations  as  nn.y  happen  by  death  or  removals,  in  any  of 
the  civil  &  military  ofliccs.     I  urn  Sic 

Daktmoutii. 

Heads  of  F.nquiry  relative  to  the  present  state  and  condition  of  His  Majesty 
I'rovince  of  in  America. 

1  What  is  the  Situnlion  of  the  Province  under  your  (iovernment,  the  Nature  of  the  Country. 
Soil  and  Climate,  the  Latitudes  &  Longitudes  of  the  most  consi.lerable  Places  in  it  /  Have 
those  Latitudes  &  Longitudes  been  setll.-.l  by  good  observations,  or  only  by  common 
computation,  and  from  whence  nro  the  Longitudes  computed 

•J.  What  are  the  reputed  Boundaries  and  are  any  parti  thereof  disputed,  what  parts  & 
by  whoniy 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:     XLIII. 


889 


3  What  is  the  size  and  extent  of  the  Province  the  number  of  Acres  supposed  to  be  contained 
there  in,  what  part  thereof  is  cultivated  &  improved,  and  under  what  Titles  do  the  Inhabitants 
hol<l  tlieir  possessions? 

4  What  Uivers  are  there  &  of  what  extent  and  convenience  in  point  of  Commerce  ? 

6  What  are  the  principal  Harbours  how  situated,  of  what  extent  and  what  is  the  depth  of 
water  and  nature  of  Ankernge  in  each. 

G  What  is  tlie  constitution  of  the  (iovernment? 
^    7.  What  is    the  trade  of  the    |''-;,:'7}    the  number  of  shipping  belonging  thereto   their 
Tonnage,  the  number  of  Seafaring  men,  v.ith  their  respective  increase  or  diminution  within 
ten  years  past  ? 

8  What  quantity  &  sorts  of  British  Manufactures  do  the  Iniiabitants  annually  take  from 
lience,  what  good  and  commodities  are  exported  from  thence  to  Great  Britain,  and  what  is  the 
annual  amount  at  an  average 

9  What  Trade  has  the  \^Z\'y'\  ""d'T  your  Government,  with  any  Foreign  Plantations, 
or  any  part  of  Kurope  besides  Great  Britain.  How  is  the  trade  carried  on.  What  Commodities 
do  the  people  under  your  Government  send  to  or  receive  from  Foreign  Plantations  and  what  is 
the  annual  amount  thereof  at  an  average? 

10  What  Methods  are  there  used  to  prevent  illegal  Trade,  and  are  the  same  effectual  ? 

•  M«r,inn.i .  1,1  !'•  ^\  I'at    is    the    natural    Produce  of  the    Country,  Staple    Commodities  & 

IManutactures  •  and  what  value  thereof  in  sterling  money  may  you  annually  export? 

12  What  mines  are  there? 

13  What  is  the  number  of  [nhabitanta  Whites  and  Blacks? 

14  Are  the  Ii-Iiabitants  increased  or  decreased  within  the  last  ten  years ;  how  much,  and 
for  what  reasons  ? 

16  What  is  t:-e  number  of  Militia,  &  under  what  Itegulations  is  it  constituted  ? 

10  What  Forts  and  Places  of  Defence  are  there  within  your  Governm' and  in  what  condition? 

17  What  number  of  Indians  have  you,  and  how  are  they  inclined  ? 
IB  VMiat  is  the  Strength  of  the  Neighbouring  Indians? 

T.. Wmi Ki. rida  '•'  ^Vhat  effect  have  the  French  or  SpaniHh  Settlements  on  the  Mississippi 

upon  Ills  Majfstys  Plantations  especially  on  your  Province? 
!?()  Wlial  is  tlie  revenue   arising  within  your  (;overnment,   and    how    is   it   appropriated 
and  applied?  ' 

:.'l   What  are  the  ordinary  and  extraordinary  expenses  of  your  Governm'? 

22  What  are  the  estahiishments.  Civil  &  Military,  witiiin  your  Governm'  and  by  what 
authority  do  the  olllcers  hold  their  places;  what  is  the  annual  value  of  each  office,  Civil  or 
Military,  how  are  they  respectively  appointed,  and  who  are  the  present  possessors? 


i    ' 


N*  41. 


(iovmior  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

1  Nsw-Yofk  r«p«rt(».  T.  0.)  CLXV.  J 


My  Lord.  New  York  6.  July.  1773. 

As  every  appendix  of  Dignity  to  His  Maiesty's  Comn>i»«ion  to  His  Governor-  in  Am^^rica 
gives  an  augmentation  of  strength  and  influence  to  the  respective  ( iovern",  and  in  some  measure 


&± 


390 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


promotes,  the  p;  blic  interest,  r  submit  to  your  LordP  the  expediency  of  His  Miij'T"  investing  iiis 
several  Govern"  witii  tlie  privlledge  to  appoint  each  a  Chaplain,  &  the  Crown  out  of  its  bounty 
to  allow  an  adequate  salary  for  the  support  of  the  Gentleman  nominated. 

This  would  be  a  peculiar  mark  of  distinction  to  the  members  of  the  church  of  England,  who 
stand  in  need  of  every  possible  aid  and  protection  from  Govern',  and  as  such  I  humbly  propose 
Its  consideration  to  His  Maj'>''  attention,  and  your  LordP's  favorable  countenance. 
I  am  with  the  greatest  respect  &  esteem 

My  Lord 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  servant 

W"-   TUVON. 


<  ■«  •  I'  fc 


Chief  Justice  I/or-'^    ariJen  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[Ncw>Tork  Pipert  (8.  !•.  0.)  CLXV.] 

My  Lord,  New  York.  23.  July  1773. 

Your  LordP's  favour  of  the  lO'"  of  April  last  I  was  honored  with  on  my  return  hither,  on  the 
13""  inst :,  after  the  close  of  our  Commission  at  Rhode  Island  concerning  the  affair  of  the  Gasnec. 
It  giv^s  me  great  pleasure  that  my  representation  of  the  20">  of  Febr^  has  the  honor  of  your 
LordP's  approbation ;  and  now  beg  leave  to  observe  to  your  LordP.  what  has  occurred  to  me 
after  the  hn.shmg  our  Report.  For  waiting  some  days  at  Newport  for  a  passage  wind  & 
weaU.er.  I  was  accidentally  informed  of  a  piece  of  evidence,  wh'',  had  it  come  to  light  sooner, 
would  most  probably  have  cut  our  business  shorter. 

An  Officer  of  a  Man  of  War  stationed  at  Newport,  to  whoni  the  Negroe  Aaron  was  turned 
over,  informed  me,  that  upon  his  examining  the  fellow  one  day  before  his  Master,  and  his  two 
Negroes  who  came  on  iioiird,  and  interrogating  face  to  face,  the  fellow  prevaricated  much,  but 
still  persisted  in  the  main  of  his  story,  notwithstanding  confronted  by  the  Master  and  his  two 
Negroes,  who  declares  that  he  slept  with  them  all  that  night,  on  which  the  Gaspee  was 
destroyed.  The  Master  an.l  his  Negroes  being  dismissed,  the  Officer  upon  what  he  had  heard 
from  the  Master  and  his  Negroes,  &  had  observed  from  the  conduct  of  Aaron  upon  the  occasion, 
concluded,  he  was  an  Imposter.and  charged  him  home  as  such,  and  told  him  he  was  convinced, 
lie  was  no  more  concerned  in  that  affliir  than  he  himself  was,  and  conjured  him  to  tell  the 
♦ruth,  and  at  len^nh  he  confessed  twas  all  a  fiction,  which  he  was  constrained  to,  for  saving 
liimsell  from  the  punishment  threatned  him  on  board  the  other  Man  of  War,  as  they  had 
charged  him  so  positively  with  being  one  concerned,  &  therefore  thought  ho  must  confess 
'imsclf  guilty  and  name  some  principal  people  as  Accessaries. 

My  Lord,  a  few  days,  alter  the  (iaspee  burnt,  one  of  the  stationed  ships  at  Newport,  went 
and  anchored  close  hy  the  Island  called  I'rudence,  where  the  Master  of  Aaron  lived,  about 
seven  miles  from  wlu  re  the  (laspee  lay,  and  Aaron  purposing  to  run  awny  from  his  Master 
went  on  board  in  a  snnli  Canoe,  and  they  rightly  guessed  of  his  intention  and  threatened  to 
whip  him,  but  on  second  thoughts  cliarge<i  him  as  a  confederate  in  destroying  the  (iaspee,  and 
If  he  did  not  confess  an  I  make  discovery,  they  would  whip  him,  lu.d  Imiig  him  up  at  the 
yard  arm. 


M 


I 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


391 


And  thus,  My  Lord,  this  forced  confession  of  the  Negroe  Aaron  has  been  held  up  by  the 
Marine  as  a  hopeful  and  sure  clue  to  unravel  tills  mystery  of  iniquity.  The  Fellow  might 
probably  have  heard  the  names  of  the  most  noted  and  principal  Traders,  at  Providence  a^nd 
other  trading  Towns  in  that  neighborhood,  though  he  might  not  know  their  persons,  and  one 
D^  Weeks  inserted  in  his  list  he  might  know  personally,  as  an  attendant  upon  his  Masters 
family;  but  my  sentiments  upon  the  whole  are  that  this  daring  insult  was  committed  by  a 
number  of  bold,  daring,  rash,  enterprizing  sailors,  collected  suddenly  from  the  neighborhood, 
who  banded  themselves  together,  upon  this  Bold  enterprize,  but  by  whom  stimulated  for  the 
purpose,  1  cannot  conjecture,  they  cunningly  calculated  the  attack  at  a  time  of  night  under 
the  Gaspee's  disadvantage  a  ground,  when  'twas  probable,  the  Crew  would  be  below  deck  and 
a  sleep,  as  was  the  case,  only  one  centry  on  deck,  and  thus  by  surprize  easily  boarded 
and  plundered  her. 

My  Lord,  I  have  been  two  voyages  of  four  hundred  miles  each  upon  this  occasion  at  great 
expense,  &  no  small  fatigue  for  a  person  of  my  age  viz'  seventy  six,  and  I  assure  your  LordP,  [ 
am  already  upwards  of  two  hundred  pounds  out  of  pocket,  and  am  still  liable  for  my  proportion 
with  the  other  Commissioners  for  the  pay  of  the  Clerks  we  found  necessary  to  attend  us  upon 
the  service,  and  though  we  have  not  had  the  wished  for  success,  we  hope  his  Maj'^  will 
graciously  accept  our  sincere  endeavours. 

My  Lord,  I  have  lately  received  Advice,  that  His  Maj"  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  sign  a 
Warr'  for  my  salary  as  Chief  Justice,  whicii  further  adds  to  the  obligations  your  LordP  has 
conferred  upon  me,  which  I  cannot  but  esteem  with  the  utmost  gratitude. 
I  am  with  profound  respect. 
My  Lord, 

Vour  Lord'''8  most  obliged  &  dutiful 
humble  servant 

Dan:  Hoksmanuen. 


S"  U. 


Sir 


J'Jarl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryoii, 

[N.iwYork  riipen(8.  r.  0.)CI.XV. ) 

Whitehall  4  August.  1773. 


Your  Dispatches  iVo'  .'J3,  34,  35  and  3G.  have  been  received  and  laid  before  the  King. 

'{'he  settlement  of  tlio  line  of  jurisdiction  between  the  IVovinces  of  New  York  and 
Massachiisetl's  Bay,  is  a  very  fortunate  event,  and  your  attention  in  this  business  is  very  much 
iipproved  by  His  Majesty.  You  may  be  assured,  8ir,  I  will  do  every  thing  on  my  part  that 
the  Itoyal  Conlirmation  of  the  agreement  shall  be  obtained  as  soon  as  possible,  but  I  fear,  the 
unavoidable  lorms  of  Oilice,  and  some  dehcacy  as  to  (he  mode  of  sigiulying  that  conlirmation, 
will  not  allow  me  to  send  it  to  you  before  the  next  Packet. 

In  your  Dispatch  ;}4.  yon  say,  you  have  reason  to  a|)prehend,  that  your  arrangement  of  the 
Militia  is  not  entirely  approved ;  but  1  urn  persuaded,  8ir,  you  will  do  mu  the  justice  lo  beiiivo 


392 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


that  I  could  not  mean  to  disapprove  any  arrangement  which,  in  your  opinion,  was  essential  to 
the  security  ol  N.  York  or  to  the  dignity  of  its  Govern';  I  certainly,  however,  did  mean  to  convey 
an  opinion  that  such  arrangements  ought  not  to  be  made  until  the  nature  &  extent  of  them 
have  been  fully  stated,  and  the  King's  pleasure  signified  thereupon. 

I  have  read  and  considered  your  letter  35  with  great  attention,  and  still  remain  of  opinion, 
that  a  License  given  without  the  King's  previous  consent  and  Instruction,  to  private  persons  to 
make  purchases  from  the  Indians  of  above  a  million  of  acres  of  Land,  accompanied  with  an 
engagement  to  confirm  their  title  by  letters  Patent  under  the  Seal  of  the  Colony,  was  contrary 
to  the  plain  intention  of  the  Koyal  Proclam'"of  1763.  incompatible  with  the  spirit  of  the  King's 
Instructions,  and  an  improper  exercise  of  the  power  of  granting  Lands,  vested  in  the  Gov'  and 
Council.  At  the  same  time.  Sir,  if  I  have  expressed  any  thing  in  my  letters  to  you  upon  that 
subject,  which  conveyed  the  most  distant  censure  of  the  motives  on  which  you  acted,  it  was 
more  than  I  either  felt  or  intended  to  express,  being  fully  satisfied,  that  your  conduct  did  not 
proceed  from  any  unworthy  motives,  but  was  the  result  of  an  opinion  in  which  you  was  misled 
by  the  practice  of  some  of  your  predecessors — 

It  will  not  however  become  me,  thinking  as  I  do  of  this  transaction,  to  advise  the  King,  in 
the  present  moment,  to  permit  the  Royal  Fiat  to  be  given  to  a  G.ant  of  the  Lands  ;  nor  do  I 
at  the  same  time  wish  that  the  persons,  who  have  really  „nd  bona  fide,  incurred  expenses  upon 
this  occasion,  should  be  discouraged  from  the  hope  of  a  reasonable  and  just  compensation  in 
some  shape  or  other;  but  I  must  be  Letter  informed  of  many  circumstances  before  lean  judge 
in  what  mode  it  can  be  given ;  and  it  is  for  this  reason,  as  well  as  from  a  consideration  of  the 
want  of  a  more  ample  and  precise  explanation  of  the  state  of  the  province  in  general  respecting 
those  ditlV-ent  claims  to  lands  which  have  been  the  source  of  so  much  disquiet  and  disorder 
that  I  have,  humbly  moved  the  King  that  you  may  be  directed  tj  come,  for  a  short  time  to 
England,  &  His  Maj'-  having  been  graciously  pleased  to  approve  thereof.  Enclosed  I  send  You 
the  Royal  sign  Manual  for  that  purpose,  not  doubting  that  you  will  come  fully  prepared  with 
every  information  that  may  be  necessary  in  the  consideration  of  a  business  that  involves  such 
variety  of  pretensions,  and  is  entangled  with  such  uncommon  ditliculty.  I  am  to  acquaint  you 
however,  (hat  it  is  not  expected  that  you  should  come  away  immediately,  if  either  the  King's 
service  or  your  own  private  affairs  should,  in  your  own  opinion,  make  it  inconvenient  to  you. 

I  am  ettc. 

Dartmouth. 


J'Mrl  of  DartmnUh  to  Sir    William  Johnson. 

(ri«nl»UoinOpncriil(H.  1'.  o.,  No.  0.  )rci,lX.  ] 

j^jj.  Whitehall  d"-  Aug.  1773 

I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  your  Dispatches  of  the  22'"'  and  .W  of  April. 

'J't.e  importance  of  k.-eping  the  (\,nfcderncy  of  the  Six  Nations  firmly  attaclie<I  to  uh  must 
be  obvious  to  every  one,  and  your  attention  to  that  object  and  to  preventing  any  defection  of 
the  Senecas  is  approved  by  the  King 


-Jl 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


393 


What  you  state  in  your  letter  N»  5  respecting  tlie  view  with  which  you  endeavored  to  bri-.ig 
bacli  such  of  the  Six  Nations  as  had  separated  themselves  from  the  Confederacy,  is  very  full 
and  satisfactory,  and  from  your  explanation  of  your  conduct  on  that  occasion,  and  of  the 
situation  to  which  they  had  removed,  I  see  clearly  the  utility  and  advantage  of  your  plan  and 
am  persuaded  it  will  have  a  good  effect 

What  you  have  said  also  of  the  entire  acquiescence  of  the  Six  Nations  in  the  Plan  for 
establishing  a  Governm'  on  the  Ohio,  has  satisfied  all  my  doubts  on  that  head,  and  I  hope  the 
other  Tribe  will  by  degrees,  be  better  reconciled  to  that  measure 

To  Sir  W-  Johnson  B'  ^  ^"'  *"       Dauxmouth 


NMG. 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmmith. 

[  Kew-Tork  Papers  (  S.  V.  0. )  CLXV.  ] 


»-    ,      .  New  York  31.  August.  1773. 

I  have  the  honor  of  your  Lord^'s  dispatch  N"  9. 

No  event  can  be  more  desirable  or  more  essentia!  to  this  Colony,  than  a  generous  &  equitable 
plan,  for  accommodating  the  disputes  concerning  the  Lands,  between  Connecticut  &  Hudson's 
Rivers,  and  on  Lake  Champlain ;  and  it  is  among  my  warmest  wishes  that,  the  great  pa':  is 
&  anxiety  which  your  LordP  has  been  pleased  to  bestow  on  these  delicate  points,  may  yet  be 
productive  of  success.  My  own  sentiments  I  submitted  to  your  LordP's  consideration  in  my 
dispatch  N»  37.  and  to  which  after  the  most  deliberate  consideration  I  am  obliged  to  adhere, 
iirmly  persuaded,  as  I  am,  that  nothing  but  a  provision  for  the  New  Hampshire  occupants  out 
of  the  waste  lands,  can  afford  any  tolerable  prospect  of  a  settlement  to  this  Branch  of  the 
controversy.  Emboldened  by  impunity  and  under  no  restraint  of  Law,  the  turbulent  part  of 
these  people,  are  continually  guilty  of  the  most  flagrant  excesses,  which,  while  they  call  aloud 
for  the  animadversion  o(  (Joverii',  lead  this  Country  earnestly  to  wish,  that  whatever  expedient 
to  extinguish  these  trouhles,  shall  be  dictated  by  His  Maj"'*  wisdom  and  Justice,  its  effects 
may  be  immediate  and  decisive,  for  until  each  event,  that  part  of  the  Country  which  is  the 
object  of  the  dispute,  will  continue  in  a  state  of  lliot,  barbarity  &  confusion. 

I  may  venture  to  assure  your  Lord?  that  while  the  New  Hampshire  Claimants  can  flatter 
themselves  with  the  idea  even  of  the  possibility  of  a  determination  in  their  favor,  they  will 
never  submit  to  (Jovern',  and  the  authority  of  the  Laws,  and  if  the  verdict  of  the  Courts  of 
Law  should  be  against  them,  nothing  less,  than  compulsion  will  quiet  or  remove  the  Banditti 
flocking  to  those  parts. 

It  is  a  misfortune  that  no  suite  can  i)e  brought  fully  to  comprehend  the  merits  of  every  case 
and  lay  the  foundation  of  a  general  question  which  could  be  decisive,  for  though  all  the  N. 
Hampsliire  claims  originate  from  the  same  source,  and  depend  on  the  same  authority,  yet 
there  are  particular  circumstances  that  distinguish  them.  In  some  instances  the  New  York 
grantees  have  the  first  title,  in  others  and  most  generally  the  N.  Hampshire  Charters  are 
prior;  ihu'  I  am  told  in  some  of  these  cases,  a  few  N.  York  I'atentet-s  are  the  first  occupants. 
Vol..  Mil.  go 


394 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


A;^ain  in  some  instances  the  New  Hampshire  intrusions  preceeded  the  Royal  Decree  of  1764. 
though  in  general  they  were  subsequent.  In  some  they  have  encroached  within  20  miles  of 
Hudson  s  Liver,  in  others,  iiept  at  a  greater  distance,  and  lastly,  the  reasons  assigned  in  my 
Dispatch  N"  37.  will  show  the  impracticability  to  collect  the  numerous  New  York  Proprietors, 
or  obtain  their  sentinients  on  any  system  for  a  general  pacification.  These  hints  I  have  thought 
it  my  duty  to  suggest,  that  your  Lordn  may  be  fully  informed  of  every  thing  that  occurs  to  me 
on  the  occasion. 

On  the  principle,  My  Lord,  that  the  Grants  from  the  Govern'  of  New  Hampshire,  or  from 
the  Crown  of  France,  or  its  officers  were  issued  without  Lawful  authority,  and  consequently 
convey  no  right  to  the  grantees,  nothing  can  be  more  just  and  proper,  than,  that  the  King 
should  reserve  to  himself  the  determination  of  what  is  adviseable  to  be  done  thereon,  and  that 
the  Claimants  unable  to  sustain  their  pretensions,  should  be  referred  to  His  Maj''"'  grace 
and  indulgence. 

These  are  sentiments,  which  I  formed  after  a  deliberate  consideration  of  every  ihing 
which  could  throw  light  upon  the  subject,  and  it  is  with  singular  satisfaction,  that  I  observe, 
they  so  well  agree  with  what  your  Lord?  is  pleased  to  express  on  this  occasion. 

I  oliall  not  at  present  ♦rouble  your  Lord''  with  any  remarks  respecting  the  Indian  purchases; 
I  can  truly  say  it  is  to  me  a  subject  of  pain  and  uneasiness,  as  if  any  thing  wrong  (and  that 
innocently)  has  been  done,  it  is  to  be  ascribed  to  me  alone.  1  foresee,  tliat  the  repayment  of  the 
purchaser's  whole  expenses,  at  a  remote  day,  and  out  of  lands,  which  they  consider  as  their 
own,  will  neither  be  thought  a  compensation,  nor  relieve  me  from  their  ii^mortunities  nor 
complaints.  Permit  me  therefore  to  beseech  your  LordP  to  give  my  Dispatch  N»  35,  which 
relates  expressly  to  this  bus.ness  a  favorable  perusal,  and  to  recommend  it  to  His  Maj'''a 
gradous  attention. 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect  and  esteem 

My  Lord. 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  servant 

W™  Thvon. 


I 


Sir, 


Governor  Tryon  to  Major-Generid  Haldimand. 

[  Ntw-Vofk  I'apara  ( 8.  V.  O. )  CLXV.  ] 

New  York.  1"  Septemb'  1773. 


The  very  alarming  Insults  and  injuries  that  have  been  lately  offered  by  the  N.  Hampshire 
Rioters  to  the  persons  and  Properties  of  His  Maj'J"  subjects  settled  under  titles  from  this 
Province,  on  the  East  side  of  Lake  Champ!:'ln,  jiaving  compelled  this  (iovern'  to  seek  the 
protection  of  the  Military  power,  in  aid  of  the  Civil  authority. 

I  am  to  request  your  assistance,  agreable  to  the  advice  given  me  yesterday  by  His  Maj''' 
Council  set  forth  in  the  Extract  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Council  Board,  which  I  have  the  honor 
herewith  to  inclose  to  you. 

I  am  with  much  respect  and  esteem  Sir 

Yuur  most  obedient  servant 

W"  Trvon. 


nmm 


'¥ 


!• 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


395 


Major -General  Ilaldimand  to  Governor  Tryon. 

[Now.Yoik  Pupen  (8.  P.  0.)  CLXV.] 


Sir, 


New  York.  1  Sept'  1773. 


I  have  just  received  the  honor  of  your  letter  of  this  day's  date,  with  the  minutes  of  Council 
therewith  sent,  on  which  I  beg  to  maiie  the  following  observations. 

That  in  the  present  circumstances  of  affairs  in  America,  it  appears  to  me  of  a  dangerous 
tendency  to  employ  Regular  Troops,  where  there  are  Militia  Laws,  and  where  the  Civil 
Magistrate  can  at  any  time  call  upon  its  trained  Inhabitants  to  aid  and  assist  them  in  the 
performance  of  their  office,  and  the  execution  of  the  Laws  in  force  against  Rioters,  and  for  the 
protection  of  the  lives  and  properties  of  His  Majesty's  subjects. 

That  the  idea,  that  a  few  lawless  Vagabonds,  can  prevail  in  such  a  Govern'  as  that  of  New 
York,  as  to  oblige  =ts  Gov  to  have  recourse  to  the  Regular  Troops  to  suppress  them,  appears 
to  me  to  carry  wit'  ;t  such  reflection  of  weakness  as  I  am  affraid  would  be  attended  with  bad 
consequences,  and  rendered  the  authority  of  the  Civil  Magistiate  when  not  supported  by  the 
Troops,  contemptible  to  the  Inhabitants. 

I  have  further  to  observe  that  Crown  I'oint,  being  entirely  destroyed  and  unprovided  for  the 
quartering  of  Troops,  and  Tieonderoga,  being  in  a  most  ruinous  state ;  such  Troops  as  might 
be  sent  thither,  would  not  be  able  to  stay  a  sufficient  time  at  those  posts  to  render  them  of 
much  utility. 

If  however  you  persist  in  your  request  and  think  it  absolutely  necessary  to  send  troops 
thither,  I  beg  to  know  the  number  of  Troops  you  will  think  necessary,  &  when  they  may  be 
wanted.  You  will  also  please  to  provide  for  the  expenses  that  may  attend  their 
transportation  ettc  to  these  Posts. 

1  have  the  honor  to  be  witn  the  greatest  esteem  and  respect — Sir— Your  ettc 

Fred:  Haldimand. 


i      '. 


I      !i 


Sir  William  Johmon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth . 

I  Planlallon«  OoiiiTol  (8.  T.  0.,  No.  6)  CCLIX.  ] 

-,    .      .  Johnson  Hall  Sep  22''  1773 

My  Lord  ^ 

My  late  ill  state  of  Health  having  rendered  it  necessary  that  I  should  go  the  Sea  Side,  in 
order  to  make  use  of  the  Sea  Water,  It  was  not  sooner  in  my  power  to  say  any  thing  material, 
to  y'  Lordship  on  the  subject  of  your  dispatch  of  April  last  (N"  4)  especially  as  I  wrote  two 
letters  to  your  Lordship  during  that  month  (N"'  4  &  5) 

Amongst  other  particulars  of  intelligence  since  my  last  transmitted  by  my  Deputy  to  the 
Southward  and  from  the  Indians,  I  lind  that  a  certain  Captain  Bullet'  with  a  large  number  of 

■  (:.i|.t„i«  TimuAs  lUixiT,  of  Virt;ii.U,  the  f.H.mler  of  the  city  of  Louisville.  Ky..  w»<i  a  m.n  of  ^roat  oner^-y  an.!  enterprise 
H..  »orr..a  .in,l,.r  Wa.-liinKton  on  tlu-  frontior,  an,l  was  aftorwar.ls  In  tho  battle  whioh  resiilte.i  in  BraJ,lock's\lofeat  Uavintf 
been  .,nt  .luwu  the  Ohio  in  1773,  t,y  (iovernor  l.unnior,.,  to  make  .nrToy^  he  lan.Ied  anj  bnill  the  fir»t  cabin  on  the  site  of 
the  |,r..s..nt  c,ly  of  l.om-villo.  TIk  knowl.  .Ik-  uo,,uir.Ml  of  tho  eoun.ry  in  this  .xploration  eonfirnK.l  him  in  h  s  >let,.rn,ina- 
tion  to  settle  m  ,t,  and  I.,  acconlingly  hastened  back  to  hi.  friend,  to  procure  supplie.  and  to  induce  then  to  accompany  him 
t..  lu.  new  home.  Rut  he  was  unfortunately  pruvented  from  aecompli.hing  Li,  purpcc  by  .icknes.  and  .udden  death. 
ilarthalCt  JItttory  of  h'tnluckt/,  I,,  .31,  _K!>. 


■% 


306 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


People  from  Virginia  are  gone  down  the  Ohio  beyont?  the  Limits  of  the  proposed  Government, 
with  authority  (as  is  said)  to  survey  and  layout  Lands  there,  wliich  are  to  be  forthwith 
Patented  this  has  a  good  deal  alarmed  the  Indians  who  sent  Six  Shawanese  from  Sioto  to 
Pittsburgh  wirli  a  message  thereupon  a  copy  of  which  is  herewith  enclosed.  A  little  before 
these  Messengers  were  dispatched  from  Sioto,  Two  Indianfi  returned  to  that  Town  from  the 
Arkansr_  and  Dussesses  where  they  had  been  on  public  business,  who  were  called  to  a  meeting 
by  some  Spaniards  and  French  who  delivered  them  several  Speeches,  setting  forth  the  danger 
all  their  Nations  were  in  from  the  designs  of  the  English,  who  they  said  had  it  in  vi^w  to 
possess  all  their  Country.  Custalaga  Cheif  of  the  Delawares  with  a  hundred  of  his  Nation 
have  retired  on  invitation  below  the  falls  of  Ohioto,"  the  Wabash  Indians,  there  are  still  eight 
hundred  Delawares  &  Mimsies  at  their  former  phces  of  residence  about  Ohio,  but  many  of  them 
talk  of  removing  lower  down,  with  a  view  as  I  understand  &  have  reason  to  beleive,  of  joining 
the  other  Tribes  and  becoming  more  formidable  to  us  —  The  Indians  in  April  last  at  Sioto, 
returned  my  Dej-uty  for  answer  to  the  information  I  gave  them  of  His  Majestys  Intentions  to 
form  a  Colony  on  Ohio,  and  of  the  evacuating  of  F'ort  Pitt,  that  they  were  very  thankfull  for 
the  whole  they  had  thereof  and  hoped  that  the  person  appointed  to  govern  there  would  prove 
a  wise  man  and  restrain  tlid  abuses  in  Trade  &  irregulaiities  committed  by  the  Frontier 
Inhabitants,  which  continued  to  cause  much  discontentm'  amongst  them.  After  this,  they 
proposed  to  hold  conferences  with  the  Ouabache  !ndians  and  Cherokees  Src"  in  July,  &  then 
if  the  Season  would  admit  of  it,  purposed  to  come  to  a  congress  with  me  which  they  could  i.ot 
do  earlier  as  my  di>jpatches  and  Belts  had  been  unluckily  delayed  at  Fort  Pitt,  so  long  that 
they  could  not  meet  me  at  the  time  appointed  The  Shawanese  on  the  whoie  appear  at 
present  the  most  attentive  to  the  Six  Nations  Councils  of  any  to  the  Southward,  but  they  are 
much  alarmed  at  the  numbers  who  go  from  Virginia  &,"  in  pursuit  of  new  settlements  leaving 
large  Tracts  of  Country  unsettled  behind  them,  and  who  I  am  sorry  to  find  can  not  be 
restrained  being  numerous,  &  remote  from  the  influence  and  Seats  of  Government,  and  the 
old  claims  of  Virginia  conspiring  to  encourage  them,  so  long  as  they  confine  themselves  within 
the  ceded  Tract.  The  Indians  can  be  satisfied  that  they  have  little  cause  of  complaint,  &  this 
was  one  principal  reason  for  tiie  extent  of  the  purchase  but  these  People  are  not  to  be  confinr.-: 
by  any  Boundaries  or  Limits,  and  the  rest  of  their  conduct  is  alike  disortlerly,  sr  that 
Robberries  &  Murders  are  &  will  be  committed,  and  I  wish  it  may  go  i-o  f-  .lier,  as  it 
assuredly  would  have  done  long  since,  had  I  not  thrown  difficulties  in  the  way  of  their  scheme 
for  a  general  alliance. 

These  settlers  generally  set  out  with  a  general  Prejudice  against  all  Indians  and  the  young 
Indian  Warriors  or  Hunters  are  too  ofien  inclined  to  re»nliate,  a  Party  of  the  latter  from  the 
upper  Senecp"  very  latf  )y  killed  four  French  men  in  a  Birch  Canoe  on  Lake  Ontario,  they  made 
light  of  it  till  they  were  told  that  these  men  were  British  Subjects  and  under  our  protection, 
but  I  have  not  as  yet  received  the  particulars  when  I  do,  I  shall  take  the  Steps  proper  on  that 
occasion,  most  of  these  evils  result  from  the  rapid  intrusion  on  Lands,  and  the  unrestrained 
irregularities  in  Trade,  to  which  I  see  no  prospect  of  a  period,  from  any  stepsthat  are  likely 
to  be  taken  in  the  Colonies. 

During  my  absence  from  this  place  M^  Richard  Shuckburgh*  Secret'^  for  Indian  affairs  died 
suddenly     I  mentioned  in  a  letter  my  desire  to  be  permitted  to  recommend  to  tha^  oflice 


on 


'  Sle.  Qu  i  Ohio  to. 


'  8ee  note  supra,  p.  244.  —  Kd. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


397 


such  nn  event  from  the  opportunity  I  may  be  presumed  to  have  of  chooseing  a  gentleman  well 
&  sufficen  ly  quahhed  for  the  discharge  of  its  duties,  in  the  hopes  of  whichlndSigence,  I  shall 
take  the  iiherty  o    recommending  such  person  in       ,  next  letter  I  shall  have  the  honor  to 

acco"::  ofTe  l"r  "?•  "'^r  '  ;°r  '"  '^^^  ''  "-  ^^  P°"«^  *°  -P-^  «  —  -^isfactory 
account  of  the  Indian  Councils  and  the  prospect  of  affairs  with  them 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  great  esteem 

My  Lord 

Y'our  Lordships 

most  obedient  and 

most  humble  Servant 

W  Johnson 


-♦•♦-♦-^••- 


N"  49. 


Governor  Tryon  to  tU  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  New-Tork  Pap«i»  ( 8.  P.  0. )  CLXV.  ] 

New  York.  1  October.  1773. 


My  Lord. 

numblrrilM""'  ^ourt  of  Chancery  within  this  Colony,  are  so  greatly  encreased  both,  as  to 

dispatch  so  essen  -n.  v.-         ns  of  .  julty,  and  attend  the  other  important  duties  of  my  Station 
1  am  thercOae  hu-..^iy  to  request  your  LordP's  solicitations  with  His  Maj'^  for  permission 

..-  -e  to  :;^..:   .  a  Master  of  the  Kc.is.  with  the  same  powers  as  that  office  is  vested  with  in 

iiic       uii  of  Chancery  at  home. 

If  a  should  not  be  found  ...p.dient  to  affix  a  salary  for  the  support  of  the  Master,  I  have 

Z  on "rt r  ^     •"  '  T^'r  '"'^  '''  '"'^'^  ^°'"  '"'"  ^y  '^'  Legislature  here  at  the  next 
SeM.on.  The  Country  sensibly  feehng.  no  less  than  myself  the  necessity  of  such  an  officer 
.  im  with  the  greatest  respect  and  Esteem 
My  Lord 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  and 

very  humble  Servant. 

VV"'  Tryon. 


.-} 


N'SO. 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  N«w-Tork  P»pen  (8.  P.  O.)  CLXV.  ] 

New  York.  3  October.  1773. 


My  Lord, 

By  the  honor  of  your  Lordn's  letters  N"  10  &  11.  I  have  the  extream  satisfaction  to  learn, 
my  conduct,  respecting  the  Acts  therein  mentioned,  has  met  with  his  Maj-^' approbation,  as 
well,  as  my  attention  to  obtain  with  (JoV  Hutchinson  the  settlement  of  the  Boundary  line, 
between  th.s  and  the  Massachusett's  Colony ;  Commiss"  from  the  two  Govern"  are  to  meet  the 
11    of  this  Month  on  the  spot  to  carry  the  Survey  of  the  line  into  execn.inn. 


398 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ill  ,  f 

Vi-     ,  i 


(Jiihnppy  as  I  find  myself  in  not  persuading  your  Lorrti'of  ilie  equity  in  letting  the  Proprietors 
of  the  Indian  purciinses,  have  the  confirmation  under  the  seal  of  the  Prov";  I  am  nevertheless 
myself  much  consoled  hy  your  Lonl^'a  very  delicate  and  honorary  sentiments  on  the  molivea 
of  my  conduct  in  that  transaction  ;  these  Licences  for  Indian  purchases  were  obtained  in  the 
P'arl  of  Dunmore's  Administration;  the  application  of  the  million  of  Acres  did  not  originate 
with  me;  Indeed,  I  thought  myself  truly  within  my  duty,  not  viewing  the  steps  taken,  either  as 
incompatible  with  the  Uoyal  Proclamat"  of  17G3.  or  the  King's  instructions,  otherwise  than 
as  circumstances  of  the  case  required,  in  order  to  carry  into  execution  the  Uoyal  intention  of 
Indian  sales,  Americans,  I  guess  will  hardly  be  found  to  buy  lands,  considered  as  already 
purchased  by  their  countrymen  ;  if  the  lands  remain  unpatented,  there,  will  be  equal  prejudice 
both  to  Crown  and  Parties,  the  King  being  withheld  from  his  Quit  Rents,  and  the  Proprietors 
debarred  from  the  cultivation  of  their  purchases.  Upon  the  whole,  I  plainly  foresee,  that  the 
confirmations  of  these  lands  to  the  parties  soliciting  for  them,  will  be  the  business  of  my 
successor  in  office. 

Were  more  effectual  Laws  framed  in  the  several  Colonies  for  the  punctual  receipt  of  the 
King's  Quit  Rents,  the  whole  vacant  lands  in  America  could  not,  in  my  estimation,  be  too  soon 
thrown  into  the  hands  of  His  Maj'*''  subjects  liable  to  the  Quit  Rent.  The  Revenue  arising 
therefrom  would  be  more  solid  as  well  as  more  valuable  than  any  occasional  Emolument 
growing  from  the  sales  of  the  King's  lands :  which,  upon  experience,  I  fear,  will  fall  short  of 
the  speculative  plan  (distinction  being  made  here  between  the  King  and  the  subject  selling  of 
land).  As  my  opinion  however  on  this  point  is  merely  speculation,  I  submit  it  with  great 
deference  to  your  Lord^'s  reflection.     I  am  with  all  possible  esteem  and  respect  —  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  &  very  humble 
servant 

W"  Thyon. 


?>•  12 


JSarl  of  Dartmouth  to  Oovenwr  Ti-yon. 

[  Naw-Tork  P«p<n  ( 8.  P.  O. )  OLXT.  ] 

Whitehall.  14.  October  1773. 


Sir. 

Inclosed  I  send  you  by  the  King's  commands,  an  order  of  His  Maj"^  in  Council  on  the  1"  of 
Sepi'  last  disallowing  two  Acts'  passed  in  N.  York  in  the  year  1772;  and  that  you  mtjy  know 
the  reasons,  which  induced  such  disallowance ;  I  send  you  inclosed,  copy  of  the  representation 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  thereupon. 

By  such  parts  of  this  representation,  as  relates  to  the  Act  for  preventing  private  Lotteries 
you  will  perceive  that  their  LordP's  objections  are  not  to  the  object  of  the  act  which  they 
consider  as  highly  laudable,  but  to  the  manner  in  which  the  Legislature  have  thought  proper 
to  pursue  that  object,  and  I  am  to  signify  to  you  His  Maj"'  Royal  permission  to  give  assent  to 

'These  acts  were  entitleil,  "An  act  more  effectually  to  prevent  privat«  Ij)ttcries,"  and  "An  BCt  to  prevent  iufeotiom 
dUtcmpera  io  the  counties  therein  mentioned."  Ne«  ■  York  Council  UinuUt,  XXXI..  83,  —  Ed, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII.  onn 

I  am  ettc. 

Dartmouth 


i'rm 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon. 


N-  13. 


[  NewTork  P.pers  (  8.  P.  0. )  CLX  V. ) 


Whitehall  14"-  Oct'  1773. 


requisition  in  consequence  of  the  advice  of  vour  C.nSx  T    .  necessity;  and  that  your 

it  approved  by  His  Majesty  ^  ""'  "  "'"  ""'^•'^  '^"  '^'  'circumstances  of 

•*     '■  I  am  ettc. 

Dartmouth. 


Governor  Tryon  to  Governor  Penn. 

[  Penni7lvaDl«  Archlvn,  IV.,  467.] 

Sir,  New  York,  28'"  Oct.,  1773. 

.  .«v..a ..  ,H,  sec.,.,,  .f  .Ke  r„vi„„,  r.^irgr:.:,:  °  s  m.™": 

and  amply,  as  the  nature  of  the  questions  required  •  all  whirh  rpnnr»«  i  /'""V  ^  ,  "^^  '^""y 
sensible  friend  here,  to  combine  together,  by  Z  of  "cet  .  r  '  ".  '"  f''  '"  '""" 
With  the  Vouchers  aforesaid,  I  sfall  ca^r/^L"  withTln^r  SpHn;trir;i:r\' 
c  nfess    have  neither  genius,  leisure,  nor  inclination  to  prompt  me  to  att  m'pt  the  ComZi 

I  thank  you  for  your  offer  of  civilities,  and  am  with  much  Esteem, 

Sir, 

your  most  obed't  and 

Very  Humble  Servant 
Wm.  Tryon. 
'  Supra,  p.  888.  —  Kn. 


on 
lan 


400 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon. 


u 


If;-, 


N»  14. 


[New- York  r«p«ri  (8.  P.  O.)  CLXV.] 


Whitehall.  28.  October.  1773. 


Sir, 

My  letter  of  the  14""  inst:  contains  the  signification  of  His  Maj"''  Commands  upon  the 
occasion  of  the  disturbances  in  Charlotte  Cou  i,  and  I  do  not  find,  upon  a  review  of  such 
partij  of  your  former  correspondence  as  remain  to  beanswered.any  other  matter,  which  requires 
instructions,  except  what  is  contained  in  your  dispatch  N"  40.  respecting  Mandates  for  Lands 
issued  antecedent  to  His  Maj'''  order  in  Council  of  the  10""  April ;  in  regard  to  which  I  am  to 
signify  to  you  His  Maj*'*  pleasure  that  the  said  Mandates  be  carried  into  complete  execution, 
in  like  manner  as  they  would  have  been  if  that  order  had  not  been  made,  provided  they  be 
presented  to  you  before  such  New  arrangement  as  is  now  under  consideration  shall  take  place. 

Your  recommendation  of  the  case  of  the  Legatees  of  Kachel  Smith  has  been  Graciously 

considered  by  the  King,  and  it  is  His  Majesty's  pleasure  that  the  escheat  be  accordingly  granted 

to  them  pursuant  to  your  request.  I  am  ettc. 

Dartmouth. 


N"  55. 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  lutrl  of  Dartmouth. 

tN«w-Tork  P»i«ra  (9.  P.  0.)CLXV.) 

New  York.  3.  Nov'  1773. 


My  Lord, 

It  is  with  real  regret,  I  acquaint  your  Lord""  of  the  ferment  the  minds  of  many  of  Ilis 
Majesty's  subjects  have  been  in  since  the  late  arrival  here,  of  some  of  the  Country  ships  in  the 
London  Trade  wli'''  brought  inttlligence  of  the  East  India  company's  intention  to  ship  Tea  on 
their  own  account  to  America  ;  and  the  refusal  of  the  masters  of  those  Vessells  to  take  it 
on  Hoard.  The  publications  inclosed  are  all,  that  have  come  to  my  hand  ;  productions 
calculated  to  sow  sedition,  and  to  support  and  niake  popular  the  cause  of  those  who  are  deepest 
concerned  in  the  illicet  Trade  to  Foreign  Countries.  They  are  certainly  declarative  of  the 
extent  to  which  smuggling  is  carried  on  in  ihe  single  Article  of  Tea.  Much  discourse  is  had 
on  the  construction  of  tlie  Act  of  Parliament  that  Craiits  the  License  to  e?<port  this  Article  (an 
Act  I  have  not  been  honored  with  from  your  Lord'''8  (Mlicf).  Some  assert  that  the  words: 
"discharged  from  all  duties  whatsoever"  respects  only  the  exportation,  and  that  the 
importation  duty  of  three  pence  per  pound,  still  subsists;  while  others  maintain  that  all  duties 
both,  of  export  and  Import,  are  absolutely  wiped  away  by  the  aforesaid  words,  and  subsequent 
clause  in  the  said  Act,  a  construction  strongly  implitd  by  the  liberty  granted  to  export  the 
same  commodity  to  Foreign  Countries  free  of  Duties.  Thus,  while  they  are  fluctuating  in 
variety  of  opinions,  some  are  fertile  in  expedienli  to  oppose  and  ol)itruct  its  sale  and  landing. 

II  the  Tea  comes  free  of  every  duty,  I  umierstiiiul  it  is  then  to  be  coMHidcred  as  a  monopoly 
of  the  Hast  India  Company  in  America;  a  Monopoly  of  dangerous   tendency,  it  ii  said  to 


T 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


401 


tZZ7lT  7     By  such  futile  argument,  they  endeavour  to  enflame  the  passions  and 
m  slead  the  Loyalty  of  the.r  fellow  Citizens.     So  that  let  the  Tea  appear  free  or  not  free  of 

.^11  t  ,^"'''""  '''t  P--^^^"^  ""'^''«-'"   «it'--'tion  of   Public  affairs,   I  cannot  form  the 

the  Govern    w.ll  be  preserved,  an  object  His  Maj'r  may  be  assured  T  shall  be  watchful  to 
maintain  with  all  the  diligence  &  prudence  in  my  power. 
I  am  with  all  possible  esteem  and  respect  My  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  humble  servant. 

W"  Tryon, 


Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Committee  of  the  Privy  Council. 

i  Plauuilon  0«n«ral  Bntriw,  XLVI.,  ( N. )  p.  407.  ] 

To  the  Right  Hon""  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  His  Majesty's  most  Hon--  Privy  Council 
lor  Plantation  Aflairs. 

My  Lords, 

Pursuant  to  your  Lordships  Order  of  the  28  day  of  last  Month,  we  have  prepared  and 
herewith  lay  before  your  Lordships  Draughts  of  Additional  Instructions  to 'such  of  the 
Governors  or  Commanders  in  Chief  of  His  Majesty's  Colonies  and  Plantation,  in  North  America, 

hem'  t  ';:^:;r  ''^V"^  ^  '"''°"*'"'  '^  "'"  '"'^'^^^'^  ^^^P-^--  commissions  t 
them   ,0  grant  to  any  Person  or  Persons  under  certain  Conditions,  the  Lands,  Tenemen.s  and 
Hereditaments,  which  are  or  shall  be  in  His  Majesty's  power  ,o  dispose  of;  which  Draughts 
w   have  made  conformale  to  the  Sketch  of  Additional  Instructions  annexed  to  your  Lordship 
said  Order.     We  are.  My  Lords  Uur  Lordships  most  obedient  and  most  humble  Servants 

Dartmouth 

Whitehall  ^°*""  •^^■"'■^^^ 

Nov':  85.  1773.  !„  '"'="  ^'^^^^n. 

W.   JoLLU-KK 


25  Nov'  1773. 
Additional  Instructions  to  Our  Trusty  and  Wel-beloved  Francis  Legge'  Ksquire 
Our  Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  in  and  over  Our  I'rovinie  of 
Nova  Scotia,  and  the  Islands  and  Territories  thereunto  belonging  in  America, 
or  to  the  (Jonimander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  for  the  time 
being,     (iiven 

[  OmittnO,  Wing  ,l„,,,i,..u,  of  .h„  ,Ir,n  n„,e,l  ^pra,  ,.,  «7«.  ,„d  „  t,.,  offloUl  In.truction.  ,r.  ,,ri«.,J, ;.«,  p  4  lo  ] 

.     ■     K-        \.      .     .  '"■rni    <"»«  iH.Miin,  tl  <•  iilTnni.  ,i|  wliif  1  |)rin-.nc,.    le  11,  ,,ii,.i,i,,r.  I  „  ,ii|   i-mj    m,,  . 

.«..  .W-  .^      .«,.    n,  die.,  .t  ..i. ..«..  ..„.,  .,.  un.ve,  ,..„  |.in.K.r.  |5„kU...1.  M.,  ,«.  7,1.  \L:' li^^J^"^' 
>  (II..  \  III.  «•  ' 


I  i 


4Qi 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 
Secretary  Potonall  to  the  Governors  in  North  America. 

[Flanltlloni  Oenerel(8.  P.  O.)  CCLIX.] 


Quebec 

Nova  Scotia 
Isliind  of  St  John 
New  HampRliire 
Mnssnchusetts  Bay. 


Circular  to  Gov"  of 
New  York  Georgia 

New  Jersey  East  Florida 

Virginia  West  Florida 

N"  Carolina  Burbndoes 

S'  Carolina  Lew*  Islands 


Whitehall  1"  Dec'  1773. 

Grenades 

Dominica 

Jamaica 

fialiamaa 

Bermuda 


I  am  directed  by  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  inclose  to  you  an  additional  Instruction  from  His 
Majesty,  dated  the  24""  of  last  month, 

And  am  &ca  &ca 

J.    PoWNALL 


Hot/al  Instruction  (Kjainst  p<i.<>sing  Acts  of  Katuralizution  and  J)ioorcc. 


GBonoB  R 


t  riaiitalliiiu  General  (  H.  P.  O. )  CCLIX.  ] 


(l.  s.  )        Additional  Instructions  Dated  21  Nov  1773 

Whereas  We  have  thought  fit  by  our  Orders  in  our  Privy  Council  to  disallow  certain  Laws 
passed  in  some  of  our  Colonies  &  Plantations  in  America  for  conferring  the  Priviledges  of 
Naturalization  on  persons  being  aliens,  and  for  divoising  persons  who  have  been  legally  joined 
together  in  Holy  Marriage:  And  whereas  Acts  have  leen  passed  in  other  of  our  said  Colonies 
to  enable  Persons  who  are  our  Liege  Subji'cls  by  Birth  or  Naturalization  to  hold  and  inherit 
Lands  Tenements  and  real  Estates  [which]  had  been  originally  granted  to  or  purchased  by  Aliens 
antecedent  to  Naturalization;  It  is  our  expreshed  will  and  i'leasure  that  you  do  not  upon  any 
pretence  whatsoever  give  your  assent  to  any  Bill  or  Bills  that  may  have  been  or  shall  hereafter 
be  passed  by  the  Council  and  Assembly  of  the  Province  under  your  (iovernment  for  the 
naturalization  of  Aliens,  nor  (or  the  divorce  of  persons  joined  together  in  Holy  marriage,  nor 
for  estnblishing  a  Title  in  any  Person  to  I^ands,  Tenements  &  real  estates  in  our  said  Province 
originally  granted  to,  or  purchased  by  Aliens  antecedent  to  Naturalization 

0  II 


(N"66) 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Ktrl  of  Dartmouth. 

I  MewTwk,  CLXVI.,  No.  M.  1 

Fort  Gforgo  New  York  I"  Dec'  1773 


My  Lord, 

Since  information  has  been  received  that  the  Teas  shipped  by  the  Kast  India  Company,  are 
•uliject  tu  the  Importation  Duly   in  Anurua  the  Commissioners  appointed  (or  vending  those 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIII. 


408 


Teas  finding  ,t  would  be  impossible  to  carry  into  Execution  the  Powers  granted  them,  have 
this  day  presented  a  Memorial,  requesting  Government  would  lake  the  Teas  under  its 
I  rotecl.on.  Ihe  Memorial,  and  Minute  of  Council  herewith  transmitted  will  explain  both  the 
extent  of  the  Request  and  the  n.easure  of  Protection  advised  to  be  granted.  I  have 
accordmgly  applied  to  Captain  Ayscough  of  His  Majesty's  Sloop  the  Swan,  to  take  the  Vessel, 
when  nrnved,  under  h.s  protection  until  the  Tea  can  be  landed,  which  I  am  informed  will  be 
effected,  without  obstruction,  'though  the  General  Voice  is  no  Sales,  no  Consumption  while 
the  American  Duty  remains  unrepealed  by  Parliament. 

The  Publications  inclosed  are  by  no  means  to  be  thought  the  Sense  of  the  Inhabitants  further 
than  the  general  Reluctance  to  take  any  Articles  from  Great  Britain  subject  to  Duties 
in  America.  •* 

I  am  with  all  possible 

Respect  &  Esteem, 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's 

,,    ,  r,    ,  ,  Most  Obedient  Servant. 

Liirl  Dartmouth.  „,„  „, 

W"  Tkvon. 


4\ 


(N-SS) 


Governor  Tnjon  to  the  I'Jarl  of  Dartmouth. 

( Now-Tock,  CLXVI..  No.  (>8.  ] 

Fort  George,  New  York.  1"  Dec'  1773 


My  Lord, 

By  the  Honor  of  your  Lordship's  Dispatch  N"  10.  I  am  fully  informed  of  His  Majesty's 

Intention  in  what  cases  the  Military  Force   should  be  applied  for,  in  support  of  the  Civil 

Authority.     While  I  rejoice  that  the  late  Requisitions  made  to  General  Haldimand  by  the 

Advice  of  His  Majesty's  Council  of  this  Province,  were  laid  aside.   I  cannot  help  viewing 

the  Settlers  under  this  (Jovernment  within  the  Contested  District  with  great  Compassion,  and 

as  Subject,  truly  worthy  of  H;s  Majesty's  Protection ,  It  is  with  equal  Regret  I  behold  the 

^eeds  o(  a   Civ.l    War   growing   apace    in    the    District   of   Bennington,   and    the   adjacent 

Townships,  and  which  I  fear,  will  be  found  out  of  the  reach  of  the  Civil  Authority  to  stop, 

even  alter  the  Declaration  of  the  Royal  Will  i.  made  known  concerning  the  Controversies  in 

ue.tion.     It  may  not  he  improper  to  observe  on  this  Subject  that  the  shuting  up  of  the  Land 

ft.ce.  partiCM  arly  with  regard  to  the  I,ands  lying  between  Lake  Chnmplain  and  Connecticut 

River,  must  shortly,  add  to  the  other  Dilliculties.  as  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Eastern  Colonies 

are  swarming  over  that  part  of  the  Country,  and  what  they  improve  of  the  vacant  Lands,  they 

hold  as  their  rightful  possessions,  and  to  persuade  them  to  a  different  doctrine  may  require  a 

buperior  Force  to  what  they  can  oppose. 

I  am  with  all  possible  Kespert  &  Esteem 
My  Lord, 

Vour  Lurdship'i 

Most  Obedient  Servant 

W"'  Thyon. 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

P.  S.  Copies  of  the  Depositions  of  Angus  M'Benn  &  James  Henderson  relative  to  the  late 
Proceedings  of  the  rioters,  I  have  liie  honor  herewith  to  transmit  to  your  Lordship  by  the 
advice  of  His  Majesty's  Council  of  this  Day 

W.  T. 

Earl  Dartmouth 


Mtrl  of  Dartmoxdh  to  Sir  William  Johnson. 

C  PInntiUont  Oonrral  c  S.  P.  0. )  CC'LIX.,  No.  «.  ] 

Whitehall  1"  Dec'  1773 

1  have  received  your  Dispatch  No  G,  and  have  laid  it  before  the  King;  and  am  glad  of  this 
opportunity  of  expressing  my  wishes  that  your  journey  to  the  Sea  side  may  have  had  the 
desireable  effect  of  resforeing  your  health 

The  Proceedings  of  such  of  His  Miijestys  subjects  as  have,  in  open  violation  and  contempt 
of  his  Royal  Authority,  attempted  to  acquire  the  possession  of,  and  to  settle  Lands  within  n 
part  of  the  Country  where  such  settlement  is  forbid  by  His  Matys  Proclamation,  are  most 
irregular  &  unwarrantable,  they  must  have  the  effect  to  disturb  the  public  tranquillity  by 
exciting  the  Savages  already  too  jealous  of  our  growing  power  to  commit  hostilities,  and  will 
hasten  that  union  of  interest  among  the  Savages  which  you  have  with  so  much  industry  and 
ability  endeavoured  to  prevent 

You  will  see  by  the  enclosed  extract  of  my  Letter  of  this  date  to  (Jeneral  Haldimand,  what 
I  have  said  to  liim  upon  this  subject,  and  you  will  not  fail  to  co-operate  with  him  in  every 
measure  that  you  shall  think  may  have  a  tendency  to  disappoint  the  dangerous  designs  of  these 
lawless  adventurers 

There  certainly  has  hardly  ever  been  a  time  when  Indian  affairs  were  in  a  more  critical 
situation,  &  great  as  ay  confidence  is  in  your  zeal  cSc  activity  I  can  not  but  be  under  some 
alarm  for  what  must  be  the  consequences  of  the  lawless  and  unrestrained  Settlements  of  the 
Kings  Subjects  on  the  one  hand,  and  on  the  other  hand  of  the  promises  &  expectation;  held 
out  to  the  Savages  by  the  French  &  Spaniards  on  the  Mississippi. 

The  enclosed  copy  of  a  private  letter  from  a  Centleman  in  America  to  his  correspondent 
here,  cwntains  the  substance  of  a  Message  supposed  to  be  sent  from  the  French  King  to  the 
Six  Nations  thro'  the  Channell  of  Canada,  but  is  of  such  a  Nature  and  expression,  that  I 
should  not  have  paid  much  attention  to  it,  had  it  not,  in  the  general  Terms  of  it  corresponded 
Bo  exactly  with  the  substance  of  the  Messages  and  Speeches  which  you  say  the  Indians  have 
received  from  the  Mississippi.  For  this  reason  it  appears  to  me  to  deserve  some  notice,  and  I 
transmit  it  to  you  in  full  contidence  that  if  any  such  Message  has  been  sent  from  Canada  you 
will  be  able  to  trace  it  out.  and  to  assist  us  in  the  discovery  of  the  Channel  thro' which  it  came 

I  am  very  sorry  to  hear  that  you  have  lost  so  able  a  servant  as  your  late  Secretary,  and 
you  may  be  assured  I  will  take  no  steps  in  regard  to  a  Successor  to  him,  till  I  have  your 
recommendation 

Sir  William  Johnson   Hart. 


I  am  &(• 


PAnTMOVTII 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIII. 


405 


N'7. 


Sir  William  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  Plantalloni  Oemral,  CCLX.,  No.  T.] 

Johnson  Hall,  Decb'  IG""  1773 


My  Lord. 

Last  month  I  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  Lordships  letter  N-  6)  and  about  the  same  time 

the  Che.fs  of  the  Six  Nations  arrived  at  this  place  on  the  snbj.ct  (as  they  gave  me  notice)  of  the 

murder  committed  by  a  small  party  of  Senecas  on  Four   Frenchmen  on  Lake   Ontario  as 

ment.oned  m  the  last  letter  1  had  the  honor  to  address  to  your  Lordship  ;  when  after  sundry 

conferences  as  well  in  private  with  the  principal  men  amongst  the.n  as  in  public  with  them 

ail.  I  have  at  length  satisfied  them  that  their  antient  custom  of  making  attonement  and  covering 

the  graves  (as  they  term  it)  is  not,  neither  can  it  be  deemed  any  satisfaction  for  m-rder,  in 

consequence  whereof  they  have  agreed  to  make  restitution  for  the  Peltry  taken  from  the 

deceased   &  to  deliver  two  of  the  murderers  (the  other  having  fled)  for  the  performance  of 

which  they  have  left  three  hostages  in  my  hands;  As  this  is  the  sum  of  the  Proceedings  at 

the  ate  freaty,  I  have  not  thought  it  necessary  to  give  your  Lordship  the  trouble  of  a  Copy 

of  the   Iransactions,  but  I  must  observe  that  in  case  they  fulfill  their  engagement  it  will  on 

niany  Ace"  be  the  best  policy  to  shew  the  Prisoners  as  much  clemency  as  is  consistent  with 

the  Dignity  of  Government,  because  they  are  both  young,  inconsiderate,  &  have  been  entirely 

influenced  by  the  wicked  fellow  who  escaped,  &  indeed  it  is  the  first  instance  wherein  the 

Hix  Nations  have  been  induced  to  make  the  attonement  required  by  our  laws,  for  as  they 

derive  no  benifit  from,  &  are  not  admitted  to  partake  of  them,  they  think  it  peculiarly  hard 

to  deviate   from   their  own  antient   usages  in  such   cases,  which  were   even   confirmed  by 

agreements   between  them  &  the  White  People  at  the  first  settlement  of  the  Country    & 

generally  practiced  to  the  present  time,  and  more  especially  as  this  tho'  an  act  of  Justice  by 

our  laws,  will  be  made  use  of  by  those  who  are  dissafTected  in  the  other  confederacies  much  to 

our  prejudice,  on  account  of  the  many  murders  committed    by  our  people  with  impunity 

of  which  there  are  no  less  than  eighteen  recent  instances. 

I  have  lately  received  information  that  one  ihorfre  Klock  a  p'Tson  long  known  here  for  his 
infamous  practices  in  defrauding  the  Indians  in  Land  matters  as  well  as  in  a  variety  of  other 
Instances  which  have  verry  nearly  produced  the  most  dangerous  cons,  -lences.  is  lately  gone 
secretly  to  some  of  the  .ea  ports  with  three  iuconsi.ierale  Indians  of  Conajohare.  whon,  he 
has  seduced  to  acvompany  him  to  England,  as  it  is  said,  with  a  view  to  some  interested 
matters  m  which  thro  their  means  he  hopes  even  to  deceive  CJovernment,  This  Fellow  has 
been  oblu.ged  .,r  .ome  years  to  keep  himself  concealed  on  account  of  sundry  breaches  of  the 
laws,  &  lately  had  a  violent  quarrel  with  the  Conajohare  Cheifs.  The  Indians  of  that  Tribe 
therefore  have  made  a  heavy  complaint  to  me  of  his  rash  conduct  therein,  &  of  his  taking 
nway  their  people,  &  request  that  they  may  be  restored  to  them.  On  which  subject  I  wrote 
to  the  Governor  of  New  York  but  I  since  bear  he  has  taken  another  rout,  so  that  I  am  ol.li.lged 
to  give  your  Lordship  the  trouble  of  this,  as  a  few  years  ago  Klo.k  was  the  means  of  sending 
two  Indians  over  with  n  fellow  who  exhibited  them  in  London,  &  sold  >,n.  .f  ihem,  who  as 
I  understand,  was  re|e«„      by  General  York,'  then  Ambassador  at  flu    Ji.gue  ;-fro.u  tho 

Alirm?""^''  ''"^""""  ^"'■'  •"  '»••  "'i"'  ^  •>'  '''-i'iP.  fi"t  t«rl  of  lUnlwick,,     H„  .„,„*.l  ,.,.  .r...  on  tho  26tl. 
Apnl,  1741,  ..  K„„«„  .„  ,1.,  (%..,!„r,„,„  „„„,,. ;  w..  pr„m..,.,|  ,o  I, ,..„„„,  i„  ,.,  f„„,  „„„,.,,,  ,,,  a,,  ,,;„,,,  Jl  '„ 


n 


m 


406 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


pride  &  indepency  of  spirit  of  the  Indians  there  is  nothing  can  appear  more  disgracefull  or 

give  more  offence  to  'heir  nation,  but  in  most  of  the  Indian  Towns  on  our  Frontiers  there  are 

some  idle  fellows  to  !)e  found  who  give  themselves  up  entirely  to  ease  &  drinking,  and  being 

cast  out  by  the  rest,  nre  made  the  instruments  of  fraud  by  the  worst  part  of  our  people,  I  am 

sorry  that  these  thingsi  have  often  happened,  especially  as  I  see  no  remedy  against  it,  for  altho 

it  has  been  the  sense  of  Government  repeatedly  expressed  to  me,  that  Indians  should  not  be 

permitted  to  go  to  London  without  my  pass  certifying  the  importance  of  their  journey,  and 

that  eveif  thig  should  not  be  encouraged,  yet  designing  people  have  seduced  and  are  still  likely 

to  seduce  them,  there  being  no  positive  law  to  prevent,  and  in  this  last  instance  the  fellow 

went  to  the  sea  coast  hy  some  unfrequented  paths  in  the  woods  (by  which  means  he  escaped 

the  fury  of  the  Indians  who  pursued  Him)  obtaining  a  pass  from  an  ignorant  Inn  Keeper  who 

happens  to  be  a  Magistrate,  whom  he  imposed  on  by  a  petition  subscribed  by  some  poor 

people  who  do  not  even  know  it's  contents.     I  have  had  much  trouble  in  pacifying  the  Indians 

by  assuring  them  that  the  man  will  be  punished,  &  their  people  sent  back  for  it  betrays  a 

weakness  of  us  in  their  eyes  when  they  see  that  such  instances  go  unpunished,  I  should  not 

have  taken  up  so  much  of  your  Lordship's  time  with  this  matter,  but  that  it  plainly  shews  the 

dangerous  tendency  of  tolerating  piivate  persons  to  interfere  with  the  Indians,  as  it  destroys 

the  designs  of  the  regular  sup«>rintendency  thro'  which  channel  His  Majesty  was  pleased  to 

order  all  their  affairs  to  be  uniformly  conducted,  and  at  the  same  time  it  gives  the  Indians 

reason  to  suspect  us  either  of  want  of  i>.  vv>r  or  of  inclination  to  do  them  justice,  which  enters 

into  their  public  transactions  furnishes  them  with  excuses  for  their  own  misconduct  and  often 

proves  greatly  prejudicial  to  His  Majesty's  Interests  &  in  those  of  the  public.     The  schemes 

that  have  been  for  some  time  in  agitation  to  the  South  West  are  not  as  yet  sufficiently 

developed  for  me  to  come  to  any  determination  about  them,  but  as  everry  measure  has  been 

taken  to  prevent  the  evil  they  plainly  portended  I  shall  I  trust  in  a  little  time  be  enabled  to 

lay  before  your  Lo.dship  the  true  state  of  these  matters,  and  in  the  interim  continue  my 

endeavours  for  the  public  Tranquility. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 


with  high  respect. 


My  Lord, 


The  Right  Honorable 

The  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 


Your  Lordship's  most 

obedient  &  most  devoted  humble  Servant 

W.  Johnson. 


a  eomptny  in  tli«  Cold.tr««nii  27  Mny,  1745.  UatlTmnon'i,  Cold.lr»am  OuarJ..  11.,  482,  48S.  He  wm  >ri.>i'wiir.1s  fmploycd 
in  a  .liplonmtic  ogpacity  si  lli.)  Courl  of  franco  iin<l  on  tli,.  Ut  N.ivfmber,  1749,  wm  uppoinUd  A.  D.  I",  to  the  Kinif.  In 
17.'.4  lit  w»«  Milt  AnilmMii.ldr  t<>  tlie  IInKue,  an.)  (illed  lluit  |.o,t  until  17Ki).  On  the  I8lh  March,  176fl,  he  liccame  Colonel 
■f  the  9th  foot;  M«jorK«neral  ISlh  ,l«nuary,  17.18;  Colonel  uf  the  5lh  or  Royal  Irinh  nra^oont,  in  Novcnihcr,  17(10,  in  which 
year  he  wan  cleotcd  memlier  for  Dover,  an.l  .oon  after  was  croato.l  Kiiltfht  of  the  Unth;  I.ecan...  I.ieiitoiiant-(!i.ner«l  in 
Deceniher,  17«1  an.)  General  in  1777.  In  1783,  he  marrie.I  the  only  dauKhter  of  Huron  dc  Striken  of  Denmark ;  was  orer>t«d 
Baron  Dover  in  1788;  heca.iie  Colonel  of  the  Ut  llegimcut  uf  Life  Guard,  in  1789,  and  died  without  iuue  oa  the  2d 
Deoenibor,  1792.  Army  I.iitt ;  Vtbrttt,  — 'Ed. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


407 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

/jyQ_  J  V  [New-Tork,  CLXVI.,No.  1.] 

My  Lord,  New  York,  31"  Dec'  1773. 

It  gives  me  the  greatest  concern  to  inform  your  Lordship  that  in  the  Night  of  the  29'- 
Instant  the  Government  House  in  Fort  George  accidentally' took  fire.  So  fapid  was  U's 
progress  t  at  ,n  a  k^  moments  after  we  were  alarmed  a  thick  cloud  of  fi  'and  sm  e 
pervaded  the  whole  huilding.  and  in  less  than  two  Hours  it  was  entirely  cons  med  Wi  h 
the  utmost  D.fhcul.y  my  Family,  an  unhappy  Maid  excepted,  were  through  Divine  ProvidTne 
grac  ously  preserved.  My  Daughter  reduced  to  the  sad  extremity  of  leaping  out  of  a  Window 
of  t  e  Second  btory.  was  received  on  a  deep  snow,  and  escaped  unhurt.  From  this  dreadful 
Conflagration  Noth.ng  else  (excepting  a  little  Furniture  out  of  the  Parlour)  within  the  Walls 
of  the  House,  not  even  my  Commission.  Instructions  or  a  single  paper,  either  public  or  private, 
could  possibly  be  rescued.  The  Great  Seal  which  was  found  this  Evening,  notwithsLdin^ 
the  Intenseness  of  the  Heat  has  suffered  no  Injury.  Captain  Nicholas  charged  himself  with 
our  Lonlshi'  Particulars  of  this  Melancholy  Eveut,  I  beg  leave  to  refer 

Severe  as  has  been  my  Loss  I  have  the  highest  reason  to  be  thankful  to  the  Almighty  that 
so  many  Lives  are  spared  in  a  Calamity  beyond  description  sudden  &  resistless,  and  which 
would  have  communicated  itself  over  most  of  the  City,  if  the  deep  snow  lodged  on  the  Itoofs 
of  the  Houses,  had  not  contributed  with  the  Fire  Engines  to  prevent  its  spreading.  The 
manner  m  which  the  F.re  originated  remains,  as  yet,  undiscovered. 
I  am  with  all  possible  respect  &  esteem. 
My  Lord, 

Vour  Lordship's 

t.    ,  n    »        »i  *^"^^  Obedient  Servant 

Earl  Dartmouth.  „,    „, 

W"  TnvoN. 


(No.  3.) 


Governor  Tiyon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmonth. 

( Ntw.Tork,  CLXVI.,  No.  8.  ] 

New  York  S**  Jan'''  1774. 


My  Lord, 

The  Measure  of  the  East  India  Company's  exporting  Tea  to  America,  has  given  too  general 
nn  alarm  on  this  side  of  the  Water,  an.l  the  conduct  pursued  has  been  too  extraordinary  for 
me.  m  my  pub  icK  Despatches  to  your  Lordship,  to  be  silent  upon  a  matter  which  employs  the 
pen  of  many  here,  and  engrosses  the  attention  of  all.  I  conceive  it,  my  Lord,  difficult  to 
determine  with  precsion  what  might  have  been  the  Sentiments  of  Americans  on  this  subject, 
.they  were  left  to  the  unbiassed  influence  of  cool  Ilellection.  The  daily  publications  on  this 
H..ad  have  been  so  various  and  contradictory  that  it  is  impossible  to  comprise  within  the 
compass  ol  a  letter  a  regular  digest  of  the  whole  for  your  Lordship's  ready  and  immediate 


408 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


inspection.  I  have  therefore,  as  the  best  and  only  Method  of  information,  herewith,  inclosed 
to  your  Lordship  the  publicly  Gazettes  of  the  three  printing  Offices  in  this  City,  from  which 
r  ,ay  be  learnt  the  various  steps  which  have  been  taken  and  the  different  sentiments  thrown 
out,  from  the  Begining  to  the  Publick,  alternately,  by  good  Citizens  and  fair  Traders,  by  men 
of  cool  sense  and  just  discernment,  on  the  one  hand,  by  fraudulent  dealers,  artful  smugglersi 
inflamatory  politicians  &  Patriots  on  the  other. 

Until  the  arrival  of  the  Account  of  the  Tea  being  destroyed  at  Boston  I  had  conceived  very 
sanguine  Hopes  that  Temperate  measures  might  have  been  manifested  in  the  Conduct  of  the 
Body  of  the  People  of  this  Province  on  the  arrival  of  the  Tea,  The  association  paper  inclosed, 
and  which  was  universally  approved  by  all  better  sort  of  the  Inhabitants,  seemed  to  justify  the 
o[.inion  so  far  as  to  the  protection  of  the  Property,  but  the  Boston  intelligence  instantly  gave 
a  different  turn  to  affairs,  and  I  am  now  entirely  uncertain  what  may  be  the  issue ;  My  best 
Endeavors,  however  will  be  constantly  exerted  for  the  peace  of  Society,  and  the  good  order 
of  this  His  Majesty's  Government,  now,  if  possible,  since  the  Outrage  at  Boston,  become  a 
more  important  object  of  my  attention  ;  F'rom  the  general  Appearance  of  the  united  opposition 
to  the  principle  of  the  Monopoly,  and  the  Importation  Duty  in  America,  I  can  form  no  other 
Opinion  than  that  the  landing,  storing,  and  safe  keeping  of  the  Tea,  when  stored,  could  be 
accomplished,  but  only  under  the  protection  of  the  Point  of  the  Bayonet,  and  Muzle  of  the 
Canon,  and  even  then  I  do  not  see  how  the  consumption  could  be  effected. 

I  am,  with  all  possible  Respect  &  Esteem 
My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's 

most  Obedient  Servant 
Earl  Dartmouth.  W"  Tryon 


(N" 16) 


Sir, 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon,. 

I  New- York,  CLIVL,  Na  W,  ] 

Whitehall  8""  Jaflry  17~4. 


Since  my  letter  to  you  of  the  1"  of  last  Month  I  have  rec"  your  Dispatches  N"'  54  &  66 ;  and 
have  laid  them  before  the  King. 

When  I  consider  that  the  Alarm  which  has  been  spread  with  a  view  to  excite  an  opposition 
to  the  Landing  of  Teas  sent  by  the  East  India  Company  to  New  York,  is  apparently,  nay 
avowedly  founded  upon  self-interested  motives,  I  cannot  but  fliuer  myself  that  the  authors  and 
abettors  of  such  unwarrantable  proceedings  will  meet  with  Disappointment  and  Disgrace, 
and  that  any  new  attempt  to  disturb  the  peace  and  tranquillity  of  a  Province,  so  deservedly 
distinguished  for  its  peacahle  and  good  government,  will  be  defeated. 

The  inclosed  Extracts  of  my  letter  of  this  Days  Date  to  Major  General  Haldimand  will 
however  inform  you,  that  there  has  not  been  wanting  a  due  attention  to  what  may  be  necessary 
in  case  matters  should  turn  out  contrary  to  my  hopes  &  expectations,  and  the  civil  power 
should,  in  case  of  any  public  Disturbance  be  found  inadequate  to  the  preservation  of  the  public 
peace,  and  the  protection  of  the  King's  subjects. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV.  ^qq 

I  must  hov^ever  again  repeat  to  you.  that  it  is  His  Majesty's  Wish  &  Intention  that  no 

Gov'  Tryon  ■'  »™  &c» 

Dartmouth 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon. 


Whitehall  Feb'^  5""  1774. 


/  j\o  17  \  [Nsw-rork,  CLXVI.  ( No.  17. )] 

Sir, 

Hi?h 'Y  ^T^    v'"'*  ^'°"'*'  ^  '■''"'""•'  y""--  '«"^"  '^"  56.  57  &  58.  which  were  immediately 
la.d  before  the  K.ng,  &  I  have  also  laid  before  His  Majesty  a  letter,  which  I  receivedTom  vlu 

c„;t;::r:eVb"  s  '"^^^^"'^ '--  °^  ^^«  -----  House^Nrvr 

I  am  extremely  concerned  for  the  loss  you  have  sustained  by  the  Destruction  of  your  Furniture 
and  Papers,  rejo.c.ng  at  the  same  time  that,  in  a  situation  of  such  danger  and  d  s  ress  the 
Consequences  were  not  more  fatal  to  yourself  or  Family  ' 

The  Advice  given  by  the  Council  on  the  1"  of  December,  upon  the  Memorial  of  the  Person, 

The  .nformations  however,  which  I  have  since  received,  of  what  appears  to  be  the  spirit  of 

he  People,  on  hear.ng  of  the  destruction  of  the  Tea  at  Boston,  leaves  room  to  fa    tha  the 

and,ng  of   he  Tea.  should  it  be  attempted,  may  be  attended  with  greaterlfficulty   ha,    w.s 

to  be  expected   but  I  am  persuaded,  Sir,  th.Uyour  Fortitude  will  not  suffer  you  to  yield "oZ 

l.ke  insults  as    ave  been  offered  to  the  Authority  of  this  Kingdom  in  other  places.  ' 

What  has  already  happened,  on  occasion  of  the  Importation  of  Teas  by  the  East  India 

IZe  of  H    *^  to  acqua.n    you.  that  .t  is  his  Majesty's  firm  Resolution  upon  the  unanimous 

he  Depen^^^^^^^^^  '"'"^--  -  «^^"  ^e  effectual  for  securL^ 

ine  LFepenUence  of  the  Colonies  upon  this  Kingdom 

Governor  Tryon  I  am  &c- 

Dartmouth 


E(irl  of  Darimouth  to  the  Governors  in  America. 

I  ritnUUoiu  Ccnenl,  CCLX. ) 

Whitehall  S"-  Ffbrj'.  1774. 

contri„?r"?-'"^  ^  '''"  '^'"«  '°  "■"""""'  ''  '-^"^^  '^'  '"•''°''«''  "d'Ji'ional  Instruction, 
con  H,n mg  d.rect.ons  for  your  future  Conduct  in  the  Disposal  of  His  Majesty's  Land. 

to  the^pubhc^nuerests.  and  as  the  good  effect^of  the  measure  depends  so  much  upon  a  'aithful 


410 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Execution  of  them  I  have  no  doubt  that  you  will  be  particularly  attentive  to  discharge  your 
duty  to  the  King  v/ith  Honor  &  Fidelity,  and  that  every  attempt  that  may  be  made  from 
interested  motives  to  defeat  this  plan  will  be  resisted  with  Firmness  &  Resolution. 

It  is  not  the  King's  Intention  that  those  who  luivr.  hitherto  obtained  orders  in  Council  for 
Lands  in  America,  and  have  not  yet  lor  .<•  }  iJom,  sih  uld  be  precluded  by  this  plan  from 
carrying  those  orders  into  execution,  coniarniable  to  ihe  Directions  contained  therein,  nor  is 
it  meant  to  preclude  any  claim  to  a  Grant  of  Lands  founded  on  any  antecedent  step  that  can, 
in  Equity  give  a  title  to  such  Grant. 

It  is  intended  that  in  every  case  where  a  Warrant  of  Survey  has  been  obtained,  the  Grant 
shall  be  completed,  provided  however  that  in  no  case  whatever  the  location  be  allowed  either 
upon  Lands,  which,  by  Instructions  you  have  already  received,  vo"  are  restrained  from 
granting,  or  upon  .-^ny  Tracts  that  shall  have  been  surveyed  !br  sale,  conformable  to  the  orders 
now  given  to  you. 

I  am  &c» 

Dartmouth 
Circular  to  the  Governors  of  Nova  Scotia, 
New  Hampshire,  New  York,   Virginia, 
North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Georgia, 
East  Florida  West  Florida. 


[  N,  T.  Couocll  MinulM,  In  Becntar;'*  Omce,  Alban;,  XXVI.,  806.  ] 


George  R. 


ADDiTroNAL  Instructions  to  Our  Trusty  and  Welbeloved  William  Tryon  Esq' 
Our  Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  of  our  Province  of  New  York, 
(l. s.)  and  the  Territories  depending  thereon  in  America;  or  to  the  Commander 

in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  for  tlie  Time  being.  Given  at  Our  Court  at 
S'  James's  tiie  Third  day  of  February  1774  la  the  Fourteenth  Year  of 
Our  Reign. 

Wherea.s  by  our  Commission  to  you  under  our  Great  Seal  of  Great  Britain,  beain.g  Date 
the  of  in  the  Year  of  our  Reign,  you  are  authorized  and  impowered 

with  the  Advice  and  Consent  of  our  Council  for  our  said  Province  of  New  York  under  your 
Government  to  settle  and  agree  with  the  inhabitants  of  our  said  Province  for  such  Lands 
Tenements  and  Hereditaments  as  now  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  in  our  I'ower  to  dispose  of, 
and  them  to  grant  to  any  Person  or  I'ersons  upon  such  Terms  and  under  such  moderate  (iuit 
rents.  Services  and  Acknowledgements  to  be  thereupon  reserved  unto  us,  as  you,  by  and  wiili 
the  Advice  aforesaid,  shall  think  lit;  And  whereas  the  directions  for  the  due  Execution  of  the 
said  Powers  and  Authorities,  contained,  as  well  in  our  general  In.slructions  to  you  accompanying 
our  said  Commission,  as  in  other  Additional  Instructions  which  may  have  been  given  to  you 
from  Time  to  Time,  respecting  the  Mode  of  (Jranting  Lands  within  our  said  Province,  and  the 
Terms  and  Conditions,  on  which  the  said  (irants  were  to  be  made  and  passed,  have  beenfounil 
to  be  inadequate  improper  and  inconvenient;  We  have  therefore  thought  lit,  with  the  Advice 
of  our  Privy  Council  to  revoke  and  annul,  and  We  do  hereby  revoke  and  annul  all  and  every 
Part  of  the  said  Instructions,  and  every  Matter  and  Thing  therein  cont.iiued,  in  so  far  forth  a.s 
they  relate  to  the  laying  out  and  passing  Grants  of  Laud  within  our  said  Province,  and  to  the 


-J 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV, 


411 


Tern^  and  Condmons  upon  which  the  said  Grants  are  to  be  made.     And  it  is  our  further  Will 
and  P  easure.  and  we  do  hereby  direct  and  appoint,  that  the  following  Rules  and  RefiulatlonTbe 

Te—slTd'f  ".  r"'"'^"'"'"^"'"'  '''  ''''^'"^""''  """"'"'-^  granting 

Pro'l  fo^lr-nr,"'' ''"'.?"r' r/"  «°^-"-'-  commander  i„  Chief  of  our  said 
J  rov.nce  for  th.  T....  being,  w.th  the  Advice  and  Assistance  of  our  Lieutenant  Governor  of 
our  sa,d  I  rovnce.  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  the  Northern  district  oNortlArre 
our  hecretary  our  Surveyor  General  of  our  Lands,  and  our  Receiver  General  of  our  QmrRenU 
for  our  sa.d  Province  of  New  Vork.  or  any  three  of  them,  do  from  time  to  time    ad  at  sue 
.mes  as  you  shall,  with  the  Advice  aforesaid,  ju.Ige  most  convenient,  cause  ac  ualSurv  ys  to 
be  made  of  such  parts  of  our  said  Province  not  already  granted  or  di  posed  of     h    S    Z  e  t 
and  .mprovement  whereof  You  shall  think  will  be  most  advantageous  to  the  pub  i.  I  .te    st  and 
welfare;   tak.ng  care  that  such  districts  so  to  be  Surveyed  and  laid   out    as  afo res  i       be 
d  v.ded  mo  such  a  number  of  Lots  (each  Lot  to  contain  not  less  than  one    undred.  n      mor 

arsi"  t rr;  n ".  '^"^  'f  '""^^"  ^^"^^^'  ^"^"  ^^^^^^  ^-^  ^^^^^^^  -  '•-  ^'" 

and  Situation  of  the  District  so  to  be  Surveyed. 

Jfu  T'"'  ""'"';  ;''"  ''*''  f  "7"^  ''"'"  ^^''  '''^"  '"'"^«'  ■'  ^^"P  °f  Ihe  district  so  Survey.-d. 
with  the  several  Lots  marked  and  Number'd  thereon,  be  hung  up  in  our  Secretary's  Ofice 
wi.lun  our  said  Province,  and  Duplicates  thereof  transmitted  to  L  by  one  of  ourVri.^c  pa 
Secretary's  of  State,  and  to  our  Commissioners  of  our  Treasury,  acconipanied  with  a  re  or 
n  writing  signe    by  our  said  Surveyor  General  descriptive  of  the  Nature  and  Advantages  1 
only  of  the  whole  district  in  general,  but  also  of  each  particular  Lot 

3^  That  so  30on  as  the  said  Survey  shall  have  been  made  and  returned,  as  aforesaid.  You 
our  said  Governor  or  Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  for  the  time  being,  do^^  ," 
the  Advice  of  our  Council  of  our  said  Province,  and  of  the  Officers  herein  beforementioned 
appoint  such  time  and  place  for  the  Sale  and  disposal  of  the  Lands  contained  within  the  saui 
Survey  to  the  best  bidder,  as  you  and  they  shall  think  most  convenient  and  proper,  giving 
previous  Notice  t  ereof  at  least  four  Months  before  such  Sale  by  printed  Advertisement  .  to  bf 
pui. shed  not  only  within  our  said  Province,  but  also  in  the  other  Neighbouring  Prl  i  ces 
and  that  You  do  proceed  to  such  Sales  at  the  Times  appointed,  unless  vou  shalllst  re  eTve 
direc  ions  from  Us  to  the  Contrary  under  our  Signet  and  Sign  Manual",  or  by  our  Orde  Ta 
our  Privy  Coi:iiCil.  ^  wiuer  in 

4"'  That  you  uur  Paid  Governor,  or  our  Governor,  or  Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said 
Province  for  the  Time  being,  do.  with  the  Advice  and  Assistance  aforesaid,  fix  the  r  ce  ^ 
Acre,  at  which  the  several  Lots  shall  he  put  up  to  Sale,  according  to  the  (iuality  and  Condition 
thereof,  ta  ing  care,  that  no  Lot  is  put  up  to  such  Sale  at  a  less'price  than  si/p^e  i  A  '  e 
and  all  sue  Lots  are  to  be  Sold  subject  to  a  Reservation  to  Us,  our  Heirs  ami  Succelrs  of 
an  Ati:iual  (iuitrent,  of  one  half  penny  Sterling  qp  Acre.  uctessors.  of 

6'"  That  the  printed  Advertisement,  containing  Notice  of  the  Time  and  place  of  Sale  so  as 
to  be  pubhshe. I   as  a  oresaid   b.  as  full  and  explicit  as  may  be.  as  well  i„  respect  to  the  Numb 
and  Contents  of  the  Lots  to  be  sold,  as  the  Terms  and  Conditions,  on  which  they  are  to  be 
thereof.  ^'""''  '^""""''"  "''  ""  ^""'^''  ""'^  '^"^  Advantages  and  conveniency 

G-  That  the  Persor,  who  at  such  Sale  shall  bid  most  for  any  Lot,  shall  be  the  Purchaser 
and  shall,  upon  payment  of  the  purchase  Money  into  the  hands  of  our  Receiver  General,  or  hii 


f  m 


ft 


412  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Deputy,  who  is  to  attend  at  such  Sales,  receive  from  him  a  Bill  of  Sale  of  the  Lot  or  Lots  so 
purchased,  upon  producing  whereof  to  you  our  Governor,  or  to  our  Governor,  or  Commander 
in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  for  the  time  being,  he  shall  be  forthwith  entitled  to  a  grant  in 
Fee  simple  of  the  Land,  so  purchased,  as  aforesaid,  by  Letters  Patent  under  our  public  Seal 
of  our  said  Province,  subject  to  no  Conditions  or  Reservations  whatever,  other  than  except  the 
Payment  to  Us,  our  Heirs,  and  Successors  of  the  annual  Quit  Rent  of  one  halfpenny  <^  Acre, 
as  aforesaid,  and  also  of  all  Mines  of  Gold,  Silver  or  Precious  Stones. 

7""  That  the  Fees  to  be  paid  by  purchasers  of  Land  in  manner  herein  before  recited,  be  such 
as  are  allowed  by  Law  and  no  other,  and  that  neither  our  Governor,  or  Commander  in  Chief 
of  our  said  Province,  or  any  other  Officer  or  Officers  entrusted  with  the  Execution  of  these  our 
Instructions,  do  for  the  present  and  until  some  other  Arrangement  be  made  for  that  purpose 
take  any  other  or  greater  Fees.' 

And  it  is  our  further  Will  and  Pleasure,  that  neither  you  our  Governor,  nor  our  Governor, 
or  Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  for  the  Time  being  do,  upon  any  pretence 
whatever,  presume  to  grant  any  Lands,  Tenements  or  Hereditaments  within  our  said  Province, 
which  are  in  our  Power  to  dispose  of,  upon  any  other  Terms,  or  in  any  other  manner  than  as 
herein  before  recited,  without  our  express  Authority  for  that  purpose  under  our  Signet,  and 
Sign  Manual,  or  by  our  order  in  our  Privy  Council,  except  only  in  the  Case  of  such  Commission 
Officers  and  Soldiers,  as  are  entitled  to  Grants  of  Lands  in  Virtue  of  our  Royal  Proclamation 
of  the  7""  of  October  1763,  to  whom  such  Grants  are  to  be  made  and  passed  in  the  proportions, 
and  under  the  Conditions  prescribed  in  the  said  Proclamation. 

And  it  is  our  further  Will  and  Pleasure,  that  in  all  Districts,  which  shall  hereafter  be 
Surveyed,  in  order  to  u  sale  of  the  Lands  in  Manner  herein  before  recited,  there  be  a 
Reservation  of  such  Parts  thereof,  as  shall  appear  fVom  the  Report  of  the  Surveyor  to  be 
necessary  for  public  Uses. 

And  it  is  our  further  Will  and  Pleasure,  that  you  our  said  Governor,  or  our  Governor  or 
Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  for  the  Time  being  do,  from  time  to  time,  and  as 
often  as  any  Survey  or  Sales  of  Land  shall  be  made  in  Manner  before  mentioned,  make  a  full 
and  particular  report  to  Us,  by  one  of  our  principal  Secretaries  of  State,  of  all  proceedings  in 
Regard  thereto,  together  with  a  State  of  the  expenses  attending  the  said  Survey,  and  Sales, 

'  Tlie  following  ia  Clause  7  as  originally  drawn  :  (  London  Doeumeiitt,  XLIII.,  403,  404.) 

7th  That  the  Fees  to  be  pail  hy  purchasers  uf  Land  in  manner  herein  before  recited  be  as  followeth  and  that  neither  Our 
Oovernor  or  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  I'rovinoe  or  any  other  Otiioer  or  Officers  entrusted  with  the  execution  of  these 
Oar  Instructions  do  take  any  other  or  greater  Fees,  that  is  to  say 

To  the  Governor 

For  eyery  Grant  of  100  Acres 0  10  0 

For  every  Grunt  above  100  Acres  and  nut  more  than  SOO  Acres 0  IS  0 

Fur  every  Grant  above  SOO  Acres 1 

To  the  Secretary 

For  every  Graut  of  100  Acres. , 0     5  0 

Fur  every  Grant  above  100  acres  and  not  more  than  500  Acres , 0  10  0 

Fur  every  Grant  above  fiOO  aores ISO 

To  the  Receiver  General 

For  a  Bill  of  Sale  of  a  tot  o(  100  Acres 0     50 

For  a  Bill  of  Hah.  of  a  liOt  above  100  Acres  &  not  mure  than  600  Acres 0  10  0 

Fur  •  Bill  of  Sale  of  a  Lot  above  SOO  Acres U  15  0 


I 


Hi 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


418 


e^l  IZ  7J^1\?r^''  "'''^  Ajio^^nces  it  may  be  proper  ,o  make  on  that  Account,  to  the 
and  pro  er    '  ™°^  '     '  '"'^  ^'^""  "'''''"'  "'  '^""  'P^'^"^  '°  ^'  reasonable 

G.  R. 


I 


(N»  18) 


Sir, 


/ibr^  of  Dartnwuth  to  Governor  Tryon. 

I  New- York,  CLXVI.  (  No.  18.  )  ] 

Whitehall  S-"  March  1774. 


Since  my  letter  to  you  of  the  5<-  of  last  month.  I  have  received  your  Dispatches  N-  2.  3.  4 
&5.  and  have  laid  them  before  the  King. 

As  your  letter  N-  2  relates  to  a  matter  which  must  remain  for  discussion  upon  your  arrival 
here,  and  as  no  final  resolution  has  as  yet  been  taken  upon  what  has  passed  in  America, 
respect.ng  the  Teas  sent  thither  for  sale  by  the  East  India  Company.  I  have  not  at  presen 

21  TVrTT  V  ".  '^"-  !^- "^  °"  '''  ^"''J'''='  "^  '^"'^  Dispatches,  but  I  must  lament 
that  the  Body  of  the  People  w.th.n  your  Province  should  have  been  so  influenced  by  the 
audacious  .nsult  offered  to  the  Authority  of  this  Kingdom  at  Boston,  that  in  your  opinion 
the  landing  those  leas  at  New  York  could  be  effected  only  under  the  protection  of  the  Point 
of  the  Bayonet,  &  Muzzle  of  the  Cannon. 

I  am  &c» 
P.  s.  Dartmouth 

Just  as  I  was  closing  my  Letter,  I  received  your  Dispatch  of  the  2-  Feb'^  to  which  I  can 
now  say  nothmg  more  than  express  my  concern  for  the  present  ill  state  of  your  health  and 
my  hopes  that  your  intended  voyage  to  England  will  perfectly  restore  you. 

(Jovernor  Tryon 


Lords  of  lUde  to  the  Lords  of  the  Privy  Council 

[  Now-Tork  Knlrlti,  LXIX.,  p.  ai.] 

To  the  Right  Hon-  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  His  Majesty's  most  Honorable  Privy 
Council  for  Plantation  Affairs.  ^ 

My  Lords 

F'ursuant  to  your  Lordships  Orders  of  the  21  of  Feb-  Ia«t  we  have  takin  into  Our 
Consulerafon  the  humble  Petition  of  George  Clarke  Esq:  Secretary  of  His  MnjVstys  Cobny 
o  New  York  complam.ng  o  William  Tryon  Esq  :  Governor  of  the  said  Colo.y  fo  ha  J 
d.sposessed  h.m  of  a  Branch  belo..-n,  to  his  said  office  Viz  :  That  of  Register  to  fh    Or  "    y 


414 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


m 


and  Prerogative  Court  of  the  said  Province  of  New  York  for  the  Granting  Probates  of  Wills  and 
Lotters  of  Administration  and  other  business  of  that  kind  and  for  his  having  disposed  of  the 
same  in  favour  of  Edmund  Fanning  Ksqiiire  his  private  Secretary  and  humbly  praying  for 
the  reasons  therein  contained  that  sucli  appointment  of  the  said  Kdnuind  Fanning  may  be 
declared  void  and  that  the  Petioner  and  ius  deputy  may  be  restored  to  tiie  exercise  and 
Enjoyment  of  the  said  Branch  of  his  Office  and  that  he  may  be  also  restored  to  the  P'ees  he 
has  lost  by  having  been  dispossessed  thereof  we  have  likewise  had  under  Our  Consideration 
the  answer  of  Governor  Tryon  to  the  said  Petition  together  with  copies  of  several  papers  and 
Documents  relative  to  this  Matter.     Wiiereupon  we  beg  leave  to  report  to  your  Lordships. 

That  having  duely  weighed  and  examined  what  is  here  set  forth  by  the  parties  concerned 
on  each  side  of  the  (iuestion  We  are  of  opinion  that  the  duty  of  llegister  to  the  ordinary  or 
Prerogative  Court  of  the  said  Province  of  New  York  for  granting  of  Probates  of  Wills  & 
Letters  of  Administration  and  other  business  of  that  kind  together  with  all  Fees  Perquisites 
and  Emoluments  legally  appertaining  thereto  is  a  Branch  of  the  oHice  of  the  Secretary  of  the 
Province  constantly  held  and  enjoyed  both  by  the  Deputy  of  the  Province'  Patentee  and  all 
other  preceedi  ig  Secretaries  and  agreable  to  such  usage  was  virtually  confirmed  and  renewed 
to  the  Petitioner  by  His  Majesty's  Letters  I'atent  under  the  Great  Seal  of  Great  Britain  bearing 
date  the  lO""  day  of  April  in  the  first  year  of  his  Reign  when  the  Commissioner'  of  Secretary 
was  renewed  to  iiim  together  wifh  all  Fees  Rights  Privileges  and  Advantages  whatsoever 
thereunto  belonging  in  as  full  and  ample  manner  as  any  Secretary  in  the  said  Colony  had 
heretofore  held  and  enjoyed  or  of  right  ought  to  have  held  and  enjoyed  the  same  and  we 
think  that  his  Majesty's  Gov'  M'  Tryon  was  not  warranted  in  excluding  the  Petitioner  and  his 
Deputy  from  the  possession  of  the  said  Branch  of  his  ollice  and  in  disposing  of  the  same  in 
favour  of  the  said  Edward  Fanning  Escj:  his  private  Secretary  tliereby  depriving  the  said 
Patentee  of  the  exercise  of  the  Ministerial  parts  of  the  olfice  of  Register  to  the  ordinary 
together  with  the  fees  and  emoluments  incident  thereto  which  are  stated  to  constitute  a 
considerable  part  of  the  profits  appertaining  to  the  general  otUce  of  Secretary 

With  respect  to  the  reasoning  adopted  by  M'  Tryon  in  his  answer  to  the  petition  wherein 
lie  contends  that  by  an  Act  of  the  Colony  passed  in  the  year  IGiiJ  there  was  a  severance  of 
the  Register  from  the  Secretary's  Ollice  of  '  the  said  Registry  put  under  the  disposal  of  the 
(Jovernorwe  can  by  no  means  concur  with  him  in  his  interpretation  of  this  Act  on  the  contrary 
it  does  appear  to  iis  to  operate  rather  in  contirmation  of  the  Petitioners  claim  and  against  tin- 
(governors  position  in  ns  much  as  the  Courts  of  ConitiKni  I'leas  wliich  in  some  of  the  ('ounties 
are  im|)owere(i  l)y  this  law  to  take  the  exaiiii.iatioii  of  Witnesses  to  W'lls  are  thereby  expressly 
reciuired  to  transmit  the  same  with  the  Will  to  the  Secretary's  OtVue  that  the  I'robate  thereof 
n\ay  be  granted  accordingly  thereby  implying  a  precedent  Right  in  the  Secretary  to  issue 
Riich  IVoliates. 

Viewing  thu  Case  of  the  Petitioner  in  this  light  we  think  it  Our  duty  to  propose  to  your 
Lordships  to  advise  Mis  Majesty  to  comply  with  the  prayer  of  the  petition  by  instructing 
and  directing  His  (Jovernor  to  revoke  and  declare  voi<i  the  tirant  Appointment  and  Authority 
given  by  iiim  to  the  said  Edmund  Fanning  to  do  and  transact  the  aforesaid  Branch  of  busines.4 
of  Register  to  the  Ordinary  appertaining  to  the  said  I'atent  Olfn'e  of  .Secretary  and  to  restore 
the  IVtitioner  and  his  De|»uty  to  the  Exercise  and  enjoyment  of  the  same  as  fully  as  it  was 

'  .Sic  prcfpiit  Jiook  1/  Cvmmttriuni.  in  Siir<-liiry  iif  Htm.'*  oiri. . ,  Alli.iny,  VI ,  \i'J.  —  Kii. 
^  Sic.  Comuiiuiou.   /tiij.  '.Vic.  «i  il.   ihU. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV. 


415 


!r'l"h  V"'°^"^,^f^°r'  ""'  '"'?  '"""'""''"  '""^  P''"'^  •-""'  ■'»'«°  ^°  ^^^'"'•^  '^'  ^'-'id  Petitioner 

C; ':::dT^^^^^^^^^    '^^ '"' '--'  '^  -^-^  °^ '-  --^^  ^-  ^-^  p--^^-^^  -^  '■>« 

We  are 

My  Lords 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  and 

most  humble  Servants 

SoAME  Jenyns 
Whitehall  ?,t'"f "  ^^scovNE 

larch  21.  1774  \V  •  Jollifpe 

WniTNUED   Keene 


(N"  1!).) 


Mtrl  of  Dartmmith  to  Governor  Tryon. 

[N»w-Tork,  CLXVI  No.  19.T 


Whitehall  G"'  April  1774. 


Sir, 

In  my  private  letter  to  you,  by  a  former  nmil,  I  expressed  a  wish  that  you  should  not  come 
away  from  your  Government  until  you  should  he  relieved  by  a  Lieutenant;Governor.  but  having 

1  e    raint  upon  your  Intentions  to  continue  any  lon^.r.  &  therefore  you  will  consider  yours  If 
at  liberty  to  come  to  England,  whenever  it  shall  he  most  convenient  io  you 

Colonel   M^oene-   having  presented  a  .Memorial  to  the  Lords  of  the  Treasury  praying  a 
rem>.s.ionol  the  tiuit  Roii.h  payable  from  his   Lands  in  New  York.  I  have  reason  to  Llieve 

:::;:r;::i:;:i: ;-:.::;  r 

......  „„K.  |,i,„  r,.„i,i„.  ,i,„  0..,  .,.„ou,.,li„,.  ....„„rv.  «,„1  ..,.0 „,.,,  ,,,.  Si.  .,..,Lv  Ami,'  ..M, ;  ,.r     o  .        T"; 

fl,ri  7  :"'r  '"t  ^ '", ■  ""^ "-  * '•••■" ^ ^•'••'"•' '«'"'■•  """-"'i- <  lu^nr... :..;:; 

■;;.;;'"  t  "Tt'  " ' "' '■  ^"'"  "•  """""••  ^  ■•'" • « ""•'»•  •"■•"  ^-  •  -".i.i-....,t . : 

M/-  .i,„n„.,.../  .s,.,„v,  Mil,  ,.„-,T.    Hi.  ,,;„„  w..,..  I,,,. ,,.,1  i,v  ,1.,.  u..v,.i,„i„.,    i„  M,v,  i,:;,  .  ,i.:,„.|,",,  ,* 

f^1rt.<m. ^  An. .  )„*.  s<p,,  „,„,  „„i,.,  t^,„  p^^,,„  ,„  „^,„„.,,      „^  ^^  ^,1^^^  ^^  ^^^.  I   ^_^  ^^  M.J.II,.«»„ 


•  -y 


416 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


their  Lordships  are  well  disposed  to  favor  his  request ;  In  the  mean  time  as  he  is  apprehensive 
that  some  process  may  issue  for  inforcing  the  Payment  of  what  is  due,  I  should  be  very  glad 
if  any  step  might  be  taken  to  suspend  such  Process  untill  the  determination  of  the  Treasury 
can  be  known. 

I  am  &c' 
Governor  Tryon.  Dartmouth 


■£m  *a 


N«7 


Sir, 


jEarl  of  Dartmouth  to  Sir  William  Johnson. 

[  riantationi  OenrnI,  CCLX.,  No.  T.  ] 

Whitehall  O"-  April  1774. 


It  has  given  the  King  great  satisfaction  to  find,  by  your  Dispatch  N"  7,  thnt  the  result  of  your 
meeting  with  the  Indians,  on  the  subject  of  the  murder  committed  by  the  rienecas  at  Lake 
Ontario,  has  been  so  favourable  to  your  own  wishes,  and  that  you  have  been  able  to  impress 
upon  the  minds  of  those  Savages  such  proper  ideas  of  publick  justice. 

1  intirely  agree  with  you  in  thinking  that  we  ought  to  shew  as  much  clemency  as  is 
consistent  with  the  Dignity  of  Government  to  the  Delinquents  that  are  to  be  delivered  up  upon 
this  occasion,  and  you  will  do  well,  if  they  have  not  already  been  brought  to  trial  to  urge 
every  argument  that  may  induce  the  Court,  before  which  they  may  be  tried,  to  consider  the 
matter  in  the  same  light. 

The  conduct  and  cl.aracter  of  M'  Klork  induced  me  to  wish  that  it  had  been  in  my  power, 
upon  his  arrival  here,  to  have  taken  any  step  that  might  have  vindicated  the  honour  of 
(iovernment  by  subjecting  him  to  due  puiiislinient  ;  Hut,  tho'  I  found  that  I  could  do  nothing 
that  would  have  thnt  efl'ect,  yet  the  enciuiries  I  made  concerning  him  created  such  an 
apprehension  in  him  of  being  proceeded  against  that  I  understand  he  remained  here  but  a  few 
days,  &  then  took  his  Passage  back  to  America  with  the  Indian  that  accompanied  him. 

I  am  &r» 

Sir  William  Johnson.  Daktmoutii 

OnineitiiMit ;  Imt  in  May  "f  tin'  fiillowintr  yenr,  on  refuKiritf  to  ri'inw  liir  pnroli',  wmi  cmmiittf.l  t..  prixm.     1I«  wm  liuiilly 

♦  xclmnuc.l  in  (Vtotrr    IVVtt,  when  li«  wm  runT.y,,!  ti)  tl ily  of  N.-W  York,  wli.niv  Ijo  «iiiU'l  in  \\\r,  lw«iniiinn  of  1777  for 

KnuUn.l.  4.  Amnicon  .trrAnra,  VI.,  rtill,  MJ;  ft.  Anurirnn  Arckiv;  II.,  yll);  III,  HilS.  Ili'  vulnntrcrMl  Ici  ureuinhaiiy 
Hunj">np  III.'  ««ni.'  y*«r,  «n<I  in  Au|<u«l  wa>  uriliTol  to  •tti>o>l  I.icut.  Col.  Il*iim».  in  hi*  urret  <>»ii«ilili«n.  whidi  ima  •  ilia- 
aatMiii  ,l<'f.»l  at  llrnnintdon,  at  the  lianjt  of  (;on.'r«l  Stark,  on  Ilia  lAlli  of  lliat  month.  Burjojfnt't  Krpf,lili.jn,  Apii.  >>>ri 
xxiit.  Ill  thi»  cani|iai)(n  Colonil  Skinc  ha.l  hit  lior>«  twii-.i  ahot  iimlor  him,  and  w««  aflerwanU  tnkni  |itiMin«r  with 
Burgoyne'i  army.  In  177tf,  he  win  mtaintiHl  ami  hin  |iro|ierly  noiilia»>»t.'l  liy  the  I^i(i«l»liiri'  of  N,»  V..rk  Aftrr  tli«  war 
Colonel  Sktna,  'li»  aaiil,  pariu'  to  Ihia  enmifry  .hiring  (linffriior  ('liiilon'a  aJiinnialralion  aii'l  liii-J  to  rfeon-r  liio  iroiiertv,  hut 
not  luecaeilinn,  went  hiuk  to  KniiUnil.  where  ho  liveil  in  retiieiiient  ami  ilinl  on  Ihe  .ith  tietol.er,  I8I11,  at  an  a<lraiiee<l  aue 
it  A.|.|«riiey  Ij>.Ii;»,  near  Sloke  (ii,l.liii)(t<in,  llurka.  In  llie  oliituary  noli,  e  hf  i»  ntvUI :  "formeily  I,i»iiteiiaiit  liu\eriii,r  nf 
(!ro«n  I'oinl  nn<l  Ticoinlerojfa,  an.l  Mirveyor  uf  hi«  Maj..4ly'«  wou.ln  anl  for»t*  liurtlvring  on  lake  rh»in|ilaio."  Gmtlem„i%'t 
MagniM.  —  Ku. 


IP' 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


417 


Oovernor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmonth. 


New  York  T"-  April  177.1. 


(lyo  J2\  INcw-Vork,  CI.XVI,No.l2.] 

My  Lord, 

Fn!n"ily'::!'Z.;;;e  m'^'"  Tr'  M  "''"'^  '"^  ''"«'^"'  '  «^^"  -»'-''  ^^-^  I>«y  with  my 
<.  I  n^  7  .""^     •'"''"'•     '  '"■'"'  ''""^•"■^^  '«  Li«"''  Governor  Golden  the  Great 

The  General  Assembly  I  prorogued  the  19".  of  last  Month   to  the  17"-  of  M.v      H.  th- 

libl   .ytt^,^  '"■^'  "•!«  '-»  •"■^^«^-  His  Majesty.  Forces,  and  the 

at  KortLorge  ^  Compensat.on  ,n  part  of  my  heavy  losses  by  the  late  Fire 

I  am,  with  all  possible  Respect  and  Esteem, 
My  Lord, 

Karl  Dartmouth.  '  ^''"''  ^^"^'^^''^P'"  '"°«t  Obedient  Servant 

W">  Tkvon 


Order  m  Gnmil  reimtating  George  Clarke  in  hi,  office  of  Register  of  NewYorh 


[  n.K.k  „f  CminilMl.iin  ( In  s,Tm»ry.  „(ll<»,  Altwny,)  VI.,  m) 

At  the  Court  at  St  James's  the  IS-  Day  of  April  1774. 

rUESKNT—  The  KlNQM  MOST  KXCELLENT  MajKSTY. 


Lord  IVenidt-nt 
l-ord  I'rivy  Seal 
Diikt'  of  Ancaster 
F.ord  Steward 
Karl  orSiillolk 
Karl  of  l{(ichford 
Visioiiiit  Kalmoulh 
\iHcount  Harriiigion 


Viscount  Hinchinlirook 
FiOrd  North 
Lord  .Manslield 

James  Stewart  Mackenzie  Ksq' 
Itichard  Rijiby  Ym\' 
(ieorjje  Rice  Ksquire 
Sir  Jeflrey  Amherst 
Sir  John  (Joodriche. 


n.ilw!"rv' r  "'  ""'""  '"'""  ''"•■"  "'"  '-'"  "'  •'""  •-""•'  '"  "-  ^Vord. 

Vour  Majesty  huvin,  been  plca.ed  by  your  Order  in  C.n.ncil  of  the  15  January  1772  to  refer 

;       'oil    f"   h       '"   r' 7"'''""""' '"  ''''"'""  '''^>"'"  '-1"-  '"♦•  •'-•.•rnor    r  the 

■     T       ;.  'V'  ''7'"7':^"''  «•"■  '•'"'•-"-  "'"»  '-  I'epu.y  of  „  Branch  of  his  0,V,ce 

./.      n.a    ol  |{e«,Hter  to  the  Ordinary  and  Prerogative  Court  of  the  said  Colony  of  New  York. 
Vol,  MIL  53 


418 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Mt»"5 


for  the  granting  Probiites  of  Wills  and  Letters  of  Administration  and  other  Business  of  that 
kind,  and  for  his  having  disposed  of  the  same  in  Favour  of  Edmund  Fanning  Esquire  his 
private  Secretary,  and  humbly  praying  that  such  appointment  of  the  said  Edmund  Fanning 
may  be  declared  Void,  and  that  the  Petitioner  and  his  Deputy  may  be  restored  to  the  Exercise 
and  Enjoyment  of  the  said  Branch  of  his  Ollice,  and  that  he  may  be  alfo  restored  to  the  Fees 
he  has  lost  by  having  been  dispossessed  thereof.  The  Lords  of  the  Committee,  in  Obedience 
to  your  Majesty's  said  Order  of  Reference,  did  on  the  21"  of  March  1772,  take  the  said  Petition 
into  Consideration,  and  thought  proper  to  Order  a  Copy  thereof  to  be  transmitted  to  the  said 
Governor  for  his  Answer  thereto,  and  Governor  Tryon  having  iiccordingly  returned  his 
Answer,  and  transmitted  therewith  Copies  of  several  Papers  in  iSupport  thereof — The  Lords 
of  the  Committee  did  on  the  21"  February  last  proceed  to  take  the  spme  into  Consideration, 
and  directed  the  said  Petition,  Answer  and  Papers  therewith  transmitted  to  be  refierred  to  the 
Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations  who  have  thereupon  Reported  to  this 
Committee  "That  having  duly  weighed  and  Examined  what  is  set  forth  by  the  Parties 
coucerued  on  each  side  the  Question  &c. 

[  Uere  follows  the  Report  of  tlio  I^ords  of  Trade,  tupr/i.  p.  413.  ] 

The  Lords  of  the  Committee  upon  Consid>3ration  of  the  whole  Matter,  do  agree  humbly 
to  Report  as  their  Opinion,  that  it  may  be  adviseable  for  Your  Majesty  to  Direct  the  Petitioner 
or  his  lawful  Deputy  or  the  Secretary  of  the  said  Colony  for  the  Time  being,  or  his  lawful 
Deputy,  to  be  forthwith  reinstated  in  the  said  Office  of  Register  to  the  Ordinary  and  Prerogative 
Court  of  the  I'rovince  of  New  York,  that  he  may  hold  and  enjoy  the  same,  as  he  and  his 
predecessors  have  heretofore  held  and  enjoyed  the  same  before  the  late  Innovation  took  place 
as  incident  to  and  always  going  with  the  Office  of  Secretary  of  New  York  and  as  an  Appendage 
thereof,  together  with  the  Salary,  Advantages  and  Emoluments  to  the  said  Office  of  Register 
to  the  Ordinary  and  I'rerogative  Court  of  the  I'rovince  of  New  York  belonging  and  appertaining. 

His  Majesiy,  taking  the  said  Report  into  Consideration,  is  I'leused,  with  the  Advice  of  His 
Privy  Council  to  approve  of  what  is  therein  proposed,  and  doth  hereby  accordingly  Order 
require  and  Command,  That  the  Petitioner  or  his  lawful  Deputy,  or  the  St  cretary  of  the  said 
Colony  for  the  time  being,  or  hii  lawful  Deputy  be  forthwith  reinstated  in  the  said  Office  of 
Register  to  the  Ordinary  and  I'rerogative  Court  of  the  said  I'rovince  of  New  York,  that  he  may 
hold  and  enjoy  the  same,  as  he  and  his  Predecessors  have  heretofore  held  and  enjoyed  the 
same,  before  the  late  Innovation  took  place,  as  incident  to,  and  always  going  with  the  Oiiice 
of  Secretary  of  Ntw  York,  and  as  an  Appendage  thereof,  together  with  the  Salary,  Advantages 
and  Emoluments  to  the  said  (tffice  of  Register  to  the  Ordinary  and  I'rerogative  (^ourl  of  the 
Province  of  New  York  belonging  and  apperiaining  And  the  (Jovernor,  Lieutenant  (iovernor, 
or  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  said  Province  of  New  York  for  the  time  being,  and  nil  others 
whom  it  may  concern  are  to  Yield  due  obedience  to  His  Majesty's  i'leosure  hereby  signified  aa 
they  will  answer  to  the  contrary. — 

STtfTHEN    COTBBLL 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


419 


Sir  WiUiam  Johmo.i  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  Flanlstloiu  Oeoeral,  CCLX.  ] 

My  Lord,  Johnson  Hall  l?"-  April  1774. 

I  should  never  have  attempted  to  trouble  your  Lordship  nn  a  subject  which  is  liable  to 
misrepresentation  or  disregard,  but  that  I  look  upon  it  to  ..  n,y  duty  tl  lav  Lore  H  ! 
Majesty  the  sentiments  of  the  Indians  on  everry  materia,  occurrence,  and'  that    'only  comp,'; 

nTch        Zr  '  °"/'"  """"'  """'""'  '"^  "^'^  ^''-'"  I  ^^^'^  decline' offerfng 

n  \  7  "''"  •''''^"''"'  '"  '^'''  '"'^"^^'  ^^'  ^«'y'"S  °"  yo"--  Lordships  known 

d  rl",  '';  "?r  "  ^""^  ^--deration,  from  a  thorough  conviction  o' my  own 

dismterestedness  and  zeal  for  his  Majesty's  service. 

Ci^rcZr!  "^h  "''  *  '""'T"  u  ''"'■"^'"■'^  experienced  for  many  years  both  in  a  Military  and 
^  V    of  172:    "'."*  ".''^"J'^^l^  '^^  y--  ''-^  "P-  n-  a  train  o,  Infirmities  which 

acquainted  with  these  circumstances  have  for  some  time  expressed  great  anxiety  about  it.  a. 
well  on  my  account  as  they  express  it,  a,  on  their  own.  for  they  observe,  what  I  have 
expenenced  to  be  true,  that  personal  regard  &  attachment  has  va  t  influence  over  their  action., 
n  .f  "'"'■^  *'"»';'"g  P«rt  of  their  cheifs.  from  the  knowledge  they  have  of  other  Peoples 

I  k  Iwir  m"   T^  ^  "■'  "'■""^'^  "'■  ''^''"'°°  ^'"'^'  "^y  ^'''^  """y  Pr«'i"ce  events  which 

1  k  ow  U  would  be  deemed  vanity  in  me  to  enlarge  upon,  they  have  therefore  upon  many  late 
ocasons  repeated  (what  I  had  by  many  former  Instructions  fron.  His  M.je.ty  assured  Lv  S 
n.at  all  affairs  w,th  them  should  be  conducted  by  an  Agent  belonging  to  His  Majesty  as  th« 
most  regular  i.  best  channel,  and  that  which  was  most  agreable  to  them,  at  which  they 
expre8se.l  u.  .n.te  satisfaction,  at  the  ,.,n,  time  they  observed  that  they  had  judgment  enough 
to  perceive  that  they  were  likely  to  be  misrepresented  both  with  regard  to  power,  genius  & 
disposition;  and  that  ,  ley  had  renson  to  fear  that  in  case  of  mv  Death  their  allairs  might  fall 
into  some  o»  thone  channeils  which  gav.  .hem  their  first  prejudice  against  the  English,  or  into 
the  hands  ol  some  Person  unac<,uaiuu  i  with  the  ruture  &  politicks  of  the  people,  aiJ  the 
duties  of  my  olhce,  and  as  these  reflections  tended  to  render  the  Cheifs  irresNute  &  to  create 

"'""'  """■'' ""•  '''ey  earnestly  soilicited  that  I  would  lay  their  request  before  His   Majesty 

lor  the  nomination  of  a  .Successor  who  should  nut  oniv  be  acquainted  with  their  affairs  &  the 
mode  m  which  they  had  been  hitherto  conducted   but  personally  known  to  &  esteemed  by 
their  people.  &  proceeded  to  express  their  ardent  desire  that  such  nomination  if  agreable  to 
i  18  Majesty  ...,ght  be  in  favor  of  one  of  my  Depntys  Col.  (iuy  Johnson.     On  this  head  I  have 
often  told  them  that  they  might  rely  with  conhdence  on  His  Mujesly's  esteem,  his  love  of 
Justice  &  repeated  assurances  of  Himself  &  His  Iloyal  I'redecessors  to  aUord  them  protection 
and  to  guard  their  rights,  an.i  that  tli.-refore  it  was  needless  for  them  to  concern  themselves 
aboui  what  might  possibly  prove  a  more  remote  contingency  than  the  stale  of  my  health 
promised,  but  this  was  in  no  wise  satisfactory,  I  am  so  wearied*  out  with   their  reiterated 
Bollicitat.nu.    '-,,1 1  liiid  myself  under  the  necessity  of  communicating  them  with  such  reflections 
as  occu.    ap.t  Uie  subject.  — I  (latter  myself  that  it  is  unnecessary  lor  me  to  point  out  either 
the  imp  rtau,,.    these  I'eople  are  still  ..f  i„  America,  their  capaciiy  to  hurt  us,  the  advantages 
resulting      .„  their  friendship,  or  the  peculiar  necessity  there  is  (&  likely  will  be  for  some 
time,  to  have  their  affairs  conducted  in  one  regular  channel,  by  an  Agent  of  the  Crown, 


111 


I 


420 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


f 


without  the  difficulties  &  contrary  interests  tliat  must  result  from  Colony  Management,  as  all 
these  points  were,  &  still  are  the  sentiments  of  the  wisest  &  most  disinteresttd  men,  and 
should  any  doubt  arise  on  any  of  these  important  points  tliro'  the  Miisreprescntation,  partiality 
or  ignorance  of  pretenders,  I  trust,  nay  I  am  confident,  1  c.in  remove  it,  I  must  therefore  take 
these  principles  for  granted  because  I  am  thoroughly  persuaded  (not  from  casual  or  partial 
reflection)  but  from  honest  principles  founded  on  long  experience  that  the  Trade  &  Settlement 
of  this  Country  depends  greatly  on  conduct  flowing  from  such  sentiments. — The  reasonableness 
and  expediency  of  such  an  affair  being  shewn,  the  propriety  of  such  application  at  this  time 
must  remain  with  His  Majesty,  and  it  becomes  not  me  to  exceed  the  limits  which  my  station 
&  inclinations  prescribe  to  myself  of  suggestiag  with  all  humility  such  thoughts  only  as  are 
derived  from  my  knowledge  of  the  presen':  state  &  inclinations  of  those  committed  to  my 
superintendency,  with  whom  I  have  been  intimately  acquainted  more  than  thirty  years,  and 
who  are  so  peculiarly  situated  and  circumstanced  that  those  only  who  possess  tlies  advantages 
are  judges  of  their  affairs.  If  this  then  is  the  case  (of  which  1  hope  lliere  is  no  doubt)  then 
it  will  naturally  follow  that  this  being  a  peculiar  Department,  to  which  no  other  is  similar,  the 
person  nominated  to  it,  must  possess  such  Qui'.iifii mions,  without  which,  he  must  be  doubtless 
inadequate  to  the  trust,  there  are  doubtless  few  officers  in  the  State  that  a  Centleinan  of  good 
abilities  after  some  little  appli>.ation  may  not  be  able  to  discharge  with  at  least  tolerable 
success,  but  this.  My  Lord,  is  of  a  verry  different  and  dinicult  nature,  the  most  shining  capacity 
must  here  be  at  a  loss  without  a  '  ng  series  of  application  &  knowledge  which  verry  lew  of 
any  capacity  at  all  have  inclination  or  opc~'.iinity  of  acrpiiring,  to  ail  which,  the  alfectious  of  the 
Indians  should  necessarily  be  added  as  ,!i.  ascendency  derived  therefrom  is  so  indispensably 
necessary,  tliat  I  can  atlirm  I  iiave  often  carried  the  most  important  points  neerly  'thro  jn'rsonal 
influence  when  all  other  sanction  had  failed,  If  therefore  I  have  the  least  claim  to  indulgence 
in  support  of  the  application  of  the  Indians,  I  cannot  withhold  my  warmest  recommendatiojis 
in  favor  of  the  CeutlenKin  they  wish  h)r,  and  whilst  !  assure  your  Lordship  thiit  I  rate  my 
present  reputation  &  future  fame  too  highly  to  prostitute  it  lor  interest  or  partiality,  [  would 
rather  ha;.ard  the  imputation  of  both  than  refuse  my  testimony  towards  a  measure  that  maj 
benifit  the  Public  when  I  am  no  more. 

The  Gentleman  1  have  mentioned  is  my  son  in  law.  He  has  served  His  Majesty  from  his 
earliest  youth,  throughout  the  whole  war  in  America.  He  often  attended  me  in  the  field  by 
permission  of  the  Commander  in  Cheif  as  my  Secretary  &c",  and  was  wlien  appointed  my 
Deputy  in  Seventeen  Hundred  &  Sixty  two  a  iJeut.  in  His  Majesty's  service,  since  whuh,  his 
corps  being  reduced,  He  has  been  constantly  employed  in  the  Duties  of  his  Otiice,  and  in  that, 
of  Secretary  which  he  principally  discharged,  the  (ientleman  appointed  proving  either 
superannuated  or  disqualilied  (or  that  Ollice,  liy  these  means  he  early  acquired  a  knowledge  of 
Indian  allairs,  their  politicks,  &  the  mode  of  conducting  Transactions,  in  all  which  he  has 
been  if  great  use  to  ni",  &  to  which  be  has  been  lortunale  enough  to  add  their  highest  esteem, 
but,  .My  Lord,  I  shall  urge  the  mi-.tter  no  farther,  I  still  believe  that  I  possess  that  confidence 
which  his  .Majesty  has  i)een  pleased  to  honor  my  tailhliill  &  long  services,  from  which  if  I 
derive  any  judgemcn  or  value  my  own  reputation  I  must  have  regard  to  the  propriety  of 
what  is  recommend"d,  and  I  persuade  myself  that  your  Lordship  will  do  me  the  justice  to 
believe,  that  this  application  is  owing  to  my  disinterested  coin  iclioiis  in  it's  lavor.     1  beg  to  btt 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV.  ^g, 

enable  me  to  satisfy  ihe  Indmns  that  I  have  fullfille.i  their  desire. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  most  proCo.n.d  Respect  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordsliip's  most  obedient 
Ihe  Ifight  Honorable  «   ,„„„.  .  ...  ,  „  „       .,    „ 

.,     ,r   ,     „  ,^  «  most  (iuthfull  Humble  Servant 

the  Larl  of  Dartmoutii.  „,    ^ 

W.  Johnson 


Sir    William  Johmon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 


N-S. 


[Pl»nliili..in  tli-uuml,  CCLX.,  No.  8.] 


My  Lord,  Johnson  Hall  May  2'^  1774 

I  have  the  honor  to  trausn.it  herewith  a  Copy  of  the  principal   transactions   with   Two 

Hundred  and  b.xty  CheiCs  and  Warriors  of  the  six  Nations  who  brought  here  two  Senecas 

concerned  ,n  a  murder  con.mitted  last  Year  on  four  Frenchmen  on  Lake  Ontario  as  mentioned 

in  my  letter  (i\°«)  which  persons  contriry  to  antient  customs  J  made  a  point  of  their  deiiverinir 

up  to  justice,  &  having  at  length  prevailed,  they  are  now  committed  to  the  County  Jail,  where 

they  are  to  remain  until  I  hear  from  General  Haidimand.  who  some  time  since  joyned  me  in 

op.n.on  that  on  the.r  making  restUulion  tor  the  goods  they  plundered  at  that  time,  it  would  at 

th.8  juncture   be    goo.l    policy    to  discharge   them,    in    consideration    of    the    ,nany  murders 

commuted  on  their  people,  for  -.vhicb  no  satisfaction  could  be  obtained.  &  of  the  youth  of  the 

partu.s  who  were  inlluenced   thereto  by  a  fellow  who  lle.i.     Besides  it  being  considered  as  an 

Act  of  c  emency   there  were  no  proofs  to  convict  them,  neither  could  restitution  be  expected  if 

hey  sullered,  w"  would  have  prove.l  very  injurious  to  those  Traders  whose  goods  were  taken. 

Indeed  tins  is  the  first  instance  wherein  the  .Senecas  were  ever  prevailed  on  to  sacrifice  their 

ant.ent  customs  to  our  laws,  by  delivering  up  offenders.  &  therefore  I  hope  it  will  establish  a 

good  &  wholesome  precedent,  without  even  carrying  it  to  the  utmost  rigour  of  the  Laws 

1  co.ne  now  to  answer  your  (.ordship's  of  the  1"  of  December  (N-  6.)  the  cHects  that  may 

derive  from  the  unwarrantable  es-utlishments  on  the  lands  therein  referred  to,  and  of  which 

your  Lordship  appears  so  sensible,  ar^.  realy  alarming,  und  your  Lordship  may  be  assured  of 

my  (u     cooperation  with   (mmu'  lialdunand   in  eveny  wh„iesome  measure  for  preventing  an 

evil  of  so  dangerous  a  ten.len.y.  tho'  I  must  confess  I  have  verry  little  hopes  that  settlements 

can  be  restrained  by  any  ordinary  measures,  where  the  multitude  have  for  so  many  years 

discovered  such  an  ungovernable  pa.sion  for  these  lan.ls,  and  pay  so  little  regard  to  a  fair  title 

or  the  autiionty  of  the  American  Ciovernments.-At  the  sam.   time   your   Lordship's  most 

judicious  reflections  on  the  present  critical  situation  of  Indian  Affairs,  arising  from  these  causes 

combine.l  wuh  the  en.leavours  of  our  natural  enemies  give  me  a  full  persuasion  that  Government 

will  use    everry  consistent    measure  lor    applying  a  remedy  to  these   growing   evils.- Last 

hummer  I  received  a  long  account  of  a  Message  said  to  be  sent  to  the  imiiaas  by  the  French 

King  thro  the  cha.mel  of  Cana.la  with  many  particulars  not  mentioned  in  the  Copy  i  had  the 

...nor  to  recce  from  your  Lonlship  tho  corresponding  generally,  indeed   I  have  met  with 

the  like  so  often  since  the  reduction  ot  Canada,  &  have  so  often  transmitted  accounts  of  suet 


422 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I 


intelligence  that  I  am  grown  cautious  how  I  enlarge  on  such  reports  to  His  Majesty's  Ministers 
(for  reasons  I  shall  give  presently)  without  such  undeniable  authorities  as  will  remove  everry 
doubt,  and  these  are  not  likely  to  be  obtained.  It  is  true  I  always  had  some  men  employed 
to  gain  intelligence,  who  have  been  of  great  use,  who  have  never  deceived  me,  and  whose 
attachment  &  interest  secures  their  fidelity,  but  these  men  are  Indians,  and  as  such,  extremely 
cautious  of  giving  a  •public  Testimony  that  would  endanger  their  lives,  neither  wouldgltheir 
authority  I  apprehend  be  deemed  sufficient  to  criminate  those  they  accused,  for  their  united 
accounts  have  borne  hard  on  not  only  many  of  the  clergy,  but  other  persons  in  Canada,  some 
of  whom  have  within  these  few  years  had  the  address  to  acquire  powerfull  advocates,  of  whom 
they  could  little  avail  themselves  were  their  artifices  as  well  known  to  others,  as  they  are  to 
myself,  but  however  persuaded  I  am  within  myself  of  the  truth  of  such  informations,  in  general, 
it  is  probable  I  may  be  mistaken  as  to  some  of  the  parties,  and  it  is  neither  consistent  with  my 
character  or  feelings  to  expose  an  innocent  person  to  suspicion  or  bring  so  heavy  a  charge  on 
such  authorities  without  demonstrative  proof. 

The  religion,  government  &  genius  of  the  French  conspire  to  render  them  dangerous  to  us, 
&  their  enterprising  disposition  with  the  plausible  manner  they  use  to  lull  us  into  security  until 
they  compass  their  views  has  often  been  felt,  and  may  as  often  be  experienced  hereafter,  but 
in  this  capacity  to  do  us  harm,  the  Canadians  exceed  the  native  French,  as  they  have  less 
liberality  of  sentiment,  stronger  prejudice  founded  on  greater  ignorance,  so  that  they  are  never 
without  inclination  to  hurt  us,  or  hopes  of  success,  and  this  is  not  so  much  the  case  of  their 
common   people   as  of  those,  who  from  the  difference  of  our  government,  are  lowered  as 
Noblesse  or  principal  Traders  injured  by  our  application  to  commerce,  which  they  would  engross 
to  themselves,  and   which  they  use  everry  means   to   keep   in    their  hands,   in    short   their 
disposition  and  attachment  to  old  interests  is  still  so  strong,  that  I  have  known  some  of  them 
when  speaking  to  the  Indians,  who  even  in    my  presence  could  scarcely  be  restrained  from 
refle[c]tions  on  the  English  &  encomiums  on  the  French.     I  am  sensible  there  may  be  several 
that  think  or  say   otherwise,   but   I  speak  from   longer  experience,   and   as   little  prejudice, 
emboldened  by  a  consciousness  of  my  own  integrity.     This  system  of  politicks,  &  natio  .,il 
character  of  the  French  as  it  led  them  to  cultivate  the  affections  of  the  Indians,  has  probably 
occasioned    the  French  Government  to  consider  them  as  verry  well  calculated  to  create  a 
diversion  here,  in  case  of  a  rupture,  or  to  second  their  endeavours  should  they  find  it  eligible 
to  reestablish  themselves  in  America,  to  which  end  emissaries  are  necessary  for  keeping  up  an 
intercourse  with,  &  encreasing  the  Indians  jealousy  of  our  growing  power,  but  the  ertects  are 
nearly  the  same,  whether  the  Crown  of  France  interests  itself  therein,  or  not,  for  the  Canadians 
are  full  of  these  sentiments,  and  would  find   their  account  therein,  if  they  had  no  other  object 
but  that  of  possessing  the  most  valuable  part  of  the  Trade,   which   their  people   in   the  back 
country  can  carry  on  when  our  colonies  are  engaged  in    war,  of  which  there  wtre   proof's 
enough  durmg  the  late  Indian  troubles —  from  which  so  ever  of  these  causes  or  from  whatever 
authority,  the  fact  is  pretty  certain  that  imediately  on   the  reduction  of  Canada,  verry  large 
belts  were  delivered  by  some  of  the  Clergy  and  other  persons  of  consequence  to  certain  French 
men  &  Indians  who  carried  them  'thro  all  the  nations  to  Detroit,  Michilimacina  &c'  importing 
that  the  King  of  France  'tho  conquered   in  one  place  was  stii;   alive,  and   that  a  French   & 
Spanish  Fleet  would  soon  make  its  appearance,  when  they  should  all  be  made  happy,  and  freed 
from  the  encroachments  of  the  English.    That  therefore  they  should  be  in  readiness  with  tlieir 
axes  sharp  to  strike  a  blow  when  called  upon  &  in  the  interim  that  they  should  guard  tho 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV5 


423 


.a 


avenues  to  the.r  country  ngainst  the  English.     The  next  year  17G1,  more  belts  were  sent  to 
Detro.t  adv,sn.g  the.n  that  the  time  was  come  for  rnischeif,  and  exhorting  thl^^^^^^^ 
hav.ng  been  taken  by  Ja,„  Cuir.  who  had  great  influence  with  the  upper  Senecas    a  peoo  o 
much  .n[c]hned  to  the    French,  to  induce  the  former  to  jovn  therein    anHn!„'  .  . 

accordingly  to  the  Nations  at  Detroit  .c.  but  the  plan  betg^  t^Ll^ve    d,^ aTTrr;::: 
el  o7e;    orth;  ^rm7The^'"  '  '^  w"  ''"'''''  ^'"'  '''  ^""'""'^'"^  nati'ons  the  Zm' 

attac    our  posts  traders  &  frontiers  at  once  with  assurances  of  an  apVoaci.nTFLet TJ.'    Th 

'Ztl  7  f """  '""""''  '"'•  ""  '"  '">•  '^"^'^  "f '•-  ''"■  A"^-t  neVte  Lords  of 
Irade  I  stated  my  sent.ments  &  apprehensions,  as  well  as  afterwards  commun  cated  mv 
artherd.scover.es  L-  Col.  then  Major  Gladwin  a  worthy  man  &  a  brave  Xer  Mhe  s"" 
Uegn..  .„  March  of  that  year  obtained  from  two  or  three  different  Indians  a  verry  c  cums  ant  al 
account  of  the  whole  design,  with  even  a  list  of  those  Clergy  &  others  who  ifad  explained  & 
delivered  the  Be  ts  to  the  Indians,  at  the  same  time  I  received  sundry  c  rroboraUnn  olbu^ 
people  ,„  general  were  not  inclined  to  think  that  the  Indians  were  capable  or  wU  ing  t  imbark 
n,  such  an  undertaking,  and  many  unlucky  events  too  tedious  to  be'at  this  time  rl  pitl    5 

tZrTT  '^  '""'"'  ^''"^'  '"  ^'"^^  '''"''  '"^^  °"^  P-'«  *  'f-d-s  fe  1  first 
Bacnfice,  &  he  effects  are  too  well  known  to  require  a  relation.  I„  justice  howeve  to  the 
major  par  o  the  «,x  Nations  who  preserved  their  fidelity,  &  whose  situation  renders  them  o 
onse.,uent,a!  to  us,  I.cannot  omit  observing  that  they  were  of  signal  use  at  that  period  gilt 
the  enemy,  amongst  others,  one  Indian  detachment  I  sent  out  attacked  a  party  coming  a«  n 
our  settleme.Us.  made  the  cheif  with  forty  others  prisoners  who  were  com.Lte'd  to  uf  jal  s.  & 
whose  .mpend.ng  fate  fed  up  the  hands  of  their  people,  and  these  circumstances  did  not  a  I   tit 

w.      the  V^ar.  those  who  contributed  to  excite  it,  saw  plainly  how  much  Indiana  could  do 
w.thout  a.d.  and  how  httle  they  could  sufler.     The  old  belts  were  revived,  additional  one. 
w,th  messages  brought  by  way  of  Mississipi.  and  delivered  to  the  Tribes  on  the  branches  of 
Ofno  &c-  accompanied  with   verry  substantial  presents.  False   reports  circulated,  &   everry 
extravagance  of  the  disorderly  frontier  Inhabitants  and  encroachers  exaggerated,  parties  excitS 
o  do  mischeif  on  our  communications,  as  well  as  to  rob,  murder  &  banish  our  traders  whilst 
those  from  Canada  were  caressed,  who  are  now  in  many  places  become  factors  for  the  English 
&  derive  reputation  from  their  goods.     So  that  what  with  the  artifices  practiced  by  desi.nii.J 
men  amongst  them,  the  Encroachments  .t  many  other  acts  of  injustice  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
most  of  the  frontiers,  the  incapacity  and  (as  it  appears  to  the  Indians)  unwillingness  of  our 
American  Governments  U.  redress   them,  thej  jealousy  of   the  Indians  is   rather  encreased 
and  the  belts  are  secretly  cherished  by  those  most  aggrieved  as  so  many  assurances  of  relief 
in  so  much  that  it  w  ,«  with  great  ditti.uilty  I  had  some  of  them  delivered  up,  and  there  are  yej 
more  which  I  am  usmg  everry  practicable  measure  to  obtain  —  The  fresh  ones  that  have  lately 
crept  in  amongst  them  with  a  view  to  revive  the  furmer.  like  all  the  rest  were  delivered  by 
cautious  men,  in  the  most  secret  manner,  without  wunesse..  as  the  only  information  to  be 
obtained  is  in  our  laws  dcf-ctive  &  the  testimony  of  Indians  however  clear,  or  corroborated 
by  others  is  in  general  regarded  with  a  slight,  which  is  sensibly  noticed  by  themselves 

In  effect  my  Lord,  tedious  as  this  epistle  may  appear  it  realy  contains  only  heads,  which  to 
state  fully  would  require  much  enlargement.  Your  Lordship  will  imediatelv  perceive  from 
what  1  huve  already  mentioned,  how  difficult  a  task  it  must  be  to  detect  the  authors,  or  trace 


'    |i 

■V 


424 


NE\^-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


'■If 


•i 


sucli  belts  or  messages  to  their  true  origin  to  which  I  should  ndd  that  the  Indians  are  so 
universally  averse  to  our  modes  of  capit;il  punishment,  that  they  would  never  stand  tn  tlieir 
information  even  against  an  Enemy,  much  less  a  secret  friend  from  an  apprehension  tliit  the 
part'es  must  suHer  death,  of  all  which  I  could  give  instances,  those  who  give  the  intelligence 
are  often  unacquainted  with  the  authors,  or  content  themselves  with  the  relation  of  what  they 
have  heard,  hut  this  shall  not  prevent  me  from  using  all  my  endeavors  to  detect  them,  is  well 
ns  to  prevent  y*  operation  of  such  schemes,  &  artillces,  in  which  should  I  fail  thro'  any 
unhappy  combination  of  unlucky  events,  1  am  still  confident  that  I  can  divide  them  &  make 
good  use  of  the  fidelity  of  a  verry  large  number,  than  which,  nothing  can  be  more  alarming  to 
the  Indians,  who  sensible  of  our  numbers,  dread  most  a  disunion  o(  Confederacies. — 

On  all  those  matters,  I  hope  to  give  your  Lordship  more  particular  satisfaction  after  the 
intended  Onondaga  Congress,  &  the  return  of  the  Knlbas^v  I  sent  to  the  VVf.>tward. — 

1  am  much  oblidged  by  your  Lordships  politeness  respec^ting  the  appointment  of  a  new 
Secretary,  for  which  office,  I  take  the  liberty  to  recommend  M'  Joseph  Chew  a  genlleman  of  a 
respectable  family  in  Virginia,  who  was  formerly  an  Officer  in  the  Tn  .5ps  of  thit  Colony,  & 
afterwards  a  Captain  in  the  levies  of  this  Province  under  my  commams  in  1747  in  which  he 
behaved  very  well,  He  has  since  had  many  opportunities  of  being  acquainted  with  the  Indians, 
&  has  iieen  for  some  time  settled  in  this  part  of  the  Country  ;  where  he  is  a  Magistrate,  I  trust 
that  if  he  meets  your  Lordship's  approbation,  he  will  acquit  himself  with  fidelity  in  that  post. 

I  remain  with  the  highest  Esteem,  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient,  ' 

&  most  devoted  Humble  Servant, 

The  Right  Honourable  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth.  W.  Johnson 


& 


Proceidings  of  Sir  Wdliam  Johnson  vjith  the  Indiana. 

[  PlaiiUUont  Oenerml,  COLX.  ] 

At  a  Congress  with  some  of  the  Principal  Chiefs  &  Warriors  of  the  Six  Nations  at  Johnson 
Hall  on  the  1S">  of  April  1774. 

Present — Sir  William  Johnson  Bar'  His  Majesty's  Superintend'  of  Indian  Affairs. 

Daniel  Clause  ] 

-,       I  ,  h  Esq"  Dep'  Agents. 

(jiiy  Johnson    )       ^         i       e 

With  several  other  Gent" 


'i 


Princip'  Indians  present. 
Teyorlianseras  Chief  of  the  Mohawks 

Sayenquaraghta  "      "     "    Senecas 

('henughiyata,  or  Bunt  "      "     "    Onondagas 

Connghijuieson  Chief  of  Oneida 

Soherissa  of  ('ayuga 

Tarundarwego  of  Tuscarora 

and  200  Chiefs  and  Warriors  of  the  several  Nations. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV. 
Sayenquaraghta  Chief  of  the  Seneca  Nation  addressed  S'  W-  as  follows 


425 


Brother  Warrjighiyngey 

File""l'rrll''' f  '""''JT^'T  '"'  ''""'"^'  "«  *°  '"^^'y''"  '"  "^-"h  here  at  this  Council 

w    c'h  il     \  r!r    r'  n  ■■"'  '^"'  ^°"  "'"  «"^  ""^"^'°"  »°  ^^^^  '  «™  goi"g  ^o  say  to  you 
winch  .s  o„  behalf  of  all  our  warriors  as  far  as  Canawago,  and  is  of  great  importance 

hnfeted'     '''T     '° '''  ^-'^"g-ents  entered  ,„to  by  our  SachLs  to  y'o    LT  all.  We 
have  used  our  endeavors  to  .earch  after,  and  apprehend  those  men  of  our  nation  who  kil  ed 

yet  be  assured    hat  all  the  confederacy  are  much  concerned,  &  atlected  thereby  lest  they  shou'd 
be  s     .ected  of  be.ng  pr.vy  thereto—But  we  can  assure.  Brother  that  it  was  n.eL  v     .e 
van  ...Act  of  the  perpetrators  alone  without  the  knowledge,  and  contrary  to  T      i^  li  ati 
of  the  Confederacy,  the  Intelligence  of  which  shocked  us  greatly,  and  accordingly  w     have 
spued  no  pams  to  apprehend  the  murderers  to  deliver  them  up'to  you,  but  tluf  Uirgleade 
suspect.ng  our  .ntentu.ns.  has  n.ade  his  escape,  an.l  there  only  remains  the  two  young  lads  who 
were  w.th  h,m  and  who  were  persuaded  by  him  to  join  therein,  for  which  we  apprehended   h"m 
and  have  now  brought  -.em  here  with  us  to  deliver  them  up  to  you.     At  the  same  tim     Br    her.' 
we  must  observe   and  .  am  sure  you  are  very  sensible  it  i.  a  most  delicate  point  with  us     nd 
a  strong  proof  o    the  op.n.on  we  have  of  your  advice  that  we  now  deviate  fron.  our  anient 
us  oms  wcN  .„  t  ,s  case  as  well   as  many  others  diff.rs   widely  fro,n  yours,   by  putting 
people  .nto  your  hands,  when  at  the  tiu.e  we  give  you  this  proof  of  the  regard  we  pay  to  ou 
late  engagements  with  you.     You  cannot  be  ignorant  that  n'u.y  of  our  people  have    eeVlate  y 
murdered  on  the  frontiers  without   our  reci.ng  the   lea.t  saUnfactio  1   on  that  accout,  and 

own  people  are  permuted  to  escap.._We  wou'd  further  observe  that  the«e  youn.  men 
a  cor  mg  to  custom  but  obeyed  the.r  leader,  and  were  ignorant  of  the  consequence^  and 
therefore  we  presume  that  when  you  have  duely  considered  all  these  circumstances,  you  will  not 
use  them  w.th  sever.ty.-for  we  cannot  help  .ay,ng  that  it  w.,Vd  be  far  from  appearing  like  an 

fin!?;"  ;"  '  ":'"  ,  '  "  r  "^  '"'■""  '^"''"^  """"  ^^^  ^^^  ■"-  -d-vormg  to  attach 
firmly  to  t  e  Lngl.sh.  and  who  have  been  so  troublesome  for  many  years  past.  Those  indeed 
who  by  only  seemg  a  few  of  our  people  living  within  your  country,  may  think  us  a  people 
vo.d  of  power  and  understan.iing,_but  you  Brother  know  better,  that  we  have  often 
complamed  of  the  murders  committed  on  our  people  without  redress,  and  that  we  have  at  your 
S'Th     ""r"'"'"'"""  '"  '""""^  our  warriors  from  revenging  their  treatment, 

m  n  „/  1  l\r  "  'Tr  "  '''''  P"""'"  ''  ""^  '"  °"'-  P°«-  '«  o''tain.-for  our  youn^ 
men  are  a  I  Warriors,  and  the  great  Spirit  has  still  preserved  to  u.  the  Springs  of  the  Waters 
and  taught  us  all  the  paths  to  your  Frontiers. -Brother.  As  we  know  all'yonr  people  are 
great,  so  we  hope  they  will  be  just,  and  not  too  severe  upon  u.,  considering  what  we  daily 
eufTer  from  thera.  We  once  more  with  this  Belt  reconunen.l  the  adair  fo  your  erirul 
consulerafon  -ami  as  there  are  in  every  nation  some  bad  internnxed  with  the  good,  we 
hope  you  W.1I  not  lay  t  e  commission  of  this  murder  to  our  whole  nation,  but  to  that  bad  man 
who  was    he  author,  whom  we  have  made  diligent  search  after.         (iave  a  large  IJelt 

I  hen  added  that  the  Prisoners  were  in  their  Camp  at  Sir  William's  disposal  ready  to  be 
delivered  np  whenever  he  demanded  them.  ^ 

Adjourned  to  next  day. 

Vo,..  VIII.  g^ 


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At  a  Congress  held  on  Tuesday  the  ID""  of  April. 

The  Indians  beiiig  all  assembled  painted,  and  dressed,  acquaintee  Sir  W"  of  their  being 
ready  to  proceed  to  business  &  accordingly  Sayenquaraghla  arose  and  spoke  as  follows. 

Brother  Warraghiyagey, 

Having  yesterday  gone  through  the  most  essential  part  of  our  business  of  this  present  meeting, 
we  come  now  to  another  point,  which  is  your  having  last  fall  strongly  recommended  to  us  to 
endeavor  to  obtain  Restitution  for  the  Loss  of  the  Peltries,  those  that  were  murdered  had  in 
their  possession,  which  belonged  to  some  persons  in  Canada.  We  are  determined,  brother, 
according  to  our  promise  to  you,  to  try  all  in  our  power  to  indemnify  the  srfTerers  in  this 
unhappy  affair,  and  therefore  made  it  known  to  all  the  Warriors  as  far  as  Canawagow,'  who 
have  accordingly  collected  all  the  skins  they  possibly  cou'd,  some  of  which  are  already  delivered 
up,  and  there  are  now  at  a  village  called  Onoghsadago  near  Canawago,  two  pachS  which  will 
shortly  be  send  down  with  some  others. — We  hope  therefore,  brother,  it  will  be  evident  to  you 
that  we  have  spared  no  pains  in  making  up  the  losses  of  the  sufferers  as  much  as  lay  in  our 
power,  and  that  the  English  will  not  require  us  to  make  a  double  attonement. 

Gave  a  Belt. 

The  Speaker  then  produced  some  Strings  of  Wampum  relative  to  their  Proceedings  for 
discovering  certain  bad  belts  said  to  be  still  in  the  hands  of  some  Indians  to  the  Sout  West 
&  related  the  same  as  follows. 

Brother,  The  messengers  that  last  winter  were  sent  by  us  to  the  Shawanese  town 
Kagoughsage  al.  Akonwarage,  when  they  arrived  at  Fort  Pit,  were  informed  that  there  were 
some  of  the  Principal  Indians  of  that  Shawanese  town,  and  nation  then  there,  in  consequence 
of  which  they  went  to  those  Shawanese,  and  asked  whether  they  cou'd  take  upon  them  to  hear, 
&  receive  the  messages  they  had  for  their  Nation  from  the  Six  Natif  ns.  The  Shawanese 
replied  that  the  head  men  of  Agonwarage  were  then  assembled  there  with  some  Twightwee 
Chiefs,  and  they  thought  it  convenient,  and  proper  they  shouM  deliver  their  message  there,  and 
agreed  to  hear  them  the  next  day. —  however  ten  days  elapsed  before  they  met,  &  the  meeting 
being  opened,  the  Shawanese  expressed  great  satisfaction  in  seeing  messengers  from  the  Six 
Nations,  telling  them  that  Darkness  had  a  long  time  reigned  between  them,  and  the  Six  Nations, 
and  they  were  happy  to  see  at  last  light  appear  from  that  Quarter,  and  at  the  came  time  were 
glad  of  the  opportunity  of  having  some  of  the  Twightwees  with  them  to  hear  what  they  had 
to  impart  from  their  Confederacy.  Upon  which  the  Deputies  opened  the  Meeting  with  the 
usual  Ceremonies,  and  then  proceeded  to  observe  that  as  the  Six  Nations  had  been  for  a  long 
while  employed  in  establishing  peace  upon  a  solid  footing  with  their  Brethren  the  English, 
and  their  whole  Confederacy,  and  Dependants,  and  being  told  that  a  JVar  Ax  was  still 
concealed,  and  unburied  among  them  the  Shawanese,  which,  it  was  said  they  had  received 
from  the  Upper  Senecas,  and  which  the  Onondagas  some  time  ago  unsuccessfully  demanded, 
tlie  Seneca  Nation,  in  order  to  acquit  themselves  ol  all  suspicion,  were  determined  to  come  to  the 
bottom  of  the  matter,  and  therefore  had  sent  them  once  more  with  a  strict  charge  to  enquire  as 
much  as  possible  into  the  affair,  and  if  the  report  shou'd  prove  true,  positively  to  demand  the 

'  Tliia  crri'k  riiri  in  rattariiiBua  county,  thciiCH  runs  west  into  Alloi^nnjr  county,  M.  V.,  wliorv  it  pursuos  a  euuilurly 
i.'OurM,  and  unit«a  witli  the  Allegauy  river  iu  i'ciiuiylvauiit. —  Ku. 


r 


■Jl^i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV, 


427 


Delivery  of  that  At.  To  which  the  Shawanese  Chief  Nererahhe  replied,  that  they 
the  Shawanese  were  very  glad  to  hear  from  the  Six  Nations,  &  kindly  thanked  them  for  their 
message  at  the  same  time  they  must  inform  them  that  thty  were  strangers  to  what  they 
demanded  of  them,  and  that  as  they  said  they  were  sure  where  the  Ax  was  concealed, 
they  wou  d  be  glad  they  wou'd  point  it  out  to  them,  and  convince  them  of  the  truth  of  their 
assertmnn  that  ti.ey  might  be  able  to  clear  up  the  matter  satisfactorily. 

The  Messengers  then  told  the  Shawanese  that  the  Onondagas  Messenger  Kakendanaye  who 
was  at  Kakoughsage  last  in  quest  of  the  said  A,,  had  seen  it  there,  upon  which  the  Shawanese 
Chief  replied  that  what  Kakendanage  saw  at  their  town,  was  by  no  me.ns  an  Ax  Belt,  and  that 
he  wou  d  explain  the  matter  to  them  as  in  reality  it  was  viz'.  "  That  a  Message  was  sent  from 
the  Hurons  after  making  peace  with  the  English  at  a  Congress  with  Sir  William  Johnson  in 
1765,  to  the  Delawares  on  Ohio,  acquainting  them  that  peace  was  made  with  the  English  in  the 
strongest  and  most  lasting  manner,  and  with  that  condition  tiiat  whatever  nation  of  Indians 
declined  entering  into  the  same,  or  shou'd  molest  the  English,  the  whole  Confederacy  were  to 
punish  them  until  thay  corrected  their  Error,  that  therefore  they  the  Hurons  had  sent  this  belt 
to  them  tli3  Delawares  to  keep  themselves  in  realiness  whenever  called  upon  by  the  Confederacy 
on  the  like  occasion.*     When  the  belt  was  delivered  to  the  Delaware  Chief,  he  replied  that  he 
was  an  old  man,  and  not  capable  of  receive  such  messages,  the  Delaware  nation  being  looked 
upon  as  women,  and  that  it  were  best  to  apply  to  the  Shawanese.  upon  which  he  sent  the  belt  to 
him  Nerarahhe,  but  he  being  a  Sachim,  sent  it  to  the  Chief  Warrior  of  his  nation,  Sowanowane 
to  keep  It.  as  he.  as  a  Sachim.  -Jid  not  meddle  but  in  matters  of  Peace,  and  Sowanowane  received 
It,  and  assured  him  that  he  was  of  one  mind  with  the  Confederacy  for  rendering  the  peace 
universal,  and  was  ready  to  comply  with  the  Intention  of  the  Hurons  message  of  chastizing  any 
nation  that  wou'd  act  contrary  to  the  engagements  the  Confederacy  made  with  iheir  Brethren 
the  English.— At  the  same  time  Nererahhe  observed  to  them  the  Deputies,  that  he  found  by 
their  message  that  the  Onondaga  Deputy  Kakendinaye  inflamed  the  same  account  of  the  Hurons 
Belt  greatly,  by  calling  it  a  Hatchet  Belt  against  the  English,  and  begged  that  Sir  W-  Johnson 
might  be  made  acquainted  with  the  truth  of  the  matter,  and  drop  and  forget  any  evil  thought 
or  Construction  he  might  have  upon  Kakandinaye's  Report,  that  one  of  the  Messengers  not 
being  thoroughly  satisfied  with  this  account  of  the  War  Ax  told  the  Shawanese  Chief  of  the 
Imputation  their  nation  lay  under  with  regard  to  their  late  Chief  Akastarax,  who  professing 
himself  no  great  friend  to  the   English,  had  been  suspected  of  sending  an  Ax  to  them  the 
Shawanese.  and  other  nations  upon  Ohio,  and   wou'd  be  glad  to  be  satisfied  in  that  point. 
The  Shawanese  Chief  told  them  he  knew  nothing  of  it  but  wou'd  refer  him  to  Kaghsigwarote, 
the  only  one  that  consulted  with,  &  delivered  Akastarax  his  Messages  to  them,  and  was  now 
living  in  their  nation,  who  wou'd  best  be  able  to  inform  him  of  the  particulars  relative  to  that 
aflair.  and  which  Saweeto  was  determined  to  do  on  his  return,  but  KaghsigA^arote  having  lost 
his  niece,  the  cou'd  not  then  speak  to  him,  it  being  contrary  to  their  custom,  but  intended  to 
do  it  as  soon  as  conveniently  he  cou'd. 

With  regard  to  the  summons  frotj,  the  Six  Nations  to  those  on  the  Ohio,  and  its  environs 
Nererahhe  told  the  Messengers  that  himself,  and  his  Nation  had  been  ready  on  the  first  call  to 

•  N.  Wh«t  the  Blmwuoo  h«ro  uj  i,  partly  true,  th«l  ii  with  reg.rd  to  th«  BelU  In  Mii.  but  they  .rtfully  (Tidi  giving 
•n  uconiint  of  tlii  \m\  bclU  reoM  from  the  Enemy  In  eenrch  of  which  the  M.^sMnRere  thon  were. 

t  Thi«  la  llie  Indian  cii.tom  until  the  ceremony  of  Coudoleuoe  ii  puhlickly  performed,  but  it  looki  like  an  Excuh  framed 
l>y  Kagbiigwarut*  in  thie  inelanoe. 


488 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


M 


go  to  Onondaga,  but  that  the  rest  of  the  Nations  summoned  at  the  same  time,  were  not  then 
ready,  but  that  now  all  that  were  summoned  were  determined  to  go,  and  thirty  runners 
were  prepared  to  proceed  Irom  Scioto  to  announce  their  coming,  and  himself  with  another 
Chfiif  was  ready,  and  upon  the  point  of  setting  off,  desiring  the  Messengers  to  have  a  large 
hutt  got  ready  foi  their  reception,  as  they  wou'd  be  very  numerous,  that  then  having  all  the 
Confederacy  together  he  hoped  they  wou'd  he  able  to  find  out  where  the  fault  lay,  and  why 
this  long  desired  peace  cou'd  not  be  brought  about. 

Nererahhe  proceeded  addressing  himself  to  the  Twightwees. 

Brothers.  You  have  now  been  present,  and  heard  all  the  transactions  between  us,  Sir  William 
Johnson,  and  the  Six  Nations.  It  gives  me  pleasure  it  happened  in  your  presence,  for  we 
roceive  all  the  News  from  the  Six  Nations  concerning  you,  and  the  other  nations  round  about 
you,  and  forward,  &  communicate  it  to  you  carefully  in  order  to  preserve  peace  and  a  good 
understanding  between  the  Confederacy,  and  our  Brothers  the  English-  — but  no  sooner  do 
our  Messengers  turn  their  backs,  than  y"  alter,  and  put  false  constructions  upon  the  friendly 
messages,  and  advice  we  send  you,  and  by  that  means  poison  and  corrupt  the  minds  of  the 
Indian  Nations  round  about  you  which  cannot  but  be  productive  of  mischief  on  your  side,  as 
well  as  ours,  &  is  liable  to  involve  you  in  trouble,  and  expose  you  to  the  resentment  of  our 
Brothers,  the  English,  whereas  if  you  were  to  mind  the  wholesome  advice  you  from  time  to 
time  receive  from  Sir  W"  Johnson,  and  the  Six  Nations,  you  wou'd  enjoy  peace  &  happiness. 
Let  me  therefore  admonish  you  to  act  differently  for  the  future,  and  you  will  soon  taste  the 
sweets  of  peace,  and  a  free  intercourse  &  friendship  with  your  Brothers  the  English. 

Whereupon  the  Twightwees  replied  that  they  wou'd  defer  giving  an  answ'  until  their 
Deputies  shou'd  meet  at  the  Congress  shortly  to  be  held  at  Onondaga. 

Sayenquaraghta  then  acquainted  Sir  W™  that  Kayashota  the  Chief  of  the  Ohio  had  been 
indefatigable  in  the  discharge  of  his  Embassage,  and  that  to  manifest  their  cooperation 
therewith,  he  iiad  been  accompanied  from  the  Seneca  country  by  five  of  their  Chiefs. 


At  a  Congress  with  the  Indians  Thursday  April  21"  1774 

Present —  as  before 

Sir  William  Johnson  addressed  them  as  follows, 

Brothers, 

Though  I  am  allwaysglad  to  see  you  punctual  in  your  attendance  according  to  engagement, 
yet  I  cannot  help  expressing  my  concern  at  meeting  you  on  so  disagreeable  an  occ  ision  :  For 
although  I  shou'd  be  unwilling  to  think  that  the  murder  committed  upon  Lake  On'ario  wag 
an  act  that  received  the  sanction  of  your  people,  yet  I  cannot  but  look  upon  it  as  a  piece  of 
cruelty,  and  injustice,  that  without  proper  satisfaction  must  reflect  on  the  whole,— For  if  it  is  as 
disagreeable  to  you  as  I  am  inclined  to  believe,  the  punishment  of  the  Guilty  is  raeerly  an 
act  of  justice  you  shou'd  rather  wish  for,  than  oppose  by  any  arguments  whatever. 

I  have  duely  considered  all  you  have  ofTered  upon  the  occasic.i,  &  as  it  is  beneath  the 
character  of  the  English  to  evade,  I  shall  not  deny  that  some  of  your  people  have  been  killed 
on  the  frontiers,  but  I  tell  you  as  I  have  done  before  upon  like  occasions  that  too  many  of  them 
are  often  concerned  in  irregularities  upon  our  frontiers  which  expose  them  to  the  resentment 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


429 


of  angry  men  who  have  no  prospect  of  any  redress  from  you.-For  although  anong  so 

numerous   a   people   as  the   English  who  are  spread  all   ov^r  the  country  some  men  may 

Ml,  especally  when  remote  from  the  seats  of  justice,  yet  you  will  all  ways  find  ZenZ 

hearken  to  your  compla.nts.  &  a  disposition  to  relieve  them  on  due  proof  of  the  same  -We 

IVeTh  '"  "'.'"'  '°  '°"°"  ^"  ^''^'"'"^  '^'^''^^  '■«  °f  the  highest  impor  anc™'o  yol^ 
peace  &happ>nes8,  and  we  may  naturally  conclude  that  as  the  principal  in  the  lafe  murde 
cou  d  not  fly  to  us  as  some  of  our  people  have  done  to  you.  that  it  was  in  your  now  trhave 
secured  h.m  and  sacrificed  him  to  justice,  and  the  character  of  your  Confed'eracJ 
nn^'^Z"'  /';!'"  •"'=°"^P'i«"'=«  with  your  desire.  lay  the  matter  before  the  General  who 
commands  all  H.s  Majesty's  Troop,  in  America.  &  use  .ny  endeavors  with  him  in  behalTof 
t  e  Pnsoners.  thro'  compassion  of  their  ignorance.  &  a  belief  that  you  are  heartiliconce  ned 
at  .t.  n  the  ma.n  fme  the  prisoners  must  be  put  into  confinement  and  when  I  receive  the 
General's  answer  it  shall  be  communicated  to  you.  \  g  , 

Brothers -I  am  glad  to  find  that  in  consequence  of  my  desire  you  immediately  ordered 
collectmns  to  be  made  of  skins.  &  peltry  as  a  restitution  to  the  owners  of  the  goois  when  b- 
murder  was  comm.tted.  Some  of  these  are  already  sent  down,  but  I  expect,  and  nlit  upon" 
.t  that  you  see  that  the  rest.tution  be  ample,  and  that  both  in  quantity  and  qu  lity  the  suVerers 

matter  'till  I  hear  the  Result  of  the  intended  Congress  at  O„o n'dagl  wh t  iXl  \h  t  V"" 
W.I1  see  that  all  the  Nations  concerned  do  punctually  attend,  and  that  every  thin/  s  e  Lt  d 
I^EngLr""  "  "''''  ""'""  '''  '''-'  '"'^'^"^  °^  ^°"^  sincerityf  and  Lachn  ent  to 

I  am  glad  to  hear  of  the  good  conduct  of  the  Chief  Kayashota  in  his  Embassage  and  that 
you  have  sent  five  of  your  Chiefs  to  accompany  and  enforce  his  endeavors.     A  '    repos    a 
Confidence  m  h.m.  from  my  knowledge,  and  experience  of  his  good  behaviour,  I  shlll  alw  y' 
shew  t  e  same  countenance  to  those  who  are  distinguish'd  for  their  fidelit;  &  ze  1.    7 
expect  that  irom  the  fa.thful  discharge  of  the  trust  reposed  in  him.  the  Nations  whose  head 
have  been  for  some  t.me  turned  may  be  restored  to  their  senses,  which  will  tend  great  Jo 
your  hnppmess.  and  the  satisfaction  of  the  English,  who  have  hitherto  sat  still  with  th  IrAxes 
under  the.r  feet,  thro'  the  fatherly  tenderness  of  our  Great  King  for  these  delude     peoland 
h,8  regard  for  you.  but  they  must  remember  that  our  people  never  take  up  the  ha  ch  t  w Uhout 
cause,  or  lay  it  down  w'^out  satisfaction.  ^  xn\  * 

Adjourned  till  next  day.  '"' 


At  a  Congress  on  Friday  April  22"*.  1774. 

Present—  as  before. 

Being  all  seated   Sayenquaraghta  Chief  of  the  Senecas 
as  follows. 


arose,   and   addressed  Sir  W'" 


■r 


430 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS 


^m 


a'  1 


Brother.  —  We  have  considered  all  that  you  have  last  said,  and  advised  us  to,  and  the  Six 
Nations  who  always  rely  on,  and  follow  your  wise  direction,  now  assure  you  that  the  most 
strict  Orders  have  been  given  for  collecting  the  full  quantity  of  skins  w'""  the  Traders  have 
lost,  what  yet  remains,  you  may  be  assured  shall  forthwith  be  sent  to  Onondaga,  &  from 
thence  brought  down  the  country  for  the  sufferers,  that  you  may  see  we  are  Warriors,  and  men 
of  our  words,  and  this  the  warriors  desire  me  to  assure  you  of. 

Brother  we  have  already  told  you  of  the  escape  of  the  principal  concerned  in  that  unhappy 
affair.  —  Here  are  now  the  two  young  men  who  were  persuaded  to  be  concerned  therein. — 
We  deliver  them  into  your  hands,  because  you  insisted  upon  it. — We  know  your  words  to  be 
sound,  and  good,  and  we  can  refuse  you  nothing,  but.  Brother,  you  must  remember,  you  must 
be  sensible,  that  this  is  a  thing  new,  and  uncommon  to  us,  that  it  '.a  contrary  to  our  customs, 
and  we  must  say,  what  was  never  required  formerly,  —  neither  cou'd  we  have  agreed  to  it  but 
to  shew  you  that  our  arguments  have  great  force  with  our  people.  —  but  as  these  are  young 
men,  &  may  be  much  alarmed  at  what  appears  so  uncommon  to  them,  we  request  you  will 
allow  us  to  leave  three  chiefs,  friends  of  theirs  here,  with  liberty  to  visit  them  occasionally  in 
their  confinement,  until  you  hear  from  the  General,  and  we  think  that  what  we  have  already 
done,  is  a  strong  assurance  of  our  readiness  to  comply  with  .ill  the  other  matters  recommem^ed 
to  us,  and  that  we  though  of  some  power,  and  strong  in  our  alliances  set  a  fair  example  to 
the  other  Nations. 

To  which  Sir  W""  answered. 

Brothers.  1  am  pleased  with  your  repeated  assurances  of  delivering  a  full  equivalent  to 
those  persons  who  lost  their  goods,  and  I  expect  you  will  be  speedy:  for  it  is  beneath  the 
character  of  Warriors  to  use  fraud  or  falshood,  and  your  speedy  performance  of  your 
engagements  is  highly  necessary  at  all  times,  but  more  especially  at  present.  — I  am  not 
inclined  to  doubt  you,  because  as  you  all  know  I  rrfver  deceived  you,  I  am  the  readier 
induced  to  think  you  will  not  impose  on  me,  and  thereby  degrade,  and  injure  yourselves. 

Brothers.  It  gives  me  much  satisfaction  to  hear  that  my  arguments  have  determined  you 
to  deliver  up  these  persons.  For  those  Customs  which  you  have  so  much  regard  for,  are  weak, 
and  insufficient.  —  natural  justice  demands  them  at  your  hands,  and  the  greatest  men  ainong 
us  must  suffer  the  penalties  of  the  Laws  because  the  English  love  justice. 

I  have  no  objections  to  those  persons  staying,  whom  you  have  mentioned,  and  they  shall  be 
permitted,  now  and  then  to  see  the  Prisoners  who  must  remain  in  safe  custody  'till  I  receive 
answers  from  the  General.  —  In  the  main  time  I  recommend  it  to  you  to  act  w  prudence  & 
discretion,  and  to  shew  by  your  conduct  with  the  other  Nations  that  you  deser.d  the  favor  of 
the  English,  and  that  you  are  true  to  your  engagements. 

A  true  copy  from  the  Records 

Ex"*  by  G  Johnson  D  Agent 

Indorsed.    In  S' W.  Johnson's  N"  8  of  2"*  May  1774.  as  Sec' 


'.^j 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 
Lieutenant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

I  New-Yofk,  CLXTL,  No.  1. 1 


481 


(N»  1.) 
My  Lord,  N^^  York,  i'"  May  1774. 

2l  tr7\  ^[r''  ''^'T  ^'""'  "^''  Government,  the  Administration  has  again  devolved 
upon  Me.    It  aiiail  be  my  study  so  to  discharge  my  duty,  that  I  may  ensure  your  Lordship's 

old  serZt''  ^^  ""^  ^^°^''  *^''''"  approbation  of  the  last  services  of  a  very 

Governor  Tryoa  went  home  enabled  to  give  your  Lordship  the  fullest  Information  of  the 
state  of  this  f  rovmce.  I  need  not  mention  any  thing  that  he  was  acquainted  with.  The  only 
Matter  of  Consequence  which  has  occur'd  since  he  left  us.  is  the  Transactions  relative  to  the 
lea  from  London.  i"  mo 

Captain  Lockyer  with  the  so  long  look'd  for  Tea  from  the  India  Company,  arrived  at  Sandy 
Hook  on  the  19-  of  last  month.  The  ship  .ame  no  farther  up,  and  a  few  days  after  saild 
from  thence  again  for  London  with  the  Tea  .n  Board.  Neither  the  Capt",  nor  any  other,  made 
the  least  Application  to  me,  about  the  ship  or  her  Cargoe.  The  Account  of  this  Affair 
published  in  the  enclosed  News  paper,  is  as  particular  and  full  as  any  that  I  could  procure. 

In  the  same  Paper  your  Lordship  will  find  an  Account  of  some  more  violent  Proceedings 
agamst  a  p»rcell  of  Tea  imported  by  Capt"  Chambers  of  the  Ship  London  ;  who  arrived  here 
while  Captain  Lockeyer  was  in  this  Place.  As  no  application  was  made  to  me  by  Captain 
Chambers,  or  any  other,  before  or  since  this  riotous  event,  I  cannot  give  your  Lordship  a  better 
account  of  it  than  is  contain'd  in  the  printed  Paper.-It  happen'd  early  in  the  Evening,  and, 
the  a  pretty  large  number  of  Spectators  were  assembled,  the  Quarter  where  I  reside,  and  the 
greater  part  of  the  Town  was  perfectly  quiet.  It  is  said  Captain  Chambers  drew  the  particular 
Resentment  of  the  People  upon  himself  by  the  duplicity  of  his  Conduct.  Last  Voyage  he 
claim'd  applause  here,  for  being  the  first  who  refused  to  take  the  India  Company's  Tea  on 
Board  his  Ship;  and  received  Public  thanks  from  the  People  of  this  place  for  it. 

A  few  days  after  Governor  Tryon  went  from  hence,  a  small  sloop  loaded  with  Dutch  Tea 
Duck  &c.  was  seized  by  an  Otficer  of  the  Custom  House.  She  was  taken  in  this  Port,  at  Noon 
Day,  and  secur'd  without  any  tumult  on  the  Occasion. 

Since  Governor  Tryon  embarked  I  have  received  your  Lordship's  letters  N"  17.  and  18; 
likewise  His  Majesty's  Additional  Instruction  of  the  third  of  February,  and  your  Lordship's' 
Circular  Letter  of  the  S'"  accompanying  it.  I  laid  the  Instruction  and  Letter  before  the 
Council,  who  have  them  still  under  Consideration,  in  order  to  form  such  Rules  for  our  future 
Conduct,  as  may  be  consonant  tc  His  Majesty's  Commands.  I  have  likewise  received  your 
Lordships  separate  Letter  of  the  5'^  of  February  relative  to  Capt"  David  Price.  I  beg 
your  Lordship  may  be  assured  that  I  will  pay  the  strictest  Obedience  to  His  Majesty's 
Commands,  and  that  I  will  endeavour  to  execute  them  in  the  most  faithfull  manner. 
I  am  with  great  respect  &  submission 
My  Lord, 

Your  most  Obedient  and 

faithfull  Servant 
R'  Hon'."  Earl  of  LV.rtnioulh.  Cadwalladkr  Colden 


432 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Secretary  Pownall  to  Secretary  Robinson.* 


i    i-v?  «" 


[  Now-Tork  Entriw,  LXIX.,  p.  28.  ] 


John  Robinson  Esquire 


Sir 

Your  letter  to  me  of  the  6""  Instant  inclosing  a  Memorial  of  two  papers  therein  refered  to 
presented  to  the  Treasury  Board  by  Major  General  Clinton  has  been  laid  before  the  Lords 
Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations  and  I  am  directed  to  acquaint  you  for  the  information 
of  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Treasury  that  it  does  appear  that  General  Clintons  father 
was  appointed  Governor  of  New  York  in  1741  that  he  had  an  instruction  in  like  manner  as 
his  predecessors  had  to  take  to  himself  out  of  the  Revenue  of  this  Province  the  annual  Sum 
of  one  thousand  two  hundred  pounds  Sterling  being  the  Salary  alloted  by  the  Crown  for  the 
.  Governor  of  that  Province;  that  the  operation  of  this  Instruction  was  however  defeated  by 
the  Assembly  having  upon  the  expiration  of  the  Act  on  which  this  Instruction  was  founded 
adopted  a  method  of  providing  for  the  support  of  Government  annually  instead  of  for  a  term 
of  Year  and  appropriating  annually  a  certain  specific  Sum  to  the  Gov'  for  his  Salary  which 
Sum  tho  at  first  nearly  adequate  to  one  thousand  two  hundred  pounds  Sterling  very  soon  fell 
short  of  it  considerably  by  the  Great  variation  in  the  course  of  exchange  and  the  Consequential 
depretintion  of  the  Coinage  of  the  Province. 

Upon  this  General  view  of  General  Clinton's  Case  the  Lords  of  Trade  are  of  opinion  that 
he  was  well  warranted  to  expect  that  both  injustice  and  Equity  the  Assembly  of  that  Province 
should  have  made  good  to  him  the  loss  he  sustained  by  the  consequence  of  a  deviation  from 
the  ancient  mode  of  Granting  Supplies  adopted  with  a  view  to  extend  their  own  Authority 
and  to  create  in  the  Officers  of  the  Crown  an  improper  dependance  upon  them. 

This  Act  of  Justice  to  W  Clinton  was  however  repeatedly  refused  and  such  was  the  state  of 
the  Province  and  thj  conduct  and  temper  of  the  Assembly  during  his  whole  Administration 
that  he  thought  it  adviseable  not  to  press  a  point  in  which  his  own  interest  was  concerned  from 
an  apprehension  that  it  might  have  the  concequence  to  occasion  a  disappointment  of  more  public 
Services  which  the  exigencies  of  Government  in  time  of  War  absolutely  required  and  many  of 
which  thro'  the  backwardness  and  indisposition  of  the  Assembly,  M'  Clinton  was  obliged  to 
provide  for  out  of  his  own  Pocket. 

From  these  considerations  their  Lordships  are  of  opinion  that  General  Clintons  claim  is 
equitable  and  they  submit  to  the  Lords  of  the  Treasury  whether  it  may  not  be  reasonable  th  it 
he  should  be  compensated  in  whatever  sum  the  allowance  made  to  his  father  by  the  Assembly 
fell  short  of  the  Salary  allotted  by  his  Instructions. 

I  am, 

Sir 

Your  most  obedient  and 

W''"^''''"  Most  humble  Servant 

■^^^y  12.  1774.  J.  PowNA. 

'  Jons  RoBiN«o.v,  of  Appleby,  Westraorclan.l,  ,   ,.,x.aenteJ  that  county  in  Parliament  in  iVCS ;  lie  was  one  of  the  Seorelnries 
of  the  Treasury  from  February  6,  1770,  to  29th  March,  1782.  Beafon'i  Political  Indtz,  Part  III.,  23—  Ed. 


.  TJ 


No  3. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


Lieuknant-Governor  CoVhn  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  Niiw-York,  OLX  VI.  (  No.  2.)  ] 


488 


My  Lord,  ^^^  ^^'''^  1"  ^""e  1774. 

JiT.r^^'l^  ^""^  ^"'■'^^''•P'''  Comninnds  of  the  6-  of  April  N»  19.  I  Immediately  sent 
M  Ell.o  t  the  Receiver  General  of  Quitrents,  an  Extract  of  what  your  Lordship  writes  in 
ftvour  of  Co  Skeene,  and  you  may  be  assured  no  process  will  issue  against  his  lands,  for  the 
Quitrents,   till  the  Determination  of  the  Lords  of  the  Treasury  is  known 

The  Act  of  Parliament  shuting  up  the  Port  of  Boston,  was  brought  to  this  Place  by  a 
Merch  Vessell.  a  few  Days  before  I  received  it  from  your  Lordship's  Office.  The  Act  was 
immediately  publish'd  in  all  our  News  Papers,  and  was  the  subject  of  all  Conversation.  I 
knew  that  People  universally  in  this  Colony  had  received  such  Ideas  of  being  taxed  at  the 
Ileasure  of  Parliament,  that  I  was  particularly  anxious,  upon  this  occasion,  to  discover 
the  Sentiments  of  those  who  might  have  most  Influence  over  others,  and  was  assured  by  the 
Gentlemen  of  the  Council,  and  others  of  weight  in  the  City,  that  no  means  would  be  omitted. 

0  prevent  the  hot  headed  People  takeing  any  measures  that  might  endanger  the  Peace  and 
tiuiet  of  the  Colony. 

The  Men  who  at  that  time  cali'd  themselves  the  Committee-who  dictated,  and  acted  in  the 
name  of  the  People,  were  many  of  them,  of  the  lower  Rank  and  all,  the  warmast  zealots  of 
those  call  d  the  Sons  of  Liberty. -The  more  considerable  Merchants  &  Citizens  seldom  ornever 
appeared  among  them  ;  but  I  beleive  were  not  displeased  with  the  Clamour  and  Opposition 
that  was  shewn  against  internal  Taxation  by  Parliament.-The  Principal  Inhabitants  being 
now  afraid  that  these  hotheaded  men  might  run  the  City  into  dangerous  measures,  appeard 
in  a  considerable  body,  at  the  first  Meeting  of  the  People  after  the  Boston  Port  Act  was 
publish  dhere.-lhey  dissolved  the  former  Committee,  and  appointed  a  new  one  of  61 
Persons  in  which  care  was  taken  to  have  a  number  of  the  most  prudent  and  considerate  People 
of  the  I  lace,  some  of  them  have  not  before  join'd  in  the  Public  proceedings  of  the  Opposition 
and  were  induced  to  appear  in  what  they  are  sensible  is  an  illegal  character  from  I 
Consideration  that  if  they  did  not;  the  Business  would  be  left  in  the  same  rash  Hands 
as  before. 

Letters  had  been  received  from  Boston  with  an  Invitation  from  that  Town  to  the  Sister 
Colonies  •mmed.atly  to  come  into  a  Resolution  to  refrain  from  any  Commerce  with  Great 
Britain  and  the  West  India  Islands,  till  the  Act  for  shuting  up  the  Port  of  Boston  was  repealed 
A  printed  Hand  Bill  ofthis  Proposal  is  inclosed.  was  repealed. 

1  am  inform'd  that  the  New  Committee,  in  their  Answer  to  Boston,  have  given  them  no 
reason  to  expect  that  the  Merchants  of  this  Place  will  adopt  so  extravagant  a  measure.  And 
1  eople  with  whom  I  converse  assure  me.  that  they  think  it  cannot  be  brought  about  bv  the 
most  zealous  advocates  of  Opposition.- As  yet  no  Resolutions  have  been  taken  by  the  People 
ofthis  Colony,  and  the  cool  prudent  men  will  endeavour  to  keep  Measures  in  suspencetill  thev 
have  an  opportunity  of  adopting  the  Best._I  „m  told  that  they  have  proposed  that  the 
Co  oiues  be  invited  to  send  Deputi..,s  to  meet  together,  in  order  to  Petition  the  King  for  Redress 
of  .re.vances  and  to  deliberate  upon  some  Plan  whereby  the  Jealousies  between  Great  Britain 
&  her  Colonies  may  be  removed.     It  is  allowed  by  the  intelligent  among  them,  that  these 

Vol.  Vm.  55 


I     1 


' .  .< 


484 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Assemblies  of  the  People,  without  Authority  of  Government,  are  illegal  and  may  be  dangerous; 
but  they  deny  that  they  are  unconstitutional  when  a  national  greivance  cannot  otherwise  be 
removed.  —  What  Resolutions  will  be  taken  I  cannot  as  yet  say.  —  The  Government  of  this 
Province  has  no  coercive  Power  over  these  Assemblies  of  the  People,  but  the  authority  of  the 
Magestrates  in  all  other  cases,  is  submitted  to  as  usual. 

I  have  reason  from  your  Lordship's  letters  to  suppose  there  is  a  Design  to  appoint  another 
Lieutenant  Governor  of  this  Province.  I  trust  in  His  Majesty'?  Justice,  that  when  he  is  pleased 
to  dismiss  an  old  Servant,  He  will  evince  that  tho'  He  may  think  Me  too  old  to  serve  Him 
at  a  time  when  the  task  is  become  uncommonly  arduous,  I  have  not  forfeited  his  Royal 
Protection  and  Favour.  I  shall  persevere,  my  Lord,  in  constant  application  to  a  faithful! 
Discharge  of  my  Duty,  and  in  endeavouring  to  preserve  this  Government  in  good  Order 

I  am  with  the  greatest  respect  &  submission 
My  Lord 

your  most  obedient  and 

faithfull  Servant 

R'  Hon""  Earl  of  Dartmouth.  Cadwallader  Golden 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmoutft. 

[New-Tork,  CLXVI.] 

.,    .      ,  London  ll"-  June.  1774. 

My  Lord 

In  obedience  to  the  King's  Commands,  I  hare  the  honor  herewith  to  inclose  your  Lordship 
my  Report  of  the  present  state  of  the  Government  of  New  York  together  with  the  Reports  of 
the  Respective  Officers  relative  to  the  Queries  your  Lordship  transmitted  to  me.  I  am  with 
all  possible  Respect,  My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's  Most  Obed'  and  Humble  Serv« 

Earl  Dartmouth  &■=  &=  &^  yym  Tbyon 


Hqiort  of  Oovernor  Tryon  on  the  Province  of  New  -  York. 

[  New  York,  CLXVI.  ] 

Report  of  His  Excellency  William  Tryon  Esquire,  Captain  General  and 
Governor  in  Chief  in  and  over  the  Province  of  New  York  and  the  Territory 
depending  thereon  in  America,  Chancellor  and  Vice  Admiral  of  the  same  — 
On  certain  Heads  of  Enquiry  relative  to  the  present  State  and  Condition  of 
His  Majesty's  said  Province. 

Question  N"  1. 
What  is  the  situation  of  the  Province  under  your  Government,  the  nature  of  the  Country 
soil  and  Climate:  the  Latitudes  and  Longitudes  of  the  most  considerable  places  in  it:  have  those 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV.  435 

Latitudes  and  Longitudes  been  settled  by  good  Observkions.  or  only  by  common  Computations, 
and  from  whence  are  the  Longitudes  computed  ? 

Answer 
8|i».non.ru.,Pr..     The  Province  of  New  York  is  situated  on  the  Atlantic  Ocean  which  washes  its 
Southern  Shores :     The  Colonies  of  Connecticut,  Massachusefs  Bay  and  New 
Hampshire  ymg  to  the  East,  Quebec  to  the  North,  and  New  Jersey,  Pensylvania  and  the  Indian 
Country  to  the  West. 

uyTiT^n"""  1^1  ^^^''^  °^  ""^  Country  is  every  where  uneven,  with  all  the  variety  of  soil 
to  be  found  any  where-In  the  Northern  Parts  are  low  lands  enriched  by  the 
overflowmg  of  Rivers,  but  little  of  this  sort  lies  within  Seventy  miles  of  the  City  of  New  York 
the  Metropohs-The  soil  in  general  is  much  thinner  and  lighter  in  the  Southern,  than  in  the 
Northern  Parts  and  havmg  been  longer  under  Culture  and  subject  to  bad  Husbandry,  is  much 
more  exhausted.  j>  « 

^'•T'  c^7^^  Province  extending  nearly  Four  Degrees  and  an  half  of  Latitude,  the 

difference  of  Climate  between  the  Southern  and  Northern  Parts  is  remarkable.  In  Summer  the 
Heat  18  sometimes  excessive,  and  in  general  much  greater  than  in  England— Melons  and  many 
other  Things  are  raised  here  by  the  natural  warmth  of  the  dimate  which  in  England  requi.e 
the  aid  of  Hot  Beds  and  Glasses.-The  Winter  in  all  parts  of  the  Province  is  more  severe 
than  m  Lngland,^~tho'  the  Latitude  of  London  is  about  ten  Degrees  more  North  than  the  City 
of  New  York-.Lven  in  the  Southern  Part  the  Mercury  in  Farrenhight's  Thermometer  sinks 
some  Degrees  below  ^  and  rises  to  90°  but  these  extremes  are  always  of  short  Duration.- At 
Albany  and  to  the  Northward  of  that  City  the  Harvest  is  about  a  Month  later  than  at  New 
York,  and  the  Winter  is  much  earlier.  Hudson's  River  is  generally  frozen  over  many  miles 
below  Albany  before  the  middle  of  December  but  no  Quantity  of  Ice  is  found  in  the  River 
within  thirty  Miles  of  the  City  of  New  York,  earlier  than  the  Month  of  January-In  March  the 
Navigation  is  again  open  up  to  Albany;  And  it  is  observed  the  Seasons  both  as  to  Heat  and 
Cold  grow  more  temperate. 

L.m"<i-  The  Latitudes  of  the   following  Places    have   been    determined    by   good 

Observations.  •'    ° 

The  Light  House  at  Sandy  Hook 400  27'  40 

Fort  George  City  of  New  York '.!.'.".".'.".!.'  40    41    50. 

Mouth  of  Mackhacamac  Branch  of  Delaware,  where  the  Line 

settled  between  New  York  &  New  Jersey  terminates. . .         4181    37 
City  of  Albany 42     gg    ^q] 

The  South  End  of  Lake  George 43  jg  jy. 

Crown  Point 43  g^  ,^' 

Windmill  Point '_"'  44  g^  ^g^ 

Point  au  Pine ".!.".".'."."'.  44  58  48^ 

Moores  Point 45  qq  qq 

L"^«i.ud.  The  Longitude  of  the  City  of  New  York  has  been  found  by  good  Observations 

ot  the  batellites  of  Jupitor  to  be  74°  38  West  from  London. 

Question  N"  2. 
What  are  the  reputed  Boundaries,  and  are  any  Parts  disputed,  and  by  whom? 


'  '    "ff 

•1:1'.'' 


436 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


"fniff 


.  -n 


■u 


n/. 


Bnundarlet  of    Ih* 
Provincti 


Answer 
The  Boundaries  of  the  Province  of  New  York  are  derived  from  Two  Sources 
First,  the  Grants  from  King  Charles  the  Second  to  his  Brother  James  Dui^e  of 
Yoris  dated  the  12  March  166|,  and  the  29  June  1G74,  which  were  intended  to  convey  to  the 
Duke  all  the  Lands  claimed  by  the  Dutch,  the  first  Occupants  of  ihis  Colony.  — Secondly,  from 
the  Submission  and  Subjectiou  of  the  Five  Nations  of  Indians  to  the  Crown  of  England. 
A. pounded ontte  The  DcscHptive  part  of  both  the  Duke's  Grants  is  in  the  same  Words  and 
.ume."  uV."  E  exclusive  of  the  Territory  Eastward  of  Connecticut  River,  since  granted  to  the 
Y»*-  Massachusets  Bay  by  their  Charter  of  1691,  comprehends  "All  that  Island  or 

Islands  commonly  called  Mattawacks  or  Long  Island,  together  with  Hudson's  [liver,  and  all  the 
Land  from  the  West  side  of  Connecticut  River  to  the  East  side  of  Delaware  Bay.  Connecticut 
River  extends  beyond,  and  Hudson's  River  takes  its  rise  a  little  to  the  Southward  of  the  Forty 
fifth  Degree  of  Northern  Latitude  ;  And  as  a  Line  from  the  Head  of  the  River  Connecticut  to 
Delaware  Bay,  would  exclude  the  greatest  part  of  Hudson's  River,  which  is  expressly  granted 
to  the  Duke  of  York,  the  Boundary  most  consistent  with  the  Grants  to  the  Duke,  and  the 
Claim  of  New  York  founded  thereon,  is,  a  Line  from  the  Head  of  Connecticut  River  to 
the  Source  of  Hudson's  River,  thence  to  the  Head  of  Mohawk  Branch  of  Hudson's  River,  and 
thence  to  the  East  side  of  Delaware  Bay. 

That  this  has  been  the  reputed  Boundary  under  the  Duke's  title  is  confirmed  by  the  Grants 
of  this  Government  extending  Westward  nearly  to  the  Head  of  the  Mohawk  Branch  of 
Hudson's  River,  and  Southward  of  that  Branch  to  within  a  few  miles  of  the  North  Boundary 
of  Pensylvania. 

No  other  Construction  will  satisfy  the  Terms  of  the  Grants  to  the  Duke,  nor  any  Lines  less 
comprehensive,  include  the  Lands  patented  by  this  Province,  or  ceded  to  the  Crown  by  the 
Indians,  at  the  Treaty  at  Fort  Stanwix  in  176S. 

^n"fh„".K'Ihe  'f  he  Second  Source  of  the  Title  of  this  Government  is  grounded  on  the  Claim 
Fue^NaUoMofiD-  ^f  ^^^  pj^^  ]\jati(j„g  ^(,0  are  in  the  Treaty  of  Utrecht  acknowledged  by  France 
to  be  subject  to  Great  Britain. 

Soon  after  the  English  conquered  this  Country  from  the  Dutch,  pursuing  their  system  of 
Policy,  they  entered  into  a  strict  Alliance  with  the  Natives,  who  by  Treaties  wi'h  this  Colony, 
subjected  themselves  to  the  Crown  of  England,  and  their  Lands  to  its  protect!  m,  and  from 
this  period  were  always  treated  as  Subjects,  and  their  Country  consider'd  by  this  Government 
as  part  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  which  probably  gave  rise  to  the  extended  jurisdiction 
of  the  Colony  beyond  the  Duke's  Grants,  signified  by  the  Words  "  The  Teretories  depending 
thereon"  which  are  found  in  all  the  Commissions  of  the  Crown  to  its  Governors.  Nor  has  the 
Crown  except  by  the  Confirmation  of  the  Agreement  fixing  the  Boundary  of  Connecticut  at 
about  Twenty  miles  East  of  Hudson's  River  at  any  Time  contracted  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Colony  Westward  of  Connecticut  River  and  Southward  of  the  Latitude  46  the  Proclamation 
of  His  present  Majesty  of  the  ?"■  of  October  176.3,  leaving  the  jurisdiction  Southward  of  that 
Latitude  as  it  stood  before,  tho'  it  prohibits  for  the  present  the  farther  Extention  of  the  Grants 
and  Settlements  into  the  Country  thereby  reserved  to  the  Indians,  to  avoid  giving  Umbrage 
to  that  people  who  complained  they  were  too  much  straitned  in  their  hunting  grounds.  It  is 
uncertain  at  this  Day  to  what  Extent  the  Five  Nations  carried  their  claim  to  the  Westward 
and  Northward  but  there  is  no  doubt  it  went  to  the  North  beyond  the  45  Degree  of  Latitude  and 
Westward  to  Lake  Huron,  their  Beaver  Hunting  Country  being  bounded  to  the  West  by  that 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV.  437 

Lake,  which  Country  the  Five  Nations  by  Treaty  with  the  Governor  of  this  Province  at 
Albany  .a  701.  surrender  d  to  the  Crown  to  be  protected  and  defended  for  them- Mitchei'  t 
h  8  Map  extends  the.r  Cla.m  much  further  Westward,  and  he  is  supported  in  this  opinion  by 
Maps  and  other  Authorities  very  Ancient  and  Respectable  ^ 

is  2lTZ  Jr'^  "^r'  'V°  \"  ^"""'^  '"""S  ''''  ""''''''  °f  '"'J'«"  Transactions  but  it 
,s  recited  and  the  surrender  made  thereby  confirmed  in  a  Deed  dated  the  14  September  1726 

Kin".  Georl^tf  r;  T"'"  T'  ?°"''^«''  ^^'''^"^  "'«''  ^""-'^-'^  "^^  Habitat  ons  0 
King  George  the  first,  a  Copy  whereof  is  inserted  in  the  Article  of  the  Appendix  Number  1 

Oswego  on  t  e  South  side  of  Lake  Ontario  was  first  established  by  this'colo.^  about  1724 
a  Garrison  of  the  Kings  Troops  supported  there  at  the  Expence  of  (his  Government  and  the 
Jurisdiction  of  New  York  actually  exercised  Westward  to  Oswego  and  its  Vicin   y  un   I 
the  Commencement  of  Hostilities  in  the  late  War.  viciniiy  untiii 

His  Majesty's  Order  of  the  20  July  17G4  confirming  the  Ancient  Limits  as  granted  to  the 
Duke   declares    ''The   Western    Banks  of    the   River   Connecticut,   from   where   U   enter! 
_"  the  Province  of  the  Massachuset^  Bay  as  far  North  as  the  Forty  fifth  Degree  of  Northern 

Mi.,,„eeex.  V...  .  ..na.l  .ea.fort  about  18  ™ile. T  o      t .    „       h  „'f  Z    itZlZ:        '  "'  ''""""'\  '"  '''  "'"""'  "' 

.     to  have  paid  particular  attention  to  the  hybrid  productionr  Aft     IcoJerT.  Zvt  ^^  '  T'  '"""""'  ""'  "*"' 

Knglaud.    The  following  U  a  list  of  hi.  work. :  <i.»cove„ng  many  new  genera  and  .pecie.  ha  returned  to 

UiMcrUtio  brevi.  de  I'riucipii.  Botanicorum  ct  Zooloeorum  donue  nnvn  i.f«Kii:«„j„  „  . 

AH,uotgo„o..u,n  plantarum  rec.n,  cooditorun,  et  rVW^ZlZlXl  -'""™"™"  -8-0;  eun.  Appendico 

The  first  of  the.e  two  tracU  wa.  dedicated  to  Sir  Ilan.  Sloane,  and  dated  "  Virginia  1738  •"  th.  „„„„^  ..  xr        ™     . 
Genera  "dedicated  to  Leter  CoUin.on.  and  dated  „^„.     Both  were  pr,nte.nnT  "a! te'r         Zhor.  ^^^^Z 
above  title,  at  NuromberB,  in  1709.  A'icA.  »  >•  "r »  ueaiu,  unuer  lus 

E..ayonthecauae.of  the  ditroront  Colour,  of  People  in  different  climate.,  1743.  r/,i!o.opMcal  JVa„.«/.W  XLllL   102. 
l.*.ay  on  the  IVeparatuMi.  and  U«e.  of  the  Vanoa,  kind,  of  Pot  Ash.  Ibid.,  XLV.,  Ml.  ■'™»«'«><»^  A1.U1.,  102. 

Letter  conoerniiif;  the  Force  of  Klectrical  (Jiihesion.  Ibiti,  Lf    3<J0 
TZrr,!  "n  ZT"'!^^  of  Virginia.  1071,  ( Su;,;a.  IM.,  193. )  with  Remark,.  mUiolheea  Americana.  4to.  81 

Th.  Contest  in  America  between  Great  Britain  and  France,  with  it.  Consequence,  and  Importance;  giving  an  Aceount  of 
the  V  ,ew,  and  Des.gn.  of  the  French,  with  the    InteresU  of  Great  Britain,  and  the  Situation  of    he  Brifish  atd  Fre  c 
Co  on.e^  .n  nil  parU  of  Amcnca.  In  which  A  proper  Barrier  between  the  two  Nation,  in  North  America  .point  dcuL 

r:i: Lii:  mr""'" '"" ""'"■ '" " '" """"" "-" """"-"' •''-""' '-  °-  ^""'-•-  «^ -  in,;:;rH.:' 

The  1-resent  .state  of  Great  Britain  and  North  America,  with  regard  to  Agriculture.  Population.  Trade  and  Manufactures 

the   \  a  t  of  staple  commod,t.e.  n,  the  Colonies;  the  Decline  of  their  Trade;  Inerea.e  of  People;  and  NeceLVy  of 

Manufaetures,  a.  well  as  of  Trade  in  then,  hereafter.     In  which  the  Cause,  ahd  Consequence,  of  th  se  growTngEvill 

and  Methods  of  prevenfng  them,  are  suggested;  the  proper  Regulation;  for  the  Colonic,  and  the  Taxes  mZed  up  a 

them,  are  considered  <tc.     8vo.  London.  1767.  '""poseu  upon 

During  lii.  residence  in  America   Dr.  Mitchell  transmitted  not  only  to  hi.  countrymen,  but  also  to  Linna-u,  much  valuable 

.nformation  respecting  American  plan..     The  great  Swedish  botanist  viewed  him  with  so  much  respect  Unt  hTtook  care   0 

perpetuate  his  name  by  gning.t  to  an   America.-   plant,  th.  M,U>.eUa  H.pen,.     Dr.  Mitchell',  M  nu.cript.  on    ht  Ye  ow 

F  ver,  a    it  appeared  in  \  irginia  in  17.2,  fell  into  the  hand,  of  Dr.  Franklin,  by  whom  they  were  communicate,  In  T).R  7 

who  made  ., me  of  the  hin.^,  which  they  contained  the  basis  of  his  practice'  in\hat  discas^rr^Z ^J,  L    1 . u  T,' 


1^ 


;■ ;-! 


NEW-YORK  COI.ONIAL  M.\NUS«  RIPTS. 

«♦  L.  titude,"  to  be  M>e  Boundary  Line  between  the  two  Provincee  of  New  llnnipshire  and  Now 
York :  And  if  tlio  Agreement  lately  concluded  at  Hartford  BJiould  finally  be  ratified  by  the 
Crown,  the  Eastern  Limits  of  this  Colony  where  it  borders  on  the  Massachusets  Province, 
will  extend  about  Twenty  Miles  only  East  from  Hudson's  River. 

i)..oripiion  of  Without  any  view  to  the  :voe  Westerly  claim  of  tlie  Five  Nations,  supposing 
tiKK  iiie  Colony  t,.  the  Colouy  to  comprize    within   its  Limits  or  Jurisdiction,  the  Country  those 

Inclu.tu  the  ItvHvur    «»      .  -,  , 

Illm'iXr'd"lo"°ihJ  '^"^'""^  surrendered  to  the  Crown  by  the  Description  of  the  Denver  Hunting 
wmfiu^JS  Country  as  before  mentioned— The  Boundaries  of  the  Province  of  New  York 
are  uz  follow. 

On  the  South. 
The  Atlantic  Ocean,  including  Long  Island,  Staten  Ishiid  and  others  of  less  note. 

On  the  West. 
The  Banks  of  Hudson's  River  from  Sandy  Hook,  on  the  Ocean,  to  tho  41  Degree  of  Latitude, 

thence  the  Lino  established  between  Nevv  York  and  New  Jersey  to  Delaware  River Thence^ 

the  River  Delaware  to  the  North»ast  Corner  oi  Pensylvania  or  the  Beginnirg  of  the  Latitude 
43,  which  in  Mitchel'a  Map  is  by  mistake  carried  thro'  the  whole  of  that  uegrtc. — Thence  the 
North  Boundary  Liny  of  i'ensylvr.iiia,to  the  Northwest  Corner  jf  that  Province;  and  continuing    . 
:!ie  same  Line  to  a  point  in  Lnke  Erie  which  bears  due  riouth  from  the  East  Bank  of  the 
Streight  of  D'Etroit  and  of  Lake  Huron  to  the  Forty  Fifth  Degree  of  Northern  Latitude. 

On  the  \ur/h. 
A  Line  from  n  point  on  the  East  bank  of  I-ake  Huron  in  the  Latitude  of  forty  five  East  to 
the  Uiver  St.  Lawrence,  or  the  .^outh  B(/undary  Line  of  Uufhcc;  Thence  along  the  ScMJth 
lioiindary  Lin.;  of  that  i'rovince  across  the  River  St.  Lawrence  to  tlie  .Monument  on  the  East  ./ 
Bunk  of  Lake  Chainplain,  lixnd  there  in  the  45  Di  give  of  Nortlierii  Latitude  ;  Thence  East  along 
the  Line  already  run  and  marked  lo  the  Monument  or  Station  fixed  on  the  West  Bank  of  ihe 
River  Connecticut  in  the  saiJie  Latitude. 

On  the  Ku$t. 

The  Western  Banks  of  tl,e  River  Connecticut  from  the  last  mentioned  Siation  lo  the  Southwest 
Coiner  of  the  Province  ol  New  Hampshire,  in  the  North  boundary  Line  of  the  Massaihusetc     [ 
Biiy ;  and  from  tht'uce  along  that  Line,  (if  continued)  and  the  Western  limits  of  tlie  Province 
of  MassacliUK„'ts  iiay,  and  the  Colony  of  Connecticut. 

In  the  Appendix  Number  4,  is  u  Map  of  the  Province  of  New  York  according  to  the  preceedlng 
Description  of  its  Boundiiris's. 
i>i...ui.*  UM  ma;       The    Bouiidary    of    the    Province   of    New    York    (in    respect    to    the    other 

mill  •rln'wiih  Mu*-      ,  \  |        >■     '"     •""      ifim  i 

"^:rtAlI:Vh,,;u  '"*'''■'''"''''''''  '"''''S  t'stahlislu-d  in  every  part  ex.-.,p(  where  a  borders  to  the 
ofii.i.Pr,rii.M.  Knst  on  the  Massachi.aets  Baj',  it  was  conceived,  the  la'is  agreement  with  that 
Province  when  tatiiied  iiy  the  Crown,  would  extinguish  fvery  Controver.'^y  respei'ting  the 
Liniiis  of  New  York,  ili.  North  houi.dary  lyine  m  the  Massachusets  having  in  the  year  1740 
been  ascertained  by  u  Royal  Decree  of  the  King  in  Privy  Council,  in  the  Contest  between  that 
Province  and  New  Hampshire.  But  the  MassaehusetM  (^ommiHsaries  at  the  late  meeting  at 
llurtford  in  177;j,  declared  that  they  had  uo  autliorily  to  settle  their  Norlii  Boundary,  whicli 


.     .■  '.    ^f 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


439 


they  considered  as  undetermined  with  resoect  to  1V^«7  Vnrb    a„^  r  .i         ^.      ,  *'' 

intimated  that  they  sti,.  left  open  their  VvIlS  CiaimTo  ITX:'  SeT  ^'  '''''  ^^"•^"'^" 

ih^ZVZZZ  '""TT  '"'''"'"  ""^  ^^'"  "'^^  '''■  «^«"^  Consequence  to  the  Interests  of 
the  CrowM.  as  well  as  the  IVoperty  of  Kis  Majesty's  Subjects  of  this  Colony. 

£.3,e  „„,  :  ^'-;-""-'''  NorthernClaim  beyond  the  Line  settled  between  that  Province 

«         cu^„.      „n,  N,,,  ILunpsh.re,  extends  North  from  that  Line  about  Fifty  Miles  and  from 

hence  Westwar.l  to  within  Twenty  Miles  Kast  of  Hu.lson's  Hi  ver.  and  after  passing  thi^  P  ov    c 

vVrZ^Chr'^'r'"':  T''''  "^""  ^"  '"^  «''"^"  ''^-'''^  in.m'ediate'cil^;ct  of  i; 
Northern  Chm  .s  a  Country  between  Connecticut  and  Hudson's  Rivers  about  fiL  miles  in 

ength  and  about  Forty  in  breadth,  and  includes  not  only  the  greater  part  of  the  cruntv  of 
Cumberland,  but  a  large  district  of  the  Counties  of  Albany  and  Charlotte.-The  I  ancs  the- 
..  quesfon  are  wholly  appropriated  under  Grants  of  this  Province  of  New  Hampsl    e     „      ,  « 

The  tachusets  Bay  long  acquiesced  in  the  Royal  Decree  of  1740,  the  Line  established 

?in.   ,        7".'""."'"""^  ''"'"  '""  "'"'  '""^^•"^  ^-"  "-  «-">  --t  Corner  ON  w 
Hampsh.re   Westward,  to  within  about  Twenty  Miies  East  of  Hudson's  River    And    til 

Lxtent  of  th.  Massachusets  Nor.h  Boundary,  whatever  might  have  been  determined  as  to  t  le 

he  ireaty  ol   1767,  (or  seUl.ng  the  Boundary  of  the  two  Provinces,  appears  clearly  by  their 

solut.on  o    the  Sa-  January  17«8  in  these  Words  "  Resolved  that  ti  is  Court  will  Icede 

to  and  conhrm  the  last  proposal  made  by  their  Comn.issioners  on  the  I>art  of  New  York  H 

May  17o7,  That  a  s  te.ght  L.ne  be  drawn  Northerly  from  a  point  on  the  Southern  Line  of  tt,e 
ssachuse  s  Bay  Twenty  Miles  due  East  from  Hudson's  River,  to  another  poin   ":      y 
lie     due  Las    (ron,  the  said  River.  «„  M.  Line  u,k,eU  Jindrs  ,,e  Province  p/ i  3/ J„"Z 
Hay  pom  New  ILmp^lurc,  be  the  Eastern  Boun.lary  of  New  York  "  ^"^»aUiu»eU 

Nor  can  any  Line  more  favorable  to  the  Massachusets  Colony  be  hereafter  establishe.f 
without  ,ubvertu.g  the  IVinciples.  and  calling  in  question  the  justice  of  the  Jal  D  r  J 
pronounced  .„  ,740  after  full  hearing  of  the  merits  of  the  MassacLsets  claim  on  1' "ppe!  Uf 
both  parties  „  the  K.ng  in  Privy  Council ;  an.!  which  could  it  now  be  eirected,  n.ust  o'  o  Iv 
prov.,  h.Kh ly  injurious  to  the  Crown  in  r.-spect  to  the  right  of  soil,  its  (iuit  Rents  dFhrts^ 
hut  be  pro,luct.ve  of  the  greatest  Disorder  and  Conlu.ion  in  that  Count,  ,• 
.'ir^M^liJ^,!   ^  'fbo  I'.ovince  of  Massachusets  Baygroun.l  their  clain.  Westward  to  the  South 

l".M'':ir'V,,,:  ll'^V"  .f  •.?."''  '"''^  ""-•iates.-As  also  on  the  (M.arter  or  Letters  patent  of 
;;;;,,fr'J.  .;'  ''..rles  the  l.,rsl  dated  the  i  March  lO-.-The  Lan.ls  granted  are  the  san.e  in 
"I7^i^.;::p   '""'•  b«-"ng  .n  br.adth  about  sixty  miles,  and  extending  as  described  in  these 

MuhiUhr,! i»iw„.D      to  the  South  Sea  on  the  West  part" 

:f::lt%r',I,:  ,„.""'  ""  <^'f««'"  being  divested  of  these  Lands  by  the  Orar-t  to  the  Council  of 

"•;; '"';-  ,""";""•  '••  '«•'•»•  «•-'•«  "'••  P"-  'b-..  by  its  charter  of  1«2;.  which  had  no 

"^b.T  np.ra.u.n  ,   .n  to  Corn,  the  Massachusets  B,.y  iu.o  a  Province,  and  to    nvcst  the    an  e 
with  powers  aH  a  Bod>  Cor,.orule. 


440 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


It  became  necessary  therefore  for  the  Massachusets  Bay  after  they  were  incorporated,  to 
obtain  a  conveyance  to  the  Corporation  of  the  Lands  granted  to  Roswell  &c.  and  Associates. 
—That  they  obtained  such  conveyance  has  not  been  pretended.  — If  they  had,  the  Crown  either 
became  reseized  of  the  Lands  of  the  Corporation  by  the  Judgment  in  16S4,  which  vacated  the 
Letters  Patent  of  162| ,  or  the  property  reverted  to  the  Grantees  of  the  Council  of  Plymouth- 

Hnd  the  Crown  been  reseized  it  might  have  passed  the  same  lands  to  the  Massachusets 
Province  by  the  present  Charter  of  1691:  But  instead  of  so  extensive  and  unreasonable  a 
Grant  of  Three  Thousand  Miles  in  length,  they  obtained,  it  is  true,  by  that  Charter  a  great 
addition  of  Territory  Eastward,  but  were  conlined  in  their  Western  Limits,  which  extend 
"  towards  the  South  Sea  as  far  as  the  Colonies  of  Rhode  Island,  Connecticut  and  the 
"  Narragansett  Country,"  This  Description  in  strict  construction  of  Law  will  carry  the 
Massachusets  Bay  West  no  further  than  the  Eastern  Bounds  of  Connecticut,  and  by  the  most 
liberal  interpretation  do  not  extend  their  Boundary  beyond  the  West  line  of  Connecticut,  then 
and  for  some  years  before  determined  by  Agreement  between  that  Colony  and  New  York,  to 
be  upwards  of  Twenty  Miles  East  of  Hudson's  River. 

On  the  other  hand  admitting  the  Massachusets  Bay  after  their  Charter  of  1«28|9,  and  before 
it  was  vacated  in  1(384,  did  not  obtain  a  Conveyance  of  the  Lands  granted  to  Roswell  &c. 
and  Associates,  the  Judgment  which  vacated  that  Charter  did  not  affect  the  Lands  but  left 
the  Title  in  Tioswell  &c  and  Associates,  and  the  Crown  could  not  by  the  Charter  of  1691, 
grant  them  to  the  Massachusets  Colony;  so  that  the  Title,  if  any  exists,  must  at  this  day  be 
vested  in  the  heirs  or  Assigns  of  Roswell  &c  and  Associates  in  their  private  Right,  and  not  iu 
the  Government  of  the  Massachusets  Bay,  unless  transferred  to  or  vested  in  the  latter  by  some 
Act  of  their  Provincial  Legislature,  if  such  an  Act  could  possibly  have  any  Efficacy. 

It  is  however  presumed  no  Law  of  that  Tendency  has  been  passed,  and  if  any  should 
hereafter  be  presented  for  His  Majesty's  approbation,  that  it  will  be  objected  to  (so  far  as  it 
may  countenance  the  Extension  of  their  Northern  or  Western  Claim  beyond  the  Limits  of 
their  present  Charter)  as  a  measure  calculated  to  divest  the  Crown  of  the  right  of  soil  in  that 
very  large  and  extensive  Territory,  which  lies  Westward  of  the  Colony  of  New  York  to  the 
South  Sea. 

This  claim  had  it  been  considered  as  well  grounded  would  long  since  have  been  prosecuted 
and  brought  to  a  decision.- The  Massachusets  General  Court  or  Assembly  assert  it  in  a 
Resolve  they  passed  on  the  23"  of  January  1768,  but  whether  with  an  Intention  to  maintain 
it.  Time  must  discover.  —  A  claim  so  long  dormant,  can  hardly  be  expected  under  any 
Circumstance  to  be  now  revived  with  a  prospect  of  success,  and  whatever  Judgment  the 
Assembly  of  the  Massachusets  Bay  may  have  formed,  certainly  their  present  Governor  had  no 
opinion  of  its  sujidlty,  when  at  the  late  meeting  of  the  Commissaries  of  both  Provinces  at 
Hartford  in  1773  he  declared  "  That  it  was  a  mere  Ideal,  \  isionary  project,  in  which  he 
"  believed  Nobody  to  he  sincere,"  and  discovered  an  anxiety  least  it  should  interrupt  the 
progress  of  the  Treaty. 

Question  N"  3. 
What  is  the  size  and  extent  of  the  Province,  the  Number  of  Acres  supposed  to  be  contained 
therein ;    What  pari  llifreof   is   cultivated   and   improved ;    and    under  what  Title,  do   the 
Inhabitants  hold  their  possessions  f 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :  XLIV, 


441 


Bile  «n<1  fxtrnt  of 
Ihu  Prorlnca 


Answer. 
The  extent  of  the  Province  from  Norlh  to  South  is  about  300  Statute  Miles. 
Nassau  Island  (commonly  called  Long  Island )  is  situated  to  the  South  ;  its  length 
from  Last  to  West,  is  about  150  miles,  and  its  breadth  on  a  Medium  about  fifteen  Miks;  The 
breadth  of  the  Province  Northward  of  this  Island  is  various.     From  the  City  of  New  York 
North  about  20  Miles  up  the  Country,  the  breadth  does  not  exceed  U  miles,  and  lies  wholly 
on  the  East  side  of  Hudson's  River,  New  Jersey  being  bounded  by  the  opoosite  shore-From 
the  41-  degree  of  Latitude  the  Province  extends  on  both  sides  of  that  Riv^er ;  Soon  widens  to 
about  GO  m.les;  and  increases  in  breadth  up  to  the  42-  Degree,  where  it  is  about  SO  miles 
wide;  supposmg  the  Western  Boundary  to  extend  to  tl:e  Line  mentioned  in  the  Answer  to 
the  preceedmg  Question  N"2,  the  Extent  from  the  42-  Degree  to  the  North  Line  of  Massachusets 
Bay  (a  distance  of  49  miles)  is  about  450  miles,  and  from  thence  to  the  45">  Degree,  it  extends 
East  and  West  on  a  Medium  about  600  Miles,  and  on  the  like  supposition  the  number  of 
Square  Miles  contamed  within  this  Province  exclusive  of  the  Lakes  is  82.112,  or  52,651,680 
Acres,  which  is  one  fourth  less  than  the  number  contained  in  the  Province  of  Quebec. 
r.r..c«u,v.,*i.         Nassau  or  Long  Island  which  contains  Kings,  Queens  and  Suffolk  Counties. 
Staten  Island  which  forms  Richmond  County  and  the  Counties  of  New  York,  Westchester, 
Dutchess,  Orange  and  Ulster,  are  all  well  inhabited,  and  not  many  large  Tracts  of  improveable 
land  are  left  uncultivated. -The  County  of  Albany  tho'  the  Inhabitants  are  numerous,  and  the 
Lands  in  general  under  Cultivation  in  the  South,  contains  extensive  and  valuable  Tracts 
unimproved  in  the  North  part.-Tryon  County,  tho'  thinly  settled,  as  its  extent  is  great,  has 
many  Inhabitants—The  cultivated  parts  of  Charlotte  County  are  inconsiderable,  compared 
with  what  remain  to  be  settled,  and  the  same  may  be  remiirked  with  respect  to  tho  Counties 
of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester.  — In  the  Appendix  is  a  List  of  the  Inhabitants  White  and 
Black  in  the  respective  Counties,  according  to  the  returns  of  their  number,  in  1771,  since  which 
they  are  greatly  augmented,  but  it  is  to  be  observed,  that  the  new  Counties  of  Charlotte  and 
Tryon  were  then  part  of  Albany. 

The  proportion  of  the  cultivated  to  the  uncultivated  parts  of  the  Province  (the  Limits  as 
stated  in  .N»  2)  is  as  one  to  four;  or  one  fifth  only  improved. 
T.i.o.  «n,i,r  which       ^^ith  rcspcct  to  the  Titles  under  which  the  Inhabitants  hold  their  possessions : 

Until  »re  ti«M.  n  .r  _       »i  •       n         •  .  •         ».  ^o.v  tio  , 

Before  this  Province  was  granted  on  12  March  IGG}  by  King  Charles  the 
Second  to  his  brother  James  Duke  of  York,  the  Dutch  West  India  Company  had  seized  it. 
made  settlementd  and  issued  many  Grants  of  Land.  — In  August  1004  the  Country  was 
surrendered  l)y  the  Dutch  to  the  English,  and  by  the  3-  Article  of  the  Terms  of  Capitulation  it 
was  stipulated  "  That  all  People  shall  continue  free  Denizens  and  shall  enjoy  their  Lands, 
•'  Houses  and  goods  wheresoever  they  are  within  this  Country  and  dispose  of  them  as  they 
"please."  Some  lands  of  the  Province  are  held  under  the  old  Dutch  Grants  without  any 
Confirmation  of  their  Titles  under  the  Crown  of  England,  but  the  ancient  Records  are  repbte 
with  Confirmatory  Grants,  wl.ich  the  Dutch  Inhabitants  were  probably  the  more  solicitous  to 
obtain  from  an  Apprehension  that  the  Dutch  conquest  of  the  Province  in  1073,  might  render 
their  Titles  under  the  former  Articles  of  Capitulation  precarious;  tho'  the  Country  was  finally 
reitored  to  the  English  hy  the  Treaty  signed  at  Westminster  tho  !)""  Feb'  1074. 


Vol.  VI  n. 


66 


U2 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i>  n 


Krom  that  period  it  has  remained  in  the  possession  of  the  English,  and  the  Duke  of  York  on 
the  SU""  of  June  1C74,  obtained  a  New  (jrant  from  the  King,  of  all  the  Territories  included 
within  tlie  (brnier  Letters  Patent  in  IGGj. 

During  the  life  of  Kiny  Charles  the  Second  the  Duke  of  York  as  propri-  tor  of  the  soil, 
passed  many  Grants  (by  his  Governors)  in  Fee,  and  since  his  Accession  to  the  Throne,  Grants 
have  continued  to  issue  under  the  Great  Seal  of  the  Province,  in  consequence  of  the  Powers 
given  the  several  Governors  by  their  Commissions  and  Instructions  from  the  Crown. — Two 
Instances  only  occur  of  Grants  or  Letters  Patent  for  Lands  under  the  Great  Seal  of  Great 
Ikitain.  —  One  to  Sir  Joseph  Eyies  and  others  on  the  IS""  May  in  the  4""  year  of  His  late 
Majesty  King  George  the  Second  for  a  Tract  of  'i2,000  acres,  called  the  Equivalent  Land  from  its 
having  been  ceded  to  New  York  by  the  Colony  of  Connecticut  (on  the  settlement  of  the  boundary 
between  the  two  Provinces)  in  lieu  of  a  like  Quantity  yielded  up  to  Connecticut  by  the 
Province  of  New  York.  — The  other  lately,  to  Sir  William  Johnson  Baronet  — The  Lands 
granted  to  Sir  Joseph  EyIes  and  his  Associates  are  not  possessed  by  them  or  their  assigns, 
Letters  Patent  under  the  Great  Seal  of  the  Province  of  New  York  having  passed  to  others  for 
the  same  Lands,  before  it  was  known  here  that  the  Royal  Grant  was  obtained ;  and  the  Lands 
are  now  in  possession  of  the  New  York  Patentees  or  their  Assigns. 

These  are  all  the  difl'erent  modes  by  which  the  Inhabitants  have  derived  any  legal  Titles  to 
their  Lcinds  within  the  Limits  of  this  Province,  vhence  it  appears  that  all  their  lawful  titles 
to  Lands  in  Fee,  except  in  the  cases  of  old  Dutch  Grants  unconfirmed)  originated  from  the 
Crown  either  maliotcly  thro'  the  Duke  of  York  before  his  Accession  to  the  Throne,  or 
iminailiurhj  by  grants  under  the  Great  Seal  of  Great  Britain  or  of  this  Province. 

Purchases  from  the  Indian  Natives,  as  of  their  aboriginal  right  have  never  been  held  to  be 
a  legal  Title  in  this  Province,  the  Maxim  obtaining  hero,  as  in  England,  that  the  Kin^  is  the 
Fountain  of  all  real  property,  and  that  from  this  source  all  Titles  are  to  he  derived. 

(Question  N"  4. 
What  Rivers  are  there,  and  of  what  extent  and  convenience  in  point  of  Commerce? 

ANbWEK 

Ki»«i  Hudson's  River  is  the  only  Navigable  River  in  the    Province,  and   aflbrds  n 

safe  and  easy  Passage  for  Vessels  of  Eighty  Tons  Burthen  to  the  City  of  Albany,  which  is 
H'uMit  180  miles  from  the  Sea. —  It  has  already  been  mentioned  that  it  extends  nearly  to  the 

Fialitude  of  45  —  but  the  Navigation  except  for  small  Vessels  terminates  at  or  near  that  City. 

To  the  Northward  of  Albany  about  Ten  .Miles  this  Itiver  divides.  The  Western  Branch  which 
(above  the  (ireat  Cahoo  Falls)  is  called  the  Mohawk  River,  or  the  Mohawk  Branch  of  Hudson's 
River  leads  to  Fort  Stnnwix,  and  a  short  cut  across  the  carrying  place  there  might  be  ma<le 
into  Wooil  Creek  which  runs  into  the  Oneida  Lake,  and  thence  thro'  the  Onondaga  River  into 
Lake  Ontario. 

The  other  Branch  being  the  continuation  of  the  main  River  tends  to  Fort  Edward,  to  the 
North  of  which  it  seems  practicable  to  open  a  passage  by  Locks  &c.  to  the  Waters  of  Lake 
Champlain  which  communicate  with  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  passing  over  the  falls  at  St.  Johns. 

Both  Branches  are  interrupted  by  Falls  and  Rifts;  to  surmount  these  obstructions,  an 
Expence  would  he  required  too  heavy  for  the  Province  it  present  to  support,  hut  when  enVctid 
would  open  a  most  extensive  inland  navigation,  equal  perhaps  to  any  ai  yet  known. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


448 


Between  Nassau  or  Long  Island  and  the  Continent  the  greatest  Distance  scarcely  exceeds 
I  we.jty  M.les—Near  the  City  of  New  York  it  is  less  than  one  Mile,  and  is  there  called  the 
hast  River  and  from  thence  bears  the  appellation  of  the  Sound.  The  River  and  Sound  afford 
Navjgat.on  for  Vessels  of  any  Burthen  towards  the  Collonies  of  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island,  and 
he  Massachusets  Bay,  in  some  degree  hazardous  however  at  the  noted  place  distinguished 
by  the  name  of  Hell  Gate  about  six  miles  East  of  the  City  of  New  York 

Connecticut  River  where  it  divides  this  Province  from  New  Hampshire  is  included  within 
the  Limits  of  the  latter. 


3 


'  .ri 


Question  N"  5. 
What  are  the  Principal  Harbours,  how  situated  and  of  what  Extent  j  and  what  is  the  Depth 
ol  Water,  and  nature  of  Anchorage  in  each  ? 

Answer 
iu,bo„™  Tiiere  is  but  one  principal  Harbour,  which  is  the  Port  of  New  York  being  that 

part  of  the  East  River  fronting  the  City  and  lying  between  that  and  Long  Island.  — The 
Harbour  is  ui  length  from  the  North  east  to  the  South  west  about  two  Miles,  and  its  Breadth 
across  to  Long  Island  about  one  Mile.  The  Depth  of  the  Water  from  Four  to  Eight  Fathom 
tho'  1,1  some  places  not  more  at  low  water  than  Ten  Feet.  In  Nip  Tides  the  Water  rises  about 
Four  Feet  and  an  half,  at  the  Full  and  Change  of  the  Moon,  Six,  and  if  at  those  Seasons  a 
Strong  Easterly  Wind  prevails,  the  rise  of  the  Tides  increase  to  Eight  Feet.  The  Anchorage 
18  good  in  a  bottom  of  Mud  :  there  is  only  one  remarkable  Reef  of  Rocks  about  Mid  :  channel 
hall  a  Mile  within  the  Entrance;  And  the  Harbour  being shelter'd  in  front  by  Long  Island;  to 
the  East  by  a  sudden  bend  in  the  River,  and  to  the  West  by  Nutten  Island;  Vessels  during  the 
hardest  Gales  ride  in  great  safety,  and  are  only  incommoded  a  few  days  in  the  Winter  by 
the  (bating  Ice. 

^  The   Map  in  the   Appendix    marked    number  3,  presents  a  full  View  of  the  Harbor,  the 
hitualion  of  Sandy  Hook,  and  shews  the  Depth  of  Water  from  thence  up  to  the  Port. 

Question  N"  6 
What  is  the  Constitution  of  the  Government? 


<'»iiiilllullon  of  til 
Ouverniuciit 


Answer 
By  the  Grants  of  this  Province  and  other  Territories  to  the  Duke  of  York  in 
lOCjf    and    1G74,  the   powers  of  (iovernment  were  vested    in  him,  and  were 
accordingly  exercised   by  his  (Jovernors  until  he  ascended  the  Throne  when  his  Rights  us 
Proprietor  merged  in  his  Crown,  and  -he  Province  ceased  to  be  a  charter  Governm' 

From  that  time  it  has  been  a  Roya!  Government,  and  in  its  constitution  nearly  resembles 
that  of  Great  Britain  and  the  other  Royal  Governments  in  America.  The  Governor  is 
appointed  by  the  King  during  his  Royal  Will  and  pleasure  by  Letters  pattent  under  the  Great 
.>eal  ol  Great  Britain  with  very  ample  Powers—He  has  n  Council  in  Imitation  of  His 
Majesty's  Privy  Council.-This  Board  when  full  consists  of  T*velve  Members  who  are  also 
appointed  by  the  Crown  during  Will  and  Pleasure;  any  three  of  whom  make  a  Quorum. - 
ihe  Province  "n..,ys  „  Legislative  Body  which  consists  of  the  Governor  as  the  King's 
Representative;  :.  Council  in  place  of  the  House  of  Lords,  and  the  Representatives  of  the 
leople,  who  are  chosen  as  in   England:  t)f  these  the  City  of  New  York  sends  four.-  AH 


»■'•»■: 


444 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I  , 


the  other  Counties  (except  the  New  Counties  of  Charlotte  nnd  Gloucester  as  yet  not  represented 
send  Two  — The  Borough  of  Westchester,  The  Township  of  Sciienectady  and  the  three 
manors  of  Renselaerswyck,  Livingston  and  Cortlandt  each  send  one  ;  in  the  whole  forming  a 
Body  of  Thirty  one  Uepresentntives. 

The  Governor  hy  his  Commission  is  authorized  to  convene  them  with  the  advice  of  the 
Council,  and  adjourn,  prorogue  or  dissolve  the  General  Assembly  as  he  shall  judge  necessary. 

This  Body  has  not  power  to  make  any  Laws  repugnant  to  the  Laws  and  Statutes  of  Great 
Britain.  All  Laws  proposed  to  be  made  by  this  Provincial  Legislature,  pass  thro'  each  of  the 
Houses  of  Council  and  Assembly,  as  Bills  do  thro'  the  House  of  Commons  and  House  of 
Lords  in  England,  and  the  Governor  has  a  Negative  voice  in  the  making  and  passing  all  such 
Laws.  Every  law  so  passed  is  to  be  transmitted  to  His  Majesty  under  the  Great  Seal  of  the 
Province,  within  three  Months  or  sooner  after  the  making  thereof  and  a  Duplicate  by  the  next 
Conveyance,  in  order  to  be  approved  or  disallowed  by  His  Majesty  ;  And  if  His  Majesty  shall 
disallow  any  such  Law  and  the  same  is  signified  to  the  Governor  under  the  Uoyal  Sign 
Manual  or  by  Order  of  his  Majesty's  Privy  Council,  from  thenceforih  such  law  becomes  utterly 
void.  —  A  law  of  the  Province  has  limited  the  duration  of  the  Assembly  to  seven  years. 

The  Common  Law  of  England  is  considered  as  the  Fundamental  law  of  the  Province  and 
it  is  the  received  Doctrine  that  all  the  Statutes  (not  Local  in  their  Nature,  and  which  can  be 
'itly  applied  to  the  circumstances  of  the  Colony)  enacted  before  the  Province  had  a  Legislature, 
are  binding  upon  the  Colony  ;  but  that  Statutes  passed  since  do  not  affect  the  Colony,  unless 
by  being  specially  named,  such  appears  to  be  the  Intention  of  the  British  Legislature. 
.  The  Province  has  a  Court  of  Chancery  in  whish  the  Governor  or  Commander  in  Chief  sits 
as  Chancellor,  and  the  Practice  of  the  Court  of  Chancery  in  England  is  pursued  as  closely  as 
possible.  The  Officers  of  this  Court  consist  of  a  Master  of  the  Kolls  newly  created. — Two 
Masters.  —  Two  tJlerks  in  Court. — A  Register. — An  Examiner,  and  a  Serjeant  at  Arms. 

Of  the  Courts  of  Common  Law  the  Chief  is  called  the  Supreme  Court. — The  Judges  of 
which  have  all  the  Powers  of  the  King's  Bench,  Common  I'leas  &  Exchequer  in  England. 
This  Court  sits  once  in  every  three  months  at  the  City  of  New  York,  and  the  practice  therein 
is  niodell'd  upon  that  of  the  King's  Bench  at  Westminster. — Tho'  the  Judges  have  the  powers 
of  the  Court  of  Exchequer  they  never  proceed  upon  the  Equity  side. — The  Court  has  no 
Officers  hut  one  Clerk,  and  is  not  organized  or  supplied  with  any  Officers  in  that  Department 
of  the  ExclK'quer,  which  iu  England  has  the  care  of  the  ilevenue.  —  The  Judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court  hold  their  Offices  during  the  King's  Will  &  Pleasure  and  are  Judges  of  Nisi  prius  of 
Course  by  Act  of  Assembly,  &  annually  perform  a  Circuit  thro'  the  Counties.  The  Decisions 
of  this  Court  in  General  are  final  unless  where  the  value  exceeds  4.'300  Sterling,  in  which  case 
the  subject  may  be  relieved  from  its  errors  only  by  an  Application  to  the  Governor  and  Council, 
and  where  the  value  exceeds  .£500  Sterling  an  appeal  lies  from  the  Judgment  of  the  latter  to 
His  Majesty  in  Privy  Council. 

By  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  Province  suits  are  prohibited  to  be  brouglit  in  the 
Supreme  Court  where  the  value  demanded  does  not  exceed  £20  Currency. 

The  Clerk's  Office  of  the  Supreme  Court,  lias  always  been  held  as  an  appendage  to  that  of 
Secretary  o(  the  Province. 

'J'here  is  also  in  each  County  an  Inferior  Court  of  Comm(m  Pleas,  which  has  the  cognizance 

of  all  Actions  real,  personal  and  mixed,  where  the  matter  in  demand  is  above  £5  in  value. 

'J'ho  practice  of  these  Courts  is  a  mixture  between  that  of  the   King's  Bench  and  C(^l'lmon 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV. 


445 


Pleas  at  Westn^.nster.-Their  errors  are  corrected  in  the  first  Instance  by  Writ  of  Error 
brought  U..0  the  Supreme  Court ,  and  the  Judges  hold  their  Offices  during  pleasure.-The 
Clerks  of  these  Courts  also  hold  their  offices  during  pleasure  and  ara  appointed  by  the  Governor! 
except  the  Clerk  of  Albany  who  is  appointed  under  the  King's  mandate  governor. 

Bes.des  these  Courts  the  Justices  of  peace  are  by  Act  of  Assembly  empowered  to  try  all 

Ti  le  of  ;  d  nr  ^'  T""'^'  ^''''''''  "'^^^''  '''  ^--"  '«  — -''.  -  -l^ere'the 
r.tle  of  Lands  shall  come  into  Question  ;-and  Actions  of  Slander)  but  the  parties  may  either 
of  them  demand  a  Jury  of  Six  Men._If  wrong  is  done  to  either  party,  the  person  injured 
may  have  a  Cert.orari  from  the  Supreme  Court,  tho'  the  remedy  is  very  inadequate  ' 

The  Courts  of  Cr.mtnal  Jurisdiction  are  Correspondent  to  those  in  England.-The  Supreme 
Court  exercses  .t  ■„  the  City  of  New  York,  as  the  King's  Bench  does  ft  Westminster  -T^ 
Judges  when  they  go  the  Circuit  have  a  Commission  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  and  General  Goal 
Deh  very ;  and  there  are  Courts  of  Sessions  held  by  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  ;  the  powers  o 
which  and  the.r  proceeding  correspond  .vith  the  like  Courts  in  England.-The  Office  of  Clerk 
0  the  Sessions.  ,s  invariably  connected  with  that  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Inferior  Court  of  Common 
Pleas  in  the  respective  Counties.  v^uuim.  n 

By  Acts  of  the  Provincial  Legislature  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  have  an  extraordinary 
Jurisdiction  with  respect  to  some  offences  by  which  any  three  Justices,  (one  being  o  tie 
Quorum)  where  the  Offender  does  not  find  Bail  in  48  Hours  after  being  in  the  cuftody  of 
the  Constable,  may  try  the  party  without  any  or  a  Jury,  for  any  Offence  under  the  Degree 

Im.  T^l  "",'"''  ""^  P"n'*^hment  for  these  small  offences  at  their  Discretion   so 

hat  It  exceeds  not  to  Li  e  or  Limb.-And  any  three  Justices  of  the  Peace  (one  beinL  a 
Quorum)  anOive  Freeholders  have  power  without  a  Grand  or  Petty  Jury  to  proceed  against 
and  try  in  a  Summary  Way.  Slaves  offending  in  certain  cases,  and  punish  the'n  e'en  wUl.  Del 

The  Duty  of  His  Majesty's  Attorney  General  of  the  Province,  is  similar  to  the  Duty  of  that 
Officer  in  l^ngland.  and  the  Master  of  the  Crown  Office:  He  is  appointed  by  the  Crown  during 
pleasure,  and  His  Majesty  has  no  Sollicitor  General  nor  Council  in  the  Province,  to  assist  the 
Attorney  Genera!  upon  any  Occasion. 

There  are  two  other  Courts  in  the  Province.  The  Court  of  Admiralty  which  proceeds  after 
the  Course  of  the  Civil  Law  in  matters  within  its  Jurisdiction,  which  has  been  so  enlarged  by 
divers  statutes,  as  to  include  almost  every  breach  of  the  Acts  of  Trade.-From  this  Court  an 

h'S  .7  V  ;'  uT"'  ^°"'  "'  ^''""■""^'  ''-^"^'^  l'-''»'>'i«"-l  i"  North  America  by  statute; 
before    1  is  Establishment  an  appeal  only  lay  to  the  High  Court  of  Admiralty  of  England. 

The  I  rerogat.ve  Court  concerns  itself  only  in  the  Probate  of  Wills  and  in  matters  relating  to 

he  Administration  of  the  Estates  of  Intestates  and  in  granting  Licences  of  Marriage,     'rhe 

"/aTll 'ate'"'''         ""  "^  ""'  ^°"'''  ''"'  *'  ''"'  ^''"  "'""'  '""^  '^'"^  '°  ^^'  *"  g'^"^^"' 

The  P-ovince  is  at  present  divided  into  fourteen  Counties,  viz'  The  City  and  County  of 
New  W-The  County  of  Albany-Richmond  (which  comprehends  the  whole  of  Staten 
Island  .vingH  Queen's  and  Suffolk  ( which  include  the  whole  of  Nassau  or  Long  Island.) 
Westchester.  Dutchess.  Ulster.  Orange.  Cumberland.  Gloucester.  Charlotte  and  Tryon.-For 
eiich  of  these  Counties  a  Sheriff  and  one  or  more  Coroners  are  appointed  by  the  Governor, 
who  hold  their  offices  during  pleasure. 

As  to  the  Military  power  of  the  Province,  the  Governor  for  the  time  being  is  the  Captain 
General  and  Commander  in  Chief  and  appoints  all  the  Provincial  Military  O^^ 
during  pleasure.  ^     v^iiK-trs 


I 


446 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Question  N°  7 
What  is  the  Trade  of  the  Province,  the  number  of  shipping  belonging  thereto,  their  Tonflage, 
and  the  number  of  Seafaring  Men  with  respect  to  the  Increase  and  Diminution  within  ten 
years  past? 

Answer 
Trade  of  ihe  Pro.      The  Province  carries  on  a  considerable  Trade  with  the  British  Settlements  on 
"""  the  Continent  of  North  America,  supplying  some  of  them  with  the  produce  of 

the  Colony,  others  with  British  Manufactures  and  West  India  Goods.  — The  Trade  to  the 
British  West  Indies  is  extensive  they  having  a  constant  demand  for  provisions  and  lumber  of 
all  kinds,  which  articles  are  the  natural  produce  of  tin's  Province. 

The  returns  from  the  American  Ports  and  West  India  Islands,  are  made  in  such  produce  and 
manufactures  of  the  Provinces  and  Islands,  as  best  suit  the  Trade  &  Consumption  of  this 
Colony  — There  are  also  fitted  out  from  the  Port  of  New  York  several  Whaling  and 
Fishing  Vessels. 

Numb.r  nfVwH.  The  above  together  with  the  Trade  to  Great  Britain,  Ireland,  Affrica  and  the 
n,>Bp"ai"'inmnbeyof  foreign  ports  iu  Europe  and  the  West  Indies  as  Ftated  in  the  Answers  to  Questions 

Buarariug  Men.  »*     ^  ,   ht  •       .      .        .  

N»  8  and  N"  9,  include  the  whole  Trade  of  the  Province  which  employed 

In  the  year  VessAe  Tons  Buitlien.  Men. 

1762  477 , 19,614  3,652 

In  1772  709 29,132 3,374 


232 


9,G18 


178 


So  that  the  increase  of  Shipping  in  that  period  of  Ten  years  is  232  Vessels  and  of  the 
Tonnage  or  Burthen  9CI8  Tons.  — And  the  Decresse  of  Men  178.  A  less  number  of  Hands 
being  employed  on  board  of  Vessels  in  peace,  than  they  sail  with  in  time  of  War. 

Question  N"  8. 
What  Quantity  or  Sorts  of  British  Manufactures  do  the  Inhabitants  annually  take  from 
hence,  What  Goods  and  Commodities  are  exported  from  thence  to  Great  Britain,  and  what  is 
the  Annual  Amount  at  an  Average  ? 

Answer 
imporu  from  Great  ^^°^^  than  Eleven  Twelfths  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province  both  in  the 
necessary  &  ornamental  parts  of  their  Dress  are  cloathed  in  British  Manufactures, 
excepting  Linen  from  Ireland  and  Hats  and  Shoes  manufactured  here.  The  same  proportioT 
of  Houses  are  in  like  manner  furnished  with  British  Manufactures,  except  Cabinet  and  Joiner's 
Work,  which  is  generally  made  here. 

When  the  number  of  Inhabitants  are  considered  a  better  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  Quality 
and  Variety  of  Sorts  of  British  Manufactures  used  in  this  Province,  than  can  be  done  by 
enumerating  the  Names  under  which  they  are  imported. 

Besides  the  Articles  necessary  for  cloathing  and  Furniture,  there  are  imported  from  Great 

Britain,  large  Quantities  of  all  kinds  of  East  India  Goods Grocery  of  all  sorts  (except 

Sugars,  Coffee  and  Ginger),  Ironmongery,  Arms,   Gunpowder,   Lead,   Tin,  Sheet  Copper, 


■HI 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


447 


?he!;       T  ^'•"f  °;7'  Coals,  Chalk.  Sail  Cloth.  Cordage.  Paints,  Malt  Liquors  & 

Cheese  -There  are  indeed  few  articles  the  British  Market  affords,  but  what  are  in  some 
propor  .on  imported  here,  except  such  as  are  among  the  Number  of  our  Staple  Commoditres 
particularly  mentioned  in  the  Answer  to  N»  11.  ^     v^ommoauies 

If  the  Brokers  in  Great  Britain  employed  as'shippers  of  goods  were  for  one  year  obliged  to 

1  ab.tan  8  of  each  Provmce  m  America  take  from  thence  would  be  easily  ascertained.     In 

the  Amount  of  the  Goods  never  appears  on  the  Cockets,  no  judgment  can  be  formed  of  their 
Va  ue  from  the  Quant  ty  or  Number  of  pieces.-Silks  for  Inst.Le  come  out  from  V//  o  8 
Shilmgs  per  yard,  and  in  general  the  other  Articles  differ  in  the  same  proportion  from  the 
first  cost  of  the  highest  to  that  of  the  lowest  in  quality. 

pr.^,?r'^  W''«"  "«  particular  Stop  is  put  upon  the  Trade  with  Great  Britain,  it  is 

'"  generally  estimated  here  that  the  annual  Imports  from  thence  into  this  Colony 

amount  on  an  Average  to  Five  Hundred  Thousand  Pounds  Sterling. 

Export.  u>  Gro.i      The  Goods  exported  from  hence  to  Great  Britain  that  are  the  produce  of  this 
'  ""  Colony  are  chiefly  pot  and  pearl  ashes.  Pig  and  Bar  Iron,  Peltries,  Beeswax. 

Masts  and  Spars  with  Timber  and  Lumber  of  all  kinds;-And  of  the  produce  of  the  West 
Indies  and  Honduras  Bay,  Log  AVood  and  other  Dye  Woods  and  Stuffs,  Sarsaparilla,  Mahogany 
Cotton,  Ginger  and  Pimento  with  some  Haw  Hides-And  Tar.  Pitch  and  Turpentine!  the 
produce  of  North  Carolina. 

v.,„,thereor  The  annual  amount  of  the  Exports  to  Great  Britain  on  an  Average,  is  One 

Hundred  and  Thirty  Thousand  Pounds  Sterlr  exclusive  of  the  Cost  of  Ships  built  here  for  the 
Merchants  in  England  to  the  Amount  of  Thirty  Thousand  Pounds  Sterling  annually. 

Question  N°  9. 
What  Trade  has  the  Province  under  your  Government  with  any  Foreign  Plantations,  or  any 
part  of  Europe  besides  Great  Britain  ;  how  is  that  Trade  carried  on.  what  Commodities  do  the 
I  eople  under  your  Government  send  to  or  receive  from  Foreign   Plantations,  and  what  is 
the  annual  Amount  thereof  at  an  Average? 

Answer 
riwttT'niSir'*"       ^  considerable  Trade  is  carried  o,.  from  this  Province  to  the  Foreign  West 

India  Islands,  Surrinam  and  Honduras  Bay:  Provisions  and  Lumber  are  the 
principal  Articles  with  which  they  are  supplied  from  hence—The  Returns  are  generally  in 
Sugar,  Molasses,  Dye  Woods,  Mahogany,  Hides,  Silver  and  Bills  of  Exchange. 
with  AWc  There  are  a  few  Vessels  employed  annually  in  the  Aff-rican  Trade,  their  outward 

Cargoes  are  chiefly  Rum  and  some  British  Manufactures.  — The  high  price  and  ready  Sale 
they  meet  with  for  their  Slaves  in  the  West  Indies,  induce  them  always  to  dispose  of  their 
Cargoes  among  the  Islands. 
M»,iBir.  A  Tone-      '^0  Madeira  and  Teneriffe  the  Trade  from  hence  is  considerable.     The  outward 

Cargoes  are  composed  of  Wheat.  Indian  Corn,  Flour,  Provisions  in  Geiieral 
Lumber  and  Beeswax — The  returns  are  made  in  Wines,  the   greatest  part  of  which  are 
carried  directly  from  Madeira  to  the  British  &  Foreign  West  India  Islands,  there  sold  and  a 
West  India  Cargoe  purchased  with  which  the  Vessel  returns. 


}    ' 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


r5 

1 


Vnluft  of   Foreign 
Exports. 


yn  Olhralter  ■nd 
Minorca. 


PpunLh    A  nihrr      Whcti  Gmin  is  scarce  in  Europe  there  is  also  n  very  considernblo  Trade  from 
E"mi»"  RouihwarS  lifiiice  to  the  Spanish  parts  in  tiie  Bay  of  Biscay  and  fo  other  Foreign  I'orts  in 

of  Capo  FlnnUiro.      ^^  i    •        ^     ^i       a         ,  ,„^„ 

Europe  lying  to  the  Southward  of  Cnpe  Finnistre.  —  To  these  places  are  exported, 
Wheat,  Rye,  Flour,  Indian  Corn  and  Beeswax;  and  the  returns  are  in  Specie,  Bills  of 
Exchange  and  large  Cargoes  of  Salt  —  Sometimes  the  Vessels  employed  in  this  Trade  take  in 
a  Load  of  Wines  and  Fruit,  and  call  at  some  of  the  Oulports  in  England  for  clearances 
agreeable  to  Law.  — The  Trade  is  Carried  on  in  Ships  belonging  to  British  Subjects  and 
navigated  conformable  to  the  Acts  of  Trade. 

The  annual  Amount  of  the  Commodities  exported   from   hence  to   Foreign 

Countries  is  on  an  Average,  One  Hundred  and  Fifty  Thousand  Pounds  Sterling; 
and  the  foreign  Imports  on  an  Average  One  Hundred  Thousand  Pounds  Sterling. 
E>poite  10  Ireland  Besides  the  Trade  to  the  Foreign  Ports  in  Europe,  there  is  every  year  a  great 
Quantity  of  Flax  seed  and  Lumber  and  some  Iron  sent  to  Ireland,  in  ships  generally  belonging 
to  that  Kingdom,  which  come  out  annually  with  passengers  and  Servants;  as  also  Linens,  Beef 
and  Butler. 

The  Province   hath  likewise  some  Trade  with  Gibralter  and  Minorca ;  the 

Cargoes  out  generally  consist  of  Grain,  Flour,  Provisions  of  other  Kinds,  Lumber, 
Naval  Stores  and  Rice.  —  As  they  are  British  Ports,  it  has  ever  been  the  practice  here  to  allow 
enumerated  goods  to  be  shipped  to  them,  the  Master  of  the  ^'essel  giving  the  enumerated 
Bond  at  the  Naval  Office.  —  The  Returns  are  Specie,  Bills  of  Exchange  and  Salt 

Question  N"  10 
What  Methods  are  there  used  to  prevent  illegal  Trade,  and  are  the  same  effectual? 

Answer 
Mean.  ii  pr«Te<ii      At  this  Port  there  is  generally  one  of  His  Majesty's  Ships  cf  War,  stationed  near 
iiwaaiTrado  |^,g  principal  Entrance,  except  during  the  Four  Winter  Months  when  she   is 

obliged  on  account  of  the  severe  Weather  and  the  Ice  to  come  to  the  Wharf. — The  Custom 
House  Officers  are  Eight  in  number,  viz.  The  Collector,  Comptroller,  Surveyor  and  Searcher, 
Land  Waiter,  Tide  Surveyor  and  three  Tide  Waiters;  There  is  also  a  Naval  Officer.  The 
Tide  Waiters  are  mostly  employed  on  Board  of  Vessels  that  arrive  with  dutiable  goods,  so  that 
there  are  but  three  otiier  out  door  Officers  to  look  af\er  the  business  of  a  very  extensive  Harbour, 
lying  on  two  sides  of  the  Town,  which  is  situated  on  a  point  between  two  l.irge  Rivers. 

As  all  Articles  of  Commerce,  Provisions  and  Fuel  are  conveyed  to  Town  by  Water  in  a 
Number  o."  small  Boats,  from  landings  that  lay  on  each  side  of  both  Entrances  to  the  Port,  the 
strictest  attention  of  the  Officers  of  His  Majesty's  Ship,  or  the  vigilance  of  the  Collector  and 
Comptroller  (who  speak  favorably  of  their  present  out  door  Officers)  cannot  altogether  prevent 
the  illegal  Trade  in  a  port  situated  as  this  is;  there  can  be  no  doubt  therefore  but  that 
assistance  different  from  what  the  Officers  have  at  present,  would  be  very  necessary,  and  tend 
much  to  the  increase  of  His  Majesty's  Revenues  in  this  Province. 

Question  N°  11. 
What  is  the  natural  produce  of  the  Country,  Staple  Commodities  &  Manufactures,  and  what 
value  thereof  in  Sterling  money  may  you  annually  export? 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV.  ^q 

Answer 
&m,„«".ffl       The  natural  produce  and  Staple  Commodities  of  this  Province,  are  Wheat, 

1  ot  and  Pear!  Ashes—And  its  Manufactures  are,  the  making  of  Pig  and  Bar  Iron   Distilling 
aldcZ^'tn'^t^"^ '''■'"«"  ""'^  making  Chocoiat'e;  frl^Ioiasses   Zwn  C 

W  re  Tan  r°  M  .r    n  "'''"'  ''  '"''''  '"'  ^^"'^'«^'  "•^^'''  «"-"•  Cordage  and  Cabfne 
ware,  lanning,  Malting,  Brewing  and  Ship  Building. 

cir.Vfl.S^r*'"-  .    '^^*  *"""''  """"""^  *''■'•'«  «''«^«  mentioned  Articles  exported  (Hatts excepted) 
18  on  an  Average  Four  Hundred  Thous"  Pounds  Sterling. 

Wk„*  M-  X,        »  QuESTIo^f  N"  12. 

what  Mines  are  there? 

Answer 
m""         r  ,  .  .'^^"^  '""■*  '^'^  "^""^^  y^*  discovered  in  the  Province—One  of  Iron  Ore  in  the 

Anoler°ofi;r'r°"  'o^'^  "'T'  °'  ^''^"^  '^'""«'"«  ''^  ^^'^^'  Living^:  E^uil- 

the  Inor ';  pV"  i"  ''['"^\''^^^'y'  ^'^  P-P««y  of  Vincent  Mathews-  Esquire  an'd  one  in 

nrh?R       ,n^    'I       f '""^'^"""'^  of  Westchester  lately  leased  for  99  years  (pursuant 

m    1  OuTnH.      ri't"  '"k"^"'  ^'"'''"  ^^'l"'— »'  -  called  a  Silver  Mine,  but  Vrom  the 

small  Quanmy  of  Sliver  the  Ore  has  hitherto  yielded,  may  perhaps  more  properly  be  classed 

7c7m:.T;:  '''''' '--'  -^'-^^-'^^^  ^-'^  ^^-^-^^-^ '» '^«^'-  -  -'^^  o-o 

Question  N"  13. 
VVhat  is  the  Number  of  Inhabitants,  Whites  and  Blacks  ? 

Answer 

Number  or  Inhabi-        D..  tU      i      ^    < 

By  the  last  Account  taken  in  1771.  the  Number  of  Inhabitants  stood  thus 
Whites 

Blacks ^^^'^^^ 

19,883 

Total  Number  of  Inhabitants  in   1771 "168007 

Supposing  the  increase  from  1771  to  1774  to  have  been  no  more  "than"  'the         ' 
Average  Proportion  of  the  Increase  between  1756  and  1771,  there  must  be 
added   to  compleat  the  number  of  Inhabitants  to  the  present  Time 

^'f 12,974 

^^'''^' 1,266 

14,244 

Total  number  of  Inhabitants  in  1774 TssisSl 


Vol.  VIII 


iS' 


IC" 


450  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Question  K"  14 

Are  the  Inhabitants  increased  or  decreased  within  the  last  Ten  Years ;  how  much  and  for 
what  Reasons? 

Answer 
incr.«e«finh.bi.     The  Numbefof  Inhabitants  in  1771,  asappers  in  N"  13  was..   168,007 

By  the  Returns  in  1756,  from  which  year  to  1771  no  Census  was  taken,  the 
Number  appears  to  have  been 

l^ggl  Whites 83,233 

I  Blacks 13,542 

96,776 

Which  shews  the  increase  from  1756  to  1771  to  be 71,232 

Admitting  the  Increase  for  the  succeeding  three  years  to  be  no  more  than  the 
Average  Proportion  of  this  Number  which  is  much  less  than  the  proportion 
at  which  it  ought  to  be  rated,  there  must  be  added  for  the  Increase  from 
1771  to  1774 14,244 

Increase  of  Inhabitants  from  1756  to  1774  a  Period  of  18  years 66,476 

Hence   by  taking   the   proportion   of  the   last   mentioned   number  it   is   found   that  the 
Inhabitants  of  this  Colony  are  increased  during  the  last  Ten  Years  according  to  the  lowest 

Calculation 47  4g0, 

cmm.  of  the  In-      The  ReasoHS  commonly  assigned  for  the  rapid  population  of  the  Colonies,  are 

""'""doubtless  the  principal  causes  of  the  great  Increase  in  this  Province. 

The  high  price  of  Labour  and  the  Plenty  and  cheapness  of  new  land  fit  for  cultivation,  as 

they  increase  the  means  of  subsistence,  are  strong  additional  Incitements  to  Marriage,  and  the 

People  entering  into  that  state  more  generally  and  at  an  earlier  period  of  life  than  in  Europe, 

the  Proportion  of  Marriages  and  Births  so  far  exceeds  that  of  populous  Countries,  that  it  has  been 

Computed  the  Colonies  double  their  Inhabitants  by  natural  Increase  only  in  Twenty  years. 

The  increase  in  this  Colony  has  been  nearly  in  the  same  proportion,  but  it  cannot  be  denied 

that  the  accession  to  our  numbers  by  Emigrations  from  the  neighboring  Colonies  and  from 

Europe,  has  been  considerable,  tho'  comparatively  small  to  the  Number  thus  acquired  by  some 

of  the  Southern  Colonies. 

Question  N°  16 
What  is  the  Number  of  Militia  and  under  what  Regulations  is  it  constituted  ? 

Answer 

Hiimb«rofu.eMiii.      The  White  Inhabitants  amounting  to  161,102  the  Militia  mty  be  Bvr'posed  to 

consist  of  about  Thirty  Two  Thousacd 
SSKu'oomI?^      a  Law  is  passed  annually  or  every  two  years  for  regulatinr         ^; .  iitia ;  The  Act 
'*'•  now  in  force  directs  That  every  Man  from  Sixteen  to  Fifty  years  of  age  (a  few 

excepted)  shall  enlist  himself  with  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Troop  of  Horse,  or  Company 
of  Foot  in  the  place  where  he  resides.— That  the  Militia  armed  and  equipped  (as  the  Law 
prescribes)  shall  appear  and  be  exercised  Twice  a  Year.— And  imposes  Fines  on  both  Officers 
and  Soldiers  for  *•  '^-jr-  --n/^lect  of  Duty,  with  other  less  material  provisions  relative  to  this 
•ervice     The  Offi.-  i ,  ikb  all  ar.;.'oinled  by  the  Governor,  and  the  Whole  Militia  is  under  \m 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


461 


command  and  subject  to  his  Orders,  agreeable  to  the  power  vested  in  him  as  Captain  General 
of  the  Province  by  the  Royal  Letters  Patent  or  Commission. 

As  no  Act  relative  to  the  Militia  was  passed  during  the  last  Session  of  the  general  Assembly 
the  above  re  .lat.ons  will  cease  on  the  first  day  of  May  1774.  when  the  present  Militia  Law 
expires  by  Us  own  Limitation. 

Question  N"  16 
What  Forts  and  places  of  strength  are  there  within  your  Government,  and  in  what  condition? 

Answer 

f^nV*  "'"•  "'  „  '^^^  ^'^^  "'^  ^^^  ^°'^  ^^^  Metropolis,  is  protected  by  a  Fort  and  a  Range  of 
Batteries  at  the  Entrance  of  the  East  River  or  Harbour,  in  good  order  and 
capable  of  mounting  about  one  Hundred  pieces  of  Ordnance—Albany  and  Schenectady  are 
defended  by  Forts,  and  both  places  incircled  by  large  Pickets  or  Stockades,  with  Blockhouses 
at  proper  Distances  from  each  other,  but  which  since  the  Peace  have  been  suffered  to  go  to 
Decay  and  are  now  totally  out  of  Repair.  The  Western  Posts  are  Fort  Stanwix,  and  the 
Forts  at  Oswego  and  Niagara;  the  two  former  are  Dismantled;  a  few  men  only  kept  at 
Oswego.— Niagara  is  occupied  by  a  Garrison  of  the  King's  Troops. 

The  Northern  Posts  are.  Fort  Edward  which  is  abandoned.-A  few  men  only  are  kept  at 
the  Works  at  the  South  End  of  Lake  George  to  facilitate  the  Transportation  to  the  next  Posts, 
which  are  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point;  these  are  both  Garrisoned  by  His  Majesty's  Troops, 
but  since  the  fire  which  happened  at  Crown  Point,  only  a  small  guard  is  kept  there,  the 
principal  part  of  the  Garrison  being  withdrawn  and  posted  at  Ticonderoga. 

Question  N"  17. 
What  number  of  Indians  have  you  &  how  are  they  inclined  ? 

Answer 
The  Indians  who  formerly  possessed  Nassau  or  Long  Island,  and  that  part  of 
this  Province  which  lies  below  Albany,  are  now  reduced  to  a  small  number,  and 
are  m  general  so  scattered  and  dispersed,  and  so  addicted  to  wandering  that  no  certain  account 
can  be  obtained  of  them—They  are  Remnants  of  the  Tribes-Montocks  and  others  of  Long 
Island- Wapp.ngers  of  Dutchess  Counly-Esopus,  Papagonk  &c  in  Ulster  County  and  a  few 
bkachticokes. 

These  Tribes  have  generally  been  denominated  River  Indians  and  consist  of  about  Three 
Hundred  Fighting  Men-They  speak  a  language  radically  the  same,  and  are  understood  by 
the  Delawares  being  originally  of  the  same  Race.  Most  of  these  People  at  present  profess 
Christianity,  and  as  far  as  in  their  power  adopt  our  Customs-The  greater  part  of  them 
attended  the  Army  during  the  late  War  but  not  with  the  same  reputation  as  those  who  are 
still  deemed  Hunters. 

The  Mohawks  the  first  in  Rank  of  the  Six  Nation  Confederacy  tho'  now  much  reduced  in 
Number,  originally  occupied  the  Country  Westward  from  Albany  to  the  German  Flatts,  a 
space  of  about  90  miles,  and  had  many  Towns;  but  having  at  different  times  been  prevailed 
on  to  dispose  of  their  Lands  they  have  little  Property  left,  except  to  the  Northward,  and  are 
reduced  to  Two  Villages  on  the  Mohawk  River  and  a  few  Families  at  Schoharie.  The  lower 
Mohawks  are  in  Number  about  One  Hundred  and  Eighty  Five,  and  the  Upper  or  those  of 


Nnmber  of  Indlani 
A  how  \bej  are 
IncUued 


rrn 


i 


Ml 


452 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCKIPTS. 


Canajoharie  Two  Hundred  and  Twenty  One  making  together  Four  Hundred  and  Six  ;  this 
Nation  hath  aiways  been  warm  in  their  attachment  to  the  English,  and  on  this  Account  suflered 
great  loss  during  the  late  War. 

The  Nation  beyond  and  to  the  Westward  of  the  Moiiawks  is  the  Oneida'^s ;  Tne  Villages 
wheie  they  reside  including  Onoaughquaga  are  just  beyond  the  Indian  Line  or  Boundary 
established  at  Fort  Stanwix  in  1763,  And  their  Properly  within  that  Line  except  to  the 
Northward  has  been  sold— This  Nation  consisis  of  at  least  Fifteen  Hundred  and  are  firmly 
attaciied  to  the  English. 

The  other  Nations  of  that  Coiifederacy  snd  who  live  further  beyond  the  Indian  Line  are 
the  Onondugaes,  Cayouges,  Senecas  and  Tuscaroras  and  are  well  inclined  to  the  British 
Interest— The  whole  Six  Nations  consist  of  about  Two  Thousand  Fighting  ivien,  and  their 
number  of  Souls  according  to  their  latest  returns  at  lenst  Ten  Thousand  ;  The  Seneca  Nation 
amounting  aloi  s  to  one  half  of  that  Number. 

Question  N°  IS. 
What  is  the  Strength  of  the  Neighbouring  Indians  ? 

Answer 
n(UhLarit'*g  Ta-  The  Indians  North  of  this  Province  near  Montreal,  with  those  living  on  the 
Uiver  bt.  L,awreuce  near  the  45"'  Degree  of  Northern  Latitude  form  a  Body  of 
about  Three  Thousand  five  Hundred.  They  are  in  Alliance  with  and  held  in  great  esteem  by 
the  rest,  nro  good  Warriors,  and  have  behaved  well  since  they  became  allies  to  the  English 
previous  to  the  Reduction  of  Canada. — 

The  Tribes  of  Indians  within  the  Province  of  Mussachusets  Bay  and  the  Colonies  of 
Connecticut  and  Uhode  Island  &c  are  under  simihu-  circumstances  with  those  dt-nominated 
River  Indians  and  the  Stockbridge  Indians  living  on  tiie  Eastern  Borders  of  New  York  may 
be  considered  as  within  it,  as  they  formerly  claimed  the  Lands  near  Albany,  and  still  hold  up 
some  claim  in  that  Vicinity.  They  served  as  a  Corps  during  the  late  War  and  are  in  number 
about  three  Hundred. 

Of  the  Susqnehnnah  Tribes  many  are  retired  further  Westward  among  which  are  some  not 
well  affected  to  the  British  (Jovernment— They  are  all  dependants  and  allies  of  the  Six  Nations. 
;!;'"".U-";rj;,:l';;:  ^^"^'"  "'"  IJq'""-nent  of  sir  Wmiam  Johnson  His  Majesty's  Superintendant 
i.e,.„.™.n.  of  Indian  Aflairs  there  are  Twenty  Five  Thousand  Four  Hundred  and  Twenty 

Fighting  Men,  and  may  be  about  One  Hundred  and  Thirty  Thousand  Indians  in  the  whole, 
extending  Westward  to  the  Missisippn. 

t  Question  N°   19 

What  is  the  Revenue  arising  within  your  Oovernment,  and  how  is  it  nnpropriated  and 
applied? 

Answer. 
B.Y«..  The  Revenue  of  the   Province  arises  as  follows  — First  from  the  Duties  on 

Articles  imported  viz,  Slaves,  Wines,  DislilI'd  Li.piors.  Cocoa,  and  all  European  and  Fast 
India  (;ood8  from  the  British  Islands  in  the  West  Ii,.li.-s-Also  a  Duty  of  two  per  cent,  on 
certain  species  of  (k-ods  sold  at  Public  Auction  or  Outcry  and  from  Lycenses  granted  to 
Hawkers  and  Pedlari. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV. 


468 


The  Annual  Amount  of  the  several  Duties  on  an  Average  of  the  last  five*^'""' 

^^"^«  '« ^5000 

Secondly  from  the  Interest  of  ^120.000  in  Bills  of  Credit  emitted  by  a  Law 
of  the  Colony  passed  the  IC"  February  1771  and  put  out  on  Loan  at  5  per 
cent,    by   which    a  clear   Revenue    untill    1776   is   to   be   paid   into    the 

^ '^'■""'•"''y of    5602 

From  the  year  1776  one  Tenth  part  of  the  Principal  sum  is  to  be  paid  yearly  into  the 
Treasury  until  the  whole  Sum  of  ^120,000  is  paid.     So  that  this  Branch  of  Revenue  decreasing 
Annually  m  that  propo.tion,  will  totally  cease  in  17S5. 
Appii«iion  of  ihe       'i'he  Revenue  arising  from  the  Articles  under  the  first  Head  as  it  is  grounded 

lbCVCD06<  Fill/ 

on  Laws  annually  passed,  (except  the  Duty  on  goods  sold  at  Auction  granted  for 
three  years)  is  appropriated  by  annual  Laws  towards  payment  of  the  Salaries  of  the  Officers 
of  Government,  and  other  necessary  Expenses  for  the  Public  Service  enumerated  in  such  Laws 

And  the  Interest  Money  arising  from  the  Loan  above  mentioned,  which  is  the  Second  Branch 
of  Revenue,  is  annually  applied  in  furnishing  necessaries  for  His  Majesty's  Troops  quartered  in 
this  Colony,  for  which  there  is  usually  granted  ^2000  Currency,  And  tne  residue  is  occasionally 
applied  to  the  payment  of  Debts  contracted  by  the  Province,  such  as  repairs  to  the  Fort  and 
Batteries,  the  Governor's  House,  the  making  of  gun  carriages  &c. 

A  Third  Branch  of  the  Revenue  is  the  Excise  on  Spirituous  Liquors. 
r.,iiou..,    .ppro.       ^y  a  Law  passed  the  8  March   1773  This  Fund  is  appropriated  for  Twenty 
?i« ""on"' "slrJ-i'  years  as  follows— The  Sum  of  .C800  (part  of  .£1000  to  be  raised  by  the  Excise 
•-">"""•  in  the  City  and  County  of  New  York)  is  to  be  paid  annually  for  Twenty  years 

to  the  Governors  of  the  Hospital  now  erecting  in  the  City  of  New  York  for  the  support  of  that 
Institution,  and  the  remaining  Sum  of  ^200  is  for  the  First  Five  years  to  be  paid  to  the 
Corporation  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  for  encouraging  a  Fishery  on  the  Sea  Coast  for 
the  better  supplying  the  Public  Markets  of  the  City,  and  during  the  remaining  Fifteen  years 
this  sum  is  appropriated  (or  repairing  the  Public  Roads. 

By  the  same  Law  the  Sums  wiiich  shall  be  raised  by  the  Excise  in  the  other  Counties  subject 
to  this  duty,  are  directed  to  l.<!  appropriated  for  the  same  period  of  Twenty  years  towards 
repairing  the  Highways  and  defraying  the  necessary  Charges  of  the  respective  Counties. 

The  whole  produce  of  the  Excise  Fund  before  the  passing  of  this  Law  usually  amounted  to 
about  Ximo  per  anuuiti. 

QuKSTioN  N"  20 
Wiiat  are  the  ordinary  and  cxtsaordinary  Expenses  of  Government? 

Answer 

(Minwy  ..,p,-,«  '1''"*  ordinary  expenses  are  the  Sallarios  allowed  by  the  Province  to  the  Officer! 
oroo.,rnn....t.       of  (iovemment,  wliich  exclusive  of  the  Salary  of  the  Governor  now  paid  by  the 

Crown  amounted  in  177a  to  tlie  sum  of it'3iac  2 

And  will  continue  nearly  the  same  while  the  Salaries  remain  on  the  present 
footing.— 
K.ir.fjinnry  ».-      'l'''<*  Extraordiuaiy  Expenses  of  Ciovernment  ore  the  Allowance 
(or  the  necessaries  with  which  the  Troops  quartered  in  the 
Colony  are  furnished  usually  amounting  to .     JOQO 


IMiiaua. 


•if'  IS  , 


!>t  J.J 


454 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


1 


And  the  Expences  arising  from  the  Settlement  of  the  Boundary  Lines  of  the 
Colony,  Repairs  to  the  Fortifications  and  the  Governors  House, — Carriages 
and  Utensil  for  Guns,  Barracks  &c.  which  in  the  year  1773  amounted  to. .  ^1807 

For  payment  of  Expresses  and  other  small  contingent  articles  of  Expense  there 
is  annually  allowed jqq 


11  41 


Question  N"  21. 
What  are  the  Establishments  Civil  and  Military  within  your  Government  and  by  what 
Authority  do  the  Officers  hold  their  Places,  what  is  the  Annual  value  of  each  Office,  Civil  and 
Military,  how  are  they  respectively  appo    ted  and  who  are  the  present  Possessors  ? 

Answer 
otu  Eiubiwrneni.     The  Civil  Establishment  in  this  Province  consists  either  of  the  Officers  whose 
Salaries  are  paid  by  the  Crown  ;  or  of  such  Officers  as  receive  their  Salaries  by  virtue  of  a  Law 
annually  passed  by  the  Provincial  Legislature. 

Civil  Ettablishment  jiaid  by  the  Crown. 


Pnient  PoweMor 


By  whit  »ulhoi1ly  tppolnlwl       Bilarr  of  Value  of  Iho  Offloe. 


Governor 
Lieut.  Governor 

Chief  Justice 
Auditor  General 
Receiver  General 
Attorney  General 
Secretary 
Surveyor  of  the  | 
King's  Woods  j 


Collector 


His  Exc«/  William  Tryon 
The  Hon.  Cadwaliader 

Colden 
Daniel  Horsmanden 
The  Hon.  Rob  Cholmondeley 
Andrew  Elliot 
John  Tabor  Kempe 
George  Clarke 

AdolphusBenzel 


By  the  Crown 
D° 

D» 
D" 
D« 
D» 
D* 


Sltfltiif  Money 
jC2,000 
DO  Salary 


600 
100 
200 
350 
73 

300 


Comptroller 


Of  His  Majesty's  Customs 

Andrew  Elliot  B>  the  Commissioners 

of  the  customs  in 
London  by  virtue  of  a 
Warrant  of  the  Com- 
missioners of  the 
Treasury. 

Lambert  Moore  By  D» 


56 


66 


Ilun.  .ml  Reverend  Ro„«t  CootHo«,„«..T  wm  tl,«  .ocond  .on  of  th.  K.rl  ,,f  Cholmondeley.  ,„d  brother  of  ViK,unl 
M.lpM.  II.  WM  born  ,n  1727,  «nd  .fter  h».i„K  r.c-ived  Holy  Order..  boc«me  K.otor  ..f  llertinRfordlmrv  .nd  Ht.  Andrew.. 
Iler  roM.h.r.  A.,  fnrther  provi.ion,  U  obt.ined  th.  .inecnre  ,.l.oe  of  AuditorOencr.!  to  th.  IM.nUtion^  ««  .h.  demi.. 
of  th.  Hon.  Mr.  W.lpol.,  «nd  died  «  June,  1804.  in  the  77th  year  of  hi.  »«,•.  _  En. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


465 


Offlca 


Surveyor  and 
Searcher 


Land  Waiter 

Tide  Surveyor 
Tide  Waiters 
Naval  Officer 


Superintendant       1 
aad  Sole  Agent  ) 


Deputies 


Agent  at  Waubach 

Secretary 

Two    Smiths    and 

Armourers  with 

their  Assistants 
Three  Interpreters 

for  the  different 

Languages 
Surgeon. 
Store     Keeper    or 

Commissary 

Provisions 


FreMnt  PoawMor 


Bywh.t  authorllr  •ppolnted       Balarr  .f  Value  of  the  OfflM. 


Richard  Nicholls  Golden 


James  Coggeshall 


Anthony  Kendall 

{Thomas  Bayeux 
Henry  Dufour 
Thomas  Kautzman 
Samuel  Kemble 


t 


•■1 


Commissary 

Judge 
Register 
Marshall 


or 


By  the  Commissioners 
oftheCustoms  at  Bos- 
ton by  virtue  of  a  War- 
rant fiom  the  lords  of 
the  Treasury 

By  warrant  from  the 
Commissioners  of  the 
Customs  at  Boston 

By  D- 

By  D" 
By  D- 
By  D" 

By  Mandate  of  the 
Crown. 


Indian  Department 
Sir  William  Johnson        By  the  Crown 

(Guy  Johnson 
Daniel  Claus 
George  Croghan 
Joseph  Goreham 

Maisonville 
Vacant 


By  the  Crown 
Names  Unknown 

D' 
I> 
D« 

Court  of  Admiralty 

Richard  Morris  By  the  Crown 

Richard  Nicholls  D« 

Thomas  Ludlow  D« 


w£60 


60 

60 
30 
30 
30 


No  Salary. 


1,000 

200 
200 
200 
900 
100 
100 

800 


169  10  0 
68  6  8 
93     6  8 


No  Salory 


'V 


456 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Civil  EstaUithmenl  paid  by  the  Province. 


.'a: 


Offlc* 


PreMnt  PoateHor 


By  wh>t  Buthorllr  appointed       Saluj  or  T«|ue  of  tha  Offlce 


Governor 


Chief  Justice 

Puisne  Judges  of 
the  Supreme 
Court 

Attorney  General 


Secretary 

Clerk  oftheCouncil 

Me.ssenger  of    the  ] 
Council  j 

Guagers  of  Liquors 
lubject  to  Pro- 
vincial Duty 

Land  and  Tide 
Waiters  for  the 
like  Duty 

Printer 


Gunner    &;   Keep-  ) 
er  of  the  Colony  }■ 


stores 
Treasurer 
Agent 
Clerk 

Assistant  Clerk 
Doorkeeper 
Sergeant  at  Arms 


His    Excell"    Wil- 
liam Tryon 

Daniel     Horsman- 

den 
Robert  Livingston 
'"--rge        Duncan 

Ludlow 
Thomas  Jones 
John  Taber  Kempe 


George  Clarke 
D» 


':\ 


By  the  Crown 

No  Salary  but  allowed 
for   firewood  &  can 
dies  for  Fort  George 

By  the  Crown 

By  the  Governor 
D» 


D" 

By  the  Crown 

allowed  by  the  Province  of 

extra  Services 
By  the  Crown 
D» 


New  York  Cumiior 


^400 


Christopher  Blundel        By  the  Governor 


Thomas  Moore 
John  Grillith 

Thomas  Hill 
Josias  Smith 

Hugh  Gaine 


1> 


300 

200 
200 

800 


160 
40 
30 


80 
30 

00 

50 


John  Martin 

Abraham  Lott ' 
Edmund  Burke 
a     Edmund  Seaman 
||  Gerard  Bancker 
|i  Alexander  Lamb 
John  Scott 


D»  No  Sallary  but  the  am"  of  his 
account  annually  paid. 

By  the  Governor 


By  the  General  Assi^m  : 

By  D" 

By  D" 

By  D» 

By  D» 

By  D» 


*0 

300 
600 


The  four  last  mentioned  Officers  are  allowed  no  Salary,  but  are  paid  during  their  attendance 
on  the  General  Assembly ,  The  Clerk  and  his  Assistant  each  20-  and  the  Serjeant  at  Arms 
and  Doorkeeper  each  6*  p'  Diem. 

'/;•"•*;  '7'  '"'^■'•«"'  "'  New-York.  wa,  tho  TounR^t  a„„  .,f  A..r„!,am  UiU  of  Fl„l.„a|„  L  1.     1,«  marri..,!  0.rtn..i. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


457 


There  is  no  other  Provincial  Civil  Establishment  in  the  Colony.  Most  of  the  above 
mentioned  Officers  have  Fees  appertaining  to  their  Offices,  the  amount  of  which  (if  within  the 
object  of  the  present  Enquiry)  can  only  be  ascertained  by  the  Respective  Officers. 

The  Province  has  a  Court  of  Chancery,  the  Governor  is  Chancellor,  and  the  Officers  of  the 
Court  are  a  Master  of  the  Rolls  newly  created  -Two  Mastersr-Two  Clerks  :-a  Recister  — 
An  Exammer,  and  a  Sergeant  at  Arms.-l'here  is  also  a  Prerogative  Court  of  which  the 
Governor  .s  Judge :  It's  Officers  are  a  Register  and  one  or  more  Surrogates  in  every  County  - 
In  each  of  the  Cities  of  New  York  and  Albany  there  is  a  Mayor,  Sheriff,  Clerk  and  Ccrolier, 
and  m  each  of  the  other  Counties  of  the  Province  there  are  Three  or  more  Judges,  and  a 
number  of  Justices  of  the  Peace  :  One  Sheriff,  one  Clerk  and  one  or  more  Coroners— None 
of  these  Officers  have  any  Salary  but  have  Fees  annexed  to  their  Offices  and  they  are  all 
appointed  by  the  Governor. 

Sr  '^'"''"''''-  '^'"'""■y  Establishments  have  only  tt.kcn  place  in  Time  of  War.  The  Province 
during  the  late  War,  raised,  cloathed  and  paid  a  large  Body  of  Forces,  which 
was  disbanded  at  the  Peace,  and  there  is  at  present  no  Provincial  Military  Establishment 
unless  the  Militia  may  be  regarded  as  such  ;  The  Officers  of  this  Corps  are  as  already  observed 
appointed  by  the  Governor,  and  having  no  pay  their  Offices  must  be  rather  expensive 
than  lucrativo. 

The  Militia  are  not  subject  to  Garrison  Duty,  and  all  the  posts  where  any  Garrisons  are 
Kept  are  occupied  by  the  King's  Troops. 

London,  11'^  June  1774.  ^„.  ^^^^^ 

(A"  1.)  Deed  to  King  George  the  First  reciting  the  surrender  by  the  Five  Nations  of 
t^ieir  Beaver  Hunting  Country  ;  and  containing  an  actual  Surrender  of  the 
Castles  or  Habitatious  of  the  Senecas,  Cayougus  and  Onondagas. 

[For  tliia  Document,  seo  V.,  800.] 


{N'2.) 


List  of  Inhabitants  in  the  Several  Counties  in  the  Province  of  New  York  taken 
in  the  Year  1771. 


I    ■  li 


Namks  ok  tiiiSkvebai.  C'ouNTin 


WBirn 


City  anil  L'ounly  of  New  Vork. 

AlliHiiy 

UlHlT [[ 

DllU'llOBII 

•  >ii(n((e 

Wcali'lipatcr 

Kiiiift 

W II"  '...'.'.', 

Miillolk 

i(icliiiiiin<I 

CiiinhfrUnJ 

Uluuumt«r  


R72I1 
074(1 

2H;if> 

fi7'21 
'Jflfil 
88 1 » 
S4R 
1268 
li7.'U 

tin 

1071 
17H 


3 

fSJ 

n 


B(IH3 
Wii 
aO'iM 
4(1S 
22tf7 
A204 
A44 
•Jii8:i 

28114 

4»8 

1(10'.! 


•28(1 

lIHrt 

2(1 '.' 

:i84 

1(17 

A4lt 
7(\ 

use 

ill 
9(1 
fi'.( 
8 


i)77« 
U(I8(I 
2(101 

641;; 

2101 

H»8« 

AIH 

2I2H 

2rt6,H 

6(IK 

(141 
108 


S 

!1 


68(!4 
0O45' 

8i76 

4N;iii' 

2124' 
62fi« 

(iKill 

aidc' 
69ni 

»''2, 
ISI 


18,72(1 
.'188211 

iittun 

21(144 
U48> 

18816 
24(11 
8744 

Il«7(i 

22&.S 

S08,'> 

716! 


_I°*yL-  • I'm  .  877  ;t7 .  802  4  .a  1 4  '(.i 

Vol..  VIII. 


,492  88 

08 


Bucxi 


668 
87  « 
618 
2011 
IB'J 
70:i 
297 
374 
360 
177 


I 

^9 


800  42 

llOOj  260 

6l(l|  67 

417;  il4 

I84|  221 

Olflj  68: 

2871  22' 


611  271 

380'  69 

1621  2'J 

S  - 


662 
671 
4'i2 
282 
120 
16(i 
2(11 
64fl 
S2U 
106 
8 
1 


1086 
980 
441 
828 
174 
887 
295 
684 
884 
187 
i 


a 
St' 

Z  a 


3187 
387- 
1064 

13(l<>i 
6(121 
843(1; 
lift'.' 
223(.j 
1462 
6Mt| 

7 
-I- 


I 

s 


I 


21,8a;i 

42,70(1 

13.960 

22,404 

10,0'.('i 

21.746 

8,628 

10,080 

13.128 

2.847 

3,047 

718 


,I»lll48,!?4!lJl6!6^879!_S4a4.!!SO»,!ii';|8  ss,»..:if,g  (K)? 

W-  Thvon 


458 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


(.V6.) 


Johnson  Hail,  Oct'  SS"*,  1773. 


Sir 

I  am  just  honoreo  witii  your  Excellency's  letter  of  tlie  aG"-  Ull°  concerning  the  Dispatches 
you  received  from  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  &  inclosing  me  such  of  his  Lordship's  Queries  as 
are  connected  with  my  Department. 

On  this  subject,  I  shall  most  willingly  transmit  your  Excellency  all  the  Intelligence  that  can 
as  I  conceive  be  deemed  necessary,  so  far  as  the  present  state  of  the  Indians  within  this 
Province  can  be  known  at  this  time. 

You  are  doubtless  sensible  that  the  Indians  who  formerly  possessed  Long  Island  and  the  rest 
of  this  Province  below  Albany  are  now  reduced  to  a  small  number,  and  that  they  are  for  the 
most  part  so  scattered  &  dispersed  &  so  much  addicted  to  wandering  that  no  certain  Ace'  can 
be  obtained  of  them.  It  will  be  therefore  sufficient  to  observe  that  they  are  Remnants  of  the 
following  Tribes,  Montocks  &  others  of  Long  Isleand,  VVappingers  of  Dutchess  County,  Those 
of  Esopus  Papagonk  &ca  in  Ulster  County,  and  a  few  Skachticokes,  All  these  last  have 
generally  been  denominated  River  Indians,  and  may  make  Three  Hundred  fighting  Men  they 
speak  a  Language  radically  the  same,  and  ars  understood  by  the  Delawares,  being  originally 
of  the  same  race,  most  of  these  people  at  present  profess  Christianity,  &  adapt  as  far  as  they 
can  our  Customs,  and  the  greater  part  of  them  attended  our  Armies  during  the  late  War,  tho' 
not  with  the  same  reputation  with  those  who  are  still  Hunters. 

The  next  People  to  be  considered  are  the  Mohawks  the  first  Nation  in  Rank  of  the  Six  Nation 
Confederacy,  'tho  now  much  reduced  in  Numbers,  tliey  originally  occupied  the  Country 
Westward  from  Albany  to  the  German  Plats  and  had  many  Towns,  hut  having  at  diflerent 
times  been  prevailed  on  to  dispose  of  their  lands,  &  suffered  many  Impositions,  they  have  verry 
little  property  remaining  except  to  the  Nortliward,  and  are  reduced  to  Two  VilJaiies  on  the 
Mohawk  River  and  a  few  Families  at  Scohare,  The  low-r  Mohawks  are  One"  Hundred 
and  Eighty  Five  Souls,  &  those  of  Conojohare  Two  Hundred  and  Twenty  One,  making 
together  Four  Hundred  &  Six  Souls,  They  are  and  have  been  faithfully  attached  to  the  English 
on  which  Ace'  they  suftVred  great  losses  during  the  late  War.  The  Nation  beyond  &  to  the 
Westward  of  the  Mohawks  are  the  Oneidaes,  The  villages  of  their  residence  including 
Onoaughquage  are  at  a  small  distance  beyond  the  present  limits  or  Boundary  Line  of  this 
Province,  but  their  property  within  it  except  to  the  Northward  has  also  been  sold,  This  Nation 
will  make  at  least  fifteen  Hundred  Souls,  &  they  are  fiiithfully  attached  to  the  English. 

The  rest  of  the  Nations  of  that  Confederacy  living  h.rther  beyond  the  Limits  of  the 
Government  do  not  appear  to  be  the  Object  of  the  present  Enquiry,  it  may  however  be  proper 
to  observe  that  the  whole  Six  Nations  are  about  Two  Thousand  Fighting  Men,  making  at  least 
Ten  Thousand  Souls  according  to  the  latest  Returns,  &  that  the  Senecas  alone  are  one  Half  of 
that  number.  — The  Indians  North  of  this  Province  near  Montreal,  with  those  living  on  the 
River  S'  Lawrence  near  the  45'*  Degree  of  Lattitude  make  about  Three  Thousand  Five 
Hundred,  they  are  allied  to  &  much  regarded  by  the  rest,  are  good  Warriors,  &  have  behaved 
well  since  they  entered  into  an  Alliance  with  I's,  previous  to  the  Reduction  o(  Cnnada.  — The 
Indians  within  Massachusets  Bay,  Connecii.'ut.  IMiode  Isleand  &ca.  are  al  present  under  much 
the  same  predicament  with  those  denominated  River  Indians.  The  Slockhridge  Indians  living 
on  the  Eastern  Border  of  this  Government,  may  indeed  he  considered  as  within  it,  as  they 
claimed  the  lands  near  Albany  &  do  still  lay  some  claims  in  that  way,  they  served  as  a  Corps 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


459 


in  the  late  War,  and  are  at  least  Three  Hundred  Souis.-Of  those  Trihes  living  West  of  this 
Z7T  Z  f  ":?"^^,""^.  f  ?y  "^«  ^«''^-'  ^«'-^"«'-  Westward,  amongst  which  were  some  not 
fTi  "",^"S''^^'  ^^'y  ''''  ""  A'l'««  &  Dependants  of  the  Six  Nations.- As  tl,e 
res  of  the  Nat-ons  do  not  appear  to  be  concerned  in  this  enquiry,  it  will  be  sufficient  to  add 
Hundre^JHTT^".'  "^  D^'Par.ment   amount  to    Twenty  Five   Thousand,  Four 

Hundred  and  Twenty  F-ghfng  men.  &  will  be  about  130000  Souls,  Extending  Westward  to 

t  e'Tn'Trr  r;  "  """  P"'""'*^^  "^"'"""'"S  «°"-  °^  "-  'i-^'^'-  •-  the  reason 

ul,      t      '''7"""'     T   '"?  '"'  '  '"■""""  "^'^  "'"  ^""y  ««''«'y  >•'  Excellency  on  the 
subject.     And  I  remain  with  great  Esteem 

Sir, 

Your  most  Obedient 

&  most  faithfull  Humble 

His  Excellency  Governor  Tryon  ^"'"*"'       w    t 

^  W.    JOHNSO.V 


N»  9. 


'SYr  Will  id  m  Juhnmi)  to  the  Eaii  of  Dartmouth. 

[Pluntalious  General,  CCLX.,  No.  9.] 

Johnson  Hall  June  SO""  1774. 


My  Lord, 

1  am  highly  gratilied  on  finding  from  your  Lordship's  Dispatch  (N-  7)  which  I  had  lately  (he 
honor  to  receive,  that  His  Majesty  is  so  well  satisfied  with  n,y  conduct  in  bringing  the  SeLas 
.0  make  restitution  &  aitonnneui  lor  the  murder  committed  on  Lake  Ontario.-ln  my  letter 
oMast    month    (N-g)    i    gave    some    farther    particulars   respecting   that    aflair    with    G." 


Haldi 
sh 


the  two  Senecas 
r  agreement  the 


aldiman.i's  concurrence  in  opinion  that  on  restitution  of  the  goods  plundered  i 
lould  be  discharged.-Tliis  proves  a  work  of  time,  because  according  to  Ihei 
skins  are  to  be  collected  in  due  proportion  from  their  severall  scattered  villages,  and  this  delay 
joyned  to  the  close  confinement  so  unusual  to  In.iians  has  brought  a  d.soider  on  one  oi  the 
I  r.soners  which  is  so  rigi.l  that  he  is  .leemed  past  recovery,  and  many  of  the  Indians  naturally 
suspicious  have  insinuated  that  he  has  been  poisoned,  this  report  with  many  others  occasioned 
by  their  long  imprisonment,  I  have  been  at  much  pains  to  remove,  which  I  had  nigh  ellected 
when  I  received  the  verry  disagreable  &•  unexpe.Ued  intelligence  that  a  certain  M'  Cressop-  an 
'""al.i<.wu  of  \  irginia  had  trepanne.l  and  murdered  (orty  Indians  on  Ohio,  lor  the  most  part  of 

'  C«|.t»in  M,n,*EL  r.,t..r  wn.  tl,o  ,„„  .,f  C,,!,,,,,.!  TI,o,n„.  Cr..,,,,,  who  i,„mi;,r,.U.,l  from  Yoik-hire  ea.lv  in  II.p  U..        . 
o      „  eonn,..,  .^  .u.,,  in  M,., ,,  in  ,„„  w.,e,  n  ,..n  .,f  J,„.„   Vn o.  the  ...jj.:'  ir^S.  :r      ^  J^  J   IJ 

:^u:r::::t-:;r:::,;:::;t;ir'::::;::rii^ 
::;;::t.r::r::.r;;:r:— ^ 

,      ,   r  "•'•■'"•'••'■•• "'>  "K-f :.:..     11..  r..,..a.„.  wer«  l,„..|...l.  „i i|iu..,  ,..,n..r,.  i..  T,i„i,,  01.    el.  v^ 

•  '"" •  ' I'"  """"■  '""*' "  '" ""ii"'!  '"  ti.e  .•,.lel,n.t,,l  ,|...,el,  „f  I„,„„„   ,1,,  |,„|i„,,  ,.•   „f  ,„„|  .„  ,  I  '  J'"^"' 


:       .tfJl    I 


460 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


the  6  Nations,  and  this  was  followed  by  dispatches  brought  by  two  trusty  Indians  from  my 
Agent  at  Fort  Pitt  across  the  country,  by  which  I  understand  that  the  Traders  have  in 
consequence  thereof  b(?en  driven  out  of  the  Country  by  the  Shawanese,  except  a  few  whom  it 
is  feared  have  fallen  a  sacrifice  to  their  resentment,  and  that  the  unworthy  author  of  this  wanton 
act,  is  fled,  together  with  a  considerable  number  of  the  inhabitants  on  the  confines  of  Virginia. 
The  Extracts  which  I  herewith  enclose  will  give  your  Lordship  more  particular  information 
respecting  this  &  other  matters,  which  excited  much  commotion  and  which  must  prove  very 
alarming  to  the  Frontiers  of  Virginia  and  Pensilvania  and  may  extend  much  farther  unless  the 
steps  I  am  now  taking  may  prevent  it,  concerniug  which  I  must  have  great  doubt,  from 
the  warmth  of  the  Indians  resentment,  the  disorderly  measures  of  the  inhabitants,  &  the 
present  imbecility  of  the  American  Governments,  who  are  I  fear  as  unable  to  procure,  as  their 
people  are  unwilling  to  afford  justice  for  the  Indians. 

Your  Lordship  will  please  to  recollect  that  in  my  last  dispatch  I  mentioned  my  expectations 
of  a  favorable  issue  to  the  prior  differences  that  arose  in  that  quarter  thro  the  address  of 
Kayagshota,  and  the  Embassy  that  then  accompanied  him  for  these  salutary  purposes,  and  from 
the  known  influence  and  approved  fidelity  of  that  cheif  supported  by  the  name  and  heads  of  the 
six  Nations,  I  had  good  reason  for  such  expectations,  but  the  least  ill  consequence  that  can 
attend  the  unlucky  obstruction  to  this  business  occasioned  by  the  cruelty  &  baseness  of  Cressop, 
is,  the  present  disappointment  of  the  object  intended  by  that  Embassy,  for  altho  some  of  the 
Indians  in  that  quarter  have  spoken  fairly  &  profess  to  believe  it  was  meerly  a  private  act, 
they  in  reality  regard  it  in  a  verry  different  light,  the  professions  we  are  often  necessitated  to 
make  of  the  advantage  derived  from  our  laws,  &  of  our  authority  over  our  people,  will 
strengthen  their  suspicions,  and  the  disorderly  behaviour  of  the  Frontier  Inhabitants  will  confirm 
them,  neither  is  there  any  hopes  that  those  who  have  occasioned  these  troubles,  will 
contribute  to  the  detence  of  the  country,  for  I  have  had  occasion  often  to  observe,  &  now  find 
it  true,  that  those  who  disturb  the  public  tranquility,  thro'  mistaken  and  ill  timed  zeal  against 
the  Indians,  are  the  first  to  abandon  their  settlements.  —  for  more  than  ten  years  past  the  most 
dissolute  fellows  united  with  debtors,  and  persons  of  a  wandering  disposition  have  been 
removing  from  Pensilvania  &  Virginia  &c"  into  the  Indian  Country,  towards  &  on  the  Ohi  -,  & 
a  considerable  number  of  settlem"  were  made  as  early  as  17G5  when  my  Deputy  was  sent  to  the 
llinoh  from  whence  he  gave  me  a  particular  account  of  the  uneasiness  it  occasioned  amongst 
the  Indians,  many  of  these  emigrants  are  idle  fellows  that  are  too  lazy  to  cultivate  lands,  & 
invited  by  the  plenty  of  game  they  found,  have  employed  themselves  in  hunting,  in  which  they 
interfere  much  more  with  the  Indians  than  if  they  pursued  agriculture  alone,  and  the  Indian 
hunters  (who  are  composed  of  all  the  Warriors  in  each  nation)  already  begin  to  feel  the 
scarcity  this  has  occasioned,  which  greatly  encreases  their  resentment. 

The  Cession  to  the  Crown  at  the  Treaty  in  17GS  was  secured  by  the  plainest  &  best  natural 
boundaries,  and  the  Indians  freely  agreed  to  make  it  the  more  ample  that  our  people  should 
have  no  pretext  of  narrow  limits,  and  the  remainder  might  be  rendered  the  more  secure  to 
themselves  &  their  posterity,  neither  did  they  expect  that  we  should  push  settlements 
imediately  over  the  whole  of  their  cession,  and  His  Majesty  with  great  wisdom  and  discretion 
was  pleased  to  direct  that  none  should  be  now  made  below  the  Great  Kanhawa  lliver,  with 
which  I  acquainted  the  Indians  agreable  to  my  orders,  but  numbers  of  settlements  had  been 
made  there  previous  to  the  cession,  attempts  made  since  to  form  others  on  the  Mississipi,  and 
great  numbers  in  defiance  of  the  cession,  or  the  orders  of  Government  in  consequence  thereof, 


r 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV. 


461 


have  since  removed  not  only  below  the  Kanhawa,  but  even  far  beyond  the  limits  of  the  Cession, 
and  in  a  little  time  we  may  probably  hear  that  they  have  crossed  the  Ohio  wherever  the  lands 
invite  them  ;  for  the  body  of  these  people  are  under  no  restraint,  they  perceive  that  they  are  in 
places  of  security,  and  pay  as  little  regard  to  Government,  as  they  do  to  title  for  their  possessions, 
whilst  at  the  same  time  not  only  individuals  but  bodies  of  men  are  interested  in  the  growth  of  these 
settlements,  however  injurious  to  the  old  colonies,  &  dangerous  to  all ;  but  'till  better  order  is 
restored  elsewhere,  little  can  be  expected  in  that  quarter,  &  in  the  interim  these  settlements 
increase,  and  what  is  much  worse  the  disorders  of  which  the  Indians  principally  complain  «row 
to  an  enor.„ity  that  threatens  us  with  fresh  wars—under  such  circumstances,  my  Lord,  I  fear 
the  most  that  can  be  done,  is  to  prevent  the  evil  from  being  too  generall,  to  encourage  the 
fidelity  of  those  ^atlons  on  whom  I  can  rely,  with  those  that  will  joyn  them.  &  secure  as  much 
of  the  h'ontiers  as  possible  from  incursion,  should  the  various  methods  I  am  now  taking  to 
ward  oft  the  impending  evil,  in  any  part  fail. 

My  Lord.  I  have  daily  to  combat  with  thousands  who  by  their  avarice,  cruelty  or  indiscretion 
are  constantly  counteracting  all  judicious  measures  with  the  Indians,  but  I  shall  still  persevere, 
the  occasion  requires  it,  and  I  shall  never  be  without  hopes,  'till  I  find  myself  without  that 
influence  which  has  never  yet  forsaken  me,  on  the  most  trying  occasions. 

Since  the  news  of  the  murders  committed  by  Cressop  and  his  banditti,  the  Six  Nations  have 
sent  me  two  Messages  requesting  the  enlargement  of  the  two  Senecas  who  are  confined,  & 
representing  that  it  is  in  their  opinion  a  reasonable  demand,  after  the  late  loss  they  have 
sustained,  for  which  they  have  such  slender  expectations  of  satisfaction,  &  I  trust  I  shall  be 
enabled  to  gratify  them  in  a  few  days,  as  they  are  daily  collecting  skins,  &  firrs  as  a  retribution 
for  the  robbery.  The  Cheifs  of  the  whole  Confederacy  have  likewise  signified  that  they 
request  to  hold  a  congress  with  me  imediately  on  the  present  critical  situation  of  Affairs, 
above  two  hundred  of  them  are  already  arrived  for  that  purpose  and  the  rest  are  on  the  road 
to  the  amount  of  three  or  four  hundred  more.  - 1  have  discovered  from  some  private  conferences 
with  the  principal  men,  that  many  of  them  are  sensible  of  the  Artifices  practiced  for  sometime 
past  by  the  Shawanese  and  their  adherents,  it  is  therefore  my  design  at  the  Congress  to 
strenghten  that  opinion  and  shew  them  that  the  conduct  of  these  people  have  not  a  little 
contributed  to  produce  the  late  unhappy  disorders,  and  I  shall  do  everry  thing  in  my  power  for 
rendering  the  Congress  advantageous  at  this  critical  juncture;  the  issue  of  which  I  shall 
transmit  to  your  Lordship  as  soon  as  possible. 

I  beg  to  be  honoured  with  your  Lordship's  commands,  signifying  His  Majesty's  pleasure  on 
any  matter  contained  in  this  letter,  and  I  remain  with  the  utmost  respect, 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's 

most  obedient 
The  Right  Honorable  a,  ,„„„,  tr      ui 

.,     ,r   ,    „  ^  &  "lost  Humble  servant 

the  Larl  of  Dartmouth.  w    t 

W.  Johnson 


X 


Extract  from  the  Journal  of  Alexander  McKee,  Sir  William  Johnson's  Resident 
on  the  Ohio  &c"  March  the  S""  1774. 


A  Shawanese  Speaker  address'd  M^  M'Kee  as  follows. 


•h^ 


462 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRli'TS. 


Brother, 

We  cnme  here  last  fall  upon  n  friendly  visit  to  you,  and  ns  we  are  now  about  returning  home, 
we  request  you  may  inform  Sir  W™  Johnson  of  what  we  have  said,  and  that  we  shall  do 
every  thing  in  our  power  to  preserve  the  peace,  and  tranquility  of  this  country. 

Brother.  We  must  ohserve  to  you,  that  to  facilitate  this  good  Work,  your  wise  men  should 
be  acquainted  of  the  very  great  numbers  of  your  people  going  down  this  lliver  beyond  the 
Bounds  fixed  for  them,  and  overspreading  tiie  Hunting  Country  of  our  young  men.  no  doubt 
but  it  is  in  the  power  of  yourgreat  men  to  stop  it.  Tliis  is  the  only  direct  method  of  bringing 
about  good  order  on  your  side,  as  well  as  ouis,  for  from  this  cause  proceed  at  present  all  our 
disturbances  ;  and  altho'  it  is  highly  contrary  to  our  Inclinations  and  Intentions,  as  Chiefs,  that 
our  young  men  shou'd  be  concerned  in  any  mischief,  yet  it  is  likewise  out  of  our  power  to 
prevent  these  evil  Resolutions  they  form  when  absent  from  us;  for  when  they  are  disappointed 
in  their  hunting,  and  find  the  woods  covered  with  the  White  People,  and  their  horses,  where 
they  used  to  find  their  Game,  they  are  foolish  enough  to  make  reprisals  without  waiting  to 
apply  to  the  great  men  that  shou'd  redress  their  complaints  and  regulate  the  conduct  of  their 
White  Brethren  towards  them. 

Breth"  We  have  had  many  disagreeable  Dreams  this  Winter  about  this  matter,  and  what 
we  have  seen  and  been  witnesses  to  since  we  came  here  serves  also  to  confirm  our  fears,  as 
well  as  the  constant  assembling  of  our  Brethren  with  Red  Ibigs*  convince  us  that  war  is  still 
apparent  in  their  minds,  otherwise  such  preparations  wou'd  be  laid  aside. — We  are  likewise 
informed  that  the  White  People  propose  building  a  large  Fort  low  down  the  Uiver  this 
Summer.  — let  our  wise  men  be  strong.  — it  is  still  in  their  power  to  govern  headstrong,  and 
foolish  people,  and  restore  that  regular  friendship  that  ought  to  subsist  between  us. 

Kayashota  the  Seneca  Chief  who  then  arrived,  after  repeating  to  me  the  heads  of  several 
speeches  he  was  charged  with  from  Sir  W"  Johnson  for  restoring  goi..l  order  to  the  Southward, 
and  bringing  the  refractory  Tribes  to  reason,  addressed  Cap'  Connoly  Comnmnd'  of  the  Militia 
as  follows. 

Brother, 

As  I  understand  you  have  an  appointment  to  command  in  this  country,  I  therefore  take  this 
Opportunity  of  informing  you  that  at  this  time  it  will  be  very  detrimental  to  the  public  Interest 
to  sufl'er  spirituous  liquors  to  be  sold,  or  carried  into  the  Indian  Towns,  for  I  am  sorry  to 
observe  that  there  appears  at  present  a  great  deal  of  confusion,  and  discontent  among  many  of 
the  Indian  Tribes,  and  the  addition  of  Rum  will  serve  greatly  to  increase  their  disorderly 
conduct.  —  I  spoke  to  the  Traders  last  fall  upon  this  subject,  &  desired  they  wou'd  desist  for 
their  own  sakes  as  well  as  ours  from  taking  such  quantities  of  rum  with  them  a  trading;  but 
I  received  no  answer  from  them  and  it  seems,  since  they  pay  no  regard  to  what  I  recommend 
to  them,  but  have  continued  this  pernicious  practice. —  This  is  the  reason,  I  wou'd  therefore 
request  you  to  use  your  influence  in  preventing  them  until  things  appear  more  settled. 

A  String  of  Wampum 

On  May  the  1"  the  following  alarming  intelligence  arrived  at  Fort  Pitt  by  one  Stephens  who 
had  proceeded  in  a  Trader's  Canoe  which  was  attacked  on  the  1(1""  by  the  Cherokees  in  order 
to  have  carried  her  to  the  Scioto,  who  gave  the  following  particulars  vi/' 

•  Itv  this  ia  tiumil  tlw  Siirvi'yoru  whu  mv  (lugs  in  laying  out  the  Imids. 


V 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV, 


468 


That  on  the  W  upon  his  way  down  the  river,  and  near  Whaling  Creek,  he  observed  a 
canoe  coming  up  the  River,  which  suspecting  to  be  I  ians,  he  made  to  the  opposite  side 
to  avoid  them,  but  upon  his  approach  near  the  shore  was  lined  upon,  and  a  Shawanese  Indian 
in  the  canoe  w.ih  hi.n  was  killed;  upon  a  second  lire  from  the  shore,  a  Delaware  Indian  who 
was  also  ,n  the  .canoe  was  likewise  killed. -8aid  Stephens  further  says  Ihat  he  cou'd  not 
perceive  who  it  was  fired  upon  him,  as  they  lay  concealed  in  the  weeds,  &  having  thrown 
iimsel  into  the  river,  observed  the  canoe  that  was  coming  up  to  be  white  people,  upon  which 
he  made  towards  them,  and  found  it  to  be  one  Michael  Cressop  with  a  parly  of  men  who  denied 
knowing  any  thing  of  what  had  happened  to  them,  although  from  circumstances  he  the  said 
Stephens  is  well  convinced  that  the  above  murder  was  done  by  some  of  said  Cressop's 
as8oci,Ues.--Stephen8  likewise  informed  me  that  while  he  was  in  company  with  said  Cressup, 
ne  heartJ  h,m  make  use  of  threatening  language  against  the  Indians,  saying,  -  he  wou'd 
"  put  every  iMJian  he  met  with  on  the  river,  to  death,  and  that  if  he  cou'd  raise  men  sufficient 
"  to  cross  the  iiiver,  he  wou'd  attack  a  small  village  of  Indians  living  on  Yellow  Creek." 

The  same  evening  one  Major  M'Daniel  of  Virginia,  who  had  been  down  the  river  as  low  as 
Kannaway  returned  to  this  place  with  an  account  that  a  skirmish  had  happened  between  a 
party  of  Virginians,  and  the  Indians  near  the  Big  Kannaway,  that  a  number  was  killed  one 
both  sides  which  ha<l  occasioned  the  Surveyors,  and  Land  hunters  from  that  Colony  to  return. 
—  and  that  on  his  way  hither  the  27'"  ins'  he  was  at  Mich'Cressup's  House  at  or  near  Whealing, 
whe.i  an  account  was  brought  to  said  Cresup  by  one  M'Mahon,  that  five  Indian  Canoes  had 
stopped  at  his  house  on  their  way  down  the  River,  containing  fourteen  Indians,  who  asked  him 
the  said  M'M  ihon  for  some  provisions,  which  he  refused  to  give  them,  and  told  them  that  two 
ot  their  Brethren  had  been  killed  by  the  White  People  the  day  before.     The  Indians  replied 

that  i(  It  was  so,  they  knew  nothing  of  it,  and  then  proceeded  down  the  River Upon  this 

nilormalion  the  said  Cressup  collected  fifteen  men,  pursued  them,  &  overtook  them  near  Grave 
Creek  where  they  had  stopped,  and  drawn  up  their  canoes  in  the  mouth  of  a  Creek  that  was 
hardly  perceivable  on  account  of  the  bushes,  where  they  had  prepared  themselves  to  receive  the 
While  People,  suspecting  that  they  wou'd  be  followed  alter  what  M^Mahon  had  told  them,  and 
that  upon  the  s"  Cressup's  observing  the  Indians,  he  fired  upon  them,  upon  which  a  skirmish 
en  u'd  between  them ;  but  the  Indians  retired  alter  losing  one  man,  —  &  one  man  was  killed  also 
on  the  White  People's  side.  — Cressup  &  his  parly  found  sixteen  Keggs  of  Rum,  two  saddles, 
and  some  bridles  in  the  deserted  Ind"  canoes. 

Upon  receiving  the  above  Intelligence  I  dispatched  Messages  to  the  Chiefs  of  the  Indians 
who  are  nearest  at  hand,  to  attend  here  as  soon  as  possible,  and  made  application  to  the  Officer 
commanding  the  Militia  to  dispatch  expresses  to  the  said  Cressup  to  know  from  what 
provocation  he  acted  towards  the  Indians  in  this  manner,  and  to  desist  from  any  further 
Hostilities  till  matters  cou'd  be  enquired  into,  and  settled  if  possible. 

May  the  2"'. 
Parties  of  Militia  were  employed  in  bringing  in  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Place,  in  order  to  set 
about  Ibrtifying,  but  instead  of  going  upon  this  service,  most  of  them  tied  down  the  country  to 
avoid  the  resentment  of  the  Indians. — 


II 


' ' ''  a 


I'k 


4G4 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAI,  MANTrsCIMl'TS. 


!i: 


Muy  the  3*' 
l{»'»-eivwl  liiCornmlion  from  Ci\n<  Crnwfoni '  aiul  one  M'  Nf vill '  tVoin  Virfji-iia  thiit  on  their 
way  to  this  pliu-o  tlicy  nift  ii  iiumlxT  of  liiliiil)iti\iil«  sottlfd  i)clo\v  lliis,  iiioving  olV,  among 
whom  was  ii  party  wlio  prostMitfd  si'v'  Indian  Scalp,  anil  rt-hitfd  tiii'ir  liaving  taken  tiieni 
ill  lliB  following  manner,  Viz'  — "That  a  number  of  Indians  having  eneaniped  at  the  mimlh 
"  of  Yellow  Oeek,  they  with  one  (JrilhoiiNo  had  eolleeteil  themselves  at  tho  house  of  ono 
"  Baker  opposite  to  the  said  Indian  Camp,  and  decoyed  two  Indian  men,  and  two  women 
•'  over  to  their  side  of  the  river  to  drink  with  them,  who  upon  linding  them  intoxicated  fell 
"  npon  them  &  knocked  them  in  the  head,  and  scalped  them, —  that  soon  nder  two  other 
*'  Indians  came  over  to  see  what  detained  their  friends,  and  were  served  in  the  same  manner, 
"  nller  this  the  Indians  appeared  uneasy,  and  six  of  tlieir  men  were  coming  across  the  Kiverto 
•'  see  arter  their  people,  who  approaching  near  the  shore  observed  Ihem  the  said  White  People 
"where  tiiey  were  laying  in  aml)i,,h  (or  them,  and  attempting  to  return  to  their  camp, 
"  were  tired  upon,  and  two  of  them  were  killed,  who  dropped  into  the  river,  and  two  others 
"  they  observed  fall  dead  in  the  canoe,  and  the  liftli  upon  their  landing,  they  cou'd  discern  lo 
"  he  very  badly  wounded,  so  that  he  cou'd  scarce  gel  up  the  bank, —  and  that  they  heard  the 
"  Women  and  Thildren  at  the  l^imp  raise  a  very  melancholy  cry.  Among  those  who  were 
•'  killed,  was  an  Indian  Woman  the  wife  of  one  of  our  Trailers  who  had  n  young  child  upon 
"  her  back,  which  she  had  bore  to  hint,  and  aHer  some  altercation  between  those  murderers 
"whether  they  shou'd  put  the  child  to  death,  they  agreed  to  take  it  along  with  them.  — the 
"  said  M'  Nevill  asked  the  person  in  whose  custody  the  child  was,  if  he  was  not  near  enough 
"to  have  taken  its  mother  prisoner  without  putting  her  to  death  in  that  inhuman  manner? 
"  lie  answered  that  he  was  about  six  feet  distance,  and  that  he  had  shot  her  in  the  forehead, 
"  &  cut  the  strap  by  which  the  child's  cradle  hung  at  her  back,  antl  that  he  intendc  to  have 
"  dashed  its  brains  out,  but  that  he  was  struck  with  some  remorse  on  seeing  the  child  fall 
"  with  its  mother. — That  one  of  his  companions  recommended  their  taking  it  along  with 
•'  them  that  they  might  have  an  opportunity  of  sending  it  to  its  father  to  take  care  of  it  & 

Toli-nonViiijui  CuAWKouii  WHS  Imh-m  in  liutki'I.'v  ivmnty,  ViiijiMiii,  in  1732  lie  nfl,irwiir.l«  .'mii-nit.',!  willi  lii.^  friiiiil^ 
l.>  IViinsylviiniii  niul  wna  ii  Cii|.taiii  in  K.irtioa'  oxpcliiiim  mjuinut  K>rt  l)ui|iio8iio  in  176S.  lUi  iilmi  wrvwl,  durinK'  llio 
I'lin.liHo  wiir,  in  .K'I'.mu'O  of  llm  I'ronlii'ia  ol'  I'.Miinvlvuniu  in  17«l:i-ii4,  ninl  wiis  an  ortii'lcnt  oflioor  in  Diinnioiv'ii  i'iini|miKn 
oifftinat  tlif  S.>ioto  liitliiin:!.  IIo  wi»s  »ii  intiiuntf  frii'n.l  of  Wiisliin^ton.  llnvini;  soIHimI  «i  Uniililook  ford,  on  tJie  Vougliio- 
({onv,  in  170S,  lio  iiiiso.l,  M  Iho  ..'oniMionoiMuont  of  tlio  Utvolnlioh,  :i  rojjimi'nl  hy  liis  own  oxorlions  and  held  ii  ooininitwion  uf 
I'olonol  in  llio  Contiiifnlal  arniv.  hi  17S'i,  ho  acivplod,  with  Rroat  rolui'tam-is  Iho  oonimand  of  an  o.vpodilion  to  lavnuo  llu> 
Wvawilotl  and  Moravian  Indian  towns  on  Ihii  Mnakinirnni.  On  this  ox|UMlilion  h.'  was  lali.-n  |iri«oni'r  in  ,Inni>  17S2,  oonduilivl 
toSandiwky  and  pr.t  to  do«th  In-  tin'  most  ,xiTui'ialin!i  lorlnron.  Iluvr't  Viiujima  Cotlrctions,  UHl;  Vritig'a  l/itlori/  of  I'iK.t- 
6m-i7,  17'.',  ISO;    Honttte's  VMeii  of  ihe  Mitsiisi/iiii,  II,,  1;I7,  l.Ss'.. 

'  (iinoral  .Ioiin  Nkvii.i.k  wai  tli*  di'aoindanl  of  a  lad  wlio  at  a  v.'ry  I'arly  day  was  kidna|i|'i''l  in  Knulan.l  and  hrounlil  lo 
Viininin,  where  he  »nl»oiiiionlly  aeouniulatiHl  a  i;ood  property,  lie  wn«  horn  on  the  head  waters  of  Ihe  Oeeacpnui  river,  in 
that  eolony,  on  tlie  diieel  road  fiotn  \Vasliini;lon's  paternal  estate  to  Winehester  and  Cntnheiland.  lie  served  in  lirad'lciek's 
expedition  ill  \~^i,  and  siil'se.iuently  sett!e,l  al  Wiii.ju.ster,  Krederiek  eoiiiily,  where  he  hehl  the  oHie.i  of  Sheriff  for  soine 
time.  Trior  lo  1774,  lie  had  made  Urije  pureliaaes  >iii  t'harliei's  ereek,  I'a.,  and  was  about  to  removu  there  when  the  Kevo- 
lutiouary  Iroiihles  hepin.  He  waseleeted  in  lliat  yar  a  delej-ate  from  .\iij;ii«tB  eo.,  (ritlsliiirK)  to  the  Provincial  Conveiilion  of 
Vin,'inia,  whioh  appointed  \V««hini;lon,  Peyton,  Uundolph  and  otliei'sto  the  first  Continental  I'ongresa,  Imt  was  prevented  hy 
•iekness  from  attcndiiii;.  Su  seipient  to  the  Kevolntion,  he  was  a  meinher  of  tlio  Hupreine  I'.xeeiltive  roiiiiiil  of  P.nnsvlvaiii.i. 
When  ConiJress  passed  an  exeise  law  in  17!'l,  lien.  Neville  was  appointed  iiispeetor  for  We^tern  IViinsylvania,  as,  in  eonse- 
<iu«nee  of  his  eUinis  as  a  soldier  an.l  a  patriot,  'twas  supposed  liis  popularily  would  help  the  exeention  of  that  odi.ms  statute. 
Hut  in  the  Whiskey  Insiirivetion,  as  it  is  oalled,  in  K'.U,  his  property  in  the  vieinity  of  I'itlaburg  was  totally  dislroyed  by 
the  insurgenla,  and  ha  himself  barely  ese'tped  with  his  life.   Crnij'i  I'lltsbiirii,  :!'2'J. Ki,. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :     XLIV. 


465 


"  that  after  thpy  had  perpetrnled  this  barbarous  murder,  thoy  ninde  olT  with  their  famillrs  — 
••  Also  they  further  iai<l.  that  by  this  time  the  whole  country  was  deserted,  as  Michael  Cresup 
"  who  committe.1  the  first  mischief  was  likewise  then  on  his  way  to  lledstone." 

May  the  3"*  1774. 
I  called  a  Meeting  with  Kayashota,  the  Win'.,  Mingoe,  and  some  other  six  Nation  Chiefs  at 
Col.  Croghan  s  house,  where  was  present  the  i;omm..nding  Officer  of  the  Militia,  and  several 
other  Gentlemen,  when  I  informed  them  of  the  melancholy  munlers  of  their  people  as  before 
mentioned,  which  they  had  not  before  heard,  and  assured  them  at  the  same  time  of  its  being 
done  by  a  (ew  inoousiderate  White  I'eople,  and  not  by  the  intention  or  knowledge  of  any  of 
our  wise  people, -that  I  m.i.lo  no  doubt  but  the  Covernor  of  Virginia,  when  he  was  made 
acquainted  with  the  unhappy  loss  they  had  sustained  by  his  people,  wou'd  fall  upon  every 
measure  to  make  them  ample  satisfaction  as  it  was  not  done  by  the  intention  of  Government, 
that  in  the  mean  time  I  enjoined  them  to  alford  all  the  assistance  in  their  power  in 
accommodating  the  unfortunate  breach  of  friendship  that  had  happened  between  our  people, 
and  them,  as  a  general  difference  could  not  be  attended  with  any  thing  but  the  utmost  distress 

on  their  sides.  a  ■„         .  •        /• 

A  large  string  of  wampum. 

They  returned  for  answer. 

That  they  had  considered  what  we  had  said  to  them,  and  as  the  Chiefs  of  the  Delawares 
were  expected  in,  to  night,  or  (o  morrow,  they  wou'd  consult  with  them  and  know  what  reply 
to  make,  that  we  might  be  assured  they  wou'.l  do  every  thing  in  their  power  to  keep  matters 
quiet,  whicl.  they  made  no  doubt  might  be  done,  from  the  general  dispoiytions  of  their  own 
people,  provided  we  wou'd  be  strong  on  our  parts  in  preventing  our  rash  people  from 
commencing  any  further  outrages  against  the  Indians. 

May  the  5"" 

This  day  I  had  a  meeting  befor.  a  number  of  the  principal  inhobitants  of  Pitsburgb  wiih 
several  chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations  and  Delawares.  when  I  condoled  with  them  for  li,o  lonses 
they  had  sustained  by  the  barbarity  of  some  rash  people  from  Virginia,  covering  th.>  bom-s  of 
their  deceased  friends  with  some  goods  suitable  to  the  occasion  &  agreable  to  their  custom. 

I  delivered  them  some  messages  also  agreeable  to  the  present  circumstances  to  be  conv<  yed 
to  their  people  at  their  sev'  towns  with  the  utmost  dispatch,  desiring  some  of  them  who  had 
influence,  to  exert  themselves  upon  this  business,  as  the  present  emergency  required  the  answer 
of  those  of  their  other  friends  who  had  likewise  suflered  by  the  late  unhappy  outrages,  hoping 
they  wou'd  not  delay  acquainting  us  as  soon  as  possible  with  their  sentiments  on  this 
unfortunate  affair,  and  in  order  to  convince  those  people  of  our  sincerity,  and  to  shew  them 
that  we  did  not  countenance  these  misdemeanors,  two  of  our  people  wou'd  accompany  them 
in  the  execution  of  this  good  service. 

May  the  3l«    The  answer  of  the  Shawanesc  to  Capf  Connolly  and  others,  viz' 
Brethren 

It  is  you  who  are  frequently  passing  up  and  down  the  Ohio,  and  making  settlements  upon 
It,  and  af  you  have  informed  us  ihut  your  Wise  People  were  met  together  to  consult  upon  this 
mutter,  we  desire  you  to  be  strong,  and  to  consider  it  well. 


Vot.  VIII. 


fiO 


46^) 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I 


I 


Si. 


Bretli"  We  see  you  speak  to  us  at  the  head  of  your  Warriors  whom  you  have  collected 
together  at  sundry  places  upon  this  River  where  we  understrnd  they  are  building  forts.  —  and 
as  you  have  requested  us  to  listen  to  you,  we  will  do  it,  but  in  the  same  manner  that  yc  u 
appear  to  attend  to  us.  Our  VeopU  at  the  Lower  Towns  have  no  Chiefs  among  them, —  but 
are  all  warriors,  and  are  also  preparing  themselves  to  be  in  readiness  that  they  may  the  better 
be  enabled  to  hear  what  you  have  to  say. 

Breth"  You  tell  us  not  to  take  any  notice  of  what  your  people  have  done  to  us.  We  desire 
you  likewise  not  to  take  any  notice  of  what  our  young  men  may  now  be  doing.  —  And  as  no 
doubt  you  may  command  your  Warriors,  when  you  desire  them  to  listen  to  you,  we  have 
reason  to  expect  that  ours  will  take  the  same  advice  from  us  when  we  require  it,  —  that's  to 
say  when  we  have  received  peacable  tidings  from  Virginia. 

Bretli"  of  I'ennsylv'"  It  is  some  years  ago  since  we  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  yon  at 
Pitsburgh  when  you  came  there  to  renew  that  antient  friendship  that  subsisted  between  our 
fore  fathers,  and  it  gave  us  great  pleasure  to  assist  you  in  the  good  work,  when  the  path  was 
opened  between  you  and  us,  — And  we  now  tell  you  that  your  Traders  who  have  travelled  it 
shall  return  the  same  road  in  peace,  and  we  desire  our  Grandfathers  the  Delawares  to  be  strong 
in  conducting  them  safe  to  you.  A  string. 

May  20""  Capt'  S'  Clair,'  on  behalf  of  the  I'ennsylvanians  having  made  a  speech  to  the 
Six  Nations  highly  commending  them  for  their  good  disposition  in  maintaining  the  pence,  and 
tranquility  so  long  subsisting  between  them  and  their  forefathers,  and  at  the  same  time  expressing 
his  thanks  for  their  good  conduct  towards  their  Traders  &c.  The  Delawares  then  returned 
thanks  for  the  good  opinion  their  Brethren  of  I'ennsilvania  had  expressed  of  them,  and  that 
their  sentiments  corresponded  so  nearly  with  their  own  with  respect  to  keeping  bright  their 
antient  Chain  of  friendship,  and  they  called  upon  their  Uncles  the  Six  Nations  to  witness 
their  now  declaring  their  resolutions  to  preserve  it  unhurt  from  the  attacks  of  bad  people. 

Kayashota  tiien  told  his  nephews  the  Delawares  that  he  was  rejoiced  to  find  them  so 
determined  upon  supporting  the  good  order,  &  peace  of  the  Country,  which  he  had  been  sent 
by  Sir  William  Johnson  to  promote,  that  they  might  always  depend  upon  being  backed  by  the 
Six  Nations  in  so  laudable  a  resolution,  who  were  so  strongly  linked  in  friendship  with 
the  English,  that  it  cou'd  not  be  broken,— therefore  that  what  they  had  now  heard  from  them 
was  very  agreeable. 

A  true  Copy  Ex** 

G  Johnson  D  Agent 

(Indorsed)  In  Sir  Wilh  Johnson'g  (N"  !)) 
of  20"'  June  1774. 


^IKS 


'  Mnjor  0eR6r«l  A«tim;»  8t.  CtAtu,  o  :teTolution.ry  «rmy,  wu  born  in  Edinl.nrRh.  aootUD.l.  In  17116,  >nd  iceoinpinie.l 

the  HfH  to  AniPric.  in  17A8.  On  the  i7lh  April,  HMI,  hf  wm  appointcl  I.i.utcnnnlln  l.li«  flOth  »r  R..y»l  Am<.ri<•»n^  „,hI 
•prve.l  under  Wnlf.  »l  (i.iel)oc.  At  the  dote  uf  ih..  French  WAr  h"  ..l.tain^il  *  Rr.nt  of  KMXI  ncrei  of  liin.l  in  the  nelKhl.or- 
hoo.I  ..f  Kort  LiKonier,  Weelniorelana  county.  IVnnnylvai.ie,  whiT..  h.'  eettle,!,  hnving  been  pl.oml  in  commend  of  the  f..rt 
hy  the  ((overnmcnt  of  that  I'rovinc.  When  the  Revolution  hroke  out,  lie  .nitirsce.l  the  Amerieeu  ceiiee;  in  Jmiuery.  I77fl, 
WM  eppoinled  to  the  eomman.l  of  «  hellAJion  of  I'enn.vlriinl.  niilltl*,  *i,d  we.  en(t«Ke,l  in  the  enpedition  nKnlnot  t'enede  j 
he  wee  eftcrwenli  et  the  hettle  »f  Trenton  ;  in  Allium  wee  *p|H>liited  Lrinedier,  end  in  Keliruery,  1777,  MejcrOenerel  of 
the  Continenfel  em.y.  At  the  chwe  of  tl,.,  wer.  h.  returned  to  hie  foimtr  residence  in  l'onni.jlT«niii,  of  th«  K«e<3uti*«  Coun- 
cil of  which  aute  he  vre. .  menilnr  in  17h;i,  In  I7R5,  he  wu  elected  lo ConKre-i,  end  in  17H7,  elected  pre.ident  of  thet  l.ody. 
In  Octoher  followinif,  he  wu  eppolne«d  (lovernor  of  the  Northwe.lern  territory  end  relnined  thet  office  until  NoTemher. 
1*1)3.     In  I7»l,  he  oommtnded  an  expedition  »K*iniit  (he  Miemi  Indieu,  hy  whom  he  wee  defeeled      He  wee  worn  down 


.1 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV. 


467 


.d 


% 


Private  Intelligence  lately  received  from  a  Shawanese  Indian  by  M'  M'Kee  Sir 
William  Johnson's  Resident  on  Ohio, 

Although  you  have  frequent  Meetings  with  our  great  men,  and  ihey  profess  a  friendship 
for  you.  and  that  they  wou'd  not  keep  any  thing  a  secret  from  you,  I  have  reason  to  believe 
that  they  do  not  divulge  all  they  know,  to  you,  therefore  I  am  come  to  inform  you  of  what  I 
have  heard.     I  have  not  lived  long  among  them,  altho'  I  am  a  Shawanese,  b,it*am  only  on 
a  vis.t  from  the  Creek  Country  which  is  my  home,  and  to  where  I  intend  to  return  in  a 
short  t.me.-Brothers,  You  have  heard  that  a  great  Meeting  has  for  some  years  past,  and  is 
now  expected  to  take  place  at  Scioto,  &  Indians  from  Nations   Westward  and   Southward 
expected  to  it,  this  meeting,  whenever  it  happens  is  the  fixed  time  of  striking  the  English; 
lor  when  the  Chiefs  are  onco  assembled  the  Warriors  can  readily  bring  all  Nations  into  the 
Measure,  and  although  the  Chiefs  of  several  Nations  have  been  busied  in  conducting  good 
speeches  about,  the  Warriors  are  of  different  sentiments  in  general  &  use  it  as  a  cover  to  this 
general  design,  and  the  hopes  depending  upon  it  have  prevented  many  broils  with  the  white 
people,  though  now  mischief  seems  almost  unavoidable  from  the  Disposition  of  our  people  in 
general,  owing  to  the  Encroachments  upon  our  Lands,  the  ill  treatment  received  from  the 
frontier  People,  &  the  interruption  the  Indians  meet  with  in  their  Hunting.— The  Chenussios- 
tho-  they  may  deny  it,  have  their  share  in  this  phm ;  for  it  is  no  new  one,  but  it  has  been  upon 
foot  many  years,  — and  indeed,  I  may  say  such  a  one   has  been  in    being  since  our   first 
acquaintance  almost  with  the  English,  &  particularly  since  the  French  left  their  belts  to  the 
Northward,  for  we  discovered  an  early  design  in  ihem  of  taking  away  our  Country,  and  it 
will  be  a  difficult  Task  to  collect  all  the  bad  belts  that  have  been  handed  from  the  Canada  and 
Chenussio  Indians  to  us  upon  this  subject.— At  present  allmost  all  the  Indians  this  way  wish 
to  strike  those  people  gone  down  the  River,  and  we  are  only  waiting  to  hear  again  from  the 
Northward,  the  Senecas  being  disalisfied  with  the  terms  offered  them  by  the  English  on  account 
of  a  breach  of  friendship  tlieir  young  men  had  been  guilty  of,  which  Terms  were  so  hard  that 
they  could  not  comply  with  them. 

A  True  Copy  Ex-*  by 

G.  Johnson  D.  Agent 
as  Sec' 

The  foregoing  intelligence  appears  to  have  been  the  real  sentiments  of  the  Informer,  hut  he 
was  ignorant  as  to  those  of  the  different  nations  intended  to  compose  the  Scioto  Congress,  who 
held  very  different  opinions  from  the  Shawanese.  and  it  was  chiefly  the  last  mentioned  nation, 
that  designed  to  inflame  the  Warriors  at  that  Congress. 

(Indorsed)  to  Sir  Will"' Johnson's  (N"  8) 
of  SO'"  June  1774.  ^ 

l.y >vor  »l  tl.«  tin,,  .ml  U,l  to  l,«  b„rn.  on  .  liUor  tl.ro«„ho„t  tl,.  ,1,„1„  „f  i|„  ,„„g,m.„t  He  rc.lgncl  hi.  oommi«lon 
of  •78.  .  ,...r  II.  .^,J  „.  „.,  8I.t  A«K„.t.  IHI8.  in  .h.  mU  ,o„r  «f  hi.  ^,,  ,„.!  w..  l„l,.„„,  i„  th,.  rn..l,y.e.i„„  Ohnr,  h 
lUttorital  CuUHti0iu  ^  I'tttHifUania,  (86.  ~Eft  * 


4 


468 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Harl  of  Dartmouth  to  Limtenant-Governor  Colden. 


Whitehall  July  6""  1774. 


,  -  , ( New-Tork,  CLX  VI.,  No.  21.  ] 

(N"  21) 

Sir, 

I  have  received  your  letters  N"  1  &  2.  &  have  laid  them  before  the  King. 

As  there  is  nothing  in  these  letters  which  requires  any  particular  Instruction,  I  have  only  to 
express  my  Wishes  that  His  Majesty's  Suhjects  of  New  York  may  not  be  led  into  any  further 
rash  &  hasty  proceedings,  that  may  expose  them  to  the'jiist  Resentment  of  Parliament,  and  that 
persons  of  Credit  and  Character  in  the  Colony  will  exert  their  Influence  to  put  a  stop  to 
that  licentious  Spirit  which  has  led  to  Measures  so  disgraceful  to  the  City  of  New  York. 

Sir  William  Johnson  having  acquainted  me  that  two  Seneca  Indians  have  been  committed 
to  the  Goal  in  Tryon  County  as  Accomplices  in  the  Murder  cf  Four  Frenchmen  in  the  last 
year.  His  Majesty  is  graciously  pleased  upon  Report  to  him  of  the  Circumstances  of  their 
Case,  to  signify  his  Pleasure  that  they  l)e  both  set  at  liberty  forthwith,  &  you  will  not  fail  to 
take  the  proper  steps  for  that  purpose. 

It  being  under  Consideration  to  reestablish  the  Military  Posts,  either  at  Crown  Point  or 
Ticonderoga,  or  at  both  ;  It  is  the  King's  Pleasure  that  the  Lands  reserved  by  Sir  Jefferey 
Amherst  for  the  Convenience  and  Accommodation  of  those  Posts,  be  excepted  out  of  any 
future  Sales  or  Grants  of  Lands  whatever. 

I  am  &c. 

Lieu'  Gov  Colden.  Dahtmouth 


N»9 


Sir, 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Sir  William  Johnson, 

I  ritnUUaiu  Onml,  CCLX,  No.  I.  J 

Whitehall  July  6""  1774. 


I  have  received  your  dispatch  of  the  2"  May,  &  have  laid  it  before  the  King. 

The  delivering  up,  by  the  Seneca  Nation,  of  the  two  Indiana  concerned  in  the  murder  of 
the  four  Frenchmen,  last  year,  is  such  a  testimony  of  their  submission  to  our  Laws  as  deserves 
a  proper  return  on  our  part;  and  it  is  the  King's  pleasure  thiit.  if  not  already  done,  the 
Prisoners  should  be  immediately  released,  &  restored  to  their  friends,  and  I  have  accordingly 
signified  the  same  both  to  Governor  (Jnge,  and  to  the  Lieutenant  Governor  of  New  York. 

The  intelligence  which  I  acquainted  you  in  my  letter  N"  <>  had  been  received  that  some  of 
the  King's  subject*  had  formed  a  design  to  make  settlements  on  the  lower  part  of  the  Ohio 
was  but  too  well  founded,  for  I  find,  by  a  letter  which  I  received  a  few  days  ago  from  Lord 
Dunmore,  that  some  persons,  Inhabitants  of  Virginia,  have  purchased  of  the  Illinois  Indians 
ft  very  large  trnci  of  land  extending  30  leagues  up  the  River,  and  I  wish  that  this  Trnnsuclion 
had  met  with  such  Discouragement  from  that  Government  as  the  nature  of  it  deserved. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV. 


469 


There  are  many  reasons  urged  by  Lord  Dunmore  in  favor  of  ♦his  measure,  but  tliey  have 
no  weight  with  me,  and  as  F  still  continue  of  opinion  that  such  a  proceeding  cannot  fail  of 
being  attended  with  the  most  dangerous  and  alarming  consequences,  I  shall  lose  no  time  in 
taking  the  sense  of  the  rest  of  the  King's  servants  upon  such  propositions  as  if-nfey  be 
necessary  to  submit  to  His  Majesty  upon  this  occasion. 

What  you  state  in  your  letter  respecting  the  expectations  that  have  been  from  time  to  time 
held  out  to  the  Indians  of  measures  being  taken  by  France  to  recover  possession  of  Canada, 
gives  a  greater  degree  of  credit  to  the  paper  I  transmitted  to  you  in  my  letter  N-  6  than  I  at 
first  thought  It  deserved.  &  therefore  1  shall  be  impatient  to  receive  from  you  that  intelligence 
which  you  say  you  expect  to  collect  after  the  intended  Onondaga  Congress.  &  the  return  of 
the  Embassy  you  sent  to  the  Westward. 

The  King  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  appoint  M'  Joseph  Chew  Secretary  of  Indian 
Atliurs,  and,  inclosed,  I  send  you  a  warrant  for  that  purpose. 

Sir  W"  Johnson.  ta 

Uartmouth 


mi 


m 


Lieutenant-Govermr  CoWen  to  'the  Earl  of  Dartmoxah. 

■K<      o  [New-York,  CLXVI.,  No,  8. 1 

My  Lord,  -New  York  6"  July  1774 

In  my  letter  of  June  the  1"  I  inform'd  your  Lordship  that  the  People  of  this  City  had 
chosen  a  Committee  of  51  Persons,  to  correspond  with  the  Sister  Colonies  on  the  pr-sent 
political  Affairs  that  many  of  this  Committee  were  of  the  most  considerable  Merchants,  and 
Men  of  Cool  Tempers,  who  would  endeavour  to  avoid  all  extravagant  and  dangerous  Measures. 
I  hey  have  had  a  continual  struggle  with  those  of  a  different  Disposition :  and  haveing  for 
several  Weeks  succeeded  in  suspending  any  Resolutions,  I  was  in  hopes  they  would  have 
ma.nta.nd  the  only  Conduct  which  can  excuse  them.  But  accounts  repeatedly  coming  to 
hand,  from  dlHerent  Parts  of  the  Continent,  of  the  Appointment  of  Deputies  to  meet  in 
general  Congress,  this  Measure  was  so  strenuosly  push'd  that  it  was  carried  in  the  Committee 
of  61 ;  on  Monday  last ;  and  five  IVrsoiis  were  named  for  the  Deputies  from  this  Province.- 
I  he    Person,   named    are    James   Duane-    and   John  Jay,'  two  emiueut    Lawyers,   Isaac 

'  A  M«moir  of  Mr.  nuann  \%  pu1>litli«d  in  Doeunmiary  //hlorf  of  Xew-i'ork,  IV. 

Mo..N  J*,  l.L  n,.  lU  eiKhlh  chilJ  of  r„t.r  J.  «„J  M»ry  V.n  Co,tl,.„.l,  ..f  W..,U.|,«..cr  county,  w».  Urn  „„  Ijtl,  Pecon,. 

,'■      ■      •"','",  ""  '""  '"  "■'"'"'  •'  ''■'"'  "'"'"'"'*•     "•  *"  «"''""'^-'  »'  K'"^''-  ^'""-K-.   N«w.Y«rk.  in  1764,  .fUT 

win.. I.  he  .t«.lle.l  1««- ;  ,..  .J,„iMed  lo  .he  Ur  i„  17.iH.  ,„,.  .cle.l  ..  S.cr,.,.ry  to  Iho  ConuniMion  for  running  Iho  l,„und,.ry 
l.n.  ..  w«n  Newl  ork  ..,d  New  J.r-ey.     He  w«„  ,,ro.nin..>,t  nun.h.r  of  U.o  ConKr...  of  1774  «nJ  of  lh«t  of  1775.  «n.l  in  r,U 

.1  .   offio.  ,„  1 ,7»   when  el....U.J  l-r...de„t  of  On^ro.^     In  8.r.«„,her.  177«,  he  wa.  „,poi„ Mi„i..er  to  Sp.i,. ;  ,«  on. 

of  the  ..K„er.  to  .h.  deftnM.ve  tr.,t,  of  Pe,oe  ,1  P.ri.  in  a..pt,n,..,r.  17B« ;  .„d  r.tnrn.d  to  AmoHe.  in  ITH  ,  I,,  in.  h.-n 
.r..,o„.ly.,p„,n.«l  Wt.rynf  HtMefor  K«r..ign  Affair.     He  been.  Chief  Ju.Uce  of  the  United  Ht „  1T««,  Ld    n 

n^m  P«hl.,  life.  .,^    ,,ed  .t  Bedford.  W..Uh..t.r  cou-ly.  oa  n.h  M.y.  m»,  i«  th.  S4lh  y..r  of  hi.  ^>.  Iltuk.:  niographi- 


470 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


>5 


Lpw,"  Philip  Livingston '  and  John  AIsop,  Merchants.  —  I  am  told  a  violent  Effort  was  made  in 
%he  Committee  to  have  John  Scott,  an  eminent  Lawyer,  and  Alex'  M'Dougie,  the  Wilkes  of 
N^^ork,  named,  in  place  of  Jay  and  Alsop.  —  It  is  said  the  People  are  to  be  invited  to  meet 
oiiTW)*day,  to  approve  of  the  Deputies  named  by  the  Committee. — These  Transactions  are 
dangerous,  my  Lord,  and  illegal;  but  by  what  means  shall  Government  prevent  them?  An 
Attempt  by  the  Power  of  the  Civil  Magistrate,  would  only  shew  their  weakness,  and  it  is  not 
easy  to  say  upon  what  foundation  a  Military  Aid  should  be  calld  in.  —  Such  a  Measure  would 
involve  us  in  Troubles,  which  it  is  thought  much  more  prudent  to  avoid  ;  and  to  shun  all 
Extreams,  while  it  is  yet  possible. — Things  may  take  a  favourable  turn. — The  Purpose  of  the 
Congress,  it  is  said,  is  to  Petition  for  a  redress  of  Greivances,  and  to  consider  of  a  Plan  for 
settling  the  Controversy  with  Great  Britain.  But  no  Instructions  for  the  Deputies  have  yet 
appear'd  that  I  know  of. 

The  present  Political  zeal  and  frenzy  is  almost  entirely  confined  to  the  City  of  New  York. 
The  People  in  the  Counties  are  no  wa"s  disposed  to  become  active,  or  to  bear  any  Part  in 
what  is  proposed  by  the  Citizens.  I  am  told  all  the  Counties,  but  one,  have  declined  an 
Invitation,  sent  to  them  from  New  York,  to  appoint  Committees  of  Correspondence.  This 
Province  is  every  where,  my  Lord,  except  in  the  City  of  New  York,  perfectly  quiet  and  in 
good  Order :  and  in  New  York  a  much  greater  freedom  of  Speech  prevails  now,  than  has  done 
heretofore.  An  Opposition  has  been  declared  to  the  vile  Practice  of  exhibiting  Elligies,  which 
I  hope  will  prevent  it  for  the  future. 

I  beleive  your  Lordship  will  expect  a  particular  Account  of  the  state  of  the  Province  from 
Me,  which  I  hope  will  be  a  suflicient  Excuse  (or  my  troubling  you  with  such  minute 
Transactions.     I  am  anxiouS  to  perform  my  Duty,  and  to  merrit  your  Protection  by  being 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's  most  faithfull 

and  obedient  Servant 

R'  Hon''"  Earl  of  Dartmouth.  Cadwalladkk  Coldew 

'  Isaac  liOW,  mercliant  of  New-York,  was,  at  tliia  ilnte,  n  prominont  Whig,  nnci  on  his  departure  to  attend  Congresi  wa« 
accompanied  to  the  ferry  by  the  people  with  flying  color^  music,  Ac.  He  iigmd  the  Association  in  October,  1774;  also 
the  adilress  to  the  inhiiliitants  of  the  Province  of  (Juebec.  lie  was  reelected  to  the  Continental  Congress  in  177s,  but  some- 
time after  fell  under  the  suspicion  of  the  Whigs  and  was  arrested  in  1776  on  suspicion  of  hoMing  correspondence  with  the 
enemy.  Vunlap't  New-York,  ccxii.,  ccxv. ;  I,  Avurican  Archivti,  I.,  U80.  On  the  British  taking  possession  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  Mr.  Low  remained  within  the  Lines,  and  in  1779  his  name  was  incluilcd  in  the  Act  of  Altnindcr  and  his  property, 
which  was  extensive,  was  confiscated.  Ii  1782,  he  was  Tresident  of  the  New-York  Cliamber  sf  Cominerca  and  on  theavaeu- 
atiou  of  the  city,  went  to  England.  SabiM. 

•  Tiiiup  LiviNiiSTiin,  of  New-York,  fourth  son  of  Thilip,  2d  propriel.ir  of  the  Manor  of  Livingston,  was  born  in  Albany 
January  18,  1716,  and  was  grailuated  at  Ynle  College  in  1737.  He  afterwards  became  a  mcrclmnt;  in  1754  was  elected 
Alderman  of  New-York,  which  city  he  represented  in  the  Assembly  from  1760  to  17((9,  having  been,  for  the  last  year  of  hii 
time,  S|>«aker  of  the  House.  He  was  a  member  of  the  first  Congress  which  sat  in  riiiladelphia  in  1774  ;  of  the  second  in 
17715 ;  and  m  1771  affixe.l  his  name  to  the  Declarnticm  of  Independence.  Jle  continued  in  Congreis  until  bis  death,  which 
occurred  at  York,  TennsylTania,  on  the  12th  June,  1778.  Previous  to  his  decease  he  iMd  part  of  his  property  to  snstain  the 
pubiis  oredit  H(Agatt,  —  Ei>. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV. 


471 


Coloml  Ouy  Johnson  to  t/ie  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[PUntotloiu  Oeneril,  CCLX.  ] 

My  Lord,  Johnson  hall  July  12""  1774. 

I  am  80  deeply  affected  at  the  Melancholy  occasion  which  renders  it  my  duty  to  write  to 
your  Lordsh.p  that     hope  it  will  procure  an  indulgence  for  the  inaccuracies  of  tL  leTt^r! 
My  much  esteemed  Father  m  law  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  in  his  last  Dispatch  to  your  Lordship 

of    ndiZ  Aff  /,''"  l^  '"'  ''"^  '"""  ^"  '"^  '^^^"^^  y°"  '^^  -^y  -''-•  situation 

of  Indian  Affairs  occasioned  by  the  Cruelties  and  Murders  committed  by  Cressop,  who  with 

some  Frontier  Bandit,,  causelessly  murdered  near  40  Indians  on  Ohio,  &  that  the  Six  Nations 

tTre,f       aT    TJZ  'r  r"*^  '°"'"  °^'^""  "'■■^^•'y  ''"'''^  ''  '^^'  P'^^«  •»  consequence 
thereof. -About  the  7-  of  this  inst.  they  all  assembled  at  a  time  when  sfr  Wm.  found  himself 

much  indisposed,  which  may  principally  be  attributed  to  his  indefatigable  labors  for  the  public 

«."urity  at  an  alarming  juncture,  he  nevertheless  held  several  conferences  with  them  on  the 

present  posture  of  affairs  until  yesterday  afternoon  when  his  disorder  encreased  thro'  his  over 

ex.rt.on  so  much  that  he  was  obliged  to  be  supported  to  his  chamber  where  he  was  seized  with 

a  suffocation  of  which  he  expired  in  less  than  two  hours.-The  Effect  this  produced  on  the 

Indians  was  as  he  had  always  apprehended,  they  assembled  to  the  number  of  600.  around  the 

House,  and  expressed  the  utmost  confusion  &  doubt,  they  next  proceeded  to  send  Belts  thro' 

a  1  the  Nat.ons  to  notify  his  death.  &  their  apprehensions  that  he  had  not  as  yet  received  hs 

Majest.es  pleas.jre,  respecting  the  care  of  their  affairs,  disorder  might  ensue  &  (he  Chiefs  could 

no  longer  consu  ton    or  promote  peace.- 1  must  confess  my  Lord,  that  the  sudden Toss  of 

nw  u     M  K  ^r  r.""'"  ''"■'"'"  '"^  "^"^'^  «iisconcerted   me,  until  my  attention  was 

awaken  d  by  the.r  resolutions,  the  consequences  whereof  at  this  time  were  but  too  obvious    I 

herefore  went  to  them.  &  charged  them  not  to  be  too  hasty,  that  if  their  professions  of  reg  rd 

or  mo  so  often  made  to  Sir  W.  Johnson  were  as  sincere  as  I  had  reason  to  believe,  fhey 

hould  fo  low  my  advice,  &  do  nothing  rashly  ;  that  his  Majesty  was  too  wise  &  just  a  Monarch 

to  neglect  h.s  at.ent.on  to  all  faithful  Nations,  that  they  might  be  assured  he  would  pursue  suh 

measures  as  .n  II.s  wisdom  seemed  best  for  the  Agency  of  their  affairs,  that  they  should  wi  h 

full  conhdence  .n  his  justice  and  regard  patiently  wait  His  Royal  pleasure  which  could  not  yet 

be  obta.ned.   and  that  in  the  mean  time  I  should  take  particular  care  of  their  affair    a' d 

endeavor  to    he  utmost  of  ,ny  power  to  pursue  the  wise  measures  of  that  worthy  Man  for 

whose  loss  they  expressed  so  much  concern,  in  full  expectation  that  they  would  shew  Ihei 

7Znl\  -«"ge-ents,  and    his  memory  by  acting  like  men.   and  attending  to  the 

important  bus.ness  now  before  them. 

The  satisfaction  this  afforded  them  is  scarcely  to  be  described,  they  imediately  assured  me 
U,at      eir  minds  were  made  easy  by  my  words,  that  they  should  return  to  their  Encampme 
&  consider  on  the  Ceremony  of  Condolance,  aller  which  they  would  be  ready  to  proceed  to 
buisness  as  usual  desmng  that  I  would  express  their  hopes  &  confidence  in  His  Majesties  gra  io « 
attention  to  the.r  request  as  formerly  signified  by  Sir  W.  Johnson— 

Th.8  Morning  I  preprred  a  proper  message,  suitable  to  the  exigence  with  which  they  have 
sent  Messengers,  and  when  the  Ceremony  of  Condolance  is  performed.  I  shall  meet  them  again, 
&  endeavor  to  bring  the  Congress  to  a  Conclusion  on  the  Principles  it  was  begun  with. 


(   ; 


mmv'i 


472 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


If.    ' 


The  Request  which  the  Indians  referred  to  me  at  this  time,  your  Lordship  will  find  at  large 
in  Sir  Wm.  Johnson's  dispatch  of  17  April  last  (N°  7.)  which  was  occasioned  by  the  Declining 
state  of  his  health,  the  alarm  it  caused  amongst  the  Indians,  and  their  repeated  sollicitations  in 
my  favor,  he  therein  set  forth  the  importance  it  was  of  to  keep  the  office  of  Agent  for  Indian 
affairs  imediately  under  the  direction  of  the  Crown,  and  the  Transactions  in  one  channel, 
the  peculiar  qualifications  required  for  its  discharge,  and  that  such  an  officer  should  have  a  long 
acquaintance  with  and  influence  over  the  Indians. —  On  these  heads  he  was  pleased  to  make 
mention  of  me  (at  their  desire)  in  terms  that  are  very  flattering  as  coming  from  u  Gentleman 
of  his  judgment  and  candour,  but  such  as  I  car"  ..  •nce'vs  myjelf  entitled  to:  All  I  can 
venture  to  offer,  is.  That  I  have  for  many  years    ..■  his  Department,  and  particularly 

dedicated  my  time  thereto,  (as  liis  imediate  Dt:  ..ice  tht  reduction  of  the  Corps  I 
served  in,'  &  laid  aside  all  endeavors  that  might  ccniribute  to  my  advancement  in  any  other 
way,  and  that  if  thro'  tlie  desire  of  the  Indians  and  his  recommendation  I  am  judged  capable 
of  that  difficult  oflice,  on  its  present  establishment  or  under  such  regulations  as  His  Majesty 
shall  see  fitting  1  am  ready  &  desirous  to  devote  the  rest  of  my  life,  and  the  utmost  of  my 
abilities  to  the  public  service  in  that  station.  —  I  am  sensible.  My  Lord,  of  the  disadvantages  I 
must  lye  under,  being  unknown,  unsupported  by  sollicitations  and  at  a  distance,  neither  is  it 
prudent  that  I  should  attempt  a  personal  application  at  a  period  when  my  presence  here  may 
be  of  some  use,  I  must  therefore  chielly  depend  on  His  Majesties  opinion  of  His  late  honest 
&  faithfull  servant,  and  on  your  Lordship's  Discernment,  for  I  have  no  pretensions  to  your 
Patronage  tho'  I  would  willingly  aspire  to  it. — 

L*  Gov'  Penn  has  in  a  letter  just  received,  strongly  represented  the  distresses  of  his  frontier, 
and  requested  Sir  W""  Johnson  to  use  his  Influence  with  the  6  Nations  thereon,  and  endeavour 
to  procure  their  mediation  &c''  I  am  preparing  to  pursue  this  and  every  other  object  of  the 
Congress  in  the  best  manner  I  can,  the  particulars  of  which  I  shall  take  the  liberty  of  laying 
before  your  Lordship  humbly  requesting  to  be  honored  with  his  Majesties  Commands  that  I 
may  govern  myself  accordingly 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 

with  much  respect 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's  most 

The  R'  Hon"*  Obedit  it  and  most  Humble  servant 

the  Earl  of  Dartmouth.  Guy  Johnson 


i 


Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

tPluUlioni  Otneral,  OCLX.] 

Johnson  Hall  July  20.  1774 
My  Lord, 

I  have  the  honor  to  acquaint  your  Lordship  that  the  Congress  with  the  Six  Nations  (which  in 
my  last  of  the  12'^  instant  I  mentioned  had  been  interrupted  by  the  sudden  death  of  Sir  Will"" 
Johnson  Bar')  is  now  happily  terminated  and  such  measures  resolved  on  by  that  Confederacy 

'He  hid  b«<a  Lieut<u»nt  in  one  of  the  Kew-York  Iiidep«n<1«nt  Cuin|>anii>i,  Army  Hit.  —  Ed. 


t'i'li 


lis 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV.  473 

as  will  I  trust  be  very  soon  productive  of  advantage  to  the  Pul.lic,  the  Indians  having 
dispatched  an  Embassy  composed  of  some  of  the  principal  men  of  each  nation  to  the  Southward 
charged  with  such  belts  and  messages  as  will  I  persuade  n.yself  have  considerable  effect  at  this 
alarming  Crisis;  the  principal  parts  of  their  public  transactions  I  have  now  the  honor  10 
transmit  a  copy  of. 

In  one  of  8ir  W™  Johnson's  last  letters  he  complained  of  those  who  by  their  indiscretion 
were  constantly  counteracting  all  his  endeavors  for  the  public  tranquillity,  and  it  is  with  concern 
I  repeat  it,  for  those  people  whose  characters  and  con.luct  have  been  fully  described  by  him 
increase  in  numbers  &  irregularities  and  under  pretence  of  revenge  for  ads  which  their  own 
cruelties  occasioned,  they  have  (orme<l  large  bodies,  one  of  which  of  more  than  a  thousand 
men  .s  gone  to  penetrate  into  the  In.lian  country  and  build  forts,  whilst  small  detachments  are 
acting  offensively  against  all  Indians  they  meet—One  of  these  parties  lately  pursued  some 
faithfull  Indians  who  had  esco.fed  a  body  of  Traders  to  Kort  Pitt.-As  such  Acts  of  injustice 
and  indiscretion  must  tend  to  destroy  the  confidence,  and  weaken  the  attachment  of  those 
Indians  there  who  have  hitherto  acted  as  friends,  so  is  it  in  a  particular  manner  disa-rreable  to 
the  Six  Nations  who  are  alarmed  (or  their  Emigrants  on  Ohio.-On  the  Other  hand  the  people 
on  the  frontiers  of  I'ensilvania  have  abandoned  their  settlem-  to  avoid  the  resentment  of  the 
Indians,  and  the  authors  of  all  this  never  reflect  that  their  conduct  must  produce  such  an  union 
of  Interests  amongst  the  several  Tribes  as  may  end  in  their  utter  ruin  which  they  would  have 
experienced  long  since  but  for  the  succes.sfull  measures  a.lopted  by  Sir  W"  Johnson  —I 
have  since  his  decease  had  the  good  fortune  to  convince  the  Six  Nations  that  it  was  their  duty 
and  interest  to  calm  their  people,  and  their  resolutions  thereon  will  have  that  eflect  unless  the 
disorderly  persons  on  the  frontiers  shall  continue  their  Acts  of  Violence  and  Intrusion.— At  all 
events  the  fidelity  of  that  Confederacy  is  what  I  principally  depend  on  for  restoring  peace  to 
that  Country,  &  preventing  the  disorder  from  Spreading. 

Since  my  last  I  had  the  satisfaction  to  receive  (General  Cage's  approbation  and  direction 
to  talte  upon  me  the  Superintendency  of  Indian  Affairs  until  His  Majesty's  pleasure  is  signified, 
which  has  induced  me  to  make  such  provision  for  the  exigency  of  the  times  during  that 
interval,  as  will  prove  a  sensible  inconvenience  to  me  should  superior  interest,  or  different 
representations  disappoint  my  hopes  derived  from  the  recommendation  of  so  experienced  an 
oilicer  as  Sir  \Vm.  Johnson,  whose  senliinenta  of  me  have  been  so  fully  expressed  to  your 
I.ordship  as  to  leave  no  room  for  any  addition  of  mine.  — I  must  however  beg  your  Lordship's 
indulgence  to  add  that  tbo'  warmly  sollicited  by  the  Indians,  as  will  appear  from  the  papers 
herewith  transmitted  I  should  not  sollicit  for  the  management  of  their  Affairs,  was  I  not 
conscious  that  from  personal  influence  &  the  superior  opportunities  I  have  had,  I  may  be 
enabled  to  render  His  Majesty  some  services,  tho'  I  enter  upon  it  at  a  most  critical  period  at 
the  risque  of  my  own  reputation,  and  ( which  is  as  dear  to  me)  that  of  the  worthy  man,  to 
whose  good  opinion  Ac  recommendation  I  am  so  much  indebted. 

In  cue  of  the  private  conferences  I  had  with  the  Indians  they  agreed  to  send  a  private 
instruction  to  Kayashota,  &  the  delegates  with  him.  with  a  view  to  divert  the  attention  of  the 
other  Tribes  near  Ohio  from  the  Shawanese  who  depend  entirely  on  their  support,  and  thro' 
them  have  endeavored  to  eflect  that  general  but  dangerous  union  they  have  long  had  in  view; 
I  shall  very  soon  hear  the  result  of  these  measures  as  well  as  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Shawanese  themselves,  wch  will  enable  uie  to  consider  on  the  part  the  Six  Nations  Hlionld  next 
take,  their  Chiefs  having  given  me  private  assurances  that  wheutiViT  requiied  O.ivv  wi!!  proceed 
Vui..  VIII.  00 


474 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


to  extremities  with  those  Tribes,  an  offer  which  I  am  humbly  of  opinion  should  not  be  accepted 
of  but  in  case  of  great  necessity. 

I  hope  my  next  despatch  will  afford  your  Lordship  more  satisfaction  respecting  Indian 
Affairs,  and  I  humbly  sollicit  your  Lordship's  countenace  &  directions,  as  it  shall  be  my  study 
to  cultivate  the  one,  by  a  constant  attention  to  the  other,  and  the  faithfull  dischargeof  my  duty. 
J  have  the  honor  to  be 

with  much  respect 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient 
The  R'  Honorable  &  most  humble  Servant 

The  Earl  of  Dartmouth.  c^y  Johnson 


Proceedinijs  of  Sir  William  Johnson  with  the  Indians. 

[PlonUilont  General,  CCLX.  J 

Proceedings  at  a  Congress  with  all  the  Chiefs,  and  Warriors  of  the  Six  Nations 
at  Johnson  Hall  in  June  and  July  1774. 

Present—        The  Hon""  Sir  William  Johnson  Bar' Superintendant. 
Guy  Johnson  Esq^  Sir  W"'"  Dep>  as  Sec'^ 
Daniel  Clause  Esq'  Dep^  Agent  for  Canada. 

On  the  lO'"  of  June  a  large  party  of  Oriondngas  &c.  arrived  at  Johnson  Hall,  and  acquainted 
Sir  William  Johnson  that  the  Chiefs  &c  of  all  the  Six  Nations  were  on  their  way  to  his  House 
to  hold  a  Conference  on  the  critical  state  of  Indian  Affairs,  and  other  matters.  From  the  19'" 
of  June  to  the  S'"  of  July,  parties  continued  to  come  in.  amounting  in  the  whole  to  near  600. 

On  the  morning  of  the  S'"  of  July,  one  of  the  Prisoners  confined  in  Goal  for  the  murder  of 
the  Frenchmen  on  Lake  Ontario,  died,  &  the  Indians  held  a  Conference  with  Sir  William, 
earnestly  requesting  that  the  other  Prisoner  might  be  restored  to  them,  as  they  had  lately  been 
80  ill  treated  to  the  Southward,  and  as  the  one  had  died,  as  they  apprehended,  through  the 
Circumstances  of  a  confinement,  to  which  he  had  not  been  accustomed,  for  all  which,  and  as  it 
appeared  agreeable  to  the  General  from  the  state  of  affairs,  and  as  they  had  brought  in  all  the 
skins  they  had  been  able  to  collect,  as  a  restitution  for  the  robbery.  Sir  William  agreed  to  their 
request,  &  they  thereupon  delivered  up  some  packs,  and  a  quantity  of  some  loose  bear,  racoon 
and  other  skins,  which  with  those  delivered  up  at  Ontario  amounted  nearly  to  the  real  loss 
sustained  by  the  Canadians  W"  appear'd  to  have  been  much  exaggerated. 

The  Senecas  expressed  great  satisfaction  on  the  occasion,  and  Sir  William  told  them  that 
he  expected  they  wou'd  act  a  faithful,  and  becoming  part  for  this  instance  of  lenity  which  they 
owed  to  their  particular  soliicitntions,  His  Majesty's  compassion,  and  that  he  expected  this 
wou'd  be  the  last  instance  of  irregularity  on  their  parts. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


475 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Six  Nations  at  Joiinson  Hall  the  9""  of  July  1774. 

PnESENT—  Sir  W"'  Johnson  Bar'  Superintend' 

Guy  Johnson  Esq' 
Daniel  Clause  Esq'  with  several  other  Gent" 

Conaghquayeson.  an  Oneida  Chief  opened  the  Meeting  with  the  Ceremony  of  Condolance 
with  the  Indians  on  the  death  of  the  young  Indian  Prisoner,  who  died  the  day  before,  to  which 
the  Indians  returned  their  thanks  in  the  usual  manner. 

Gave  Six  Strings,  &  two  black  Strouds. 

Then  Serihowane  a  Seneca  Chief  proceeded  upon  the  business  they  assembled  for.  and 
addressed  Sir  William  as  follows,  viz' 

Brother  Warraghiyagey. 

You  told  us  last  fall  to  remember,  and  keep  up  strictly  to  the  old  engagements  entered  into 
with  the  English  which  was  in  general  intended  for  our  interest,  and  welfare,  and  that  you 
was  apprehensive  that  the  sincerity  of  the  Senecas  was  not  so  perfect  as  you  cou'd  wish— 
We  can  assure  you,  Brother,  of  the  contrary  on  our  side,  and  shall  be  happy  if  the  English  on 
their  parts  are  as  sincere  towards  us,  and  we  beg  you  will  not  give  ear  to  every  report  that  is 
made  to  our  prejudice.  r,^„„,^^  ^  g^^i^^ 

Brother,  lo  convince  you  that  we  keep  fresh  in  our  memory  the  engagements  entered  into, 
with  you.  we  now  produce  to  you  the  Chain  Belt  of  Alliance  and  Friendship,  you  delivered  to 
us  at  Niagara  in  1704  after  the  Senecas  had  got  bewildered,  and  acted  an  unbecoming  p.rt 
towards  you.  We  can  assure  you.  Brother,  ever  since  we  have  endeavored  our  utmost  to 
keep  that  chain  of  Friendship  bright,  and  the  Path  of  Peace  unobstructed,  noiwithstand^  which 
we  have  observed  with  concern  that  many  of  our  people  were  still  suspected  of  insincerity, 
which  we  cannot  think  we  deserved  from  the  English.  Shew'd  the  Belt. 

Brother,  You  likewise  recommended  to  us  to  collect  all  our  straggling  people  about  the 
Ohio,  and  Its  Branches,  &  convinced  us  that  it  was  for  the  good  of  the  Public  that  they  shou'd 
be  brought  under  our  eyes  to  prevent  them  from  being  led  astray  by  bad  people.  This 
Brother,  we  have  endeavored,  and  are  still  endeavoring  to  do,  but  hitherto  without  success, 
which  IS  in  a  great  measure  owing  to  the  conduct  of  the  English,  the  neglect  of  the  Provinces, 
and  the  behavior  of  the  Traders. 

When  you  convened  us  at  Niagara,  and  after  settling  every  matter  for  our  mutunl  welfare, 
You  also  told  us  we  shou'd  enjoy  a  plentiful  Trade,  and  mentioned  to  us  the  diHerent  Marls 
where  we  could  have  our  necessaries,  and  trade  with  the  English,  which  we  really  accordingly 
enjoyed,  and  Trade  was  ca.ried  on  for  some  years  to  our  mutual  Si'.Msfaction,  bu.  to  our  sorrow, 
that  Regulation,  by  some  means  or  other,  did  not  continue  long,  and  as  you  informed  us  soon 
after,  the  management  of  Trade  was  left  to  the  Regulation  of  the  respective  I'rovinces:  but  the 
Provinces  have  done  nothing,  and  the  Trade  has  been  thrown  into  utier  confusion  by 
the  Iraders  being  left  to  their  own  will  and  pleasure  and  pursuit  of  gain,  following  our  people 
to  their  Hunting  Grounds  with  Goods  and  Liquor,  where  they  not  only  impose  on  us  at  pleasure, 
but  by  the  means  of  carrying  these  Articles  to  our  scattered  people,  obstruct  our  endeavors  to 
collect  them,  which  we  might  have  easily  effected  if  the  Traders  had  been  obliged  to  bring 
their  Goods  to  Niagara,  or  other  Markets,  as  before.- Brother,  you  cannot  imagine  the  many 


4i- 


470 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ill  consequences  this  change  in  the  regulation  of  Trade  has  occasioned:  but  we  shall  still 

persevere,  and  hope  that  you  will  give  orders  to  your  Ucsident  at  Fort  Tit  to  assist  us  in 

Removing  our  People  living  at  Canawago  &  eisewherc. 

Brother,  We  are  sorry  to  observe  to  you  that  your  People  are  as  ungovernable,  or  rather 

more  so,  than  ours.     You  must  remember  that  it  was  most  sole-nnly,  and  publicly  settled,  and 

agreed  at  the  General  Congress  held  at  Fort  Stanwix  in  17(iS  on  behalf  of  the  great  King  of 

Kngland  our  Father,  and  tho  Governors,  and  Commissioners  of  the  several  Provinces  then 

assembled  there,  that  the  Line  then  pointed  out  and  fixed  between  the  Whites  and  Indians 

should  forever  after  be  looked  upon  as  a  barrier  between  us,  and  that  the  While  People  were  not 

to  go  beyond  it — It  seems.  Brother,  that  your  I'eople    entirely  disregard,  and  despise  the 

settlement  agreed  upon  by  their  Superiors  and  us;  for  we  (ind  that  they,  notwithstanding    'lat 

settlement,  are  come  in  vast  numbers  to  the  Ohio,  and  gave  our  people  to  understand  that  they 

wou'd  settle  wherever  they  pleas'd.     If  this  is  the  case  we  must  look  upon  every  engagement 

you  made  with  us  as  void  and  of  no  eflect,  but  we  hope  it  is  not  so,  &  that  you  wifl  restrain 

your  people  over  whom  you  say  you  have  authority,  and  make  them  lay  aside  their  ill  designs, 

and  encroachments,  as  it  has  already  occasioned  jealousies  and  ill  blood,  and  may  be  productive 

of  infinite  mischief,  and  trouble,  and  we  must  beg  that  if  your  people  insist  upon  settling  so 

near  ours,  they  may  be  made  subject  to  some  authority  that  can  keep  them  in  order.     We 

entreat  you  will  make  this,  our  request,  known  to  His  Majesty,  and  the  Governors  of  these 

unruly  people,  until  which  time,  and  until  the  return  of  Kmjnghshoia  from  his  Embassy  t.,  the 

Nations  on  the  Ohio,  we  promise  for  ourselves,  as  well  as  on  behalf  of  our  Head  JVomm,  who 

have  much  influence  with  our  young  men,  to  keep  them  quiet,  they  being  much  alfect'od,  & 

exasperated  at  the  cruel  murders  committed  by  their  lawless  people  on  their  friends  and 

relations  ,,  „  ,, 

Gave  a  Belt. 

Brother,  \ou  recommended  to  us  the  .Six  Nations,  h'utfall.to  consider  the  distressed  situation 
of  the  Montauk  Indians  who  being  surrounded  by  the  White  People  of  Long  Island,  were  in  a 
fair  way  of  beii,g  disspossessed  of  all  their  lan.is  by  them,  on  which  they  had  requested  that  we 
wou'd  atlord  them  a  piece  of  land  in  our  country  to  which  they  might  retire,  and  live  pea^ably 
hereafter.  W^  have  taken  your  desire  into  Consideration,  and  agreed  to  fix  them  at 
Canawaroghe.o.  We  are  glad  of  the  opportunity  of  serving  them  in  this  respect,  and  shall 
with  pleasure  take  them  under  our  protection  in  the  same  manner  as  fond  parents  do  uieir 
children,  &  hope  they  may  prove  de8»ivi»g  of  it.  (jave  a  Belt. 

Then  a  Cayuga  War  Chief  arose,  and  addressed  Sir  W  Johnson,  saying  that  lie  must 
inform  him  how  disagreeable  it  was  to  their  nation  to  have  Traders  continually  among  thvm 
who  sell  rum,  and  thereiiy  occasion  much  mischief,  and  trouble,  and  requested  they  might  for 
the  future  be  prevented  to  go  there,  in  order  to  avoid  accidents  that  might  happen  to  them  — 
that  they  thought  it  not  so  far,  if  they  had  any  thing  to  sell,  to  bring  it  to  market  on  the 
Mohawk  River,  and  therefo  a  desired  that  neither  the  White  People,  or  Indians  be  allowed  to 
come  to  Cayuga  to  trade  f..,  ti:e  future,  that  if  they  chuse  to  pass  their  towns  in  their  wrty 
to  the  Seneca  Country  they  had  no  objection,  but  only  desired  they  wou'd  not  dispose  of  Pny 
thing  to  their  people,  and  at  their  towns.  Qg^^^  „  jj^i^ 

P.  M.  Sir  William  had  a  conference  with  the  Chiefs  wherein  he  communicated  to  them  the 
particulars  of  the  account  he  had  received  from  the  Southward  respecting  the  late  murders, 
with  the  steps  taken  by  his  Deputy  on  the  occasion,  alter  which  he  enlarged  on  the  many 


-tM  I 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


477 


irregularilies  committed  by  the  Indians  about  the  branches  of  Ohio  and  MisBissippi,  and  some 
late  charges  against  them,  as  the  cause  of  the  late  ill  behavior  of  Cressup  and  his  associates, 
and  after  usmg  many  arguments  to  convince  them  they  shou'd  exert  more  authority  over  their 
ai.es,  and  keep  them  in  better  order,  he  lastly  gave  them  a  partici-lar  account  of  the  different 
schemes  of  the  bh  ^anese,  and  their  friends  for  several  years  past  to  cast  an  odium  on  the  Six 
Nations,  w.th  a  v.ew  that  the  latter  might  lose  our  friendship,  and  then  be  induced  to  join  in 
he.r  ev.l  designs  addmg,  that  it  was  now  high  time  to  stop  such  doings,  and  that  charity  for 
these  weak  people  induced  him  to  wish  that  the  Six  Nations  wou'd  save  the  English  the 
disagreeable  trouble  of  compelling  these  troublesome  people  to  alter  their  behavior.  He 
likewise  fuly  explained  to  them  the  consequences,  shou'd  the  Shawanese  &c.  continue  to 
prosecute  the.r  revenge  on  the  Provinces  of  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  without  waiting 
to  obtain  regular  justice  whenever  they  appeared  to  be  injured.  " 


IJ 


At  a  Congress  with  the  aforementioned  Indians  on  Monday  the  ll"-  July  1774. 
PRESENT  —  as  before 

Sir  William  addressed  tnem  as  fallows. 

Brothers.  I  have  considered  your  speeches,  and  am  always  glad  to  hear  that  you  preserve  in 
Remembrance  your  engagements,  which  I  trust  yo.  will  be  equally  careful  to  fullfill.  You  now 
all  see  t.at  through  my  liepresentrt.ons,  and  the  tenderness  of  the  English  Goven.ment,  you 
have  the  1  n«oner  restored  to  you,  I  hope  you  will  make  a  good  use  of  this,  and  of  every  other 
act  of  kindness  you  receive,  and  then  you  need  not  to  apprehend  you  are  in  any  wise  suspected, 
or  tear  ev.l  reports,  to  which  I  am  by  no  means  inclined  to  give  ear. 

Brothers.  I  am  glad  you  have  preserved  the  Great  Belt  1  delivered  to  you  at  Nin-^ara,  and 
I  hope  you  will  keep  the  contents  of  it,  and  all  others  I  gave  y"  in  Remembernnce,  for,  if  you 
d.,,  you  cannot  neglect  endeavoring  to  the  ut.nost  to  keep  your  people  in  good  order,  and 
prevent.ng  those  who  live  at  a  distance  from  following  evil  Councils,  which  draw  reflections  on 
your  Confederacy. 

Brothers  I  told  you  long  since  the  reasons  why  the  affairs  regarding  trade  were  left  to  the 
Direction  of  the  Colonies,  who  it  was  imagined  wou'd  best  regulate,  and  restrain  their  own 
people  and  I  also  shew'd  you  the  difliculty  and  time  it  must  take  up  to  make  regulations 
adapted  to  the.r  respective  circumstances  and  yours.  I  am  persuaded  the  Colo.iies  have  it 
still  at  heart :  but  I  cannot  think  it  any  material  obstruction  to  the  withdrawing  your  people 
from  about  the  Ohio,  and  I  apprehe.id  it  is  in  your  power  to  redress  yourselves  in  the  particular 
you  con.plain  of  without  giving  offence.  -  For.  wherever  you  find  traders  obtruding  themselves 
upon  you.  with  liquor,  or  following  your  parties  to  their  hunting  Grounds,  you  may  easily  tell 
them  to  retire  to  more  convenient  pir  es.  as  you  will  not  allow  them  to  go  about  in  the  manner 
you  mention,  in  which  case,  I  have  great  reason  to  think  that  «uch  traders  will  withdraw,  and 
give  you  no  trouble. 

Brnhers.  I  n>i  sorry  to  hear  of  the  encroachments  made  by  some  of  our  people,  of  which 
you  so  often  .omplained,  this,  you  may  be  assured  is  without  the  consent  or  knowledge  of 
government,  and  the  King  will  take  measures  to  prevent  intrusion;  but  it  does  not  .o 
materially  affect  you  as  i*.  affects  some  of  your  Southern  Dependants,  several  of  whom  have 
acted  such  a  part  of  late  as  to  encourage  some  of  our  ignorant  frontier  Inhabitants  to  commit 


wrm 


478 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


irregularities,  of  which,  otherwise  I  hardly  think  they  wou'd  be  guilty. — These  men  will  be 
Bought  after  &  punished.  It  is  your  business  to  enquire  into  the  conduct  of  these  your 
Dependants,  &  to  punish  them,  who  by  their  misconduct  afford  encouragement  to  others. — 
You  may  easily  believe  that  in  so  extensive  a  country,  and  among  such  a  number  of  people,  it 
is  a  matter  of  difficulty  to  find  out  and  punish  the  authors  of  mischief,  although  we  have 
good,  and  sufficient  laws  for  that  purpose. — but  none  of  our  principal  men  are  concerned  in 
these  Acts,  wiiilst  many  chiefs  of  the  nations  to  the  Southward  are  the  real  authors  of  the 
mischiefs  done  by  the  Indians.  I  wou'^  therefore  advise  you  to  put  a  stop  to  such  evils  in 
lime,  and  you  may  rest  assured  that  I  will  lay  these  matters  you  complain  of,  before  His 
Majesty,  and  the  Governors  concerned,  that  every  thing  on  our  parts  shall  be  done  to  restore 
peace,  and  afford  you  satisfaction  where  you  have  a  claim  to  it.  At  the  same  time  I  must 
greatly  approve  of  the  steps  of  my  Deputy  on  the  late  unfortunate  affair,  as  well  as  of 
Kaijaghhota,  and  the  Delawares,  I  expect  you  will  strengthen  their  hands  on  this  occasion, 
and  that  I  shall  soon  receive  favorable  accounts  from  that  Quarter. 

Brothers  the  Cayugas.  —  I  have  heard  the  complaints  you  have  made  of  the  traders  who 
are  among  you,  and  I  apprehend  if  you  pursue  the  advice  I  just  now  gave  to  the  rest  of  your 
Confederacy,  it  will  have  the  desired  efl'ect,  however  I  shall  willingly  do  every  thing  in  my 
power  for  preventing  their  giving  you  any  trouble,  and  I  expect  you  will  be  satisfied  with 
my  endeavors  for  that  purpose.  A  Belt. 

Then  Deckarihoga  Chief  of  the  Conajohares  spoke  as  follows. 

Brother.  It  is  with  pain  I  am  under  the  necessity  of  complaining  again,  against  that  old 
llogue,  the  old  Disturber  of  our  Village  George  Klock.  You  are  long  acquainted  with  his 
artifices,  and  evil  conduct,  &  you  have  often  assuri?d  us  you  had  applied  for  redress,  but 
whatever  is  the  reason  we  never  yet  obtained  any  satisfacton,  and  we  begin  to  be  doubtfull 
whether  the  English  will  atlbrd  it  to  us,  for  which  reason  we  are  driven  to  the  necessity  of 
mentioning  our  grievances  to  you  in  the  presence  of  the  whole  confederacy  that  they  who 
know  our  rank  may  espouse  our  cause,  as  it  is  their  duty  to  do,  and  convince  the  English  that 
we  have  friends  &  deserve  attention. 

Brother,  I  will  not  take  up  your  time  with  telling  you  and  your  brothers  here  present,  the 
many  artifices  he  has  made  use  of  to  cheat  us  of  our  lands,  &  to  create  divisions  among 
ourselves. —  I  shall  only  mention  his  last  Actions, — This  ivil  spirii  last  winter  by  his  cunning 
seduced  one  of  our  foolish  young  fellows  to  steal  away  with  liiiii  to  England,  where  he  exposed 
him  for  a  show,  and  cheated  him  out  of  his  money.  —  Klock  has  since,  stolen  home  like  a 
Rogue  as  he  went  out,  and  when  we  had  notice  of  it.  and  applied  to  him  to  sign  the  release 
of  the  lands  which  he  stole,  which  all  the  rest  did,  he  appointed  a  time  for  it,  but  when  we 
came  to  his  house,  and  brought  a  Justice  of  Peace  to  be  present,  he  refused  admittance  to 
him,  and  us,  and  has  since  ran  away,  and  propag[a]ted  a  story  that  some  of  us  threatened  his 
life. — It  is  true,  Brother,  that  the  man  he  cheated  went  and  took  some  of  his  own  money, 
and  probably  some  of  our  young  fellows,  after  his  own  evil  example,  might  have  used  angry 
threats  to  induce  him  to  sign  the  release,  but  we  disavow  it,  as  we  do  all  his  falsehoods,  and  are 
ready  to  wait  for  justice.  It  has  often  been  promised,  but  never  been  aflbrded  us.  We  beg  the 
great  men  who  manage  the  White  people  may  obtain  justice  for  us,  and  cause  him  lo  sign 
the  Deed,  and  let  us  alone,  and  if  we  thought  this  wou'd  still  be  done  we  wou'd  willingly 
wail  a  while  patiently,  otherwise  we  cannot  answer  for  the  consequences. 


Hi 


n 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


479 


To  which  Sir  WiJlinm  nnswered 

That  they  need  not  to  have  mentioned  tliis  matter  to  their  Confederacy,  who  had  no  business 
with  It.— tliat  he  wou'd  again  lay  the  matter  before  Government,  and  use  ail  his  endeavors 
for  their  satisfaction,  that  they  shou'd  patiently  wait  without  attempting  any  act  of  violence, 
whicli  wou'd  be  highly  resented,  and  that  he  was  authorized  to  tell  them,  Klock's  conduct 
was  disagreeable  to  the  King. — 

Then  Sir  W-  ordered  Pipes  &  Tobacco,  and  some  Liquor  for  the  Indians,  and  adjourned 
with  design  to  give  them  time  to  consider  of  the  principal  objects  of  the  Congress,  but  having 
been  very  weak  from  his  former  Indisposition,  the  fatigue  brought  on  him  a  Relapse  which  in 
about  two  hours  threw  him  into  a  fit  in  which  he  suddenly,  and  most  unfortunately  expired. 
Immediately  on  the  Death  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  the  Indians  assembled  in  the  most 
apparent  Confusion,  and  applied  to  Colonel  Johnson  to  know  whether  he  had  received 
authority  to  transact  affairs  with  them,  to  which  he  replied  that  there  was  not  then  sufficient 
time  to  receive  His  Majesty's  Commands  touching  their  former  Requests,  but  that  they  shou'd 
rest  contented  as  he  would  continue  to  conduct  these  matters  'till  farther  Orders ;  Whereupon 
the  Indians  appeared  very  uneasy  and  proposed  to  send  off  alarming  Belts  thro'  all  the  Nations 
but  Colonel  Johnson  prevailed  on  them,  as  it  was  then  late  to  retire  to  their  encampments' 
assuring  them  that  he  shou'd  early  in  the  morning  give  them  more  particular  Information,  on 
which  they  retired. 


hu\\ 


m:i 


m 
m 


'Ml 


Tuesday  July  the  12"" 
On  this  Day  Col.  Johnson  assembled  the  Chiefs  &  addressed  them  as  follows. 

Brothers, 

As  it  is  not  conformable  to  your  Customs  that  those  who  have  suffered  a  great  loss  should 
speak  first,  I  shou'd  have  declined  addressing  you  'till  after  the  Ceremony  ol  Condolance,  did  you 
not  express  so  strong  a  desire  to  send  extraordinary  messages  through  the  Nations  with  the  news 
of  the  lat.'  melancholy  accident— Upon  this  occasion  I  am  necessitated  to  advice  you,  least  it 
might  occasion  too  great  an  alarm,  that  the  worthy  Sir  William  Johnson,  agreeable  to  the 
desire  you  have  olten  signified,  recommended  it  to  the  consideration  of  the  Great  King,  that  I 
shou'd  be  in  his  stead.     His  Majesty's  answer  is  not  yet  arrived  ;  but  there  is  no  doubt  from 
his  esteem  for  all  good  and  faithful  Indians  of  his  doing  what  he  shall  think  best;  and  in  the 
mean  time  you  may  acquaint  all  the  Nations,  that  though  I  feel  myself  at  prcs'  unequal  to 
the  load,  when  I  reflect  on  the  conduct  and  character  of  that  great  and  good  man  who  left  us 
yesterday,  yet  as  I  have  long  lived  under  his  direction,  and  transacted,  for  many  years,  his 
affairs,  and  correspondences  respecting  you,  I  trust  that  the  Great  Spirit  will  give  me  strength, 
and  wisdom  to  conduct  those  important  matters  in  some  measure  corresponding  with  his  great 
example.     It  remains  for  you,  Brethren,  to  be  strong  and  steady  in  your  engagements,  all  which 
I  am  well  acquainted  with,  and  to  shew  your  friendship  to  the  English,  and  your  respect  and 
reverence  for  the  memory   of  your  great  &  good   Adviser,   by  supporting    me   under   this 
arduous  undertaking,  which  if  you  do,  you  may  be  allways  assured  of  my  sincere  regard  — 
Send  these  Words  thro'  the  Nations,  assuring  them  that  the  fire  still  burns,  and  the  Moid  is 
open  to  this  place.-And  let  it  be  told  Kmjaghshota,  that  he  may  be  strong,  and  continue  his 
good  endeavors  for  the  preservation  of  Peace,  and  the  security  of  yourselves,  and  your  Posterity, 
whose  Interests  I  shall  be  ever  desirous  to  promote.  a  Belt. 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

After  which  the  Indians  returned  thanlcs  promising  to  forwnrd  the  Belt  directed,  and  to 
consider  on  the  Ceremony  of  Condoiance  to  be  performed  alter  Sir  William's  Inlerrmenti 
requesting  likewise  to  be  permitted  to  attend  his  Funeral  Obsequies. 

P.  M.  July  the  1 S"- 
The  Corps  of  the  late  Sir  William  Johnson  was  carried  from  Johnson  Hall  to  Johnstown, 
and  deposited  in  the  Family  Vault  in  the  Church  which  he  erected,  attended  by,  upwards  of 
2000  persons  from  the  neighboring  Country,  with  the  Indians,  who  all  behaved  with  the 
greatest  Decorum,  and  exhibited  the  most  lively  marks  of  real  sorrow.  The  Pall  was 
supported  by  His  Excell""'  the  Governor  of  Now  Jersey  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
New  York,  and  other  F'ersons  of  note  who  happened  to  be  at  Johnstown  at  that  lime,  and  on 
their  return  from  the  Funeral  to  Johnson  Hall,  the  Indians  acquainted  Col.  Johnson  that  they 
wou'd  perform  the  Ceremony  of  Condoiance  the  next  day. 

Thursday  July  the  H'" 

The  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations  assembled  early  in  the  morning  to  perform  the  Cenmony  of 
Condoiance  for  the  Death  of  Sir  VV"  Johnson. 


Present. — Guy  Johnson  Esq'  Sir  W'"'*  Dep'^  acting  as  Ag'  for  the  Department. 
Daniel  Ciaus  Ksq'  Agent  for  Canada 
James  Duane  Esq'  Col.  Dan'  Campbell 

G"  Banyar  Esq'  M'  Jessup 

Stephen  De  Lancy'  Esq'  Joseph  Chew  Esq' 

John  Duncan  Esq' 

Conoghquieson  Chief  of  Oneida  w""  three  strings  cleared  the  siglit  &c*  3  Strings 

Then  with  a  double  Belt  covered  the  Body  Double  Belt 

Then  with  a  Belt  of  6  rowes  covered  the  Grave  Belt  of  0  rowes 

And  addressed  Col.  Johhson  as  follows  viz. 

Brother.  It  yeilds  us  vast  pleasure  to  find  that  the  Fire  which  was  in  danger  of  being 
totally  extinguished  by  the  great  loss  we  hav«!  sustained,  is  for  the  present  rendered  bright  by 
you.  —  the  good  Words  you  have  spoke  to  us  yesterday,  having  revived  us,  and  kept  our  young 
men  within  reosonable  bounds,  who  otherwise  woii'd  have  lost  their  senses,  we  rejoice  at  it 
and  accordingly  with  this  Belt  we  cause  the  Fire  to  bum  dmr  lu  u»ml  at  this  Place,  and  at 
Otuindtijra  which  are  our  proinr  Fire  Placet,  k,  we  hope  the  great  King  will  opprove,  and 
confirm  it.  A  Belt  of  7  Kowes 

'  Stb-iiex  di  L*mokt  wm  the  ion  of  Peter  J«  L.  Supra,  VI.,  469.  On  astb  J«iiu«ry.  1785,  he  wu  eointniMione*!  olirk  of 
the  city  iinil  ooHnty  of  Alhatiy,  wlioro  lie  ra»rri.'il  Eellici  Hymlprlji  llolunte  imjn  ho  waaa  mriiilx-r  of  the  Allikny  Commit- 
tee of  8«fi'ty  «l  iu  flrnl  foriiiHlioii,  lint  if  mi,  he  »ftiTwi\nU  fell  off  from  the  |iii|Mili«r  oaune.  In  that  oity,  the  4th  of  Jnne. 
177n,  ( the  KiitK'e  hirlh  iley )  wee  inhere.)  in  with  ftring  of  kuiii,  miJ  other  rejnieingn  "  not  «K'"*I>I.<  to  the  inhibittnte," 
•nd  in  Uie  evening  a  parly  aeeomhleil  to  do  honor  to  the  day,  with  Abraham  C.  (Uiyler,  the  Mayor,  at  their  heml,  and  wera 
found  "oaroueinK,  ami  ainKinK  Uod  aa\e  the  Kin(|."  The  I'llijcnri  bi-rame  cxiHperated.  rimhrd  in  and  eri^wl  Steplu'ci  da 
Lane.'y  an<l  olhere  and  cnriied  tlii'in  off  to  jail,  whcnoe  lliey  w^re  •licnily  efler  reuioved  to  lUrlford,  Cunn.  Mr.  de  U 
remaineil  at  timl  plae,.  until  Jflth  DfiMinher  f<illowiti(r,  when  he  wiik  ri-lpau'd  on  hl»  parole  and  allowed  to  ri-turn  to  hia 
family.  A.  AmrtKun  Archiurt,  I.,  Inio;  III.,  U;i|.  Al  llm  .done  of  th*  war  lie  retired  to  NoTa  Seotia.  Uulgau'i  AinnTiraH 
</««#«%j(.  li'},     Ut:  d-  L±a-xy'a  hutas  U  uioilleJ  by  SaUiuu.  ^  ilu. 


'A 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


481 


Brother.  With  this  Beit  we  sweep  the  Fire  Place  clean,  removing  from  it  all  impure,  and 
disagreeable  objects,  so  that  we  may  sit  round  it,  and  consult  for  the  public  good  as  usual 

A  Belt  of  7  Kowes. 

Brother.  With  these  strings  we  request  that  when  our  Ceremonies  are  performed,  you  will 
apply  y  attention  to  our  affairs  and  continue  to  give  good  Advice  to  the  Young  men  as  your 
''"a"'^''  '^'d-  A  Bunch  of  Strings 

Brother,  We  know  that  you  must  be  loaded  with  grief  on  this  melancholy  occasion,  we 
therefore  now  cleanse  your  Body,  and  wash  your  Inside  with  clear  water  so  that  you  may 
once  more  attend  to  &  proceed  upon  business. 

Brother.  The  heavy  clouds  which  have  hung  over  you,  and  us,  have  prevented  us  from 
seeing  the  8un,  it  is  therefore  our  business  with  this  string  to  clear  the  sky  which  was  overcast. 
—  And  we  likewise  with  this  Siring  put  the  Sun  in  its  proper  Course,  that  it  may  perform  the 
same  as  before,  so  that  you  may  be  enabled  to  see  what  is  doing  &  pursue  the  good  works 
«'■  !'«"'=»'•  2  Strings. 

Then  added.  Brother.  Since  it  hath  pleased  the  Great  Spirit  to  take  from  us  our  great 
Brother  IVurraghijagrij,  who  has  long  desired  at  our  Uequest  to  put  you  in  his  place,  we  very 
much  rejoice  to  find  you  ready  to  take  this  charge  upon  you,  without  which  we  shou'd  be  in 
Darkness,  and  great  confusion.  We  are  now  once  more  happy,  and  with  this  Belt  we  exhort 
you  to  take  care  of  our  Atfairs,  to  follow  his  footsteps,  and  as  you  very  well  know  his  ways,  and 
transactions  with  us,  that  you  will  continue  to  imitate  them  for  the  good  of  the  Public. 

A  Be't  of  0  Iloweg. 
Then,  Tijcrhnmera  Chief  of  the  Mohawks  spoke  as  follows.  viz» 

Brother,— The  business  being  so  far  happily  set  on  foot  again,  we  think  it  necessary  to 
observe  to  you  that  this  is  a  very  critical  time,  and  that  our  Brother  having  suddenly  died  at  a 
lime,  when  great  troubles  arc  begun  to  the  Southward,  it  is  incumbent  on  you  to  be  strong, 
nnd  to  follow  closely  his  practises  in  all  things,  as  you  knew  them.  Uur  business  with  our 
brother  was  nearly  brought  to  a  conclusion,  and  his  last  words  to  us  concerning  the  great 
troubles  in  Virginia  to  withdraw  our  people,  were  answered  by  us  in  the  papers  lying 
before  you. — 

Brother.  —We  must  tell  you  that  it  is  the  White  Vmple  only  who  prevent  it ;  for  if  they  did 
not  make  a  Practice  of  coming  in  great  numbers  with  rum  into  that  country,  our  people  wou'd 
be  wise,  nnd  come  to  our  Fire  P/accs,  but  they  are  tempted  to  stay  there.— And  now.  Brother, 
we  must  ilesire  you  to  be  strong,  and  to  use  all  your  endeavors  for  putting  n  stop  to  your 
people,  and  fullfillitv'  his  promises  to  us,  that  we  may  be  enabled  to  bring  them  away,  as  you 
desire.— Another  thing.  Broth'  we  have  to  say,  is,  to  remind  you  that  at  the  Fort  Stanwix 
Treaty  in  17(18,  we  gave  up  a  great  deal  of  land  which  we  did  not  expect  wou'd  be  suddenly 
overspread  with  people,  but  we  now  see  with  concern  that  they  do  not  even  confine  themselves 
within  their  limits,  which  must  end  in  troubles.  We  therefore  beg  that  they  may  be  restrained, 
nnd  brought  under  some  Covernment.  These  things.  Brother,  and  particularly  the  murders  and 
robberies  your  people  commit  have  kindled  a  flame  which  is  as  yet  small,  but  unless  (luenched 
in  time,  it  will  over8|)read  the  country  so  that  we  can't  stop  it,  We  therefore  hope  for  your 
vigorous  Kndeavors  to  put  it  out. 

Then  Conoglnjuirmn  stood  up,  and  with  a  large  black  &  white  Belt  said. 

Brother.     We  now  speak  in  the  name  of  our  whole  confederacy,  nnd  dependants,  expressing 
nnr  thanks  that  ngreeable  to  our  former  request  to  Sir  W"'  Johnion,  we  now  see  vuu  tukin" 
Vor    MM  Qi 


y 


!         f' 


482 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


cnre  of  our  nfTairs. — We  earnestly  exhort  you  to  take  due  care  of  them,  ns  that  great  man  did, 
who  promised  you  to  us,  and  we  now  desire  that  you  will  send  these  our  Words  to  the  Great 
King,  who,  we  hope  will  regard  our  desires,  and  approve  of  you  as  the  only  person  that  knows 
us,  and  our  aft'airs,  that  business  may  go  on  as  it  did  formerly,  otherwiso  in  this  alarming  time 
of  trouble  without  your  care,  and  attention  our  affairs  will  fall  into  great  confusion,  and  all 
our  good  works  will  be  destroyed.  We  beg  therefore  you  will  accept  our  good  wishes,  and 
that  you  will  continue  to  take  care  of  the  great  business  in  which  we  are  all  concerned. 

A  large  black  Belt  of  9  Howes. 
Then  added  that  they  wou'd  retire  for  the  present,  and  wait  Colonel  Johnson's  answer 
which  he  told  them  they  shou'd  have  in  the  Afternoon. 

P.  M.  Assembled  as  before. 

Present —  Ilis  Excell'''  Governor  Franklin  of  New  Jersey 

Cap' Ciinp  »ian'  M' Banyar  M' Duane 

Colonel  Johnson  addressed  tliem  as  follows. 

I  am  extremely  happy  that  by  your  Condoiance,  &  our  mutual  peiformance  of  these 
ceremonies  occasioned  by  the  Death  of  your  late  worthy  Superintendant,  I  am  now  enabled 
to  lift  up  my  head,  and  proceed  uprn  business  of  public  concern,  and  I  am  particularly  glad 
that  you  join  me  so  heartily  in  making  up  the  Fire,  which  was  very  nigh  being  extinguished.— 
be  assured  that  nothing  shall  he  wanting  on  my  part  to  preserve  it. 

Brother.  —  I  am  very  hiippy  to  find  that  my  acting  for  the  present  in  consequence  of  your 
former  desires,  proves  so  agreeable  to  you  and  you  may  be  assured  that  however  unequal  I 
am  to  follow  the  steps  of  so  great  an  experienced  u  man,  I  shull  endeavor,  so  long  as  1  am 
authorized,  to  do  every  thing  in  my  power  (or  the  Interest  of  the  Public,  and  your  own  ;  but 
I  expect  at  the  same  lime  that  your  good  behavior  will  continue  ns  an  encouragement  to  me 
to  follow  his  good  example. 

Colonel  Johnson  answered  Tyorhnnsera  as  follows. 

Brother.  I  well  remember  ihe  wise  maxims  which  governed  your  late  worthy  adviser  in  the 
business  on  which  you  come  here  last,  and  you  may  be  assured  that  I  shall  to  the  utmost 
strive  to  put  his  last  Words,  and  Promises  into  execution  by  a  failhlul  Representation  of  your 
(irievances  to  those  persona  in  Authority,  whose  Duty  it  is  to  correct  the  abuses  of  which  you 
complain. —  hut  I  cannot  help  thinking  that  it  is  in  your  own  power  to  bring  your  people  from 
among  those  Tribes,  who  by  their  daily  practices,  endeavour  to  bring  a  general  reflection  on 
your  ConCederaiy,  and  I  trust  that  you  will  join  heartily  with  Ktujngt/wln  in  this  good  Work, 
whereby  you  will  pay  a  kind  Tribute  to  the  memory  ol  your  deceased  faithful  friend,  and  shew 
your  influence  over  these  your  own  peojile. 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations  Dependl' 

I  have  heard  your  words,  and  kiiully  tliank  you  for  the  regard  you  express  for  me,  and  tlie 
desire  you  shew  for  my  conducting  your  affairs. — This  matter  has  been  already  laid  before  liii 

'  litNjAiiix  Ciui'MAN  fiilrroil  lh«  Brniy  on  tin  Hlli  Hnrcli,  n«(>,  n*  Kn«i|{ii  in  lli«  iHtli  or  Koynl  Iriali  rrgimcnt  of  foot,  in 
wliioh  h,.  btmiiie  l,i«iit«uiiiit  Utli  ».'|.tinilier,  1768;  in  17«7  tli»  rf>Kiin«nt  cum*  to  Amvrim,  (nil  lit  ol)Uin«il  hit  coiiipuny 
llitta  on  id  JuD«,  1711.  Ua  bevsma  Mnjor  in  17sl  i  U«uUiiint'UoluD«l  uf  ll>«  rtgiuaat  io  1790,  and  iIImI  In  I7DS.  Armp 
Litii. — £p. 


),  I 


LONDON  D(X!UMENTS :    XLIV. 


488 


Majesty  who  regards  all  faithful  Indians,  and  will  act  therein  as  he  sees  most  fitting,  with 
which  determination,  it  is  your  business  to  acquiesce.  I  shall  however  comply  with  your 
Request,  at  the  same  time  it  is  my  duty  to  communicate  your  Transactions  to  the  General  of 
the  Army  who  is  newly  returned  to  this  country,  &  has  long  known,  and  regarded  you,  and 
whose  authority  will  enable  him  to  do  what  shall  appear  necessary  at  present,  and  I  earnestly 
desire  that  you  will  act  such  a  part  as  shall  entitle  you  to  the  attention  of  Government,  hy 
taking  fast  hold  of  the  chain,  and  giving  all  your  assistance  towards  the  restoring  peace  in  the 
country,  and  security  to  yourselves,  as  the  only  means  of  convincing  Ilis  Majesty  of  your 
fidelity  ;  —  and  I  desire  that  these,  my  words,  may  go  to  the  leilivg  of  the  Sun.     A  Belt 

Brother.  The  purport  of  the  Intelligence  that  came  from  the  Governor  of  Pennsylvania 
respecting  the  Ravages  committed  by  the  Shawanese  &  others  in  his  Province,  are  of  such  a 
nature  that  I  expect  you  will  enable  me  to  assure  him  that  you  will  immediately  discountenance, 
&  put  an  end  to  all  su^h  cruelties,  otherwise  your  Reputation  as  a  powerful  Confederacy  will 
greatly  suffer  in  the  Eyes  of  the  Knglish,  and  the  Resentment  of  that  Province  may  fall  heavy 
upon  that  deluded  people,  who  have  done  so  much  mischief,  without  waiting  (or  that  justice, 
which  Government  was  willing  to  afford  to  your  complaints. 

Conoghquieson  then  arose,  and  said. 

Brother. — You  all  know  that  Kayngihota,  wiMi  three  of  our  people  of  the  greatest  consequence 
are  at  present  employed  in  the  good  work  you  recommend;  but  further  to  promote  it,  we  have 
agreed  to  send  this  Belt  forward  through  the  Nations  with  a  deputation  to  consist  of  two,  or 
three  Chiefs  from  each  of  our  Nations  to  enforce  it;  and  we  are  glad  that  the  CJovcrnor  of  New 
Jersey  Ims  heard  what  we  have  said,  as  he  may  assist  in  making  our  Sentiments  &  Grievances 
kn.)wn  to  the  neighbouring  Governors. — To  which  His  Kxcell'-' answered  that  the  Inhabitants 
of  New  Jersey  had  no  concern  in  any  of  the  Disputes  but  were  well  disposed  towards  them, 
and  that  the  Indians  might  recollect  that  three  men  were  formerly  executed  under  his 
Adm.ni8tration,a;<d  that  through  his  inclination  to  do  them  strict  Justice,  but  that  nevertheless 
iio  wou'd  be  aiding  in  promoting  peace  &  harmony  between  the  Knglish  &  Indians. — 

They  were  then  vreated  with  Pipes,  and  Tobacco  &c.  as  is  usual,  alter  w^""  they  adjourned. 

Friday  July  the  lO"" 
Col.  Johnson  assembled  the  Indians  &  spoke  as  follows. 

Brothers. —  It  pleases  me  much  to  find  you  unanimous  in  your  late  Resolutions,  as  it  is  a 
proof  of  your  sense,  and  fidelity,  at  the  same  time  it  is  so  essential  to  your  importance  and 
happiness  that  I  will  not  entertain  a  doubt  of  your  determined  intentions  to  check  the 
Incursions  of  your  Dependants  who  run  about  like  drunken  men,  and  ought  to  be  disarmed  by 
those  who  arc  sober,  and  peaceable,  least  the  Knglish  shou'd  be  obliged  to  raise  their  powerful 
arm  against  them,  which  might  have  dreadful  consequences.  On  my  part  you  may  he  assured 
that  I  ihnll  communicate  your  Grievances  respecting  the  Affairs  to  the  Southward,  to  the 
Governors  interested,  who  will  do  their  utmost  to  restore  order,  and  tranquility. 

I  shall  likewise  lay  the  Complaint  of  the  Cinwjoluira  concerning  (Jeorge  Klock  before  the 
(Jovernor  of  New  York  and  acquaint  the  Montauk  Indians  with  your  good  intentions  towards 
them,  and  in  evry  titing  else,  to  the  utmost  of  my  power,  fullfill  the  promises  made  to  you,  in 
consequence  of  which  I  expect  that  my  wonls  will  be  faitliluily,  and  without  any  alteration, 
delivered  by  your  Deputies,  and  that  you  vviil  continue  to  testily  your  reverence  lor  the  King, 
and  your  Regard  for  His  .Subjects,  and  your  love  for  the  Memory  of  your  faithful  friend,  my 


i 


484 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRinS. 


deceased  Pnther  in  law,  by  a  punctual  dieclinrge  of  your  engngements,  and  llie  strictest  candcir 
in  your  transactions  w""  me  which  you  may  rest  assured  I  shall  return,  so  long  as  I  have  any 
thing  to  do  with  your  affairs,  by  a  faithful  attention  to  your  In(ere8t8,  and  nn  upright  conduct 
towards  yourselves,  which  characterized  the  actions  of  your  late  worthy  Superintendant,  and 
will  always  secure  the  esteem  of  a  wise  &  good  people. 

The  Indians  returned  many  thanks  for  this  speech,  &  shook  hands  purposing  to  return  home 
the  Pay  following,  and  in  the  afternoon  Colonel  Johnson  had  a  private  Conference  with 
Saijenijuurtightd,  and  some  other  principal  men,  to  whom  he  pointed  out  the  danger  to  which 
the  Ohio  Senecas  wou'd  be  exposed,  unless  the  present  disturbances  were  accommodated,  and 
concluded  with  advising  them  by  all  means  to  withdraw  their  people  from  the  neighborhood 
of  the  rest,  who  were  endeavouring  to  alienate  them  from  their  own  Confederacy. 

Saturday  July  the  IC"" 
Colonel  Johnson  gave  a  handsome  present  to  the  Chiefs,  and  to  those  who  were  instrumental 
in  apprehending  the  ^  derers,  as  well  as  to  such  as  had  acted  a  good  part  on  receiving  the 
news  of  the  late  murders  on  Ohio,  after  which  they  took  their  leaves  with  many  expressions 
of  Satisfaction,  having  first  presented  the  Chiefs  who  were  to  go  [to]  the  Southward,  and 
explain  tlie  purport  of  their  Embassy. 

A  true  Copy 

G.  Johnson 
Indorsed  in  Col"  Guy  Johnson's  of  26  July  1774 


/jord^  of  IraJe  to  Governor  Tryon. 

[N«w-Tork  EnlriM,  LXIX,  l».l 

William  Tryon  Ksq:,  Governor  of  New  York. 

Sir, 

The  Acts  of  Legislature  in  the  Province  of  New  York  arc  in  General  so  reasonable  and  the 
objecte  of  them  so  commendable  that  it  is  with  great  Ueluclance  We  cannot  comply  with 
the  wishes  of  the  Assembly  in  the  Case  of  the  Law  "  for  defraying  a  moiety  of  the  expenses 
"accrued  on  settling  the  contested  boundaries  between  the  Patented  Lands  commonly  called 
"Cheescocks  and  Kakiate" 

The  inclosed  copy  of  M'  Jacksons  Report  on  thot  Law  states  very  material  objection  to  it : 
they  are  not  however  the  only  ones;  the  unlimited  power  given  to  the  Commissioners  to 
ascertain  whatever  Sum  they  please  as  the  proportion  to  be  paid  by  that  part  of  the  pretended 
Lands  of  Kakiate  which  are  contested  is  not  only  liiihle  to  great  objection  in  the  abstract  view 
of  it;  but  is  still  more  so  by  the  provision  made,  that  the  Cerlificoto  of  those  Commissioners, 
ns  to  the  Sum,  shall  be  final  without  any  appeal  either  to  a  Court  of  Quarter  Sessions  or  any 
other  Superior  Court  whatever. 

Upon  the  whole  therefore  we  cannot  lay  this  Act  before  the  King  for  his  Majesly'B 
Confirmation  ;  It  certainly  ought  to  be  disallowed  ;  but  when  we  consider  its  general  utility, 


,B 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


485 


and  that  it  has  probably  been  long  ago  carricfl  into  execution  and  has  had  its  full  effect  we  shall 
at  present  suffer  it  to  lye  by  trusting  that  if  it  has  not  been  carried  into  execution  the  legislature 
will  from  a  conviction  of  the  Justice  of  our  sentiments  upon  it  pass  an  explanatory  Act  that 
shall  remove  the  objections  and  that  yon  will  in  that  case  take  care  that  a  clause  be  inserted 
therein  suspending  its  execution  until  the  Kings  pleasure  be  known  the  omission  of  which  in 
the  original  Act  has  occasioned  much  difficulty  and  was  an  inattention  to  your  Instructions 
which  it  is  our  duty  to  take  notice  of. 
We  are 

Sir 

Your  most  obedient 

humbe  Servants 

Dartmouth 
SoAME  Jenyns 
Whitehall  Bamber  Gascoyne 

31  Jan:  1774.  W.  Jolliffk 


t4 


No  4. 


TAeutenant -Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

I  New-Tork,  TLX  VI.,  No.  4.  ] 

New  York  2"'  August  1774 


My  Lord, 

The  Public  have  met  with  a  very  great  loss  in  the  Death  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  which 
happened  on  the  11""  of  last  Month.  He  was  engaged  in  Business  of  Importance,  with  a  large 
Number  of  Indians  who  were  then  with  Him,  on  the  present  critical  state  of  Indian  Affairs  on 
the  Frontiers  of  Virginia  and  Pensilvania.  He  had  been  unwell  some  Days,  but  applied 
closely  to  Business,  in  consultation  with  the  Indians  Cheifs,  'till  he  was  obliged  to  call  for 
Assistance  to  get  to  his  Room,  and  expired  soon  after. 

Sir  William  Johnson's  greatest  Abilities,  and  singular  Disposition,  enabled  him  to  acquire 
and  hold  a  greater  Inlluence  among  the  Indians  than  any  other  Knglish  Man  ever  had. —  I  am 
told  he  recommended  his  son  in  law,  Col.  (Juy  Johnson,  to  His  Majesty  to  succeed  him  in  bis 
Department.  The  Col.  took  up  the  remaining  Business  of  the  Congress,  after  Sir  William's 
Death;  and  I  know  no  Person  so  proper  to  succeed  his  Father  in  Law.  By  Sir 
William's  Death  his  Sent  is  vacant  at  the  Council  Table.  I  hope  (iovernor  Tryon  is  now 
with  your  Lordship.     He  is  the  proper  person  to  recommend  for  filling  up  that  vacancy. 

In  my  letter  N"  .1.  I  submitted  to  your  LoHship  my  Opinion,  that  (lovernment  here,  cannot 
prevent  the  frequent  Meetings  of  the  People,  which  have  become  common  everywhere;  and  I 
am  now  convinced  that  if  (lovernment  had  interfer'd,  the  most  violent  men  would  have  gaind 
great  Advantage,  and  woul'  have  prevented  the  acquiescence  in  the  nomination  of  moderate 
Men,  which  has  now  taken  piace,  to  meet  at  the  general  Congress  of  Deputies  from  all  the 
Colonies  proposed  to  be  held  at  Philadelphia  next  Month. 

The  Meeting  of  the  Deiigutes,  I  am  of  opinion,  cannot  be  prevented.  If  they  pursue  only 
such  prudent  measures  as  are  calculated  to  remove  the  distructive  Dissentions  which  subsist 


^% 


486 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


between  Great  Britain  and  her  Colonies,  the  meetings,  the'  illegal,  it  may  be  hoped,  will 
produce  some  good.  Great  pains  has  been  taken  in  the  several  Counties  of  this  Province,  to 
induce  the  People  to  enter  into  Resolves;  and  to  send  Committees  to  join  the  City  Committee; 
but  they  have  only  prevailed  in  Suffolk  County,  in  the  East  End  of  Long  Island,  which  was 
settled  from  Connecticut,  and  the  Inhabitants  still  retain  a  great  similarity  of  manners 
&  sentiments. 

From  a  view  of  the  numerous  Resolves  of  the  People  in  all  the  Colonies,  which  appear  in 
every  news  Paper,  your  Lordship  might  be  led  to  think  a  stupid,  fatal  hardiness  intoxicated  the 
whole.  But  there  are  every  where  many  People  who  are  seriously  alarm'd  at  the  critical 
Posture  of  the  contention  between  Great  Britain  and  her  Colonies.  They  look  forward  with 
deepest  anxiety,  and  would  rejoice  in  any  prudent  Plan  for  restoring  Harmony  and  Security. 
—  Could  it  be  thought  consistent  with  the  wisdom  of  Parliament  to  lay  aside  the  right  of 
raising  money  on  the  Subjects  in  America ;  and  in  lieu  thereof,  that  the  several  American 
Assemblies,  should  grant  and  secure  to  the  Crown,  a  sufficient  and  permanent  supply  to  pay  all 
the  Officers  and  ordinary  Expenses  of  Government;  They  are  of  Opinion  this  would  be  a 
ground  work  upon  which  a  happy  reconciliation  might  be  effected— The  Dependance  of  the 
Colonies  on  Great  Britain  secured.— Go, ernment  maintaind  and  this  Destructive  Contest 
amicably  terminated.  For  this  purpose  they  hope  an  Address  to  His  Majesty  will  be  form'd 
at  the  general  Congres*". 

I  am  with  the  greatest  respect  &  submission 

My  Lord, 

Your  most  obedient  &  faithfull  Servant 

R«  Hou"'.  Earl  of  Dartmouth.  Cadwallader  Golden 


Str 


Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  Governor  Tryon, 

[New-York  Papert  (8.  p.  O.)  CLXVII.] 

New  York  22''  Aug.  1774. 


The  Governors  of  Kings  College  in  New  York  have  desired  that  the  Draft  which  they  have 
made  of  a  Royil  Charter  may  pass  through  my  hands  lo  your  Excellency,  I  make  no  doubt 
you  will  use  your  Influence  with  the  ministry  in  order  to  obtain  it 

The  Dissenters  from  the  Church  of  England  have  the  sole  education,  not  only  in  all  the 
Seminaries  of  Learning  in  the  New  England  Colonies,  but  likewise  in  New  Jersey  and  other 
Colonies.  It  therefore  se*  ms  highly  requisite  that  a  Seminary  on  the  principles  of  the  Church 
of  England  be  distinguished  in  America,  hy  particular  Priviledges  not  only  on  account  of 
Religion  but  of  good  Policy,  to  prevent,  the  growth  of  Republican  Principles  which  already 
to  much  prevail  in  the  Colonies.  But  your  Excellency  is  so  well  acquainted  with  the  Slate  of 
the  Colonies  that  it  is  needless  for  me  to  add  any  thing  more  than  that  1  am  with  the 
greatest  Respect 

Your  Excellency's 

Most  dutifull  &  obedt  Serv' 

His  Excellency  Gov'  Tryon.  Cadwallader  Golden 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


487 


^rl  of  Dartmouth  to  Lkutenant-Governor  Golden. 


(N«  23.) 


[New-Tork,  CLXVI.,  No.  88.] 


ir, 


Whitehall  7'"  Sept'  1774. 


I  have  received  your  letters  of  the  G""  of  July  &  S"*  Aug'  N"  3  &  4.  and  have  laid  them  before 
the  King. 

You  certainly  are  rght  in  thinking  that  it  is  your  Duty  to  transmit  a  particular  Account  of 
all  public  Occurrences  in  the  Province  under  your  Government,  &  you  will  not  fail  to  embrace 
every  opportunity  that  offers  of  writing  to  me. 

The  King  has  seen  with  concern  that  His  Subjects  in  the  different  Colonies  in  North 
America  have  been  induced  upon  the  ground  stated  in  their  different  Resolutions  to  nominate 
Deputies  to  meet  in  general  Congress  at  Piiiladelphia. 

If  the  object  of  this  Congress  be  humbly  to  represent  to  the  King  any  Grievances  they  may 
have  to  complain  of,  or  any  propositions  they  may  have  to  make  on  the  present  state  of  America, 
such  Representations  would  certainly  have  come  from  each  Colony  with  greater  Weight  in  it's 
seperate  Capacity,  than  in  a  channel,  of  the  Fropiietv  and  Legality  of  which  there  may  be 
much  doubt. 

I  fear  however  the  Measure  has  gone  too  far  to  encourage  any  hope  that  it  has  been  retracted, 
&  I  can  only  express  my  Wish  that  the  Result  of  their  Proceedings  may  be  such  as  may  not 
cut  off  all  hope  of  that  Union  with  the  Mother  Country,  which  is  so  essential  to  the  Happiness 
of  both. 

Among  the  many  Objects  that  will  deserve  your  attention  in  the  present  state  of  America, 
the  Contraband  Trade  carried  on  between  New  York  &  Holland  is  not  the  least  important. 
The  number  of  Vessels  that  continually  load  in  Holland  for  that  Province  is  a  Melancholy 
evidence  of  the  extent  of  that  illicit  commerce,  &  it  is  more  particularly  alarming  now  from  the 
Intelligence  received  of  very  large  Quantities  of  Gunpowder  shipped  there  for  New  York. 

My  Information  says  that  the  Polly  Cap'  Benjamin  Broadhelp  bound  from  Amsterdam  to 
Nantucket  has  among  other  Articles  received  on  board  no  less  a  quantity  than  three  Hundred 
thousand  pounds  weight  of  Gunpowder  &  I  have  great  reason  to  believe  that  considerable 
quantities  of  that  commodity  as  well  as  other  Military  stores  are  introduced  into  the  Colonies 
from  Holland  through  the  Channel  of  S'  Eustatia. 

You  will  therefor,  Sir,  with  as  much  Secrecy  and  Prudence  as  possible  endeavour  to  inform 
yourself  of  the  nature  and  extent  of  this  Contraband  Trade  in  General,  &  to  attend  particularly 
to  the  Intelligence  I  now  send  you  with  respect  to  the  Ship  I'olly  Cap'  Benjamin  Broadhelp. 

It  is  most  probable  that  the  object  of  her  voyage  will  be  compleated  before  this  reaches  you  ; 
but  if  any  measures  can  be  fallen  upon  that  may  lead  to  a  Discovery  of  the  Circumstances 
above  stated,  it  will  be  of  great  Use,  &  may  possibly  suggest  a  means  of  putting  a  stop  to  so 
dangerous  a  Correspondence. 


I  am  &c" 


Lieutenant  Governor  Colden. 


Dartmi  jth 


488 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


IS. 


iV6 


Lieutenant-Governor  Golden  to  the  Earl  of  DartmoutJt. 

[New- York,  CLXVI.,  No. 5.] 

New  York  7'''  September  1774. 


My  Lord, 

I  have  the  honor  of  your  Lordship's  Letter  of  the  G""  July  N»  21. 

The  Destruction  of  Captain  Chamber's  Tea  was  so  unexpected  and  sudden,  that  no  measures 
could  be  pieviously  thought  of  to  prevent  it. 

Afterwards,  the  Gentlemen  of  Property,  and  principal  Merchants  attended  the  Meetings 
of  the  Populace,  when  cali'd  together  by  their  former  Demagogues,  who  thereby  have  lost 
their  influence,  and  are  neglected.  The  Populace  are  now  directed  by  Men  of  different 
Principles,  and  who  have  much  at  stake.  Many  papers  have  been  publishd  in  this  City,  to 
expose  the  Measures  which  had  been  proposed  by  the  former  Demagogues,  in  opposition 
to  Government.— Men  now  speak  and  publish  Sentiments,  in  favour  of  Government,  and  argue 
upon  the  political  subjects  of  the  Times,  with  much  greater  freedom  and  security  than  has 
been  known  here  for  some  years  past,  which  I  hope  is  a  sign,  that  the  licentious  spirit  which 
hasgovern'd  the  People  to  their  great  Disgrace,  is  check'd.  — We  have  no  more  burning  of 
Effigies,  or  puling  cut-throat  papers  under  Peoples  Doors.  I  hope  I  am  not  deceived  in 
thinking  that  the  People  of  this  Province  will  cautiously  avoid  giving  any  new  offence  to  the 
Parliament,  but  great  Numbers,  are  so  fluctuating,  that  some  unexpected  Incident  may  produce 
bad  effects. — 

The  Five  Gentlemen  whom  I  formerly  inform'd  your  Lordship,  were  appointed  by  this  City 
to  be  their  Deligates  at  the  general  Congress,  went  to  Philadelphia,  the  place  of  meeting  last 
Week.  — Seven  Counties  of  th.s  Province,  neither  appointed  Deligates  for  themselves  nor 
concur'd  in  the  choise  made  by  the  City;  and  two  Counties  have  sent  Deligates  of  their 
own.— I  found  the  City  Deligates  were  embarrassed  by  this  Dissention  of  the  I'eople. 

You  may  be  assured,  my  Lord,  that  I  will  grant  none  of  the  Lands  reserved  for  the 
Garrisons  of  Crown  Point  or  Ticonderoga ;  but  I  am  inform'd  that  Lord  Dunmore,  while  in 
this  Government,  granted  the  Land  reserved  for  the  use  of  the  Garrison  at  Crown  Point,  to 
Adolphus  Benzeil,  an  Officer  of  the  Army  and  Assistant  Engineer;  and  that  there  is  a  Clause 
in  the  Pattent,  that  he  shall  surrender  the  Land,  whenever  the  King  shall  require  it  for  the 
use  of  his  Garrison.     In  the  meantime  the  Firewood  may  be  cut  off. 

I  am  with  entire  submission 

My  Lord 

Your  Most  faithfull 

and  Obedient  Servant 
R'  Hon"'-  Earl  of  Dartmouth  Cadwali.ader  Colden 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV.  4gg 

Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Colonel  Ouy  Johnson. 

[  FlanUUoiM  Oenaral,  CCLX.  ] 

Whitehall  8'*  Sept'  1774. 
Sir. 

A  few  days  ago  I  received  your  letter  dated  Johnson  Hall  July  IS"-  1774,  rontaining  an 
Account  of  the  death  of  Sir  William  Johnson  on  the  7'*  of  that  Month,  and  by  a  New  York 
Mail  that  arrived  yesterday  I  received  your  letter  of  the  ab'"  of  July,  inclosing  copy  of  the 
Proceedings  with  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians  in  the  late  Congress. 

These  letters  have  been  iaid  before  the  King,  and  His  Majesty  was  graciously  pleased  to 
express  His  concern  for  the  loss  of  so  able  and  faithful  a  servant  and  to  command  me  to  jiguify 
to  you  His  Majesty's  pleasure  that  you  do  for  the  present,  and  until  the  state  of  the  Indian 
Department  can  be  further  considered,  continue  to  act  as  His  Mojesty's  Agent  to  His  faithful 
sub-  c«8  and  allies  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians,  with  the  like  allowance  and  emolument  enjoyed 
by  Sir  William  Johnson,  under  the  Commission  granted  to  him  for  that  Office  in  the 
year  1764. 

I  am  &« 

M' Guy  Johnson.  Dirtjouth 


Colonel  Ouy  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

I  ritntaiioM  Ooniiral,  CCLX.  ] 

.,    ,      ,  Guy  Park  Sept'  lO*""  1774. 

My  Lord, 

I  am  just  honor'd  with  your  Lordship's  Dispatch  of  C"  July  (N»  9)  to  the  late  Sir  Wm. 
Johnson  my  father  in  Law,  whose  sudden  Death  during  the  July  Congress,  I  communicated  an 
Account  of  in  the  letter  which  I  had  the  Honor  to  address  to  you-  Lordship  on  the  12'*  of 
thai  Month  with  the  steps  I  had  taken  in  consequence  thereof ;  my  next  which  was  of  the 
26""  July  was  accompanied  with  a  copy  of  the  principal  transactions  at  that  Congress,  and 
General  Gage's  Direction  to  take  upon  me  the  Superintendancy  of  Indian  Affairs  until  His 
Majesty's  Pleasure  should  be  signified  on  the  recommendations  in  my  favor,  and  the  particular 
one  made  at  the  desire  of  the  Indians  by  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  in  his  letter  to  your  Lordship  of 
the  17'"  April  last  (N"  7.).— 

In  Sir  Wm.  Johnson's  last  letter  to  your  Lordship  which  was  of  the  20'*  June  (N"  9)  he  gave 
his  opinion  fully  on  the  extravagance  &  disorderly  behavior  of  the  Frontier  Virginians,  and  the 
consequences  they  were  likely  to  produce,  the  death  of  one  of  the  Seneca  Prisoners  and  his 
intention  to  release  the  other  which  has  been  since  done  with  the  approbation  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief. 

The  Conduct  of  the  Frontier  Inhabitants  to  the  Southward  is  not  only  the  source  of  great 
discontent  amongst  the  Indians  but  is  highly  disagreeable  to  the  other  Colonists  whose  Frontiers 
fcCare  theieby  endangered,  Of  this  Sir  W.  Johnson  appeared  truly  sensible  in  his  last  dispatch 
to  your  Lordship  where  he  observes  that  under  the  Circumstances  he  stated  "  he  feared  the 
most  that  could  be  done  was  to  prevent  the  Evil  from  being  too  general,  to  encourage 
Vol.  VIII.  gg 


490 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


:•.  u 


,1' ' 


'■'j 


11 


the  fidelity  of  those  Nations  on  whom  lie  could  rely,  with  those  ihiit  would  joyn  them  &  secure 
ns  much  of  the  Frontiers  ns  possible  from  Incursion."  &c.  I  trust  my  Lord  it  appears  that 
since  [  have  had  the  honor  to  [be]  Superintendant  [of]  this  difficult  Department,  no:  withstanding 
many  additionally  aggravatinj,'  Circumstances  affairs  do  not  wear  a  worse  aspect. 

Soon  after  my  last  Dispatch  I  received  accounts  that  the  Shawanese  and  their  Confederates 
had  sent  Belts  with  Messengers  to  the  Nations  living  about  Lakes  Huron,  Michigan  &c«  to 
invite  them  to  take  up  the  Hatchet  &  joyn  them  against  the  English  who  they  complained  had 
began  their  attack  from  Virginia  but  that  they  apprehended  it  would  be  general.  — Some  of  the 
Nations  to  the  Westward,  with  those  who  had  attended  to  the  advice  of  the  Chief  Kayashota, 
rejected  their  application,  f  iu-y  then  sent  3  Deputys  to  Onondaga  to  sollicit  the  aid  of  the 
Six  Nation  Warriors  claiming  their  right  of  protection,  but  as  I  had  reason  to  suspect  they 
would  take  this  measure,  and  that  several  of  the  Upper  Senecas  who  had  lost  their  Friends 
when  Cressop  first  attacked  the  Shawanese,  were  full  of  resentment,  I  imediately  dispatched 
some  persons  of  Weight  &  Character  with  proper  Belts  thro'  all  the  Confederacy,  advising 
them  to  shut  their  ■  irs  against  those  who  might  endeavor  to  seduce  them  from  their 
Engagements,  ana  to  regard  only  the  Council  of  their  own  Chiefs,  &  that  which  they  should 
receive  from  this  Council  Fire,  where  I  attended  to  their  true  Interests;  RIy  Messengers 
fortunately  arrived  at  Onondaga  b.-fore  the  Shawanese  Deputys,  which  proved  a  great  Check 
to  those  who  were  inflamed  by  the  late  losses ;  The  result  was  that  the  Shav.anese  Dep'"  were 
told,  they  must  e.xpect  no  assistance  from  them,  That  they  the  Six  Nations  should  in  a  few 
weeks  hold  a  general  Congress  of  the  whole  Confederacy,  when  they  would  take  proper 
measures  for  promoting  peace,  to  which  they  expected  all  Nations  would  pay  regard. 

The  Principal  Chiefs  of  each  nation  are  now  on  their  way  down  to  consult  me  respecting 
their  measures  at  the  ensuing  Congress,  I  shall  take  care  to  prepare  them  accordingly,  and 
shall  take  every  other  necessary  step  for  rendering  it  of  much  importance  at  this  time,  wher^' j- 
the  Frontier  Inhabitants  (who  have  been  much  alarmed)  will  recr.ver  themselves  ..id  the 
Shawanese  Sec'  be  convinced  that  they  will  meet  with  opposition  rather  than  cour'  nance  from 
the  Six  Nations.  —  I  have  constantly  laid  all  material  occurrences  before  th  Commander  in 
Chief,  and  I  have  good  hopes  that  my  endeavors  will  produce  a  more  f  vorable  issue  at  this 
juncture  than  may  be  expected.  But,  .My  Lord,  I  labor  under  gr^p.,  d=  .vantage  in  the  Exercise 
of  my  Interest  &  Influence  at  this  time  from  the  uncertainty  oi"  my  continuance  in  Office  which 
jays  a  great  restraint  on  me  in  several  matters,  and  renders  many  of  our  most  faithfull  Indians 
irresolute  &  uneasy.  I  am  sensible  ihat  this  is  unavoidable  at  present  and  I  have  endeavored 
to  do  every  thing  conaiaent  with  the  nature  of  my  tenure,  or  rather  more  when  the  service 
required  it. 

My  Lord,  I  was  peculiarly  circumstanced  when  I  undertook  the  Office,  The  Southern  Indians 
had  been  Struck  (as  they  term  it)  they  formed  alliances,  carried  bitter  complaints  to  the  Six 
Nations  who  had  likewise  suffered  loss  in  that  affair.  The  Northern  Indians  were  all  alarm'd, 
&  full  of  resentment;  At  this  Critical  Period  Sir  William  Jolinson  the  object  of  public  hope  to 
whom  the  Governors  had  wrote  in  the  most  earnest  terms  suddenly  died,  the  consequences 
were  obvious  to  *.!!  peisons  conversant  in  the  stale  of  the  Country  or  of  the  Indians; 
I  imediately  sent  Celts  and  Messengers  to  prevent  the  effects  and  to  tell  them  that  the  Fire 
ttillburn'd,  after  which  I  gave  the  Cliiels  as  promising  an  account  as  the  exigency  required.  St. 
went  thro'  buisness  as  usual  assuming  all  Expenses  &c"  'till  I  received  the  General's  letter  that 
he  had  wrote  in  my  favor,  with  orders  to  continue  in  Olfire  'till  his  Majesty's  pleasure  was 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


401 


signified;  Since  wliicli  1  have  done  all  that  the  service  required,  with  good  success,  and  I 
trust  that  before  the  receipt  of  the  Re  -.1  Dett-rmination  I  shall  be  enabled  to  do  justice  to  Sir 
W.  Johnson's  warm  recommendation  me,  by  transmitting  a  very  agreable  account  of  the 
fidelity  of  the  Northern  Indians, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  great  respect 
My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient 

and  most  humble  Servant, 

G  Johnson 

I  have  received  M'  Chews  Warrant  for  Sec^  of  Ind"  AfTairs.and  I  take  the  liberty  ofinclosing 
a  Copy  of  Sir  Wni.  Johnson's  Letter  N»  7.  attested  by  Sir  John  Johnson,  the  original  was  sent 
off,  a  few  days  before  his  Dispatch  of  the  2"  of  May.— I  shall  acquaint  the  Indians  with  M' 
Chew's  appointment. 

The  R'  hon"'"  The  Earl  of  Dartmouth 


Thniievanf- Governor  Colden  to  (he  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 


(N" 


[Now-Tork,  CLXVI.,  No.  6.] 


,,     ,      .  New  York.  4""  October  1774. 

My  Lord, 

The  enclosed  C^^y  of  a  Petition,  and  affuJevit,  laid  before  me  and  the  Council,  will  inform 
your  Lnrda'-.lp,  iiow  much  His  Majesty's  peaceable  Subjects  in  a  part  of  the  Province  mentioned 
ill  the  Petition  are  mollested  and  insulted,  by  a  lawless  sett  of  Men  who  at  first  settled  there 
under  a  claim  imide  by  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire;  but  since  they  have  been 
disown'd  by  that  Government,  they  will  pay  obedience  to  none  — assume  all  power  to 
themselves— chuse  Magestrates,  erect  Courts  and  inflict  punishments  &c.  — Fugitives  from  all 
the  ne'gi'bouring  Governments  resort  thither,  so  thatthey  are  now  become  a  numerous  and 
uMii-'drous  Body  of  Banditti,  which  is  every  Day  encrensing.  The  Council  advised  me  to 
apply  to  General  Gage  for  Military  Assistance  to  preserve  the  Peac-  only  :  His  answer  is  that, 
General  Haldimand,  had,  on  a  similar  Requisition,  declined  giving  any  Military  Assistance, 
and  his  refusal  had  been  approved  of  by  His  Majesty's  Ministers,  and  for  that  reason  he 
declined  giving  any  Assistance. 

My  Lord,  this  Body  of  lawless  men,  fugitives  from  all  parts,  daily  increasing,  may  soon 
become  very  dangerous,  by  encouraging  the  worst  of  Men  to  resort  thither,  and  to  stand  in 
defiance  of  Law  and  (Jovernment;  I  therefore  humbly  conceive  it  deserves  your  Lordships 
immediate  attention.  The  first  settlers  from  New  Hampshire,  and  the  leading  men  among 
them,  pretend  that  they  have  Encouragement  from  their  Agent  in  England,  that  your  Lordship 
entertains  a  favourable  Opinion  of  their  claim  and  pretensions,  but  I  um  persuaded  they  can 
have  no  foundation  for  such  hopes. 

The  greatest  part  of  the  lands  those  troublesome  people  are  settled  on,  my  Lord,  have  been 
granted  by  this  Government,  to  reduced  Officers  and  disbanded  Soldiers  of  His  Majesty's  Army 


492 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


who  served  the  last  War  in  America,  in  obedience  to  the  Royal  Proclamation  of  the  7'*  October 
1763.  I  hardly  need  to  mention  to  your  Lordship  that  where  the  lands  are  private  Property, 
dispute  of  title  can  only  be  determined  in  the  Courts  of  Justice.  The  Pattentees  under  New 
York,  those  who  hold  by  Military  Grants,  as  well  as  others  who  have  Pattents  in  the  common 
Way,  think  their  title  is  indubitably  good.  The  Governors  of  this  Colony  have  had  full 
authority  to  gr^int  the  lands  quite  to  the  West  Bank  of  the  Connecticut  River,  ever  since  the 
Duke  of  York  received  his  grant  of  the  Colony.  A  dread  of  the  French  and  Indians  from 
Canada,  prevented  for  many  years,  any  grants  or  settlements  being  made  in  that  part  of  this 
Province  where  these  People  are  now  settled.  The  Governor  of  New  Hampshire  who  never 
had  authority  to  grant  one  Foot  of  Land  West  of  Connecticut  River,  his  Government  being 
bounded  to  the  Westward  by  his  Majesty's  other  Governments,  finding  this  Country  aa 
uninhabited  Desert,  upon  the  peace  after  the  War  before  the  last,  laid  hold  of  the  opportunity, 
and  in  a  very  short  time  granted  away  this  extensive  tract  of  country,  down  to  the  waters  of 
Wood  Creek  and  Lake  Champlain.  A  full  information,  has  been  different  Times,  transmitted 
to  your  Lordship  and  your  Predecessors  in  Office,  of  the  very  unjustifiable  manner  in  which 
those  grants  were  made,  in  defiance  of  the  earliest  Notice  from  this  Government  that 
Connecticut  River  was  our  Boundary.  Your  Lordship  is  possess'd  of  such  ample  Information 
on  this  subject,  that  I  will  not  presume  to  trouble  you  with  any  thing  more  upon  it  now,  but 
to  repeat  my  humble  opinion  of  the  necessity  there  is  that  these  lawless  People  should  be 
discouraged  from  entertaining  any  Hopes,  but  in  the  Judgements  of  the  Courts  of  Justice  ; 
where  only  the  Property  of  the  Subjects  can  be  determined 

I  am  with  most  entire  submission 
My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  faithfull 

&  obedient  Servant, 

K'  Hon''''  Earl  of  Dartmouth  Cabwallaoek  Colden. 


f    % 


Zieutenant  -  Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 


N»7. 


[New- York,  CLXVI.,  No.  I.] 


New  York.  6""  October  1774. 
My  Lord, 

I  have  received  your  Lordship's  Commands  N"  22,  and  in  obedience  thereto,  have  publishd 
in  the  usual  manner.  His  Majesty's  Disallowance  of  the  Act  pass'd  here  in  February  1773. 

By  my  letter  of  the  7""  of  September,  your  Lordship  would  find  I  entertain'd  Hopes  that  the 
People  of  this  Province  would  adopt  moderate  Measures,  and  avoid  giving  any  new  offence  to 
the  Parliament.  —  I  knew  such  was  the  sentiments  of  the  Farmers  and  Country  People  in 
general,  who  make  a  great  majority  of  the  Inhabitants.  I  had  a  confidential  conference  with 
one  of  the  Deligates  from  this  City  to  the  Congress  now  met  at  Philadelphia,  who  I  thought 
had  as  much  Influence  as  any  from  this  Place,  and  he  gave  me  assurance  of  his  Disposition 
being  similar. 


'0. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


498 


A  great  Deal  of  pnins  has  been  taken  to  perswade  the  Counties  to  chuse  Delegates  for  the 
Congress,  or  to  adopt  those  sent  by  this  City.  Several  of  the  Counties  have  refused  to  be 
concernd  ,n  the  Measures.     In  Queens  County,  where  I  have  a  House  and  reside  the  Summer 

firr"'.^"  i^''T  "°' ''''"  ^°'  '°  ^^'''  ^°''  '^'  P"^P°«« '  »"d  the  Inhabitants  remain 

firm  m  the.r  Resdut.on  not  to  join  in  the  Congress.  In  the  Counties  that  have  join'd  in  the 
Measures  of  the  CUy,  I  am  informd  that  the  Business  has  been  done  by  a  very  few  Persons, 
who  took  upon  themselves  to  act  for  the  Freeholders.  A  Gentleman  who  was  present  when 
the  Dehgates  were  chosen  in  Orange  County,  says  there  was  not  twenty  Persons  at  the 
Meeting  tho  there  are  above  a  thousand  Freeholders  in  that  County:  and  I  am  told  the  case 
was  similar  in  other  Counties  that  are  said  to  have  join'd  in  the  Congress. 

The  violent  men  in  this  City,  who  lost  the  Lead  among  the  People,  when  the  Committee  of 
61  were  appointed,  as  mention'd  in  my  former  Letters  to  your  Lordship,  hoped  they  had  got 
an  opportunity  to  regain  their  importance,  and  to  throw  the  City  into  Confusion  on  Occasion 
ot  Orders  which  were  received  by  some  of  our  Merchants  to  furnish  Articles  wanted  by  the 
Army  at  Boston.  These  violent  Men,  last  Week  call'd  a  Meeting  of  the  Citizens,  which  few, 
but  the  lower  Class  of  People  attended,  and  not  a  great  many  of  them:  yet  they  had  the 
Impudence  to  send  a  Committee  to  the  Merchants  who  were  engaged  in  supplying  the  Articles 
wanted  for  the  Army  at  Boston,  with  a  very  Impertinent  Message,  and  endeavourd  to  deter 
tliem,  and  all  others,  from  furnishing  the  Army  any  Transports  with  any  thing  whatever. 
These  ManoDuvers  occasion'd  some  Bustle  among  the  People  for  a  few  Days,  and  obliged  the 
Committee  of  61  to  desire  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  on  Friday  last,  when  a  large  body  of 
the  principal  People  and  Merchants  appear'd,  and  declared  that  those  who  had  taken  upon 
them  to  threaten  the  Merchants,  had  acted  without  any  Authority  from  the  Public,  and  that 
they  highly  disapproved  of  their  Conduct ;  which  has  once  more  silenced  the  turbulent  factious 
few,  who  are  never  easy,  when  the  People  are  quiet  and  orderly.  The  Merchants  now  go  on 
compleating  their  orders  without  further  Interruption. 

It  is  my  Duty  to  give  your  Lordship  the  best  Information  I  am  able,  of  the  Disposition  of 
the  People  of  this  Province.  With  this  view  I  mention  the  most  material  transactions  among 
them.  It  IS  extreamly  Difficult  at  such  times  to  give  an  opinion  of  what  may  happen.  The 
most  trifling  unforeseen  incident  may  produce  the  greatest  Events.  I  have  already  said,  my 
Lord,  that  I  am  well  assured  almost  the  whole  Inhabitants  in  the  Counties  wish  for  moderate 
measures.  They  think  the  Dispute  with  Creat  Britain  is  carried  far  enough,  and  abhor  the 
thoughts  of  pushing  it  to  desperate  Lengths.  In  the  City  a  large  Majority  of  the  People  wish 
that  a  Non -importation  agreement  may  not  be  proposed;  and  were  very  much  surpriaed  on 
finding  that  such  a  Measure  would  probably  be  resolved  on  by  the  Congress.  I  have  some 
hopes  that  our  Merchants  will  avoid  a  Non -importation  agreement  even  if  proposed  by  the 
Congress.  I  am  certain  a  majority  of  the  most  considerable  are  convinced  it  is  a  wrong 
Measure,  and  wish  not  to  come  into  it,  but  whether  they  will  have  resolution  enough  to  oppose 
the  Sentiments  of  all  the  other  Colonies,  can  only  be  known  when  they  are  put  to  the  tryal. 

The  Speeches  in  Parliament,  and  other  inflammatory  Papers  pubiish'd  in  London,  and 
reprinted  in  America,  make  the  worst  Impression  on  the  minds  of  the  People.  They  are 
opposed  in  this  Place  by  publishing  more  Papers  in  favour  of  Administration,  and  against 
Measures  which  must  be  offensive  to  Parliament,  than  in  all  the  other  Colonies  put  together. 


J:, J' 


i        »! 


494 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I  I 


The  Pamphlet  which  1  received  under  cover  from  your  Lordship's  OfTice,  in  Defence  of  the 
Quebec  Bill  is  reprinted  here.' 

Sir  John  Johnson  has  desired  me  to  inform  yonr  Lordship  that  he  is  desirous  of  being 
appointed  of  the  Council  of  this  ['rovince,  in  place  of  his  Father,  deceased.  —  Sir  William 
Johnson  has  deserved  so  much  by  his  great  and  indefatipable  Services,  that  I  make  no  doubt 
of  your  Lordships  Inclinations  to  give  such  an  Instance  of  His  Majesty's  favour  to  the  Son  of 
so  worthy  a  Man,  Sir  John  e.xci  ;r  his  not  makeing  an  earlier  application,  by  reason  of  his 
affliction  on  the  sudden  Loss  of  so  affectionate  a  I'.irent.  —  As  Governor  Tryon  is  in  England,  I 
did  not  intend  to  trouble  your  Lordship  with  my  Recommendation  on  this  Subject,  but  I  could 
not  reject  such  a  Request,  from  the  Son  of  my  old  and  much  esteem'd  FViend. 
I  am  with  entire  submission 
My  Lord 

V'oiir  Lordship's 

most  faithfull  and 

obedient  Servant 
R'  Hon''''  Karl  of  Dartmou(h.  Cadwaij-ader  Colbkn 


i 


No  4.) 


Colonel  Otiy  Johnson  to  the  l^kirl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  Planlilloiii  Oenrral,  CCLX.  ] 

Guy  Park  Oct'  ()"■  1774 


My  Lord, 

In  my  last  of  the  O**  Ult"  after  mentioning  wiiat  occurred  respecting  alliiirs  I  acquainted  your 
Lordship  that  the  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations  were  on  their  wny  to  conferr  with  me  respected  the 
measures  to  be  pursued  at  the  proposed  CJeneral  Congress  at  Onondaga  ;  Imediatef;.  alter  writing, 
the  Indians  arrived  at  Johnstown  to  the  number  of  2-ib  Chiefs  and  Warriors,  and  I  have  now  the 
honor  ot  transmitting  herewith  a  copy  of  the  Proceedings  at  the  Congress  with  them  which 
luste<l  till  the  L't)"*  ult"  &  which  has  terminated  much  to  my  satisfaction,  ami  I  am  persuaded 
greatly  to  the  advantage  of  the  Public.  The  Indians  present  were  the  lirsl  Men  throughout 
the  Confederacy  as  to  character,  fidelity  &  inlluence,  and  some  of  them  persons  in  whom  Sir 
William  Johnson  had  reposed  an  entire  contidence,  whose  loss  they  sincerely  regretted,  and 
then  proceeded  to  express  their  satisfaction,  at  finding  their  Alliiirs  conducted  by  n)e  as  they 
had  desired  and  wished,  after  which  they  laid  belore  me  the  Great  Old  Helt  of  Union,  with 
the  succeeding  ones  for  strengthening  the  same,  &  some  othera,  nil  lending  to  shew  their 
resolutions  to  act  faithfully  and  be  governed  by  my  advice,  as  they  had  b>  en  by  Sir  William 
Johnson's,  In  short  the  advice  I  gave  them  in  Public,  as  well  as  in  private  audiences,  (not 
inserted  in  the  prucedings,)  and  their  assurances  thereon  will  I  trust  prove  an  efl'ectual  means 
of  rendering  their  Measures  at  the  Council  ut  Onondaga  of  much  advantage  to  the  Public  liy 

'  I'robiilily  llii'  lino  rntitloi]  :  "  Tlic  .Itulk'f  mii)  I'.i  i.y  iif  tin'  l«ti<  Ai'l  nf  I'mHiiiniul  for  iimkint;  iiinrr  ciri'olii/il  pruvUiiiii 
for  llie  lioVftiiiiifiit  iif  tliB  l'rii\  iiioi'  of  l^iu-l),'!-,  iuh.t;.  1  hikI  |iriiVfil  j  aiiij  tli«  comluol  «f  Ilia  ii<liiiinl>traliuii  rrniiwliiig  tli«l 
I'ruvlaos,  ittl«il  tad  viuJie»t«tl.  jio.  LunJun.  1774."  Itich.  —  Eu. 


D 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


495 


I 


uniting  tliem  in  such  resolutions  as  sliall  intimidute  those  Tribes  who  thro'  the  conduct  of  the 
Virginiiins  have  disturbed  the  Fronliers. 

Two  days  after  the  Departure  of  the  Six  Nations,  Kaijasfwtu  the  great  Ohio  Chief,  who  hud 

been  sent  on  an  Embassy  by  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  returned  to  report  it's  issue  which  had  proved 

as  successful!  as  could  be  expected  after  the  obstruction  occasioned  by  the  Virginia  banditti, 

several  of  the  Nations  thro'  which  he  passed  iiaving  given  him  assurances  of  their  readiness  to 

Tei\ucethei^hi\wi\neseto]mnceprovidednofarlher  attempts  irere  made  by  the  English  that  might 

prove  alarming,  they  likewise  agreed  to  call  all  their  Chiefs  to  the  General  Council  Fire  early 

in  the  Spring  to  enter  upon  general  and  conclusive  measures;  On  hearing  of  Sir  VV.  Johnson's 

death  and  that  I  acted  as  Super  Intendant  they  transmitted  3  Belts  by  him  to  assure  me  of 

their  friendship,  and  that  they  would  unite  with  the  Six  Nations  in  following  my  advice,     Tlio 

Jk'lls  he  has  delivered  to  the  Mohock  Chiefs  to  be  laid  before  the  (General  Council,  and  he  will 

imediately  return  to  Oliio  charged  with    belts  from    me  to    the  Nations  there,   acquainting 

them  with  the  steady  resolutions  of  the  Northern  Indians,  and   with  my  Intention  to  pursue 

such  measures,  and  afibrd  them  such  advice  as  they  have  hitherto  found  to  he  for  their  benefit, 

1  have  also  fully  explained  the  Ambition  &  views  of  the  Slmwanese  &  their  allies  in  such  a 

manner  as  the  necessity  of  the  ''ues  require.     These  latter  must  sue  for  peace  finding  thcnisrlves 

unsupported  by   the  Six   Naiiuiis,  but  the   Virginians  having   lands  for    their  ol)ject  neither 

consider  their  own  frontiers  or  the  state  of  their  neighbors,  and  1  am  well  assured  that  3000 

men   are  proposed  to   be  raised   there    to  march   imediately    against  the  Shawanese,  at  the 

lixpeuse  of  4:70,000  that  currency,  as  these  people  are  few  in  number,  so  large  &  expensive 

a  body  may  confirm  the  reports  thut  circulate  amongst  the  h\il\i\i\a  of  i\  gmeial  ih sign  against 

their  liberties  which  may  produce  very  serious  effects,  or  at  least  interest  many  Warriors  in 

the  defence  of  a  people  whom  they  consider  as  the  first  victims  in  a  common  cause,  however  I 

shall  use  all  my  endeavors  to  prevent  this  as  far  as  is  possible.     From  my  knowledge  that  the 

French  left  many  belts   amongst  the   Indians  &    transmitted    others  thro'   Agents    who    are 

Canadians  which  thro'  prudent  management  were  defeated  in  their  object  I  sho''  incline  to  pay 

little  regard  to  those  remaining;  the  Agents  concerned,  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  glanced  at  in  liia 

letter  of  May  last  N"  S.  but  thro'  delicacy  declined  giving  names  on  Indian  Kvideuce,  however 

convincing  to  himself,  Vet  as  a  circumstantinl  account  had  been  given  of  the  belt  your  l.onlship 

mentioned  to  Sir  William,  I  imediately  made  some  enquirys  which  produced  the  French  axe 

belt  I  have  now  the  honor  to  send  herewith,  and  which  is  the  only  one  remaining  amongst  the 

lower    Nations;    some   of    tlie   particulars    regarding    it    are    mentioned    near    the    close  of 

the  proceedings  that  accompany  this,  and  I  am  persuaded  the  Indians  have  spoken  with  candor 

in  their  acco'  of  it,  hut  allho'  a  neglected  belt,  the  circumstance  of  their  delivering  it  up  which 

they  did  inform  the  other  day  will  have  a  good  effect  on  the  ill  disposed,  and  1  have  already 

made  a  proper  use  of  it. 

As  the  hearer  M'  I'hyn,  a  Merch'  of  good  credit  and  most  fair  character  is  returning  to 
I<ondon,  I  shall  commit  these  dispatches,  and  War  helti  to  his  care  to  bo  delivered  to  your 
liordship  in  order  to  be  laid  behire  his  Majesty,  and  I  thought  it  a  good  opportunity,  as  this 
(ienlleman's  extensive  aeiiuaiiitance  v.ith  the  back  Country,  &  his  strict  integrity  emibles 
him  to  answer  any  occuring  (iuesiions  in  the  compaii  of  hi*  knowledge  in  a  candid  & 
satisfactory  manner. 

i  have  the  honor  to  be  with  much  respect.  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordiliip's  most  obedient  and  most  laithfull  humble  serv' 

fi.  Johnson 


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Oct.  IS""  Since  writing  the  foregoing  I  have  received  a  letter  from  L»  Col.  Caldwell  of  the 
8""  Reg'  which,  as  it  contains,  the  substance  of  his  inquiries  at  Niagara,  corresponding  with  my 
own,  I  judged  it  fitting  to  lay  before  your  Lordship  with  the  Inclosure  he  referrs.to,  of  which 
I  lately  received  an  acco'  from  the  Indians  &  am  endeavoring  to  trace  it  out. 

G.  J. 

Th  R'  honble. 

The  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 


•,"..'- 


Iv! 


}      V 


t 


Proceedings  of  Colonel  Ony  Johnson,  with  the  Six  Nations. 

I  PlinUilloni  Orneril,  CCLX.  ] 

Proceedings  at  a  Meeting  with  the  Chiefs  &  Warriors  of  the  Six  Nations  held  at 
Johnstown  in  September  1771. 

Present —  Col.  Guy  Johnson  Superintendant. 

Joseph  Chew  Esq'  Sec''  to  Indian  Affairs. 
John  Butler  Esq'  Interpreter. 
John  Dease  Esq    M.  D. 
with  several  Gent" 

P.  M.— The  Bunt  Chief  of  Onondaga  with  Tagnusirunte  the  Speaker  Deiaquandn,  head 
Warrior,  &  Sayenqueraghta,  &  other  principal  men  desired,  and  had  a  private  Interview  with 
Col.  Johnson,  to  whom  after  usual  salutations,  &  giving  thanks  to  the  Great  Spirit  for  enabling 
them  to  meet,  they  expressed  iheir  great  concern  for  the  death  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  &  for 
their  absence  at  that  time.  The  Bunt  then  recapitulated  the  many  instances  he  had  of  Sir 
William's  friendship  and  confidence,  the  effects  it  produced,  &  his  firm  resolution  to  act  with  the 
same  fidelity  towards  Col.  Johnson,  whose  Appointment  afforded  him,  and  all  that  Nation, 
the  greatest  satisfaction,  as  they  were  sensible  of  his  thorough  knowledge  of  their  affairs,  and 
capacity  to  superintend  them. 

To  which  Col.  Johnson  answered  in  a  few  words,  thanking  the  Onondagas  for  all  they  had 
said,  professing  his  particular  regard  for,  &  attaclMnent  to  that  respectable  nation,  founded  on 
his  particular  knowledge  of  their  conduct,  &  of  Sir  William's  peculiar  good  opinion  of  thent. 
After  which  Deiaquanda  a  Chief  who  had  long  enjoyed  Sir  William's  particular  confidence, 
arose  &  said. 

Brother, 

Though  full  of  the  deepest  sorrow  for  our  late  severe  loss,  n  loss  which  not  only  we,  l,i  t  all 
the  English  must  in  our  opinion  feel,  I  cannot  help  expressing  the  pleasure  I  feel  in  seeing  you 
net  in  his  place,  without  which  we  are  all  p.-rsuaded  nothing  cou'd  be  seen,  but  Confusion. 
The  hope  of  seeing  you  acting  in  this  Situation  was  my  sole  Comfort,  alter  losing  my  great 

friend,  who  reposed  his  greatest  Secrets  in  me,  and  to  whom  I  made  always  the  like  return, 

And  now.  Brother.  I  shall,  to  shew  you  my  disposition  towards  you,  communicnie  n  circumstance 
that  ho  mentioned  to  me  in  private  conference  about  three  years  ngoe,  when  he  was  very  much 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV, 


497 


indisposed,  on  which  Occasion  I  cou'd  not  help  expressing  my  apprehensions  for  his  safety, 
and  my  uneasiness  for  the  consequences  in  case  of  his  sudden  death,  unless  yourself,  with 
whose  abilities  1  was  acquainted,  was  empowered  to  act  in  his  Office.  — He  then  told  me  not 
to  be  concerned  at  the  Event  of  an  Accident  with  which  his  ill  state  of  health  threatened  him, 
for  that  you  who  enjoyed  his  particular  confidence,  and  knew  all  his  affairs,  would  doubtless 
act  in  his  p.ace,  that  therefore  whenever  I  shou'd  hear  of  his  death,  I  shou'd  use  my  influence 
to  assure  the  Indians  that  they  wou'd  not  be  neglected,  and  to  make  them  sit  still,  after  which 
1  should  come  down  to  you,  or  in  case  of  accident  to  Col.  Claus  his  other  Deputy,  when  I 
should  receive  particular  information,  but  that  he  trusted  and  expected  that  you  wou'd  succeed 
him.— These,  Brother,  were  his  words,  which  he  afterwards  repeated  more  than  once  to 
myself,  and  be  assured  that  this  comforted  me  greatly  when  I  heard  of  his  death,  &  encouraged 
me  to  go  amongst  the  Indians,  and  to  keep  their  heads  from  being  turned,  without  which  they 
would  certainly  have  gone  astray,— for  we  lost  him  at  a  dangerous  time,  when  the  White 
People  had  made  the  Indians  to  the  Southward  mad,  and  had  alarmed  us  all,  and  filled  us 

with  discontent Brother,  I  tell  you  this  as  an  assurance  of  my  Love,  &  of  my  inclination  to 

confide  in  you,  as  much  as  I  did  in  your  great  Father  in  Law.  &  as  he  did  in  me,  which  was 
attended  with  many  advantages  both  to  the  English,  and  to  the  Indians.  I  enter  warmly  into 
your  friendship,  and  shall  communicate  many  other  material  things  to  you,  in  confidence,  that 
as  you  know  his  Rules  and  Ours,  you  will  do  the  same,  &  walk  in  his  steps. 

He  then  advanced,  &  saluted  Col.  Johnson  who  answered  him.— 

Brother,  It  is  a  mark  of  a  good  mind  to  repose  a  generous  open  confidence  in  those  who 
are  deemed  entitled  to  it.  I  agree  to  your  Desire,  and  embrace  your  friendship  in  the  same 
manner  as  my  dear  Father  in  Law  did,  and  with  the  same  openness  you  shall  always  find 
me  act.  The  instance  you  now  give  me  is  a  proof  of  the  esteem  he  had  for  you,  and  as  I 
know  your  merit,  I  shall  always  set  a  true  value  on  it,  as  well  as  for  all  your  nation,  whom 
Sir  William  Johnson  particularly  esteemed  for  their  honesty  and  fidelity,  and  who  I  trust  will 
continue  to  act  in  the  same  manner  towards  me  whilst  I  have  the  care  of  their  affairs.— Then 
shook  hands  with  ihe  Chiefs  who  told  him  that  the  next  day  they  wou'd  proceed  to  other 
matters,  then  ordered  them  some  Refreshments  after  which  they  retired  to  their  Encampment. 


-r^i 


Monday  September  the  I  a"" 
Id  the  Morning  the  Chiefs,  and  Warriors  of  the  Onondaga  Nation  desired  a  Conference,  and 
accordingly  assembled. 

Present—  Col.  Guy  Johnson  Superintendant 

Joseph  Chew  Esq'  Secr^  Bryan  Lefferty  Esq'  Clerk  of  the  Pleas. 

John  Butler  Esq'  Interp'  Robert  Adems  Es(|'  Coroner  of  the  County. 

Alex'  White  Esq' High  Sherriffof  the  County.  John  Dease  Esq'  M.  D.  and  sev'  other  Gent" 

Indian  Chiefs 
The  old  Bunt,  Chief  of  Onondaga 
Tegawarute, — Speaker  of  Onondaga 
Dfiaqiinndtt  Chief  Warrior. — 
Serihoana,  Ch.  of  Seneca 

Atrawaaa of  Cayuga  Sitr  Sixr  i\v,°  iu  ail  250. 

Vot.  VIII.  03 


I       "i 


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49S 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


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Tayawarunle  arose,  and  addressed  Col.  Johnson  as  follows. 

Brother  Gorah, 

We  are  very  thankful  to  the  Great  Spirit  for  permitting  all  our  Chiefs  &  Warriors  to  see 
you  here  this  day,  and  we  hope  that  the  Dark  Cloud  which  our  late  &  heavy  loss  of  your 
Father  in  Law  occasioned  may  he  dispelled  hy  your  presence  and  assistance, — As  some  of  the 
principal  men  now  present  did  not  attend  at  the  last  congress,  they  must  continue  in  grief 'till 
the  Ceremony  of  Condolence  is  performed,  when  they  will  he  enabled  to  attend  to  public 
affairs  of  consequence.  —  They  are  all  happy  in  this  opportunity  of  doing  so,  and  particularly 
in  seeing  you  sustain  the  post  of  that  great  man  who  loved  our  Nation,  and  whose  sudden 
Death  spread  grief  and  concern  all  over  the  Country.  Then  with  three  strings;  the  Onondaga 
Speaker  went  through  the  Ceremony  of  condolance.  Covering  the  Grave,  wiping  away  the 
tears  that  were  shed,  removing  the  grief  from  the  Heart,  clearing  the  Sky  &c.  &c. 

3  Strings 

Col.  Johnson  then  addressed  them. 

Brothers,  1  am  heartily  thankful  to  the  Great  Spirit  for  permitting  me  to  see  you  all  this 
day,  more  especially  for  seeing  so  many  great  and  wise  men  amongst  you,  from  whose 
Deliberations  much  good  may  be  expected.  —  I  am  also  much  obliged  by  your  Ceremonial  of 
Condolance,  and  (he  regard  you  shew  foi' the  Memory  of  your  true  friend  and  my  Dear  Father 
in  Law  whose  sudden  Death  left  us  all  in  Aflliction.  I  consider  your  Words  as  proofs  of  your 
affection  to  h'^i,  &  as  an  earnest  of  the  affection  I  may  expect  from  you,  and  which  1  shall 
return  by  a  faithfull  attention  to  your  true  inlereals,  and  a  close  imitation  of  that  great  man 
who  merited  all  your  esteem.  —  Then  returned  the  Ceremony  of  Condolance  in  the  usual 
manner,  and  gave  three  Strings.  3  Strings. 

Alter  which  the  Bunt's  Eldest  Son  arose  &  after  giving  thanks  for  the  Ceremonial  he 

recapitulated  the  several  services  in  which  he  had  been  engaged  hy  Sir  William  Johnson  from 
his  first  entering  into  his  friendship,  and  produced  the  different  marks  of  regard  he  had  received, 
Then  (according  to  the  ol<l  custom  after  such  an  event)  he  laid  them  down  consisting  of  ii 
silvfr  hilled  sword,  laced  hat,  medals,  flags  &c.  before  Col.  Johnson,  observing  that  his  dear 
friend,  being  now  no  more,  these  things  must  be  restored  to  Col.  Johnson  lor  his  disposal, 
then  a  noted  Chief  and  particular  friend  of  Sir  W"  Jol.nson's  arose,  took  nfl" 

his  medal  &c  and  did  in  like  manner  as  the  former,  as  did  some  others,  after  which  Col, 
Johnson  took  them  u|)  severally,  and  having  surveyed  then),  said  that  he  was  pleased  to  find 
that  they  had  so  carefully  preserved  those  Testimonials  of  their  merit,  received  from  their 
departed  friend,  —  that  he  well  rememhi-red  the  different  occasions  on  which  they  were  given, 
and  that  agreeable  to  anlient  usage,  he  requested  them  to  receive  them  back  &  preserve  them  as 
mementos  of  past  friendship,  and  that  they  wou'd  serve  to  remind  them  of  their  engagemeuts, 
and  encourage  them  to  deserve  his  Majesty's  favour  in  future,  and  that  Col.  Johnson  wou'd 
likewise  according  to  custom,  deliver  them  some  distinguishing  badges  of  his  friendship,  and 
esteem  for  their  past  services,  in  expectation  of  their  future  good  behavior. 

Then  Col.  Johnson  put  the  medals  Sec.  about  their  necks  and  returned  the  several  articles 
they  had  surrendered,  exhorting  theni  to  contimm  their  good  behavior,  at  all  which  they 
expressed  much  satisfaction. 

Deiaquanda,  next  arose  &  related  to  Col.  Johnson  his  proceedings  with  the  Imlians  since  the 
death  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  aud  the  particular  steps  he  took  to  preserve  peace,  adding  that 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


499 


OJonquat,  the  Seneca  Cliief  had  related  to  him  the  satisfaction  he  had  received  from  his 
conferences  with  Col.  Johnson,  with  his  asRurance  to  observe  his  words,  &  to  do  his  utmost  for 
restoring  tranquility. 

Col.  Johnson  thanked  Daiu/uancla  and  Oihnqnot  for  their  conduct.  These  Indians  then 
observed,  that,  as  the  Chiefs  of  the  other  Nations  were  not  all  arrived,  they  must  defer  entering 
upon  business,  but  wou'd  give  notice  when  they  were  ready. 


At  a  Congress  held  at  Johnstown  with  the  Chiefs  &  Warriors  of  the  Six  Nations  on  Thursday 
September  the  IS""  1774. 


Present. —  Col.  Guy  .TohnsoQ  Superintendant 

Jos.  Chew  Esq'  Sec"  John  Dease 

John  Butler  Esq'  Interpreter 
Doctor  Adems 
James  Stevenson  Esq' 
Peter  W  Yates  Esq' 


Chris'  Yeats 
Bryan  Lefierty 
B.'MJamen  Hilton  /  ^'"1" 
Walter  liutler 
John  Myers 


Indian  Chiefs 
The  Bunt  ) 

Teyawaruute        >()nondagas 
Deynquanda         ) 
with  the  Chiefs  &  Warr"  of  the  rest. 

Being  all  seated  Teyawaruntc  of  Onondaga  Speaker  for  the  Six  Nations  arose  and  spoke  to 
Col.  Johnson  as  follows,  vi'.' 

Ciorah  Ughscare, — Our  late  Superintendant  Sir  William  Johnson  gave  us  this  Belt  in  order 
to  bring  the  Shawanese  our  younger  Brothers  to  a  meeting,  &  desired  to  know  the  result  of 
that  Meeting,  in  consequtnce  of  which  we  sent  Messengers,  as  we  did  on  your  Belt  after  Sir 
William  Johnson's  death.  These  last  Messengers  met  deputies  coming  from  the  Shawanese 
with  whom  they  returned  to  Onond.iga,  where  the  Shawanese  spoke  as  follows. —  Elder 
Brothers,  You  are  very  much  for  making  peace,  and  hn^j  sent  your  Messengers  thro' all  the 
nations  for  that  purpose,  and  you  have  also  taken  the  Ax  from  us,  and  buried  it.  —  When  you 
took  this  A.r,  you  desired  us  to  promote  peace  with  all  about  us  ;  but  whilst  we  were  doing 
this,  an  Ax  was  struck  into  your  Heads,  and  ours  by  the  Virginians,  You,  therefore  who  took 
the  Ax  from  us,  shou'd  now  consider  our  case,  and  as  we  have  nothing  left  us  to  defend 
ourselves  except  a  small  Siriich,  we  earnestly  desire  you  will  give  us  the  Ax  again. 

Ilcturned  the  Belt. 

Brother.  We  told  the  Shawanese  that  we  shou'd  not  agree  to  their  request,  but  as  we  find 
that  they  are,  not  only  using  all  their  endeavour  to  disturb  the  peace  between  the  Six  Nations, 
but  also  between  them  ond  the  English,  we  have  sent  Messages  to  the  Seven  Nations  in  Canada, 
and  the  re»  of  our  Confederacy  to  meet  us  at  our  Council  t-'ue  at  Onondaga,  where  wo  shall 
determine  on  measures  to  put  a  stop  to  these  troubles,  nnd  v.nere  we  reqm  sf  that  our  Brothers, 
the  Mu/iau'kt  will  send  Deputies  to  attend,  and  represent  you,  and  wc  hope  they  will  send  wiin 
men,  and  not  young,  or  foolish  boys,  on  a  matter  of  so  much  conieqje'ice. 


500 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


k   ■' 

U  1 


I'll 


n 

In 


Brother.  When  we  made  our  Council  Fire,  it  was  agreed  between  us,  and  all  our 
Confederacy,  that  if  any  thing  disturbed  it,  we  wou'd  all  meet,  and  throw  that  thing  from 
amongst  us,  and  that  we  wou'd  on  these  occasions  strenghten  the  Fire  that  it  might 
burn  brighter. 

Brother.  The  Shawanese  told  us  that  they  very  well  iinew  whenever  any  thing  was  told  to 
the  Six  Nations,  that  they  immediately  informed  the  great  man  the  Superintendant,  and  the 
English  of  it,  but  desired  that  this  might  not  be  told  them,  but  kept  private;  but  Odonqnot 
the  tieneca  Chief,  &  Oiruwanoe,{ha  Cayuga  Chief  together  with  the  rest  of  the  nations  directly 
agreed  to  acquaint  you  with  this. 

He  then  produced  the  great  old  Covenant  Chain  of  twenty  one  rowes  &  spoke  as  followes 

Brother.  This  is  the  Covenant  Chain  delivered  to  the  whole  Six  Nations  by  our  late 
Superintendant  in  presence  of  Commissioners  from  nine  Governments,  which  we  have  kept 
clean  from  rust,  and  held  fast  in  our  hands. — This  makes  us  remember  the  words  that  were 
told  us  when  it  was  given,  and  which  we  always  look  upon,  if  any  one  offers  to  disturb  that 
peace,  and  harmony  subsisting  between  us.  —  this  we  now  shew  you,  that  you  may  know  the 
bad  words  of  the  i^havvanese  have  no  effect  upon  us. — 

Brother.  This  Belt  of  fourteen  rowes  was  given  us  by  that  great  man,  our  Superintendant 
Sir  William  Johnson  to  make  us  always  keep  in  mind  the  Covenant  Chain,  and  to  assure  us 
that  his  heart  was  alvays  with  us  to  do  us  good,  and  keep  us  in  the  right  way,  which  we  now 
bring  you,  that  you  m,\j  see  that  we  have  followed  his  advice. 

A  large  Belt  of  14  rowes. 

Brother.  It  gives  us  great  satisfaction  to  see  you  here  taking  care  of  our  affairs  and  it  is  our 
earnest  desire  that  you  do  so  as  long  as  you  live,  and  also  that  Col.  Clause  may  continue  to  act 
for  us.  Brother,  as  you  are  long  acquainted  with  our  customs,  and  the  ways  of  that  great  man 
yot'r  Father  in  Law,  who  has  been  taken  from  us,  we  beg  you  will  continue  to  attend  thereto, 
and  walk  in  his  steps.  It  wou'd  grieve,  and  trouble  us  to  have  any  body  else  concerned  in  our 
affairs:  —  for  others  have  no  knowledge  m  them. — We  love  you,  and  all  Sir  William's  Family. 

A  Belt  of  Six  Rowes. 

Brother.  I  now  speak  to  you  for,  and  on  behalf  of  the  Onondaga  Sachems  &  Warriors,  the 
particular  friends  of  your  Father  in  Law,  our  late  Superintendant,  who  are  now  here  and 
rejoice  to  see  one  of  his  family,  whom  ihey  so  much  regard,  and  respect,  acting  in  his  place, 
and  who,  we  hope  will  long  continue  to  take  care  of  our  affairs.         A  Belt  of  8  Rowes. 

Brother.— We  assure  you  that  we  will  be  steadfast  and  hold  fast  by  the  Covenant  Chain, — 
that  we  will  follow  the  good  advice  given  us  by  our  lute  friend  your  Father  in  Law  Sir  William 
Johnson,  and  what  you  also  told  us  since,  and  we  hope  &  desire  that  you  will  follow  his  ways, 
it  being  our  earnest  Desire  that  the  i'eace  &  Friendship  between  us,  may  always  continue,  and 
never  be  interrupted,  and  we  hope  that  M'  Butler,  and  those  who  have  been  employed,  may 
continue  to  interpret,  and  act  faithfully,  promoting  the  good  work  of  peace. 

A  Belt  of  Six  Rowes. 

Then  Decarrihoga  Titular  head  of  the  Mohocks  arose  &  in  a  short  speech  repeated  that  the 
Six  Nations  had  been  the  night  before  in  private  Conference  where  according  to  nntient 
custom  they  had  fixed  on  a  new  name  for  Col.  Johnsun  in  consequence  of  the  office  he  now 
discharged.  — The  Onondaga  speaker  then  arose,  and  repeated  tl-y  ?.rt^ne  on  behalf  of  all  the 
Confederacy,  and  mentiont-ii  the  name  which  was  Uraghquadt.hu.  i.  e.  Rays  of  the  Sun 
enlightening  the  Karlh,  nf'pr  which  Col.  Johnson  stood  up,  Ptid  the  name  being  repented 


!       I 


!■ 


.  I 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


501 


by  a  Chief  of  each  Nation,  the  Ceremony  concluded  with  the  Yo-Ha  as  is  usual,  the  Speaker 
directing  that  the  same  might  be  proclaimed  in  every  Nation  of  the  Confederacy.— 

Col  Johnson  then  told  them  that  he  had  received  His  Majesty's  Commission  appointing  M' 
Chew  (then  present)  to  be  Secretary  of  Indian  Affairs,  who  was  to  act  as  such  for  the  future, 
whereupon  they  immediately  agreed  to  confer  a  name  on  him  by  which  he  shou'd  be  known, 
and  accordingly  named  him  DecariaderogaJ  i.  e.  the  Junction  of  two  Lakes  of  different 
Qualities.  — After  which  the  Speaker  addressed  Col.  Johnson  and  told  him  that  the  Seneca 
Messengers  who  arrived  last  night  were  ready  to  relate  their  Intelligence.— The  Messengers 
then  seated  themselves  next  to  the  Speaker,  who  delivered  the  same  as  follows. 

Brother  Gorah  Uraghquadirha.* 

We  have  received  messages  from  Kmjashota,  who  was  sent  by  our  late  Superintendant  to  the 
Western  Nations,  acquainting  us  that  he  had  been  with  many  of  them,  and  had  used  his  best 
endeavours  towards  effecting  the  business  he  was  sent  upon,  but  that  they  were  greatly 
obstructed  by  the  Virginians,  and  that  the  Season  being  far  advanced  they  cou'd  not  be  expected 
'till  the  Winter  or  Spring.  — Brother  these  four  Strings  of  Wampum  we  have  received  from  the 
Delawares,  our  Nephews,  who  thereby  assure  us  they  will  mind  our  Words,  keep  their  Young 
Men  from  doing  mischief,  and  avoid  all  things  by  which  the  public  Peace  might  be  disturbed, 
and  they  desire  you  may  be  acquainted  with  these  their  good  Intentions.     Four  Strings. 

Brother  Uraghquadirha.-Kayashota  and  Canaragayatia  have  also  sent  us  word  by  these 
Strings  that  in  consequenc?  of  Sir  William's,  and  our  desires,  they  have  done  all  in  their 
power  to  persuade  our  people  that  are  amongst  the  Shawanese,  to  leave  them,  but  have  been 
able  to  prevail  on  only  two  families  as  yet,  and  almost  dispair  of  getting  any  more  of  them  to 
come  away  in  these  troublesome  times. —  4  Strings 

Brother.     This  Bunch  of  Strings  the  Messengers  received  from  M'  M-^Kee,  and  M'  Croghan, 

who  assured  them  that  they  are  using  their  best  endeavours  to  keep  Peace  on  the  Ohio. 

A  Bunch  of  Strings, 

After  which  Dtiaqmnila  head  warrior  of  Onondaga  arose,  and  said  he  desired  to  acquaint 
Col.  Johnson  that  in  Conversation  with  Adonqtmt  the  Seneca  Chief,  on  returning  from  the  last 
meeting,  he  had  assured  him  that  he  was  so  well  pleased  with  Col.  Johnsons  words  [in  private 
Conference  that  he  had  determined  to  promote  peace,  and  cooperate  with  Deiaquanda  therein, 
and  sent  a  Belt  of  Wampum  as  a  proof  thereof—  Then  the  Day  being  far  spent  they  were 
treated  with  pipes,  tobacco  &  a  dram  &  retired  to  their  encampm". 

At  a  Congress  with  the  aforementioned  Nations  on  Saturday  September  the  l?"-  1774. 

Prissent —  as  before. 

Col.  Johnson  addressed  them  as  follows. — 

Brother.  —  I  have  maturely  considered  the  several  matters  you  have  laid  before  me  the  other 
Day,  and  am  now  prepared  to  answer  them,  to  which  I  must  desire  your  attention. 

'  (''ram  Caniajitn,  Lake,  knd  tiogen,  junoUoB  of  two  waten. 

•  Kriiiii  tlie  verb  Uara^htaMron,  wlior«of  the  3.1  pcraoii  of  the  InJicatiT*  prenent  i(  HaraghuaJirha,  iignif,  ing  the  ray 
of  the  Bun  patacH  to  a  place;  from  Oaraghia,  the  Sud.     Both  uuniei  are  of  the  Onondaga  JialecU— Kn. 


I 


,ii 


502 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Brothers.  It  is  with  great  Satisfaction  I  find  that  you  immedintely  dispatched  Messengers 
to  the  Shawanese  agreeable  to  Sir  William  Johnson's  desire,  that  you  might  8uj>port  your 
Dignity  by  bringing  them  to  the  proper  Fire  Place,  &  I  am  well  pleased  that  you  have  so 
faithfully  related  all  that  passed  with  the  Shawanese  Deputies  at  your  Council,  as  well  as  with 
your  declining  to  give  any  Satisfaction  to  a  People  whose  endeavors  are  to  lead  you  from  you 
engagements,  and  disturb  the  Public. — Your  calling  a  Congress  of  your  whole  Confederacy,  is 
a  very  proper  measure  at  this  time,  provided  you  take  particular  care  that  it  is  conducted  with 
wisdom,  and  a  strict  regard  to  your  Alliance  with  the  English,  so  as  to  convince  the  Disturbers 
of  peace  that  they  have  nothing  to  expect  from  you,  but  resentment.  —  And  I  think  you  huve 
given  a  very  prudent  caution  to  the  Indians  to  send  men  of  wisdom  on  business  of  such 
importance,  'Tis  what  I  have  always  recommended,  &  which  I  hope  will  be  followed. 

Brothers.  It  was  wisely  agreed  when  you  made  the  Council  Fire,  to  cast  from  you  whatever 
shou'd  disturb  your  Union,  and  refresh  your  fire  that  it  might  burn  brighter,  and  more 
steadily.  —  Brother  I  have  long  observed,  and  your  late  worthy  Superintendant  well  knew, 
and  told  you,  that  the  Shawanese  were  they,  who  created  trouble,  and  aimed  at  raising 
themselves  on  your  ruins.  —  I  am  very  glad  you  perceive  it  yourselves,  so  ihat  you  may  guard 
against  their  Artifices. — Their  accusing  of  Communicating  matters  of  Import  to  the 
Superintendant,  &  to  the  English,  is  much  to  your  Honour:  for  they  are  your  true  friends, 
and  you  would  fail  in  your  duty  to  solemn  engagements,  if  you  concealed  anything  from 
them. — lam  obliged  to  Odonquat,  and  Atrawana,  as  well  as  to  all  yaur  people  for  communicating 
this  charge  of  the  Shawanese,  which  I  hope  you  all  despise,  as  an  artful  contrivance  calculated 
to  lead  you  into  such  behavior  towards  the  English,  as  would  render  your  fidelity  suspected. 

Brothers.  I  view  with  much  pleasure  the  Great  Belt  of  the  Covenant  Chain,  which  binds 
you  fast  to  the  English,  and  gives  you  Importance  and  Security.  1  am  happy  to  find  you 
remember  so  exactly  the  Contents  of  it,  that  you  have  preserved  it  so  long  entire,  and  that 
you  cast  your  eyes  upon  it  on  every  dilViculty.  I  must  exhort  you  to  continue  to  preserve  it 
with  the  greatest  care,  to  repeat  what  was  said  upon  it  to  your  young  men,  and  children,  vhat 
your  latest  posterity  may  reap  the  benefit  of  it,  and  that  you  always  look  upon  it,  as  your  best 
friend,  &  surest  guide.  This  will  enable  you  to  guard  against  all  enemies,  and  I  am  glad  to 
find  it  has  produced  so  good  an  ofifct  on  your  conduct  with  the  Shawanese. — I  now  return 
the  same  to  your  custody  charging  you  to  preserve  it  with  the  upmost  C'>'e,  and  I  now  renew, 
brighten,  and  strengthen  the  same  recommending  it  to  every  Nation  to  keep  fast  hold  of  it, 
and  to  consider  it  as  the  band  that  secures  Happiness  to  them,  and  that  it  shou'd  he  preserved 
for  ever. —  Returned  the  great  Covenant-Chain  Belt. 

Brothers.  I  well  remember  the  large  Belt  now  before  me,  and  the  occasion,  on  which  it 
was  given  by  your  worthy  friend  Sir  William  Johnson.  —  I  thank  you  for  the  care  you  have 
taken  of  it,  and  assure  you  that  if  you  will  car>  ully  preserve  it,  it  will  fix  your  Eyes  and  your 
Heart  forever  on  the  Coven'  Chain.  As  often  as  you  see  this  Remember  the  words  of  your  best 
friend,  and  the  Happiness  you  enjoyed  under  his  wise  Councils,  and  this  will  direct  you  to  act 
in  such  a  manner  as  will  secure  these  blessings  to  you.  I  now  return  it  to  you,  and  I  charge 
you  to  keep  it  safe  as  formerly,  and  to  preserve  the  Words  that  were  given  upon  it,  and  1  now 
strengthen,  and  renew  it  on  my  part  that  the  memory  of  it  may  remain  (or  ever. 

Returned  Sir  William's  Belt — 14  Rowes. 

Brothers.  I  am  much  obliged  for  the  preference  and  regard  you  express  for  Sir  William 
Johnson's  Family,  for  the  Satisfaction  you  express  at  my  having  the  management  of  your 


^ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLIV, 


508 


affairs,  and  your  desire  that  it  sliou'd  continue.  Be  assured  that  so  long  as  it  does,  I  shall 
exert  all  my  abilities,  and  employ  all  the  experience  I  have  acquired  for  your  interest,  and 
happiness,  and  that  Col.  Claus  who  much  respects  you,  will  do  the  same  on  his  part,  &  you 
may  depend  on  it,  that  whatever  his  Majesty  may  be  graciously  pleased  to  direct  respecting 
the  care  of  your  Affairs,  will  be  dictated  by  wisdom  &  an  attention  to  your  happiness.  I 
therefore  request  you  will  consider  your  own  Interest,  and  continue  to  deserve  his  Koyal  favour. 

A  Belt. 
Brothers  of  Onondaga.  I  am  particularly  (o  thank  the  Chiefs  &  Warriors  of  your  faithful 
Nation  for  the  respect  shewn  to  8ir  W'"  Johnson's  family,  by  your  approbation  of  me,  &  your 
wishes  for  my  continuance  in  office.— You  may  be  assured  I  shall  employ  my  time  for  your 
Interest ;  and  as  I  have  long  been  acquainted  with  your  faithful  conduct,  I  expect  the 
continuance  of  it,  which  will  encourage  &  strengthen  my  endeavors  for  the  public  benefit. 

A  Belt. 
Brothers. — As  I  interest  myself  warmly  in  all  that  regards  your  welfare,  I  receive  with 
^'reat  pleasure  your  assurances  of  holding  fast  by  the  Covenant  Chain,  &  following  the  wholesome 
advice  you  have  received  for  that  purpose.     I  now  assure  you,  you  may  rely  upon  it,  I  shall 
do  the  same,  and  that  the  great  King,  and  the  English  are  of  the  same  way  of  thinking. 

A  Belt 
Brothers.     M'  Butler  who  has  been  long  employed  in  the  Department,  is  continued  by  me, 
and  will,  I  dare  say,  act  w""  fidelity  in  every  thing  committed  to  him. 

Then  Col.  Johnson  answered  in  regard  to  the  Messages  bro'  by  the  Senecas.  viz' 
Brothers.  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  good  conduct  in  promoting  the  affairs  of 
peace,  &  laying  before  me  the  substance  of  the  Intelligence  you  have  just  received  from  the 
Oldo,  and  I  thank  the  Senecns  for  their  faithful  communication  of  the  same  wishing  they  may 
continue  to  unite  closely  with  you  in  all  good  works,  and  that  Kayashota's  endeavors  may  have 
success  ;  —  I  am  also  well  pleased  to  find  the  Delawares  are  wise  &  have  given  assurances  of 
their  pacific  Disposition.  Returned  the  Strings. 

Brothers.  I  am  extremly  well  pleased  with  the  conduct  of  Kayashola  and  Canaragayale,  but 
sorry  that  their  endeavors  have,  thro'  the  late  troubles  failed  in  some  measure,  with  regard  to 
the  removal  of  your  people  from  Ohio.  I  wish  that  you  may  still  persevere,  and  exert  your 
inffuence  to  bring  them  from  a  place  where  they  get  corrupted,  &  draw  reflections  on  the 
confederacy.  I  therefore  by  these  strings,  exhort  them  to  persevere  in  their  good  endeavors 
for  removing  their  ^jeople.  Gave  a  Bunch  of  Wampum. 

I  wrote  long  since  to  M'  M4vee  at  Fort  Pit,  am  glad  you  have  heard  from  thence,  and 
persuade  myself  that  he  will  do  his  Duty  with  strict  fidelity.  Ilel''  the  Strings. 

Brothers.  In  order  to  convince  you  of  my  openness,  and  readiness  to  return  your  good 
offices  by  a  free  communication  of  whatever  concerns  you,  I  shall  now  lay  before  you  some 
intelligence  I  have  received  from  the  Southward,  by  which  you  will  further  see  into  the 
Artifices,  and  Pride  of  the  Shawanese.  (Here  communicated  some  necessary  parts  of 
Intelligence  received  from  Fort  Pit,  Detroit  &c.)  &  proceeded. 

Brothers.  I  have  mentioned  these  things  to  you  that  you  may  see  how  these  people  whom 
you  conquered,  are  endeavouring  to  raise  themselves  above  you,  &  whilst  they  speak  to  their 
friends  on  Ohio  in  the  most  lolly  stile,  amuse  you  at  Onondaga  with  their  distresses  to  draw 
you  into  a  quarrel,  &  abandon  you  afterwards.  —  All  the  Nations  to  the  Westward,  who  are 
wise  have  rejected  their  requests,  they  know  them  to  be  a  troublesome  people,  who  have  been 


s  :  i 


i  ■  •  y 


504 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


!«    f 


so  long  engaged  in  mischief,  that  they  at  length  excited  the  resentment  of  some  Frontier 
Virginians,  who  struck  them  and  fled,  whilst  without  waiting  for  redress,  they  fell  on  the 
innocent  Inhabitants,  contrary  1c  the  ancient  rules,  and  practices  subsisting  between  us,  and 
now  want  you  to  counter.  I.  c  (!  .ii  ■;  their  Wickedness.  —  Be  strong,  Brothers,  and  despise 
their  Artifices. — Conp'd<:r ,  u;  p  •■■-r-t  iiappiness,  and  the  danger  into  which  they  wou'd  involve 
you,  and  shew  yourselves  men  of  sense,  and  men  of  your  words  at  the  ensuing  Congress. 


Sunday. Septem'  the  IS"" 
The  Chiefs  desired  to  meet   again  to  answer  Col.  Johnson's   Speech    and   confer  on  & 
communicate  sundry  matters,  previous  to  wivt'  t;;    Oh    fsofConawaroghere'  desired  a  private 
conference,  when  they  spoke  as  follows  by  Thomas  al.  Adioghkonoran  their  Speaker. 

Brother  Gorah  Uraghquadirha. 

We  the  Oneidas  have  been  for  some  time  employed  in  endeavoring  to  discover  any  thing 
that  is  bad  remaining  amongst  our  Confederacy,  to  remove  any  suspicions,  or  misrepresentations 
cast  upon  our  people  by  any  ill  designing  people,  which  we  had  reason  to  suspect  was  the  case 
from  some  matters  which  Sir  William  Johnson  informed  us,  particularly  regarding  an  Axe. 
After  much  enquiry,  we  have  found  a  large  black  belt  with  two  axes  on  it,  which  was  given 
by  the  French  at  the  end  of  the  War  to  one  of  the  people  who  had  been  in  their 

Interest,  desiring  him  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  French,  that  when  they  raised  themselves, 
the  belt  would  8ha''e,  and  give  him  notice  when  he  was  to  rise. — This  Belt  afflicted  him  much 
when  he  had  time  afterwards  to  reflect  on  it,  and  on  his  death  bed,  two  years  since,  he 
divulged  the  whole  to  His  Brother,  whose  wife  now  has  it,  &  is  desirous  to  take  it  to  pieces 
for  the  sake  of  the  Wampum,  otherwise  we  wou'd  have  brought  it  down,  as  we  will  do  if  you 
desire  it; — but  really  we  thought  little  about  it,  —  For  as  it  is  well  known  we  are  a  faithful, 
and  a  Christian  People,  we  cou'd  not  suppose  that  any  wou'd  be  so  weak,  or  illnatured  as  to 
imagine  we  regarded  such  things,  seeing  we  mind  nothing  but  peace  —  besides  it  is  well 
known  that  there  have  been  many  such  belts  given  by  the  French  to  different  Indians  at 
different  times,  most  of  which  we  believe  are  disregarded,  so  that  it  r....  t  be  some  ill  designing, 
or  some  vain  person,  who  wanted  to  appear  very  wise,  that  made  this  report,  and  thought  he 
wou'd  get  something  for  his  news,  by  telling  what  every  body  knows  to  be  a  common  thing. 
We  hope  there  is  no  person  amongst  us  who  wou'd  go  to  cheat  the  King  by  telling  such  a  story 
seriously,  if  there  is  any  such  man,  he  must  be  dangerous,  and  we  know  to  deal  with  him. 

3  strings. 

Col.  Johnson  thanked  them  for  their  information,  and  told  them  that  he  had  recollected 
there  had  been  some  Representation  made  to  Government  concerning  a  bad  belt  but  that  the 
suspicion  did  not  lye  on  any  nation  in  particular,  however  he  desired  to  see  the  belt,  for  which 
the  woman  shou'd  be  paid,  and  hoped  they  would  always  act  above  suspicion. 

Then  all  the  Chiefs  of  the  Oneidas,  and  Tuscaroras  came  in  and  by  their  Speaker  addressed 
Col.  Johnson  as  followes. 

Brother  Uraghquadirha. 

We  take  this  opportunity  to  express  in  a  particular  manner  the  great  concern  which  our 
dear  friend  Sir  William  Johnson's  death  occasioned  amongst  our  people,  chiefs,  warriors,  and 

'  In  Vernon,  OneiJ*  county,  New-York.  Supra,  VII.,  101  —Ed. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XHV. 


505 


women.  We  hung  our  heads,  and  snt  in  darkness  'till  we  heard  the  agreeable  news  that  you 
rose  up  to  take  cliarge  of  our  affairs.  This,  Brother,  we  always  hoped,  &  wished  for,  and  we 
beg  you  may  be  assured  of  our  fidelity,  and  that  it  is  the  Uesolution  of  all  our  people  to  act 
agreeable  to  your  advice,  which  we  hope  you  will  continue  to  afford  us,  and  that  you  will  walk 
in  our  late  Brother's  steps  with  which  you  are  well  acquainted.      A  Belt  of  10  Rowes. 

Bio'her. 

At  the  close  of  the  French  War  we  left  a  large  Belt  with  Sir  William  Johnson  for  an 
assurance  of  nur  affection,  and  that  as  we  were  Christians,  and  of  one  heart,  we  wou'd  follow 
his  advice  &  live  &  die  with  the  English.  In  Consequence  of  this  our  warriors  went  in  the 
late  Indian  war  against  your  Enemits  about  Susquahanna  &  were  successful.  About  three  years 
after  finding  Sir  William's  health  decline,  we  were  uneasy,  &  desired  to  know  of  him  what 
was  to  be  done  in  case  of  his  death,  when  he  observed  to  us  that  you  knew  our  affairs  &  his 
mind,  and  he  hoped  you  wou'd  take  care  of  us,  at  the  same  time  charged  us  to  behave  well, 
and  peaceably  as  we  had  done,  &  to  shew  this  great  Belt  to  his  Successor,  which  we  beg  you 
will  take  notice  of  and  set  a  mark  upon  it. 

Deliv'd  a  very  large  white  with  black  Diamonds. 

Brother.— With  this  String  we  beg  on  behalf  of  our  Hunters  for  some  ammunition  of  which 
they  are  much  in  want.  A  String. 

Brother.— We  are  in  the  last  place  to  tell  you  that  we  are  in  want  of  a  Chief  to  replace 
Omwdcka,  who  was  killed  by  the  English  to  the  Southward,  &  we  have  fixed  our  inclinations 
on  his  Brother  here  present,  who  is  a  man  of  sense,  and  knows  our  affairs.  We  hope  you  will 
approve  our  choice,  and  appoint  him  in  the  place  of  his  late  Brother. 

r.  ,   T  ,  ,  Three  Strings.— 

Col.  Johnson  answered. 

Brothers.— You  have  much  obliged  me  by  the  concern  you  have  expressed  for  the  Death  of 
my  worthy  father  in  law,  whose  sudden  death  was  a  very  severe  loss.  It  is  with  pleasure  I 
find  you  express  so  much  satisfaction  at  my  entering  on  the  care  of  your  affairs,  to  which  you 
may  be  assured  1  shall  pay  all  possible  regard;  and  as  I  hope  for  the  continuance  of  your  good 
behavior,  it  is  also  my  determined  resolution  to  imitate  his  virtues  as  far  as  it  is  in  my  power. 

A  Belt. 

Brothers.  I  very  well  remember  the  Belt  you  left  with  Sir  William  Johnson,  &  the  large 
one  you  now  produced  from  him,  and  I  am  glad  you  recollect  the  occasion  of  both,  and  that 
your  in»entions  are  still  the  same.  As  you  are  Christians,  it  would  be  inexcusable  in  you  to 
swerve  from  solemn  engagements  entered  into  with  your  true  friends.  — I  respect  this  belt 
very  much,  and  I  desire  you  will  remember  the  good  advice  your  deceased  brother  gave  you 
thereon,  — and  I  have  fixed  a  parchment  to  itthat  its  contents  may  be  better  known  hereafter.— 

Returned  the  belt  with  a  lal)el  to  it. 

Brothers.  —  I  am  glad  you  have  made  choice  of  so  fitting  a  person  to  supply  the  place  of 
Oiinwacka.  I  approve  of  him  very  much,  and  shall  cause  an  entry  to  be  made  of  his 
appointment  with  the  name  desired.— Then  returned  tjieir  Strings,  and  took  the  new  Chief  by 
the  hand,  exhorting  him  to  follow  good  examples. 

Brothers.— To  morrow,  when  I  consider  the  wants  of  ilie  rest,  I  shall  not  forget  those  of 
your  Hunters. 


)  r«) 


fEi- 


t    •      i 


Vol..  VIII. 


64 


506 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  Oneitias&c.  tlien  retired  after  which  the  Chiefs  of  Onondnga  &c.  desired  to  meet  on 
businesa  of  the  Confederacy,  and  being  assembled  their  speaker  addressed  Col.  Johnson  us 
follows,  viz' 

Brother  Gorah  Uraghquadirha. 

We  now  meet  you  to  express  the  very  great  satisfaction  which  we  have  received  from  your 
whole  speeches,  but  particularly  for  your  strong  recommendation  of  the  Covenant  Chain,  and 
of  Sir  William's  great  Belt,  and  for  your  good  Advice,  and  also  for  the  Intelligence  you  so 
freely  communicated  to  us.  This  we  consider  as  a  strong  proof  of  your  Regard,  and  we  will 
shew  you  that  we  deserve  it. 

Brother.  To  shew  you  our  sincerity.  We  of  the  Great  Council,  and  Fire  Place  at  Onondaga, 
considering  the  great  nge  of  our  Chief,  the  Bunt  a  true  friend  to  the  English,  and  that  all  our 
liite  appointed  Chiefs  may  be  made  known  to  you,  do  now  introduce  them,  that  you  may  be 
well  acquainted  with  those  to  whom  our  affairs  are  committed.  —  Onngogare  is  to  succeed  the 
Bunt  at  Chenughivata,  he  will  in  his  steps,  and  follow  your  Councils.  —  the  next  are 
Deiaquanda  a  (head  Warrior)  Sayenqueraghta,  Oghsaghta,  Kcekhoa,  Serihoana,  Teyawarunta 
(Speaker)  Onoghranoron,  Kakedoa  (Bunt's  son)  Tegatscara,  and  Goananonda.  — These  are 
all  great  men  who  rule  us,  they  are  of  one  mind,  resolved  to  remember  Sir  William  Johnson's 
Words,  and  follow  your  advice.  —  They  are  men  to  be  trusted. — This  Brother  is  our  old  custom, 
which  has  been  always  used  to  acquaint  those  who  get  the  management  of  Indians,  with  tiie 
names  &  characters  of  our  great  men.  —  This  we  did  on  former  occasions.  We  did  it  with 
Sir  William,  and  now  we  do  it  with  you.  We  are,  at  the  same  time  sensible,  that  you  know 
them  all,  and  we  hope  that  you  will  regard  them,  as  they  mean  to  do  you. 

Brother — We  have  now  one  private  matter  to  communicate  to  you,  and  then  we  hfive  done. 
Brother.  There  came  lately  to  our  Council  at  Onondnga  several  Missasages  charged  with 
Belts,  and  speeches  from  Ten  different  Nations.  The  Ottawas  of  Michillimacinac  also  sent 
Deputies  on  behalf  of  seven  other  Nations,  by  their  Chief  Oneghiatis;  The  purport  was  to 
enquire  into  our  resolutions,  &  to  assure  us  that  they  would  fling  all  Evil  behind  them,  and 
abide  by  our  Councils,  all  which  they  have  desired  to  lay  before  our  Confederacy  at  the 
General  Congress. 

We  have  nothing  further  to  say  at  this  time,  but  that  you  may  rest  assured  we  shail 
strictly  abide  by  the  Covenant  Chain,  and  that  the  sole  cause  of  our  meeting  is  to  unite  in 
strengthening  the  same,  and  bringing  those  who  have  disturbed  you,  to  order. 

Col.  Johnson  then  returned  them  thanks  for  the  fidelity  they  expressed  and  for  the  great 

Decorum  they  had  shewn  during  the  Congress,  advised  them  to  act  in  the  like  manner  on  their 

way  back,  and  told  them  he  expected  soon  to  find  their  assurances  realized  by  their  resolves  at 

the  proposed  Congress.' — After  which  he  told  them  he  had  some  marks  of  favor  to  bestow 

on  the  Chiefs,  and  such  as  distinguished  themselves  by  their  fidelity,  which  shou'd  be  delivered 

out  the  next  day. 

A   True  copy  of  the  Proceedings  of  a  Congress  held  with  the 

Chief%and  Warriors  of  the  Six  Nations  at  Johnstown 

Jos.  Chew  Secref 

The  Day  following  Delivered  out  a  handsome  present  to  the  Principal  men,  after  which  they 
took  their  leave,  the  Bunt  and  5  other  Chiefs  excepted  who  went  to  conferr  with  Col.  Johnson 
at  his  own  house  on  private  matters  respecting  their  conduct,  at  the  propos'd  Congress. 

Indorsed     Tn  Col"  Guj  John&on's  of  «"■  Octoi>pr  1774  ( N"  4) 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


507 


French  Axe -Belt  sent  to  the  Indians. 

[  PlunliilloM  Oon«rol,  CCLX.] 

Extract  of  Intelligence  just  received  from  Niagara. 

Some  time  since  an  Indian  reported  liere,  that  on  iiis  way  to  hunt  he  called  on  a  M'  Sang- 
Blanc,  a  Frenchman  trading  among  the  Senecas  who  at  that  time  had  a  number  of  that  nation 
together  &  and  spoke  to  them  as  followea. 

Children  — Tho'  your  Father  the  French  King  has  not  been  able  for  some  time  past  to  take 
care  of  you  he  cou'd  wish  to  do  of  his  children,  I  hope  you  have  not  altogether  forgot  his  former 
kindness. — I  am  happy  now  to  be  able  to  acquaint  you  that  an  army  of  French  and  Spaniards  are 
expected  up  the  Mississippi  early  in  the  Spring  to  free  you  from  the  Tyranny  of  the  English,  who 
are  at  this  time  plotting  your  ruin,  and  gathering  together  from  all  Quarters,  to  cut  you  ofT. 
Orders  to  that  purpose  are  already  sent  to  Niagara,  Detroit  and  Fort  Pit.  Remember,  [  now 
warn  you  of  your  danger,  and  it  is  my  advice  to  you  to  take  up  the  Ilatchett  &  give  the 
English  the  first  blow.  — I  undergtand  they  want  to  draw  me  from  among  you,  but  I  do  not 
care  for  them.     The  ground  about  Fort  Erie  &  that  side  of  the  Lake  they  may  call  theirs,  but 

this  where  I  live  is  my  ground,  French  ground,  and  I  will  not  be  turned  off  it  by  any  man, 

And  if  the  Commanding  Oflicer  of  Niagara  was  to  send  me  an  order  to  that  purpose,  I  wou'd 
tear  it  in  pieces,  &  trample  it  under  my  feet.  This  Speech  (tho'  the  Indian  himself  said  he 
did  not  believe  it)  had  such  an  etTect  upon  him,  that  he  immediately  returned  home  to  guard 
his  family.  The  same  Indian,  and  many  others  have  since  reported  that  the  said  Sang  Blanck 
has  often  since  began  the  War  Dance  &  invited  the  Senecas  to  join  the  Shawanese  against  the 
Virginians  as  that  he  wou'd  go  with  them. 


Endorsed,     In  Col.  Guy  Johnson's  of  6"-  Oct'  1774  (N»  4) 


Lieutenant -Colonel  Caldwell  to  Coloiiel  Chwy  Johnson. 

[  Plantatioiu  General,  CCLX.  ] 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Lieu'  Colonel  Caldwell  Command'  at  Niagra  dated  29* 
Septem'  1774.  to  Col°  Guy  Johnson. 

Sir 

Though  I  am  confident  that  you  are  already  made  acquainted  with  the  Reception  the 
Deputies  from  the  Shawanese  met  from  the  Sachems  of  the  Six  Nations,  assembled  in  Council 
last  August,  yet  I  think  it  right  to  inform  you  that  Soieiuxi,  the  Chief  of  the  Senecas  has  been 
here  &  acquainted  nie  that  the  Shawanese  demanded  in  form  the  aid  &  assistance  of  the  Six 
Nations  to  carry  on  the  War  against  the  English,  which  being  refused,  they  wou'd  not  accept 
of  a  Belt  of  Peace,  or  the  Advice  given  to  make  up  their  Quarrel  with  the  Virginians,  but 
offered  a  War  Belt  and  u<>uanded  a  Hatchet  to  strike  the  English,  which  so  enraged  old  King 


n.l. 


508 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANITSCRIPTS. 


K  m 


Hum,  that  lie  threw  tlieir  belt  buck  to  Iheni,  witli  great  resentment  &  told  them  that  the  Six 
Nations  hail  lately  sent  out  belts  of  friendship,  and  peace  which  they  were  determined  not  to 
recall,  that  they  were  resolved  not  io  take  any  part  in  the  present  disputes,  and  that  all  they 
would  or  could  do  for  the  Shawanese,  was  to  act  as  ^fi'dialor8,  by  recommending  Peace,  and 
endeavoring  to  procure  it  for  them  by  sending  this  autumn  a  Deputation  of  their  Chiefs  to 
Fort  Pit!,  for  which  purpose  a  Council  is  to  assemble  immediately,  &  they  have  dispatched 
Messengers  to  the  Coghnawagey  Indiana  and  those  of  the  Onondagas  residing  on  the  Uiver  S* 
Laurence  to  acquaint  them,  with  their  resolves,  to  insist  on  their  remaining  faithful  to  the 
English,  &  to  desire  the  attendance  of  their  Chiefs  at  the  approaching  Council.  I  find  likewise 
that  ths  business  is  now  likely  to  be  carried  on  more  systematically,  and  in  a  more  regular 
manner  than  formerly,  as  all  the  Chiefs  of  the  Warriors  have  lately  eulered  into  an  agreement, 
not  only,  as  usual  to  consult  the  Sachems,  but  also  to  allow  their  Determinations  to  be  decisive, 
&  to  follow  immediately  their  advice  ;  if  any  Individual  receives  Intelligence  he  is  to  report 
it  immediately  to  the  Chief  Warrior  of  his  Tribe  who  is  to  communicate  it  without  Delay  to 
his  Sachem,  whose  Advice  &  Orders  he  is  to  receive,  and  punctually  observe.  This  Plan  will 
prevent  each  man  from  acting  from  either  private  caprice  or  revenge,  and  in  respect  to  us  must 
be  favorable,  for  as  the  Suchims  are  old  men,  may  be  sufferers,  &  cannot  expect  any  advantage 
from  War,  they  naturally  will  be  inclined  to  peace,  whereas  the  young  men,  were  they  allowed 
to  act  of  themselves,  must  as  naturally  wish  for  war,  as  the  only  road  left  them  to  acquire  fame, 
flatter  their  pride,  indulge  their  ambilio-i,  and  gratify  their  revenge,  passions  so  very 
characteristical  amongst  them.— I  have  spared  neither  trouble,  or  expense  to  get  all  possible 
intelligence  relative  to  the  Dispositions  of  the  Six  Nations,  &  the  Senecus  in  particular.  I 
have  conversed  with  many  of  them.  Chiefs  &  others,  drunk  &  sober,  and  by  all  1  can  gather 
from  them,  I  am  certain  thni,  tho'  the  young  men  are  ripe  for  mischief,  yet  the  old  men  will 
keep  them  quiet,  at  least  'till  it  is  known  whether  peace  can  be  obtained  for  the  Shawnnese, 
which  (as  thr  Six  Nations  will  not  join  them)  they  will  gladly  accept,  if  not  sue  for:  but 
shou'd  the  Virginians  persist  in  carrying  on  the  War,  1  think  it  is  most  natural  to  conclude 
that  the  War  will  be  general,  &  tl>at  the  Six  Nations  will  take  up  arms  sooner  than  see  their 
younger  Brothers,  as  they  cill  the  Shawai-ese,  cut  ofl'fc  entirely  destroyed.  Your  knowledge, 
experience  ic.  abilities  in  conducting  Indian  Alfairs  will  undoubtedly  greatly  facilitate,  on  the 
part  of  the  Indians  this  intended  accomodation  &  certainly  (Jovernment  &  Lord  Duiinore  in 
particular  will  lake  every  step  ti.at  windom  &•  justice  can  suggest  lowiirds  promoting  that  peace 
Sc  tranquility  so  necessary  lor  the  Traders  &  those  other  of  His  Majesty's  Subjects  who  inhabit 
the  interior  pnrH  of  America.  In  nil  my  speeches  with  (Miiefs  and  Warriors,  I  have 
endeavored  to  convince  them  of  our  strength  and  their  weakness,  that  as  I  was  sent  to  Niagra 
in  the  clinracter  of  Sachim,  as  well  as  Warrior,  I  wou'd  recommend  Peace,  tho'  iniliftereiit  at. 
to  war,  that  as  they  were  a  wise  people.  I  esteemed  them,  that  as  Ihey  had  been  long  friends 
«f  neighbours  of  the  Knglish,  I  loved  them,  and  wou'd  assist  them  whilst  tho  Hatchet  Iny 
buried,  hut  if  once  lifted,  I  bid  them  consider  k  remember  well  that  it  cou'd  never  be  laid  by, 
nnd  that  there  must  be  an  eternal  war  between  us  whilst  n  man  of  their  nation  existed.  I 
granted  that  they  might  nt  first  get  some  few  traders  scalps,  and  plunder,  but  that  they  must 
•oon  sulfer  in  their  turn:  for  il  the  Knglish  when  at  War  with  all  the  World  found  little 
difficulty  in  conquering  America,  how  easily  cou'd  they  now,  when  universal  peace  prevails, 
extirpate  every  savage  upon  the  Continent.  S/unmi,mguf  who  delivered  me  n  belt  of  Friendship 
Boon  afier  my  arrival  here.  Iistei<ed  ve'y  nllentively  to  tho  latter  pnrt  of  my  speech,  which   I 


-  ■  y 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


5C9 


have  reaaon  to  tliink  he  haa  made  a  proper  use  of,  in  every  conversation  he  expressed  the 
strongest  attachment  to  the  English,  and  I  heiieve  iiim  sincere,  iho'  I  ofter.  wished  to  find  more 
content  in  his  countenance  thun  I  coud  perceive  there,  certainly  his  mind  w^as  not  ease,  tho'  he 
wou'd  not  discover  what  disturhed  it. —  Suicwai  is  undoubtedly  a  clever  fellow,  I  wish  he  may 
go  to  Fort  Tit  this  Autumn,  as  by  all  accounts  he  wishes  well  to  the  English.  &  may  be 
depended  upon.—  I  send  the  inclosed  paper  for  your  perusal,  it  is  but  a  report,  and  an  In.ian 
one.  I  shou'd  be  glad  of  your  sentiments  upon  it,  as  well  as  upon  any  other  subject,  you  think 
may  be  of  use  to  a  stranger  in  this  Indian  World,  and  unacquainted  with  the  business,  but  who 
wishes  to  be  of  use;  the  only  excuse  I  can  make  for  troubling  you  with  this  tedious  letter. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  &  humble  serv» 

John  Caldwell' 
L'  Col.  of  the  King's  or  E.ight 

Regiment  &  Commandant  of  Niagara. 


I'Mi-l  of  Dartmoufh  to  the  Governors  in  America, 

[  Pltnlatloiu  UonenI,  CC'I.X.  ] 

,^.      ,      ,  Whitehall  ig""  October  1774. 

(Circular.) 

Hib  Majesty  having  thought  fit,  by  His  Order  in  Council  this  Day,  to  prohibit  the  Exportation 
from  (Jreat  Britain  of  (iunpowder,  or  any  sort  of  arms  or  ammunition,  I  herewith  inclose  to 
you  a  Copy  of  the  Order,  and  it  is  His  Majesty's  Command  that  you  do  take  the  most  eHi-ctual 
measures  for  arresting,  detaining  and  securing  any  (iunpowder,  or  any  sort  of  arms  or 
ammunition,  which  may  be  attempted  to  be  imported  into  the  Province  under  your 
(Jovirnment,  unless  the  Master  of  the  Ship  having  such  Military  Stores  on  Board  shall 
produce  a  Licence  from  His  Majesty,  or  the  I'rivy  Council,  for  the  exportation  of  the  same 
from  some  of  the  I'orts  of  this  Kingdom. 

1  am  &c* 

Dahtmohtii 


(N»84.) 


Sir 


Kirl  of  Darlmouth  to  Lientenant-dovernor  Colden. 
IN.w.rotii,  ei.xvi.,  »o.  14.) 

Whitehall  Nov'  2"'  1774 


I  have  received  your  letter  of  tho  7">  of  Sept'&.  have  laid  it  before  the  King. 

■  U«uUB«nt  rolon.l  .loiiM  ('AU>wiu.  w>«  «(i|h.IiiI«1  C«|.t«iii  in  the  Vlli  or  \l„yn]  nuiUtn,  on  th»  20tli  nwemlwr,  1788, 
ni.l  hw»\m  M»jor  of  tlmt  n-giiriciil  IDth  July,  Pilg.  Il«  wm  ii|ipuiiit«<l  l.lvnt.uitiit  C\.loii..|  of  lh«  Sih  or  Kiiin't  Koot  liVtli 
•  lit,.l.pr,  17Ti  Arm)/  l.itti.  Tlii.  riniim-i.t,  iliiriii^  llio  wur  of  lij.l,.|.,ii.|«iic.',  tvm  ri'ilioiK-.l  at  NiHKurii,  wh,  rJ  l.i«ul<'ii«iit. 
ColoiiMC«c1wHI  iir.'.i.l«,l  lit  A  (Voiifil  M.l  willi  lli«  Hii  Nnlioii*  itnil  wnLni  Irili..^  in  Sf|,|,mlMT,  ITVfi,  iit  whicli  tli.'y 
iwoItwI  to  tak«  up  »rni»  iKnlnut  Ain..ricit.  Ulant't  lif,  «/  Hrmnt.  tl..  4.  nMt.  Datacl'.tu.ni.  of  ih.  Rth  ii<;<oni|>a!iif.l  tli* 
tnJiaut  in  -iiont  of  tliuir  fomyi  into  tli*  MtlUnienla,  iii.l  l.iok  •  |.nrt  in  tli«  ImliU  of  Wyoin.hK  iii  IV7H,  but  l.ieut»n»nf 
t'oloutl  Ctiaw*!!  ,li,|  not  pardi'Ipati-  in  tliv»  opi>r«lioni,  «•  II  «|<|ie*r(  1.)  Hit  .Irmy  /.<•(•  tlmt  b«  lin.l  rclinJ  from  llie  Mrvi>'« 
©r  ititti  In  NnTtmlirr,  m«,  or  aliorllr  »ft»r  |>rMi(ling  nt  tha  Coanril  t\>»it  ni«nlion«<l.  —  Ko 


•   ■     J 


510 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i 


From  the  Accounts  you  give  of  the  Cliaracters  and  Tempers  of  the  Five  Gentlemen 
appointed  by  the  City  of  New  York  to  be  their  Delegates  at  the  General  Congress  I  should 
suppose  they  would  not  be  likely  either  to  advise  or  support  rash  &  violent  Measures ;  but 
there  is  but  too  much  reason  to  fear  that  the  Majority  of  Delegates  are  of  a  different 
Complexion. 

In  my  letter  to  you  of  the  7""  of  Sep'  I  acquainted  you  with  the  Information  I  had  received 

of  large  quantities  of  Gunpowder  exported  from  Holland  to  North  America  &  I  mentioned  to 

you  a  particular  Instance  of  that  dangerous  Commerce:  I  make  no  doubt  that  you  hfive  in 

consequence  thereof  done  every  thing  in  your  power  to  detect  &  punish  such  Practises;  but 

I  am  nevertheless  again  called  upon  to  exhort  you  to  be  more  than  commonly  attentive  to  that 

object,  as  every  day  almost  furnishes  some  fresh  intelligence  of  the  Americans  purchasing  large 

Quantities  of  Arms  &  An)munition  in  the  diU'ureut  parts  of  Europe. 

I  am  &c' 
Lieut.  Governor  Colden.  Dartmouth 


i^ 


m 


N»  8. 


Zieutenani- Governor  Cohkn  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

t  Now-Tork,  CLXVI.,  No.  8.  ] 

New  York  S"""  November  1774. 


My  Lord, 

I  have  received  the  Honor  of  your  Lordship's  Commands  of  the  10'^  of  September,  N"  23. 

The  Congress,  at  Philadelphia,  broke  up  last  Week.  They  have  publish'd  an  Extract  of 
the  Proceedings,  of  which  I  inclose  your  Lordship  a  Copy.  It  was  received  in  this  IMace  only 
two  Days  agoe,  so  that  there  has  not  been  time  to  discover  the  Gene  •!  Sentiments  of  the 
People  upon  it.  It  ia  certain  that  the  Measures  of  the  Congress  do  not  meet  with  rapid 
applause  here  ;  but  on  the  contrary  the  i'eople,  even  in  the  City,  appear  to  be  rather  Dissatisfied. 
They  continue,  so  far  as  I  can  diHcover,  averse  to  all  violent  and  irritating  Measures.  The 
Merchants  seem  to  disrelish  the  Non-importation  Association.  — and  if  I  am  not  very  much 
deceived,  the  Farmers  will  not  bear  the  Non-Exportation  —  but  at  present  it  is  impossible  to 
«ny  with  certainty  what  steps  the  People  will  take  in  Consequence  of  what  has  been  advised 
and  determined  by  the  Congress. 

I  think  I  may  continue  to  assure  your  Lordship  that  a  great  Mnjority  in  this  Province  ore 
very  far  from  approving  of  the  extravagant  and  dangerous  Measures  of  the  New  England 
Govfrnincnts.  —  that  they  abhor  the  thoughts  of  a  Civil  War,  and  desire  nothing  so  much  as 
to  have  on  End  put  to  this  unhappy  Dispute  with  the  Mother  Country. 

Our  Assembly  have  not  met,  for  some  years  past,  till  after  the  Christmas  Holidays.  Before 
that  time  I  will  endeavour  to  learn  whether  I  may  expect  that  they  will  propose  conciliatory 
Measures,  and  pursue  the  Method  which  your  Lordship  so  justly  points  out  as  most  proper. 
If  I  have  reason  to  hope  they  will,  I  shall  propose  it,  and  use  my  utmost  Influence  to  have  it 
done  in  n  proper  manner. 

Nothing  material  has  happend  in  this  I'lace  since  my  last  letter  to  your  Lordship.  The 
Merchants  are  at  present  endeavouring  to  silt  out  each  others  Sentiments  upon  the  Associatioo 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


511 


proposed  by  the  Congress.  A  certain  Sign,  I  take  it,  that  they  wish  to  avoid  it.  —  General 
Haldimand  left  me  half  a  dozen  Officers,  and  about  One  Hundred  Men  of  the  Royal  Irish  Reg' 
here,  when  he  went  to  Boston.  About  four  score  Artifficers  went  from  hence  with  the  General, 
lo  work  on  the  Barracks  there;  and  last  week  some  Iron  Potts  and  Stores  were  ship'd  for  the 
use  of  the  Troops  at  Boston,  without  an  attempt  being  made  to  prevent  it. 

The  Contraband  Trade  carried  on  between  this  place  and  Holland,  is  my  Lord,  an  object 
that  I  behold  with  great  concern.  It  prevails  to  an  enormous  Degree.  —  Must  destroy  the 
morrals  of  the  People — create  the  most  inveterate  ennemies  to  Government — Nourish  the 
spirit  of  mobing ;  and  abolish  all  fare  Trade.  It  appears  to  me  that  the  Officers  of  the  Customs 
at  this  place  want  more  assistance  than  they  at  present  have.  There  is  not  a  Boat  of  any 
kind  belonging  to  our  Custom  House.  The  Surveyor  and  Sarcher  of  this  Port,  who  is  my 
Grandson,'  has  made  several  seizures  since  he  was  appointed.  He  has  been  an  Officer  in  the 
Army,  and  was  some  Time  in  Quarters  on  the  Isle  of  Man.  He  thinks  two  or  three  such 
Vessells  as  they  have  there,  under  similar  regulations  and  directions,  would  be  the  most 
effectual  means  of  sloping  this  illicit  Trade.  Men  of  War,  even  the  Sloops  are  too  large  for 
tiiis  purpose;  and  besides  the  Captains  seem  to  think  it  an  indignity  to  become  Custom 
House  Officers. 

As  Mankind,  my  Lord,  are  in  general  most  active  when  their  Duty  and  Interest  are  connected, 
1  think  the  Officers  and  Men  employed  in  this  Service,  should  have  such  an  allowance  out  of 
the  seizures,  besides  a  daily  pay,  as  would  make  to'  too  expensive  to  the  Merchants  to  offer 
them  any  thing  nearly  equal  in  Bribes.  The  Officers  of  the  Boats  might  likewise  be  frequently 
removed  from  one  Port  to  another,  in  Order  to  render  Bribes  ineffectual.  A  superior  Officer 
nt  each  Port  niiglit  have  the  direction  of  the  Cutters  and  Boats  indepeudant  of  the  Custom 
House,  which  I  am  tuld  is  the  case  at  the  Isle  of  Man. 

My  Grandson  tells  me  that  soon  after  he  enterd  upon  his  office,  he  was  made  to  understand 
that  if  he  would  not  be  officious  in  his  Duty,  he  might  depend  upon  receiving  ^1500  a  year. 
His  Answer  and  ('onduct  has  convinced  them  of  his  Integrity  and  Resolution  to  discharge  his 
Duty  with  fidelity.  I  mention  this.  My  Lord,  as  an  Instance  how  highly  the  illicit  Traders 
can  Bribe. 

The  Vessells  from  Holland,  or  S'  Eustatia,  do  not  come  into  this  Port,  but  anchor  nt  some 
Distance  in  the  numerous  Bays  and  Creeks  that  our  Coasts  and  Rivers  furnish,  from  whence 
the  Counterhnnd  Goods  are  sent  up  in  small  Bouts.  I  beleive  it  would  be  very  proper  to 
make  some  Regulations  that  might  discourage  the  owners  of  theje  small  Boats  from  engaging 
in  this  Business.  When  they  are  now  seized,  their  Boats  are  sold  ut  so  low  a  price,  that  the 
Owners  recover  them  with  a  Lous  that  the  poorest  of  them  does  not  regard.  The  risque 
being  so  small,  they  engage  with  the  illicit  Traders  at  low  Wages.  This  increases  the  Protlits 
of  that  Trade.  But  if  all  Bonis  and  Vessells,  that  did  not  fetch  above  certain  Rates  to  be  lix'd 
in  proportion  to  their  Burlhon,  were  ordered  to  be  burnt  or  destroyed,  the  illicit  Traders 
would  lind  it  much  more  difficult  to  procure  the  assistance  they  require. 

'  UicHAiD  NionoLui  C'uLPin,  wiu  "Oil  of  Alrit>in't<-r  C,  pontirmlnr  uf  Ni>w-Vi>rk.  U»  rcpelrcd  n  oomniiwinn  nt  En»i(jn  In 
tlic  til  Ilovnl  lli(<tiUn.liTt,  U7tli  AiiijiKl,  17ti«,  wliilit  ttist  rf^fimcnt  wim  »t»ti(innl  in  ronn«ylT«iii»,  WliiUt  qu»rt»rod  in 
till-  UU  i>f  Mnii  lie  miirrii'il  *  Secitcli  Utv,  liy  wlinm  li»  hail  two  tDin,  Aloiiin.ltr  «nd  ('■Jwitllnclrr.  Il"  lufl  llio  »riny  *l  (lit 
cluM  of  mi  or  t)p«iiiiiiin  of  1772,  uml  ri'tunisl  willi  lin  family  U>  New  York,  wli.r.'  ho  WM  »|>|ioiiit4id  Sur»»yor  And 
Sffurclmr  of  Cuduuio,  toU  •ooii  nfiar  Ji«J.  Arm^  J.itl$;  £i)y<r'<  Umn^t  t'omi/y,  U<i.  —  Ku. 

'  Me.  it. 


512 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


IM 


It  is,  I  think,  very  probable  that  the  Crowns  share  of  the  seizures  would  at  first  defray  the 
Expense  of  such  an  Establishment.  The  Fund  would  decrease  as  the  illicit  Trade  decreased; 
but  then,  the  Increase  of  Dutys  paid  might  be  more  than  equivalent. 

Dutch  Gun  Powder  has  been  in  use  in  this  Colony  ever  since  I  came  into  it.  How  it  was 
formerly  imported,  I  know  not.  —  I  make  no  Doubt,  all  «ve  now  have  is  brought  in  clandestinly 
I  have  not  been  able  to  learn  any  thing  of  the  ship  Polly,  Captain  Broadhelp.  I  shall  pay  the 
strictest  attention  to  your  Lordships  Directions  on  this  Subject,  which  appears  to  be  a  matter 
of  great  Consequence. 

I  shall  not  neglect  to  observe  your  Lordship  s  Commands,  to  lay  before  you,  by  every 
Opportunity,  an  Account  of  what  occurs  among  Us. 
1  am  with  the  greatest  Respect 
My  Lord, 

Your  most  obedient  and 

faithfull  Servant 

Cadwallader  Colden 

P.  S.  Another  Paper  from  the  Congress  addressed  to  the  Inhabitants  of  Quebec  is  just  now 
publish'd  here — I  inclose  one  of  Iheni 

R'  Hon"'"  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 


tM 


•if: 


I  i 


!  - 


Litnctenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  NawTork  Paper*  ( B.  P.  O. )  CI.XVII.,  No.  ».  ] 

New  York  Dec'  7'"  1774. 
My  Lord 

Notwithstanding  the  business  which  this  time  agitates  America,  is  such,  that  vra  coutinually 
expect  some  event  of  great  importance,  what  has  occurred  in  this  Province  since  my  letter  to 
your  Ldp  of  the  S**  of  November,  has  not  been  very  material. 

The  first  thing  done  here,  in  consefjuence  of  the  resolutions  of  the  Congress,  was  the 
dissolution  of  the  Committee  of  51  in  order  to  choose  a  new  Conmiittee  to  carry  the  measures 
of  the  Congress  into  effect.  A  Day  was  appointed  by  advertisem'  for  choosing  sixty  persons 
to  form  this  new  Committee.  About  thirty  or  forty  citizens  appeared  at  the  election,  and  chose 
the  sixty  persons  who  had  been  previously  named  by  the  former  Committee  I  can,  no  otherwise 
my  Lord,  account  for  the  vtry  small  number  of  people  who  appeared  on  this  occasion  than  by 
supposing  that  the  measures  of  the  congress  are  generally  disrciishfd.  The  non  importation 
association  affects  the  smugglers  as  well  as  the  fair  Traders.  No  Tea  is  to  be  imported //^om 
imt)  ];art  of  {he  world  after  fhe  first  day  of  this  month.  The  Smugglers  expect  large 
((uantitiei  of  Dutch  Tea,  and  insist  that  it  shall  be  exempted  from  the  elfect  of  th>'  Association. 
Others  declare  that  the  fair  Traders  shall  not  be  the  only  sufferers.  It  is  a  dispute  which  I 
think  may  very  probably  defeat  the  Association  Several  Vessels  are  daily  expected  here  with 
goods  from  England  and  1  am  told  ten  or  twelve  from  I'hiladelphia.  It  is  however  shocking 
to  retlect  my  Lord,  that  smuggling  is  such  a  busineis  nmung  us  as  to  bo  publicly  espoused  by 
liumbers  and  more  strenuously  advocated  than  the  legal  Trade 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV, 


518 


In  the  present  Committee  of  this  Place  there  are  aeveral  gentlemen  of  property  and  who  are 
esteemed  to  favor  moderate  ann  conciliatory  .  I  waf  surprised  to  find  such  men  joining  with 
the  Committee  whose  design  is  to  execute  the  plan  of  the  Congress.  I  have  at  length 
discovered  that  they  act  with  a  view  to  protect  'he  City  from  the  ravage  of  the  Mob.  For 
this  purpose,  they  say  they  are  obliged  at  present  to  support  the  measures  of  the  Congress. 
That  if  they  did  not,  the  most  dangerous  men  among  us  would  take  the  Lead  ;  and  under 
pretence  of  executing  the  dictates  of  the  Congress  ould  immediately  throw  the  City  into  the 
most  perilous  situation.  That  however  considerable  the  numbers  may  tie,  who  disapprove  of 
violent  riotous  measures,  yet  the  Spirit  of  Mobiiig  is  so  much  abroad,  it  is  in  the  Power  of  a 
few  People  at  any  time  to  raise  a  Mob;  and  that  the  Gentlemen,  and  men  of  Property,  will 
not  turn  out  to  suppress  them.  I  fear  my  Lord  there  is  too  much  truth  i.i  this  representation. 
It  is  a  dreadfuU  situation.  If  we  are  not  rescued  from  it,  by  the  wisdom  and  firmness  of 
Parliament,  the  Colonies  must  soon  fall  into  distraction  and  every  Calamity  annexed  to  a  total 
annihilation  of  Government 

M'  Gallawr.y  one  of  the  Philadelphia  Delegates,  has  been  lately  there'  on  a  visit.  He 
furnished  me  with  Heads  of  a  plan  for  the  Government  of  the  Colonies  proposed  by  him  to 
the  Congress  and  seconded  by  M'  Duane  of  this  Place  —  These  Gentlemen  are  of  opinion  my 
Lord,  that  there  is  a  defect  in  the  constitution  .f  the  British  empire  with  resnect  to  the 
(ioveniment  of  the  Colonies,  and  that  the  most  effectual  means  of  reconciling  the  present 
unhappy  difierences;  and  for  preventing  the  like  hereafter,  would  be  to  obtain  from  the  King 
and  Parliament  one  General  constitution  that  should  establish  a  political  Union  not  only  among 
the  Colonies,  but  with  great  Britain  upon  Principles  of  safety  and  freedom  to  both.  These 
were  the  guiding  objects  in  M'  Galiaways  Plan,  which  underwent  a  Debate  in  the  Congress, 
and  was  entered  on  their  minutes;  but  was  afterwards  not  only  totally  rejected  without 
proposing  a  substitute  but  expunged  from  their  minutes.  I  enclose  your  Lordship  a  copy  of 
M' (Jrtlloways  Plan,  with  two  sets  of  introductory  resolves  How  amazing  is  it  my  Lord  that 
when  a  ational  mode  of  proceeding  evidently  tending  to  a  Reconciliation,  was  introduced  and 
supported  by  men  of  the  b  it  judgm"  the  Congress  should  prefer  a  method  big  with  wickedness, 
extravagance  &  absurdu)^  A  fatal  Pr'de  and  obstinacy  seems  to  have  governed  thfm.  The 
Delegates  from  Virginia  were  the  most  violent  of  any  —  the  «  of  Maryland  nd  some  of 
the  Carolinians  were  little  less  so  these  Southern  (Itr'ntlemen  exceeded  even  the  New  England 
Delegates:  —  they  together  made  ,i  majority  that  the  otherr  could  have  very  little  effect  oo 
M'  Gallaway  and  M'  Duane  tell  m^  that,  at  the  close  of  the  Congress  they  disger.i-ed  from  the 
proceedings,  and  insisted  to  have  their  dissent  entered  on  the  Minutes,  but  could  not  bv  any 
means  get  it  allowed. 

The  Assembly  of  this  Province  stands  prorogued  to  the  tenth  day  of  January,  and  by  the 
advice  of  the  Council,  i^Jummonses  are  iMsued  for  them  to  meet  on  that  day.  Many  people 
think  there  is  a  probability  that  they  will  go  upon  conciliatory  Measures,  and  propose  some 
thing  that  may  be  countenanced  by  administration.  The  event  is  uncertain  but  on  such 
occasions  I  think  every  thing  is  to  be  tryed,  that  may  possibly  avert  the  calamity  which  hangs 
^ver  this  country.  I  do  not  apprehend  there  is  any  ilanger  that  the  Assembly  will  make  Matters 
worse  than  they  are  Several  Peicee  have  been  published  (here  exposeing  the  extravagant  and 
dangerous  proceedings  of  the  Congren;  and  advising  the  people  to  rely  on  the  Assembly  that 


^.  ni*iaur«t. 


'  Sit.  her*.  —  En 


Vol.  Vllt. 


OS 


514 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


they  will  take  the  most  reasonable  and  constitutional  means  of  restoring  Peace  and  Harmony 
between  great  Britain  and  this  Province 
1  am  with  the  greatest  Respect 

My  Lord 

Your  most  obedient 
Rt  Honhle  &  faithful  Servant 

Earl  of  Dartmouth  Cadwallader  Colden 


(N>'26.) 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Limtenant-Govemor  Golden. 

1  New- York,  CLXV:,  (  No.  26. )  ] 

Whitehall  Dec'  lO"-  1774. 


Sir, 

I  have  reu^-ived  your  letters  No'  G  &  7  and  have  laid  them  before  the  King,  together  with 
the  Petition  &  .^  :lidavit  eniosed  in  the  first  of  them,  relative  to  the  lawless  and  violent 
proceedings  of  such  of  .he  Iniiabitants  of  the  Township  of  Bennington,  as  claim  lands  in  that 
Township  under  Grants  from  New  Hampshire. 

The  circumstances  attending  those  Disturbances  are  very  alarming;  and  if  it  be  true  that 
those  parts  o(  the  I'rovince  are  now  an  A8ylun\  for  Fugitives  from  every  other  part  cf  Airt-rica, 
it  certainly  is  become  an  object  that  deserves  the  fullest  attention.  I  cannot  however  be  of 
opinion  that  tiie  assistance  of  the  King's  Troops  ought  to  be  calltid  for  until  every  other  elibrt 
has  been  tried  &  fou   \  insufficient. 

Whenever  the  matter  comes  to  that  Issue  it  will  certainly  be  the  Duty  of  the  King's  Servants 
to  advise  His  Majesty  to  strengthen  the  hands  of  (lovernment  by  an  application  of  a  Militr.fy 
Force,  but  I  uo  not  at  present  see  suilicient  ground  for  the  adoption  of  such  a  Measure,  and  I 
cannot  [be]  without  hop»8  that,  when  the  pre  tent  very  alarming  situation  of  the  King's  allairs 
in  North  America,  from  other  causes,  will  leave  our  hands  more  at  liberty,  some  means  may 
be  found  to  accommodate  these  Disputes  without  the  Risk  of  Bloodshed. 

I  trust  it  will  not  he  long  before  We  shall  find  suilicient   l.ieisure  for  such  a  consideration, 

and  His  Majeaty's  subjects  who  have  claims  in  that  part  of  the  country,  under  Grants  from 

New  York,  may  re.sl  assured  that  their  Pretensions  will  meet  with  every  Countenance   and 

Support  that  can  be  shewn  consistent  with  Justice  ;  for  1  can  with  truth  say  tliat  the  Conduct 

of  that  I'rovince  in  general,  &  more  especially  in  the  present  Moment,  has  been  such  aa  justly 

intitles  its  well  disposed  and  peaceable   Inhnhitants  to  His  Majesty's  pai'icular  Favor  and 

Indulgence  :  and   I   have  the  sati:'iction  to  assure  you  that  their  Conduct  is  seen  in  a  very 

favorable  Light,  and  the  Wishes  they  have  in  general  expressed  that  all  Violence   might  be 

avoided,  &  the  Sovereign    .Authority  of  the  Supreme    Legislatuie   might  be  supported,  are 

graciously  considered  by  the  King  as  F.vidences  of  their  Respect  &  All'ection  for  His  Mnjebty, 

&  of  the  just  senm*  they  entertain  of  the  Rights  of  the  British  Empire. 

1  am  &c" 
Lieuletjant  (ioV  toldcu.  Dartmolth 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


515 


Earl  of  Dartmcndh  to  the  Governoi's  in  America. 


Circular 


[  Planuaont  Genera],  CCLX.  ] 


Whitehall  10""  Dec'  1774 

Inclosed  I  send  you,  by  His  Majesty's  Command,  printed  copies  of  His  Majesty's  most 
gracious  Speech  to  His  Parliament,  and  of  the  Addresses  in  answer  thereto,  which  were  passed 
in  both  Houses  by  a  very  great  M.ijority. 

The  Declaration  which  His  Majesty  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  make,  of  His  firm  & 
steadfast  Resolution,  to  withstand  every  Attempt  to  weaken,  or  impair  the  authority  of  tlie 
Supreme  Legislature,  over  all  His  Majesty's  Dominions— The  Uesolution  of  both  Houses  to 
support  those  great  Constitutional  Principles,  by  which  His  Majesty's  conduct  hath  been 
governed,  and  their  entire  approbation  of  the  steps  His  Majesty  has  taken  for  carrying  into 
Execution  the  Laws  passed  in  the  last  Session,  will,  I  trust,  have  the  effect,  to  remove  those 
false  Impressions  which  have  been  made  upon  the  minds  of  His  Majestys  Subjects  in  America, 
and  put  an  end  to  those  Expectations  of  support,  in  their  unwarrantable  Pretensions,  which 
have  been  held  forth,  by  artful  and  designing  Men. 


I  am  &c* 


To  all  the  Governors  in  America 


Dartmouth 


N»5. 


Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

£  PlanUUou  Qentnl  (S.  P.  O. )  CCLXI.  ] 


Guy  Park.  14.  December.  1774. 
My  Lord. 

With  my  last  Dispatch  of  October  O"  (iN"  4.  of  mine)  I  had  the  honor  to  transmit  my 
proceedings  with  the  Six  Nations  at  the  September  Treaty,  with  a  French  Belt  delivered  to 
me,  all  which  I  committed  to  the  care  of  a  Gentleman  return'ng  to  England.  I  have  now  the 
honor  to  acknowleiige  _'our  Lordship's  dispatch  of  Sepf  8""  containing  his  Majesty's  Commands 
for  my  continuinfi,-  ,ia  sUj'crintendai.i.  for  the  present,  and  until  the  state  of  the  Indian 
Department  could  he  farther  considered  eftc,  on  which  I  beg  to  express  ray  most  dutiful 
obligations  for  His  Majesty's  Hoyall  attention  to  my  endeavours  and  to  the  warm 
recommendation  of  his  very  faithful  servant  Sir  William  Johnson,  and  others,  as  well  as  my 
most  grateful  thanks  to  your  Lordship;  most  humbly  assuring  His  Majesty,  that  as  I  have 
spent  much  time  and  pitins,  in  acquiring  an  Intluenc;,  with  the  Indians  and  the  knowledge  of 
an  '.iftice  for  which  very  few  persons  are  by  any  means  qualified,  1  shall  continue  to  discharge 
it  as  an  active  servant,  and  an  hom  st  Man,  and  although  I  am  sensible  that  at  this  distance, 
both  Men  and  things  are  exposed  too  much  misrepresentation  which  his  Majestys  most  faithful 
servants  have  often  experienced,  I  shall  always  oH'er  my  sentiments  with  candour  and  iruih, 
fro!n  a  perfect  reliance  on  your  liOrd^'s  indulgence. 

In  my  last  I  mentioned,  that  the  Six  Nations  were  to  hold  a  general  Congress  at  Onondaga 
at  which  Deputys  from  all  their  immediate  Dependants  were  to  be  present  and  whither  I  had 


■Mt% 


516 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i  f 


fc      '      i 


m 

ll:l 


Bent  persons  of  approved  fidelity.  I  have  now  the  honor  to  inPorm  your  Liordship  t'lat  the 
Congress  ended  very  favourably,  and  that  the  principal  Chiefs  with  others  amounting  to  106. 
have  laid  before  me  the  whole  proceedings  a  copy  of  which,  together  with  their  transactions 
with  me  here,  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith. 

The  Indians  after  duly  considering  all  I  had  said  at  the  September  Congress,  and  the  nature 
of  the  application  from  *.iie  Shawanese  for  support,  rejected  the  latter,  and  having  agreed  on  an 
answer  to  them,  and  appointed  Deputys  to  carry  it,  directed  that  they  with  the  Chiefs  of  each 
Nation  should  imediately  lay  the  whole  before  me  for  my  farther  direction,  which  they  have 
determined  to  follow. 

I  find  that  the  intelligence  the  Six  Nations  lately  received  from  the  Southward  has  greatly 
increased  their  suspicions  of  the  other  Colonies,  and  that  those  most  distinguished  for  their 
fidelity  found  it  a  very  difficult  task  to  procure  a  favourable  issue  to  the  Treaty ;  that  some 
weak  but  furious  Zealots  have  busied  themselves  in  telling  several  Indians  of  the  American 
disputes,  that  the  King  was  set  against  the  Americans  and  Indians,  and  that  the  latter  must  not 
expect  any  further  attention,  which  occasioned  much  disquiet  and  many  private  conferences 
when  it  was  agreed  on,  that  the  Chiefs  should  make  further  enquiry  of  me  into  these  matters, 
that  if  I  satisfied  them  thereon,  they  should  fulfill  their  resolutions  otherwise  they  were 
immediately  to  take  measures  for  their  general  interest  by  supporting  their  oppressed 
Dependants  and  carrying  on  war  against  the  Frontiers.  However,  many  of  the  Chiefs  declared 
their  determined  resolution  to  abide  by  tlieir  engagements,  and  some  persons  of  considerable 
influence  observed  that  if  'heir  suspicions  ware  well  founded  there  was  time  enough  to  take 
violent  measures;  that  they  remembered  what  Sir  William  Johnson  had  said  to  them;  that  I 
had  several  times  since  his  death  explained  these  matters  with  assurances  on  which  they  might 
rely,  and  that  as  they  wished  for  me  and  had  many  other  suits  to  make  to  his  Majesty  they 
should  recommend  themselves  to  favour  by  their  fidelity  and  good  conduct.  This  had  a  good 
effect  and  contributed  to  the  resolutions  that  followed  ;  in  consequence  of  which  they  have  now 
dispatched  Messengers  to  the  Southward  with  a  speech  a  copy  of  which  ,es  herewith  ;  they 
likewise  mentioned  some  private  grievances  that  will  appear  in  the  minutes;  they  are 
nevertheless  still  in  doubt  in  some  measure,  and  the  evil  reports  they  hear  grently  encrease  it, 
for  Indians  should  never  be  engaged  in  our  difierences,  least  it  should  lend  them  to  disrespect 
Govern",  and  incline  them  to  measures  they  would  not  otherwise  think  of,  and  this  is  the  more 
to  be  apprehended,  when  they  hear  that  such  disputes  will  affect  themselves,  and  therefore  I 
have  done  all  in  my  power  hitherto  to  restrain  those  whose  indiscreet  warmth,  might  lead 
them  to  intermeddle  with  the  Indians.  So  miitiy  concurring  circumstances  must,  My  Lord, 
render  it  very  difficult  to  conduct  matters  successfully  at  present  but  I  have  as  yet  succeeded 
and  I  shall  still  endeavour  to  do  so.  The  Indians  are  not  as  unrenscnable  as  may  be  imagined  ; 
they  will  hearken  to  those  in  whom  they  have  confidence,  and  who  understand  their  affairs, 
whilst  they  find  support  from  the  Uoyal  authority,  on  which  they  have  always  depended,  and 
this  has  contributed  greatly  to  the  public  tranquility,  for  tne  different  interests,  and  views  of 
the  Colonies  are  by  no  means  agreable  to  their  inclinatiouj. 

The  invasion  of  the  Shawanese  Country  by  Virginia,  is  very  alarming  to  them.  It  has  been 
the  practice  of  some  of  the  Colonies  to  acquire  territory  by  conquest  rather  than  purchase,  and 
this  renders  every  movement  in  that  quarter  suspected,  and  the  Indians  cant  help  believing, 
that  it  will  be  followed  by  other  attempts  on  their  Country  or  liberties,  whilst  many  private 
unredressed  grievances  strengthen  their  apprehensions,  and  most  of  the  frontier  settlers,  are 


I 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


617 


rude,  and  insensible  of  the  danger  to  which  th^ir  indiscretions  expose  them.  Th's  is 
particularly  the  case  of  those  to  the  Southward,  encouraged  by  success  without  reflecting  that 
they  owe  it  to  the  address  by  which  the  Northern  Indians  have  been  hitherto  prevented  from 
assisting  their  dependants,  for  I  can  afBrm  with  confidence  that  had  the  Six  Nations  been 
permitted  to  afford  their  aid  to  these  people,  the  whole  frontiers  and  Trade,  would  have 
severely  suffered.  The  Delawares  intermeddled  little  in  it;  the  Shawanese  can  scarcely 
muster  300  Men,  and  had  but  few  associates  who  were  chiefly  Mingoes  and  others  intermarried 
amongst  them,  and  living  on  the  branches  of  Ohio,  yet  they  attacked  14,  or  1500  Virginians  at 
the  Great  Kanhawa  In  October,  of  whom  Coll-  Lewis'  and  Field,  with  4.  Captains,  3.  Subalterns 
and  45  Rank  and  file  were  killed  ;  One  Field  Officer,  3.  Captains,  4.  Subalterns  and  79.  Men 
wounded,  with  lit/  loss  on  the  side  of  the  Indians,  altho'  the  number  and  loss  of  the  latter  are 
in  all  such  cases  much  exaggerated;  what  must  have  been  the  consequence  if  supported  by  the 
Northern  Ind"'?  The  Six  Nations  alone  can  muster  8000  fighting  Men  without  taking  ir.  their 
Dependant  Tribes  in  Canada,  or  about  the  Lakes  who  would  for  the  most  part  follow 
their  fortune  and  who  lately  sent  them  Messages  to  tha  effect.  The  want  of  reflecting  upon 
this  and  the  little  attention  one  Colony  pays  to  the  distresses  in  which  it  may  involve  its 
neighbours  is  a  very  alarming  consideration.  Tho'  all  ihe  Colonies  niight  be  sensibly  affected 
by  an  irruption  of  the  Six  Nations;  the  Northern  frontiers  and  the  Furr  Trade  are  more 
particularly  exposed  to  them,  both  of  which  depend  on  their  peacable  disposition,  and  have 
never  experienced  the  contrary,  thro'  good  management  and  attention,  as  in  the  late  War  with 
France,  they  were  preserved  in  our  interest,  as  well  as  in  the  succeeding  rupture,  (a  few  only 
excepted  of  the  Upper  Senecas).  As  I  know,  that  these  observations  are  capable  of  the  clearest 
demonstration,  f  venture  with  all  humility  to  suggest  them  from  the  attention  they  appear  to 
me  to  deserve  at  this  lime. 

I  immediately  communicated  to  the  Indians  His  Maj'''  commands  respecting  my  Super 
Intending  their  affairs  at  present  which  afforded  them  great  satisfaction  and  contributed  to 
remove  some  of  their  apprehensions,  for  having  been  so  many  years  acquainted  with  me  and 
my  office  as  Sir  William  Johnson's  immediate  Dep'',  and  of  my  connection  with  him,  for 
whose  memory  they  retain  the  warmest  regard,  their  partiality  for  me  is  extremely  natural. 

The  inconveniences  I  labour  under  through  the  uncertainty  of  my  Authority,  never  abated 
my  endeavours;  for  altho  in  this  office  a  variety  of  steps  are  often  necessary  that  in 
prudence  require  some  knowl«dge  of  its  duration,  I  did  not  neglect  any  thing  that  the  service 
required,  but  made  proper  provision  as  well  for  the  necessary  subordinate  Officers,  as  for  the 
various  contingencea  of  the  Department  omitting  nothing  that  was  essentially  requisite,  thro' 
regard  for  the  public  security,  and  the  interests  of  the  Crown,  in  humble  confidence,  that  as  I 
had  long  detached  myself  from  all  other  interesting  objects,  to  qualify  myself  for  attaining  an 
hone«t  reputation  in  this  peculiar  post,  it  would  prove  an  additional  recommendation  to  His 
Maj'* '  favour,  and  the  continuance  of  it  in  myself  under  the  present  or  such  other  establishment, 

'  Colonel  CiitsLu  Lsva  wii  th«  yountfest  *pd  of  John  Lewis,  a  n«tiv«  of  IrelanJ,  who  had  immigrated  to  Virginia  in  th« 
fore  part  of  the  laat  ceiuiiry,  anil  nettled  near  Wpk  Augmta.  Hero  Charloa  was  freiiuently  engaged  in  akirmiiihes  with  tho 
Indians,  in  i):ie  of  which  he  w«t  taken  prisoner,  and  effected  hia  encape  ahnost  by  a  miracle.  II«  served  in  the  expedition 
under  Hriidil  ek,  and  fought  againat  the  Western  Indiana  in  the  liattle  of  IMeaaant  I'oint,  above  tho  mouth  of  the  Great 
Kenhawa,  on  lOth  Oetoher,  1774,  in  the  ."iirly  part  of  which  engagement  he  foil,  mortally  wounded.  He  continued  to  cheer 
on  hi«  men  to  victory,  notwithstan.ling,  until  he  waa  removed  from  the  field,  ills  lirothcr,  Andrew  Lewis,  who  commanded 
the  Virginia  troopa  on  thin  oecaainn.  wn«  afterwards  a  hricadicr-general  iu  the  Uevoluilonary  war,  Ihme't  Hiilorieal  Colltt- 
tioni  of   Virginia,  181,  182,  204;  i/oiutlt't  Miinuippi,  L,  S80. — Ed. 


518 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


as  might  enable  me  to  employ  my  talents  and  acquirements  in  the  manner  most  conducive  to 
His  Maj''"'  service,  and  thereby  gratify  a  laudable  ambition.  These  hopes  and  sentiments 
encourage  me  to  a  vigorous  discharge  of  my  duty,  and  the  times  require  it,  for  the  Indians  still 
apprehend  they  have  much  cause  to  doubt,  and  design  as  I  find  to  watch  all  motions,  till  those 
evils  which  have  been  long  engendering  are  removed  from  their  remembrance  and  such 
measures  carried  into  execution  as  may  enable  the  Government  to  lessen  their  attention  by 
imperceptible  degrees  &  without  hazard. 

There  is  an  account,  that  peace  has  been  made  with  one  of  tb  •  Southern  Tribes  since  the 
Action  at  Kanhawa,  on  their  ceding  a  Tract  of  Country  to  Virginia.  The  Indians  have  heard 
of  u,  and  have  sent  to  me  for  particular  information  which  I  cannot  as  yet  give  them,  but  if  it 
is  as  reported  it  must  have  been  the  eflV't  of  necessity  on  the  one  side,  and  therefore  will  be 
little  regarded,  by  the  Shawanese,  who  will  doubtless  excuse  themselves  .0  the  Six  \;)tions, 
and  probably  excite  the  latter  to  regard  it  as  an  invasion  of  their  rights,  in  which  liglii  it  will  be 
too  readily  considered,  as  the  Shawanese  h.ive  no  Title,  or  pretensions  to  treat  abn  it  lands. 
This  with  the  revival  of  some  alarming  claims  may  ncgravate  their  discontent  and  without 
good  management  produce  very  serious  consequences,  so  that  it  will  be  expedient  for  me  .  be 
honored  with  His  Maj''*  commands  respecting  them  that  they  may  be  explained  in  the  way 
most  agreable  to  Govern*,  and  likewise  to  know  whether  ihe  Indians  should  be  passive,  or  take 
an  active  part  (which  many  enquire  about)  in  the  present  or  any  other  disputes.  In  the 
interim  I  shall  in  these  matters  act  to  the  best  of  my  judgement  and  with  the  approbation  of 
General  Gage,  relying  on  His  Maj'''''  favour.  Your  Lord'''s  countenance  of  my  endeavours,  & 
indulgence  for  the  immoderate  length  of  this  tetter. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  high 
respect — My  Lord 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  and 
humble  servant. 

G.  Johnson. 


Proceedings  of  Colotiel  Gutj  Johnson  with  the  Six  JVaiions. 

(Planlalloni  Gencr»l(8.  p.  O. )  CCLXI.] 

Proceedings  of  a  Congress  held  with  the  Chiefs  and  Warriors  of  the  Six  Nations 
El  Guy  Park  December  1"  1774. 

Prehent  —  Col:  (iuy  Johnson  his  Maj'>''  Superintendant 

Col:  Daniel  Claus,  agent  for  Indian  Affairs 

Josejih  Chew  Ksq:  Secretary 

John  Butler  Ksq  Interpreter. 

M'  Daly,  Doctor  Adams  and  other  Gentlemen,  and 

The  Sachems,  Chiefs,  and  Warriors  Deputed  for  that  purpose. 

The  Superintendant  informed  them  he  was  ready  'o  proceed  on  business,  when  Abraham 
the  Mohawk  speaker  performed  the  ceremony  of  condolence  with  three  strings;  by  wiping 


U';^ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :     XLIV. 


519 


the  Eyes  and  clearing  the  throat  ettc  in  order  to  speak  freely  &  prepare  them  properly  for 
entering  on  business.  After  which  Tyawarunte  the  Speaker  of  the  Fire  place,  returned  the 
ceremony  of  condolence  in  the  usual  manner,  and  then  proceeded  to  repeat  ail  that  had  been 
recommended  to  them  by  Sir  William  Johnson  and  Col :  Johnson,  that  they  well  remembered 
&  had  strictly  regarded  it;  and  accordingly  had  called  together  ail  their  people  and  Dependants 
at  Onondaga  to  a  general  Congress  the  proceedings  of  which  he  was  going  to  relate  and 
therefore  desired  attention  might  be  paid  to  it. 
He  then  arose  and  Addressed  the  Superintendant  as  follows : 

Brother  Gorah  Uraghqudirha 

As  Joseph  Tayendanegali'  attended  the  general  Congress  on  your  behalf  and  by  your 
authority  &  took  down  in  writing  what  passed,  all  which  we  believe  he  did  very  exactly  shall 
be  brief  in  repeating  the  same  and  we  desire  your  attention. 

Then  repeated  the  transactions  at  Onondaga  as  in  the  annexed  sheets  after  which  he 
proceeded  as  follows: 

Brother.  —  When  we  had  settled  matters  at  Onondaga  as  we  have  related  to  you  with  the 
heads  f  the  Six  Nations,  the  Deputits  from  our  Dependant  Tribes  in  Canada  and  on 
the  Susquehanna  We  then  produced  this  large  Belt  with  which  we  confirmed  and  strengthened 
our  resolutions  and  bound  all  present  to  fulfill  the  same,  this  is  the  great  Belt  of  union  delivered 
to  us  before  the  late  war,  for  the  purpose  of  peace  and  friendship  with  the  English,  it  likewise 
reminds  us  of  the  King's  kind  promises  to  us  formerly  and  we  beg  that  you  will  lay  these 
our  proceedings  before  the  King,  entreating  his  Majesty  to  continue  his  kind  attention  to  us 
and  to  our  atfairs  as  he  has  done,  and  that  he  will  give  orders  to  his  Governors  to  the 
southward  to  chtck  their  people,  and  be  aiding  to  us  in  reestiiblishing  peace,  and  we  also  desire 
that  you  will  signily  the  same  to  the  Governors  themselves,  who  we  hope  will  consider  the 
matter  wisely  and  not  give  us  reason  to  think  ill  of  their  designs. 

This  great  Belt  has  always  lain  at  our  Council  fire,  but  we  shall  now  deposit  it  with  the 
Senecas  who  are  the  western  door  of  our  confederacy,  and  whom  we  thereby  charge  and  injoin 
to  look  towards  us  and  to  follow  strictly  the  resolutions  they  have  now  confirmed  with  us  and  to 
unite  strongly  therein.  —  Delivered  an  extraordinary  Belt  near  6  feet  long  and  consisting  of  30. 
Rows  of  white  wampum  in  breadth  with  a  figure  of  Black  wampum  in  it. — 

Brother.  This  Belt  the  Seneca's  of  the  Ohio  as  far  up  as  Canwagan^  received  from  the  Governor 
of  Pennsylvania  inviting  them  to  Fort  I'itt  to  a  Council  there  to  assist  in  restoring  peace;  but 
upon  a  Message  received  from  thence,  that  a  skirmish  had  happened  between  the  Virginians 
and  the  Delawares.  in  which  two  of  the  latter  were  killed,  and  the  other  succeeding  troubles, 
we  thought  it  would  not  be  safe  for  them  to  go  there  and  that  the  meeting  proposed,  could  not 
take  place;  we  therefore  now  bring  the  Belt  to  you  in  order  to  have  your  opinion  on  the 
matter,  and  that  you  may  give  a  proper  answer  to  Gov'  I'enn  for  us. 

Brother.  This  is  a  Belt  sent  by  Sir  William  Johnson  to  us  requiring  us  to  call  all  our 
people  living  on  the  Ohio  away  in  consequeuce  of  which  they  all  expect  a  few  that  were 
married  amongst  the  Shawanese,  came  away. 

Then  they  concluded  with  expressing  their  concern  at  iiearing  that  the  dispute  to  the 
Southward  had  rather  increased,  and  that  there  had  been  an  engagement  lately,  that  they 
expected  to  be  fully  informed  as  to  this  and  any  other  intelligence  as  a  test  of  friendship  and 


'  Knowu  aflcrworilK  u  CapUiu  Joau'Q  Brant.     Uiii  life  lift*  boeo  writtea  bj  Col,  Stone.  2  vols.,  8vo.,  IhSH. 
'  Suf/ra,  p.  42tli  iioie.  —  Ko. 


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NEW-YORK  COLONIAL,  MANUSCRIPTS. 


also  as  to  reports  propagated  of  a  large  body  of  troops  at  Boston  and  a  dispute  between  the 
King  and  the  people  here  that  might  affect  them. 

Col :  Johnson  answered  in  a  few  words  expressing  his  esteem  for  them  and  his  satisfaction 
in  finding  them  unite  in  such  wise  resolutions,  that  he  should  consider  the  whole  and  answer 
them  fully  thereupon  the  next  day  in  such  a  manner  as  must  convince  them  of  the  gcod 
intentions  of  Government  and  of  his  personal  regard.— on  which  they  appeared  satisfied. 


hi 


At  a  Conference  with  the  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations 
Present —  as  before. 


Saturday  December  S"*  1774. 


The  Indians  being  all  assembled  and  seated,  Col :  Johnson  addressed  them  as  follows. 
Brothers.  Having  duly  considered  your  speeches  and  the  several  matters  'aid  before  me,  I 
am  now  to  answer  you  and  dasire  your  attention  thereto.  It  gives  me  much  pleasure  to  find, 
that  what  you  say  corresponds  so  exactly  with  what  had  been  laid  before  me  by  the  person  I 
sent  to  attend  the  Congress,  and  that  the  issue  was  so  strictly  conformable  to  my  advice,  and 
to  the  measures,  which  it  was  your  interest  to  pursue. — 

I  consider  this  as  not  only  a  proof  of  your  wisdom  and  friendly  regard  to  the  English,  but  of 
your  particular  affection  for  me,  which  I  shall  always  return  by  candid  advice,  faithful 
representations  of  your  conduct  &  plain  dealing  with  yourselves.  I  much  approve  of  your 
making  use  of  the  Great  Celt  on  this  occasion  and  I  exhort  the  Senecas  to  pay  the  utmost  regard 
to  it,  for  the  future,  as  I  now  put  my  hand  to  it,  to  prevent  its  falling  to  the  ground  and  as  a 
proof  that  it  will  be  supported:  you  may  be  assured  that  I  shall  lay  what  you  desire  before 
his  Mnjv  and  the  Governors  concerned  and  I  am  convinced  of  the  King's  Regard  for  your 
welfare  and  interest,  and  that  his  General  and  the  Governors  will  use  their  endeavours  for 
restoring  peace.  Returned  the  great  Belt. 

The  Belt  the  Ohio  Senecas  received  from  Gov'  Penn  was  undoubtedly  for  pacific  purposes, 
but  the  unhappy  troubles  that  succeeded  did  not  admit  of  their  taking  any  resolutions  thereon 
&  I  persuade  myself  that  the  resolutions  you  have  lately  taken  and  now  repeated  to  me  will 
render  it  unnecessary,  and  therefore  as  you  desire  it,  I  shall  acquaint  Gov'  Penn  with  your 
answer,  and  your  present  good  dispositions. 

Your  next  Belt  is  a  proof  of  what  I  have  ofien  said  to  you ;  You  there  find  that  it  was  the 
desire  of  your  great  and  worthy  friend  Sir  William  Johnson,  to  draw  your  people  out  of 
temptation  that  they  might  not  get  connected  with  those  who  are  remote  from,  and  secret 
Enemies  to  your  Council  fire ;  &  I  am  glad  to  find  that  you  have  at  length  complyed  with  his 
and  my  repeated  advice.  Therefore  let  me  advise  you  now,  that  you  have  collected  so  many 
of  your  people  to  keep  them  in  good  order  &  turn  thei-  faces  to  your  proper  Council  fire. 

Then  acquainted  them  with  the  intelligence  from  Ohio  and  the  dispute  with  the  Coloniei 
as  a  matter  in  no  wise  relating  to  them. 

Then  Col :  Johnson  addressed  them  as  follows. 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations. 

It  now  remains  for  me  to  hear  from  you  the  particulars  of  the  Message  you  have  agreed  to 
■end  to  the  Southward,  and  whether  you  do  not  intend  to  send  Messengers  from  each  Nation 
and  whom. 


I 


4a 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV.  5,^^ 

Brothers.  You  have  acted  wisely  hitherto  in  your  Councils  but  it  will  be  to  liule  purpose 
unless  your  resolves  are  carried  effectually  into  execution  by  trusty  Men,  who  will  faithfully 
d.scharge  what  ,s  committed  to  them,  I  find  you  -,ave  chosen  some  faithful  and  spirited  men. 
and  I  hope  they  w.ll  prove  so.  I  leave  you  to  consider  of  this  matter  and  rely  on  your  giviuR 
me  a  true  and  satisfactory  answer.  s  "'"B 

Then  retired  according  to  custom. 

The  Indians  continued  in  private  Council  ab-  an  hour  after  which  Col :  John.on  returned 
when  their  Speaker  addressed  him  as  follows: 

Brother.  We  are  thankful  to  you  for  your  good  advice  and  we  tell  you.  that  we  have  at 
the  late  Congress,  acted  in  ail  respects  agreable  to  your  advice  and  desires.     The  Mohawk 

vllu3v     r^r  ""'"•  ^""r  ""''  '^"^"'  '^'  •'^•'"^^^^  «^"'  '^  ^-y  ^l''«  Messenger  who 
voluntarily  offered  h.s  services  for  the  public,  and  is  a  great  Man.     The  Cahugns  have  also 

made  a  proper  choice  as  have  the  Onondagas.-The  Oneidas  have  chosen  a  you.^  Man.  but  a 
Man  that  IS  brave  and  maybe  relied  on ;  and  to  prevent  mistakes  we  purposely  made  our 
Message  short,  having  put  all.  that  was  on  13.  Belts  from  our  allies  into  one  great  Belt  to  tell 
the  Indians  to  the  southward  that  we  have  heard  of  their  situation,  but  after  mature  deliberation 
we  will  take  no  part  in  it,  as  they  are  a  troublesome  people,  that  we  liave  sent  them  two 
Messages,  and  now  send  the  third  and  last  desiring  them  to  consider  their  interests  and  lay 
down    he  axe  and  that  if  they  neglect  to  do  so.  they  shall  not  hear  more  from  our  Chiefs,  or 
from  those  who  are  concerned  in  affairs  of  peace.     Now  Brother,  as  we  take  so  much  pains  we 
expect  the  hngli.h  will  take  some  alno ;  that  the  people  of  Virginia  who  are  white  Men.  and 
supposed  to  be  under  command,  will  stop  their  hands,  bury  their  Axe  and  no,  invade  any  part 
of  our  country.     This  &  this  only.  Brother,  can  m.ke  us  easy,  we  have  been  greatly  dist'ried 
but    he  satisfaction  we  receive  from  your  councils  and  ..ssurances.  had  made  us  sit  still,  fo; 
we  the  8.x  Nations  are  not  inclined  to  break  our  engagements,  till  we  see  ourselves  lessened 
or  our  aflairs  ,n  danger.     Our  dependants  around   the  lakes  and  in  Canada,  wait  for  onr  call 
and  not  we  for  theirs.-We  thank  you  Brother,  for  what  you  have  told  us  concerning  the 
afla.rs  to  the  Southward  and  we  hope  the  fire  will  not  spread  further  there. -We  a'so  thank 
you  for  informing  us  concerning  the   disputes  we   have   heard  of.  to  the  K.stward.  we   have 
strange  stories  about  them,  and  many  other  things  concerning  ourselves— But  we  hope  that 
the  great  King  will  remember  that  we  are  a  taithful  people  and  that  at  .he  (;reat  Treaty  at 
.on  Manwix  when  vv^  gave  up  so  much  land  we  .lid  so.  as  we  then  mentioned,  in  the  hope 
and  confidence,  that   His  Mai'^  would   continue   liia  regard  to  us  and   prevent  us  from   being 
defraiHled;  by  giving  strength  ,0  the  great  Man  who  had   the  care  of  our  affairs,  that  they 
nnght  be   conducted  in  one  direct  road  and  properly  attended  to.  and  we  hope,  that  what  we 
have  said,  will  not  be  forgotten,  for  we  remember  it  still,  and  you  have  it  all  in  writing-  a,.d 
we  rely  on  your  reporting  what  we  have  said  ,0  the  great  King  and  that  you  will  al.aint 
the  (.ov   of  \  irginia  with  our  desires  and  send  an  answer  to  Gov'  I'enn's  Belt,  which  we  now 
leave  with  you  lor  that  purpose,  ami  we  hope  that  you  will  supply  the  .Messengers  going  to  the 
boulhward  with  such  articles  as  they  may  want  on  so  long  a  journey. 
To  which  Col.  Johnson  answered 

Brothers.  I  approve  much  of  your  Message  ,0  the  Shawanese  an.)  of  the  persons,  who  are 
to  be  the  bearern  of  it ;  who.  I  have  reason  to  hHu-ve  will  ,i,.|iver  it  faithfullv  and  theiehv  do 
you  much  credit  ami  prove  of  service  to  the  mad  people  lo  the  Southward-at  the  same  time. 
I  have  reason  to  hope  that  the  .iispute  is  nearly  terminated  as  it  is  at  most  only  a  dispute  with 


i 


Vol..  VIH. 


f.n 


t^i    I'     ! 
'  s 


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NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


the  people  of  Virginia  in  which  none  of  his  Maj"''"  troops  on  any  of  the  other  Colonies  are 
concerned,  and  in  which  a  wise  people  should  be  cautious  how  they  interest  Iheiiiselves,  least 
it  should  prove  liurt(ul  to  them,  without  benefiting  others.  You  may  be  assured  that  I  shall 
lay  all  your  proceedings  faithfully  before  the  King,  and  that  you  will  continue  to  experience 
his  fatherly  protection,  so  long  as  you  act  with  discretion  and  fidality.  It  is  therefore,  your 
particular  interest  to  be  governed  by  good  Councils,  to  listen  to  my  advice  and  act  as  you  have 
done,  and  for  your  further  satisfaction,  I  can  now  acquaint  you  that  the  Great  King,  thro'  his 
regard  to  you  has  been  pleased  to  order  me  by  a  dispatch  from  the  Secretary  of  State  to 
continue  the  superintendancy  of  your  affairs  at  present,  and  he  will  doubtless  in  all  his  actions 
consult  your  happiness  and  satisfaction,  provided  you  continue  to  deserve  it,  by  adhering 
strongly  to  your  engagements  and  by  your  good  behaviour,  enabling  me  to  report  you  a  faithful 
people. — I  shall  not  fail  to  lay  your  desires  before  the  Governor  of  Virginia  and  I  trust  it  will 
merit  attention.  I  shall  also  send  your  answer  to  Gov'  Penn,  and  report  your  good  resolutions ; 
and  as  1  am  sensible  that  your  Messengers  have  a  long  journey  to  make,  I  shall  furnish  them 
with  such  articles  as  are  necessary  to  assist  them  on  the  Koad. — 


Pkese.nt 


as  before. 


December  the  4* 


Vi 


The  Indians  assembled  when  Col :  Johnson  delivered  a  large  kettle  to  the  Speaker  of 
Onondaga  to  be  used  at  a  dance  in  consequence  of  a  dream  agreable  to  their  ancient  Customs. 
—  He  also  delivered  a  Flag  to  a  Chief;  after  which  the  Indians  having  signified  that  they 
were  ready,  the  Speaker  arose  and  spoke  as  follows: — 

Brother.  We  have  heard  for  sometime,  that  there  are  some  bad  white  people,  who  iuive 
been  endeavouring  to  deprive  our  Brothers  the  Mohawks  at  Fort  Hunter  and  at  Connjoharie 
of  the  little  remains  of  land  at  these  Villages,  and  we  heard  always,  that  our  late  Brother  Sir 
William  Johnson  protected  ihem  &  prevented  the  Conajoharies  from  being  driven  to  despair. 
We  find  however,  that  the  siime  wicked  endeavours  to  cheat  them,  are  still  practised  and  that 
the  Rogue  Klock  continues  to  render  tliem  very  uneasy.  This  Brother,  gives  us  much 
concern,  for  we  cannot  suppose,  the  English  will  be  well  disposed  to  us  if  they  do  not  do 
Justice  and  shew  kindness  to  those  faithful  people  living  at  their  doors. 

We  therefore  uy  this  fJelt  request  that  you  Brother  will  continue  your  good  Offices  to  them 
as  Sir  William  Johnson  did,  and  that  you  will  represent  strongly  their  case  to  the  King  and  his 
wise  Men,  that  they  may  at  length  be  made  easy,  and  that  their  heads  may  not  gee  turned,  for 
being  a  part  of  us,  it  may  affect  our  sences.  A  Belt  of  seven  Rows. 

Then  the  Indians  returned  a  Belt  delivered  by  the  Mohawks  at  Onondaga,  recommending  it 
to  all  the  Nations  to  obey  their  Chiefs  ettc,  and  assured  the  Mohawks  that  they  approved 
&  would  follow  their  advice.  They  also  delivered  a  Bunch  of  Strings  to  Col:  Johnson  to  the 
same  effect.  TheOnondagas  then,  on  a  Bunch  of  str  iigs  gave  n  strict  caution  to  their  Hunters 
to  behave  well,  &  acquainted  Col :  Johnson  (according  to  ancient  custom)  that  18  more  of  the 
Hunters  of  their  Nation  were  then  come  to  Hunt  in  the  n-ighbourhood  and  hoped  that  they 
would  be  assisted  with  some  ammunilion.  — Col:  Johnson  answered  that  as  they  hunted  of  late 
mu.h  in  that  part  of  the  Country,  he  thought  their  caution  to  their  Hunters  extremely  necessary 
and  in  hopes  of  their  behaving  well,  would  consider  their  wants.  He  then  arose  and  addressed 
the  whole  as  fullowa : 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


523 


Brothers  of  the  Six  Nation  Confederacy. 

I  have  heard,  what  you  have  said  regarding  the  case  of  the  Mohawks,  who  I  trust  will  be 
honestly  dealt  with  hy  the  people  at  Albany,  claiming  the  lands,  and  my  endeavours  shall  not 
be  wantmg  to  procure  a  final  settlement  of  the  affair.-As  to  that  of  the  Conajoharies  it  was 
settled  (thro  b.r  William  Johnson's  endeavours)  by  all  parties  concerned  but  one  Man  who 
imprudently  stood  out.  However  the  matter  has  been  laid  before  the  Gov'  lately,  and  I  am 
persuaded  that  every  possible  measure  will  be  taken  for  their  relief,  as  your  speech  will  be 
sent  to  your  kind  Father  the  King,  and  also  to  the  Gov'  of  this  province,  who  is  heartily 
disposed  to  serve  you.  ■' 

Brothers      The  business  of  this  meeting  being  thus  far  satisfactorily  concluded  it  remains  for 
me  (accordmg  to  Custom)  to  give  you  this  belt  as  a  proof  of  n.y  being  ordered  by  the  King 
to  continue  for  the  present  in  the  n.anagement  of  your  affairs;  to  assure  you  of  my  sincere 
attachment  to  your  interests  and  of  my  resolution  to  follow  the  >nost  prudent  measures  for 
promoting  your  happiness. 

With  this  Belt  I  remove  all  evil  Councils  from  you,  cleansing  your  Council  fire  and  turning 
your  heads  to  the  right  way,  and  1  have  affixed  to  it  my  seal,  as  a  mark  of  my  sincerity  and  a 
representation  of  my  heart,  which  is  open  an<l  will  be  always  inclined  to  you,  whilst  you 
continue  to  act  wisely  and  to  follow  my  advice ;  to  reverence  the  King  and  to  live  in  peace 
with  h.is  subjects,  and  after  this  Belt  has  been  shewn  as  usual,  thro'  the  Nations,  I  desire  that 
.t  may  be  deposited  at  Onondaga  there  to  be  as  a  proof  of  my  words  and  as  a  necessary  guide 
to  you    or  your  future  con.Lv.-  a  Long  Belt  of  9.  Rows. 

1  he  Indians  returned  Col:  Johnson  thanks  for  his  assurances  respecting  the  Mohawks  and 
Uien  the  Onondaga  Speaker  arose  and  after  repeating  all  that  Col:  Johnson  had  said  on  the  last 
Belt  addressed  him  as  follows. 

Brother  Jorah  Uraghquadiiha. 

This  Belt  which  you  have  now  given  us  affords  us  more  satisfaction  than  any  thing  else 
We  are  made  very  happy  by  hearing  that  y,u  have  the  King's  orders  to  take  care  of  us,  wj 
were  really  a  goo.i  deal  uneasj  on  account  of  many  idle  stories,  and  this  has  lor  the  present 
removed  our  concern.  We  wish  you  long  life  and  health  and  that  you  mav  long  continue  to 
take  care  of  our  affairs  alter  the  example  of  your  late  Father  in  Law.  We  shall,  after  we  have 
shewn  this  Belt  put  it  carefully  up  amongst  our  great  Belts  at  Onondaga,  and  trenNently  look 
upon  It  that  we  may  never  forget  any  part  of  it.  We  desire  that  you  may  particularly  offer 
the  thanks  of  the  Six  Nations  and  their  Allies  to  the  great  King  for  his  continuing  to  us  a 
person  so  long  and  so  well  acquainted  with  our  affairs,  the  only  person  we  wished  for.  hoping 
that  his  Maj'T  will  continue  you  to  us,  and  assuring  tlie  King  that  His  orders  to  you  have  given 
us  more  satisfaction,  than  we  could  receive  from  words  or  speeches  for  it  strengthens  our 
belief,  that  he  really  loves  us  and  consults  our  happiness  and  satisfaction  and  we  shall 
net  accordingly. 

To  which  Col :  Johnson  repljed  : 

Brothers.  1  an.  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  speech  and  I  have  great  reliance  on  your 
sincerity;  it  only  remains  lor  me  to  advise  each  of  you  to  contribute  on  your  parts  towards 
the  reestahl.shment  of  lran<|uility  by  repeating  your  engagements  frequently  to  your  people  at 
their  Towns,  and  as  you  are  the  most  considerable  persons  in  your  Confe.leracy,  enforcing  their 
observance  by  your  example,  keeping  your  eyes  fixed  on  the  proper  Fire  place  ;  shuuing  your 


|ty 


r  1- 


524 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


1^ 


m 


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ears  against  nil  rumours  and  flying  reports  and  opening  your  hearls  to  me  according  as  I  Imve 
done  to  you  with  a  firm  reliance  on  the  Fatherly  attention  and  justice  of  the  great  King  of 
England  whose  favour  will  always  be  proportioned  to  your  fidelity. 

After  which  Col:  Johnson  gave  a  charge  to  the  Conajoharies  to  live  united  and  peacably 
amongst  themselves,  and  to  avoid  any  further  threats  against  G.  Klock  or  any  of  his  Maj'''* 
subjects,  but  to  recommend  iheir  case  to  Government  by  their  patience  and  moderation. 

He  also  advised  the  rest  to  direct  their  Hunters  who  came  down  in  greater  numbers  than 
formerly,  not  to  intermeddle  in  the  white  peoples  affairs,  or  to  hearken  to  the  Stories  they 
might  hear  least  it  might  prove  of  ill  consequence  as  they  were  incompetent  Judges  of  the 
characters  &  capacities  of  the  white  people,  most  of  whom  on  the  frontiers  were  strangers  to 
public  affairs;  that  it  besides  exposed  them  to  temptations  from  liquor,  which  produced 
quarrels,  and  the  train  of  evils  incident  thereto.  All  which,  the  Indians  faithfully  promised 
to  observe. 

a  True  copy  examined  with  the  Indian  Record 

John  Chew.  Secr'^ 

On  the  S""  of  December,  the  Chiefs  and  others  who  had  distinguished  themselves  for  their 
fidelity  received  some  suitable  piesents,  after  which,  they  proceeded  for  their  respp.ctive  nations. 

Proceedings  at  a  Congress  held  by  the  Six  Nations  with  their  Dependants  at 
Onondaga  in  November  1774.     Refered  to  in  the  2°^  page  of  the  foregoing.' 

The  Indians  of  the  Six  Nations  and  of  Canada  having  waited  for  several  days  for  the  upper 
Senecas,  the  Deputies  from  the  latter  arrived  at  last  and  on  the  6""  inst:  they  all  r  sembled 
when  Tyawarante  Spe!\ker  of  Onondaga  opened  the  Congress  with  the  following  speech. 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nation  Confederacy. 

We  are  all  assembled  this  day  at  this  our  Council  fire,  which  our  Forefathers  unanimously 
established  as  the  Grand  Council  fi.e,  and  where  they  made  rules  and  settled  ;'M  things  in  a 
proper  manner,  (here  he  repeated  all  the  original  rules  and  ceremonies,  and  their  different 
Treaties  and  alliances,  and  proceeded)  Brothers,  we  are  now  according  to  custom  lay  before 
you  all  the  business  on  which  we  are  asiembled,  which  is  to  remind  each  other  of  our 
engagements  with  all  Naliona  and  to  take  your  determined  resolutiof*  on  the  subject  of  the 
application  made  to  us  by  the  Shawanese  for  Assistance.  —  Now  Brr,  rs,  we  the  Onondagas, 
who  keep  the  great  Council  fire  remember  almost  every  thing  that  our  Fathers  did  and 
agreed  upon,  and  we  resolve  to  follow  their  advice  and  will  stand  to  our  engagements  with  the 
English,  and  the  assurances  we  have  given  our  Brother  Uraghquadicha  i.  e  Colonel  Johnson; 
we  will  not  take  any  notice  of  thesu  Shawanese  Belts,  for  the  Bells  are  not  of  weight  enough 
to  get  an  axe  from  us. —  Having  thus  delivered  our  minds  to  you  all,  our  desire  is  to  hear  of 
your  determined  resolutions,  and  we  leave  these  things  to  the  consideration  of  you  &  the 
Confederacy.  We  hope  you  will  do  it  ^ell,  for  we  look  upon  it  that  this  of  the  Bells  is  such 
a  case  as  our  Fathers  meant,  when  they  said  if  any  tiling  should  happen  after  we  have  made 
every  thing  good  or  if  a  bad  Creature  or  Snake  should  come  near  the  fire,  we  are  to  join  all 

'  Supra,  |),  6'i(J.  —  Ki>. 


I 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL7V. 


525 


hands  to  take  a  stick  and  throw  the  Snake  away,  (then  layd  the  Shawanese  Belts  and  five 
Scalps  before  the  Confederacy,  which  they  threw  down)  — After  a  short  silence  : 

Takerehoga  the  Connjoharrie  Chief  aiose,  and  on  behalf  of  the  sachems  of  the  Mohawks, 
Oneidas,  and  Tuscaroras,  spoke  as  follows. 

Brothers.  We  the  Mohawk  Sachems  on  behalf  of  ourselves  and  also  on  behalf  and  at  the 
desire  of  the  Sachems  of  Oneida  and  Tuscarora,  are  going  to  deliver  our  sentiments  at  this 
Council  place,  on  the  affair  the  Confederacy  are  now  met  about,  as  it  is  very  necessary  and 
expedient  that  every  Nation  here  present  ought  to  give  and  deliver  their  opinion  freely  — We 
the  three  above  mentioned  Nations  have  consulted  together,  and  hereby  unanimously  declare 
before  this  Congress,  that  we  are  firmly  determined  to  hold  fast  and  preserve  the  peace  and 
to  hold  fast  by  the  agreements  we  renewed  with  Uraghquaderha  i.  e.  Col:  Johnson,  as  much 
as  IS  in  our  power  and  the  more  as  we  find  all  our  most  sensible  allies  and  dependants  are  that 
way  inclined.  It  would  be  acting  a  very  wrong  and  base  part  to  take  notice  of  the  Message 
from  one  inconsiderate  Nation  (meaning  the  Shawanese)  and  therefore  our  sentiments  are 
as  above  declared. 

Then  a  Cayuga  Chief  named  Oye-rhseragearat  spoke  as  follows: 

Brothers  of  the  Confederacy.     We  the  Cayugas  approve  of  what  you  desire   that  every 
Nation  ought  to  declare  publicly  their  sentiments  and  I  hereby  on  behalf  of  my  Nation  assure 
you  that  we  are  all  one    mind  with   our  Father    and  Brothers,    Col.   Johnson,    Mohawks 
Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras  and  being  (irmly  determined  to  stick  to  peace  and  tranquility    I  by 
this  Belt  assure  you  that  nothing  shall  be  able  to  shake  my  lirmness  in  this  resolution. - 

The  benecas  then  in  behalf  of  their  whole  Nation  spoke  by  Sorihawane  a  Chenussio 
Chief  as  follows: 

Brothers  of  the  Confederacy. 

You  are  very  right  in  making  every  Nation  declare  their  sentiments  upon  the  matter  in 
question,  it  being  certainly  of  more  weight.  I  therefore  on  behalf  of  our  Nation  being  the 
upper  Door  tell  you  that  it  is  but  lately,  you  have  repaired  the  door  of  the  Confederacy  ..i  a 
meeting  at  this  place,  and  then  settled  every  matter  tending  to  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the 
whole,  and  that  then  we  assured  you.  that  we  the  Chiefs  &  Warriors  of  our  Nation  should 
always  join  in  sentiments  with  you  for  the  future,  our  late  friei  1  and  Gov'  Sir  William 
Johnson  the  very  day  he  .lied  having  so  strongly  recommended  it  to  us  to  preserve  peace 
amongst  us  on  this  alarming  \,«ws  from  the  Shawanese,  and  we  having  given  the  same 
assurances  to  Col :  Johnson  since,  we  should  fail  in  respect  and  esteem  to  Sir  William  Johnsons 
memory  and  regard  to  our  engagements  with  his  successor  if  we  did  not  act  up  to  our  last 
promises  and  therefore,  we  once  more  assure  you,  that  we  will  maintain  peace  in  our  Nation. — 

Then  the  Mohawks.  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras,  resumed  speaking  and  little  Abraham  proceeded 
as  follows. 

Brothers.  Having  unanimously  agreed  in  sentiments  at  this  (ire  place,  upon  the  n^mrs  we  met 
and  that  we  are  all  for  the  preservation  of  peace  thro'  the  whole— we  therefore  recommend  it 
to  you  Onondagas,  who  in  a  manner  are  head  of  us  all  to  keep  up  the  Council  fire  and  to  study 
the  welfare  of  the  whole  (Confederacy  in  every  respect,  we  now  recommend  it  to  you  in  the 
strongest  manner  to  cause  your  young  Men  to  be  vigilant  on  the  present  critical  occasion  in 
giving  due  notice  to  the  Confederacy  on  any  emergency,  and  you  the  Cayugas  and  Senecas, 
we  once  more  *dmoniBh  you  to  en(orce  your  present  determinations,  since  after  this  your 


f  i   . 


>t  ; 


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NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


declaration,  sliould  yon  fail  in  your  performance,  our  great  King  and  his  people  would  consider 
you  in  a  very  bad  light  after  your  solemn  promises ;  We  the  Mohawks  on  our  part  are  not  the 
least  apprehensive  but  that  our  young  men  will  always  look  for  advice  to  the  Chiefs. — 
according  lo  the  custom  long  since  established  and  therefore  shall  never  be  the  aggressor  and 
hope  that  you  and  your  Warriors  will  follow  the  same  example. 

The  Warriors  then  spoke  : 

Brothers,  We  the  Warriors  also  speak  our  minds  in  the  strongest  manner,  that  we  are 
firmly  resolved  and  determined  to  pay  strict  attention  to  what  our  Brother  Uraghquadirha  i.  e 
Col :  Johnson  and  our  head  Men  advise,  and  shall  not  oppose  their  endeavours  for  preserving 
peace  and  will  be  always  subject  to  them,  because  if  any  thing  should  happen,  that  appears  to 
be  to  our  prejudice  or  hurt,  they  will  consider  on  it  and  make  use  of  the  best  means  to  settle 
it,  in  the  properest  way  for  us.  We  tlierefore  recommend  it  to  you  all,  to  do  the  same  and 
endeavour  to  help  all  our  Sachems  to  perform  their  promises — we  will  therefore  wait,  until 
we  hear  further  from  them.  a  Black  Belt. 

Then  Serrihowane  in  behalf  of  the  Seneca  Warriors  spoke  as  follows. 

Brothers.  The  Warriors  of  our  Nation  charged  me  to  acquaint  you,  that  they  are  sorry, 
they  had  not  <in  opportuity  of  being  all  present  at  their  Congress,  they  not  having  been 
summoned  as  they  had  a  Message  from  you  and  the  Cognawagey  Ind"'  in  Canada  l.ist  summer, 
by  which  you  hinted  to  them,  as  if  they  had  been  the  occasion  of  disturbing  the  peace  for 
several  years  past,  and  in  consequence  and  by  virtue  of  the  said  Belt  (being  a  very  large  one)  you 
advised  them  to  reform  and  for  the  future  be  peacably  inclined  as  it  would  be  satisfactory  to 
the  whole  Confederacy,  they  the  Seneca  Warriors  therefore  intended  to  return  their  thankful 
answer  to  the  Confederates  for  their  good  advice,  &  they  had  upon  consultation  together 
resolved  to  follow  it,  and  it  was  also  the  full  determination  of  all  the  Seneca  Warriors  from 
Canadauge  to  Canawako,  that  they  would  listen  to  their  Chiefs  and  prevent  all  their  people 
and  young  Men  from  doing  any  thing  that  might  disturb  the  peace. 

Gave  a  large  Belt  in  return  for  that  of  the  Confederates. 

Then  the  Seneca  Chiefs  said,  tliey  had  also  a  Belt  from  the  rest  of  the  Confederacy,  to 
almost  the  same  purport  as  tiiat  of  their  warriors,  which  they  tlien  also  exchanged  with  their 
thanks  thereupon,  assuring  them,  that  they  had  taken  a  full  resolution  for  the  future  to 
communicate  &  be  of  one  mind  with  the  rest  of  the  Confederacy  which  they  hoped  would 
strengthen  and  preserve  the  chain  o(  peace  and  friendship  inviolable  for  ever. — After  which  the 
Onondiigas  &  Mohawks  in  a  spirited  speech  observed  that  there  was  no  occasion  for  a  moment's 
hesitation  about  a  Message  to  the  Shawanese,  that  it  would  be  time  enough  to  think  of  violent 
measures  when  they  (ouiui  themselves  in  real  danger,  that  Sir  William  Johnson's  last  words 
assured  them  of  the  contrary,  that  Col :  Johnson  had  at  two  Congresses  since  fully  satisfied 
them  all ;  that  they  should  i)e  wauling  in  respect  to  Sir  William's  memory  and  conlidence  in 
Col :  Johnson,  if  they  doubted  what  liad  been  said,  and  that  as  ihey  had  so  much  wished  to 
have  him  to  manage  their  aH'iirs,  Iheir  good  conduct  then,  would  recommend  them  to  the  great 
King  as  deserving  his  favour. 

The  Indians  then  of  every  Nation  after  a  little  deliberation,  declared  themselves  of  one 
mind,  after  which  they  procer  d  to  consider  &;  repeated  on  a  large  Belt  the  purport  of  what 
they  intended  to  say  to  the  Shawanese  and  others  to  the  Southward,  to  compell  them  to 
consider  their  situation  and  sue  for  peace,  and  resolved  that  the  Chiefs  ol  each  Nation  should 
wait  on  Col :  Johnson  and  lay  the  whole  before  him  and  take  his  advice  us  to  the  Messages  to 
the  Shawanese. 


, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLIV. 


527 


The  Conajoharies  afterwards  raised  John  of  the  Wolf  Tribe  to  be  a  Sachem  and  delivered 
three  strings  of  2000  Wampum  to  the  :'ounger  Branches  of  the  Confederacy  on  the  occasion, 
after  which  they  spoke  on  a  large  Belt  to  all  assembled  recommending  peace  and  unity  amongst 
themselves  respect  and  reverence  to  the  person,  who  had  charge  of  their  attuirs  and  to  their 
Chiefs  and  that  none  should  envy  any  favours  bestowed  on  them. 

Tiien  Congress  ended. 

A  literal  translation  of  the  Message  from  the  Six  Nations  Confederacy  to  the  Shawanese  ettc. 
Younger  Brothers. 

We  are  come  running  to  you  from  the  great  fire  place,  take  notice  of  what  I  have  to  say  as 
I  am  the  Older  Brother.  It  happened  that  you  came  lately  to  the  middle  of  the  Council  house 
to  our  hre  place  of  peace,  lor  the  Six  Nation  Confederacy,  you  there  spoke  to  us  on  a  subject 
we  did  not  understand,  we  would  not  give  ear  to,  or  agree  to  it  as  our  fire  place  is  for  peace, 
and  we  tell  you  we  will  only  listen  to  affairs  of  peace  there. 

Younger  Brothers.  We  are  now  here  and  we  tell  you  again  before  all  the  Nations  who 
observe  you  and  see  your  bad  works,  we  have  been  twice  here  to  advise  you  to  peace,  but  you 
have  not  attended,  and  in  compliance  with  our  ancient  customs,  we  are  come  the  third  time  to 
tell  you,  you  must  be  at  peace,  this  is  the  third  time,  &  the  last  that  you  shall  hear  from  us  if 
you  do  not  hearken  to  ua. 

We  charge  you  to  consider  the  case  of  your  Warriors  your  women  and  your  children,  and  we 
desire  you  sachems  to  use  your  authority  over  your  people,  that  they  may  mind  what  we  say. 
Leave  the  business  of  War.  repent  and  mind  peace  alone  and  then  you  will  be  preserved. 
Quarrelsome  people  are  dangerous,  we  advise  you  for  your  good,  for  we  pity  you,  and  we 
know  from  our  Superintendant,  that  the  King  is  inclined  to  desire  you  should  be  at  peace  & 
has  sent  orders  to  Virginia  to  promote  it.  Mind  our  words,  they  are  strong,  they  are  the 
words  ol  the  Six  Nations,  who  are  the  heads  of  the  Confederacy;  all  the  iVorthern  nations 
have  left  their  Belts  in  our  hands  and  relered  themselves  intirely  to  our  Government  and 
determination,  they  have  joined  their  words  to  us,  who  are  the  head  of  the  whole,  and  you 
now  see  them  all  in  us  here  present,  who  are  now  sent  with  authority  to  charge  you  to  follow 
°"''  "''"'=^-  a  Very  large  Belt  is  then  to  be  given. 

a  true  copy  compared  with  the  Indian  records. 

Jos :  Chew  Seci" 


Sir, 


A'arl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Governors  in  North  America. 

I  rUnUtloBi  OeiuraKH.  I".  O. )  CCLXI.] 

Whitehall.  4.  January  1775. 


Certain  persons  styling  themselves  Delegates  of  several  of  His  ^^aj'T••  Colonies  in  America, 
having  presumed,  without  His  Maj'^'  authority  or  consent,  to  assemble  together  at  I'hiladelphia, 
in  the  months  of  September  and  October  last ;  and  having  thought  fit,  amongst  other 
unwarrantable  proceedings,  to  resolve  that  it  will  be  necessary,  that  another  Congress  should 


I ,  a  -:i 


528 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


be  lield,  at  the  same  place,  on  tlie  JO""  of  May  next,  unless  redress  for  certain  pretended 
grievances  be  obtained  before  that  time,  and  to  recommend  that  all  the  Colonies  in  North 
America  should  chuse  Deputies  to  attend  such  Congress,  I  am  commanded  by  the  King  to 
signify  to  you  His  Maj""'  pleasure,  that  you  do  use  your  utmost  endeavours  to  prevent  any 
such  appointment  within  the  (,',,'*„",',  under  your  Government ;  and  that  you  do  exhort  all  persons 
to  df  sist  from  such  an  unjustifiable  a  proceeding,  which  cannot  but  be  highly  displeasing  to 
the  King. 

I  am  ettc. 

Dartmouth 


Liexitenant- Governor  C'olden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[N«w-Tork  Ptpera  (8.  P.  O.)  CLXVII.,  No.  11.] 

New  York  4"'  Jan'^  1775 
My  Lord 

I  have  received  your  Ldps  Commands  of  the  19""  of  October,  with  His  Majestys  order  in 

Council  of  the  same  date,  which  I  shall  en(?eavour  by  every  means  in  my  power,  to  execute  in  the 
most  effectual  manner.  I  immediately  communicated  to  M'  Klliot  the  Collector  of  this  Port, 
the  orders  which  I  had  received,  and  gave  him  the  necessary  directions  for  the  conduct  of  the 
oflTicers  of  the  Customs.  I  am  well  assured  be  will  be  very  attentive  to  this  important  duty. 
A  day  or  two  after  this  order  was  received  one  of  the  Custom  House  officers  discovered  ten 
chests  of  Arms,  three  Boxes  of  Lead  and  one  Barrell  of  Cun-Powder  on  Board  a  Vessel  bound 
to  Rhode  Island.  It  has  been  found  on  enquiry  that  these'arms  were  lately  imported  on  board 
the  ship  lady  Gage  Capt"  Mesnard  and  it  is  said,  were  shipped  at  London  as  Hardware;  but 
there  was  no  Cockett  for  them  under  any  Denomination.  M'  Elliot  secured  them  all,  and  for 
greater  safety  sent  them  on  Board  the  Man  of  War  in  the  Harbour  where  they  remain 

That  sett  of  people  who  lye  waiting  for  every  opportunity  to  raise  a  Mob  and  throw  the  City 
into  confusion,  made  an  infamouse  attempt  to  frighten  M''  Elliott  into  a  surrender  of  the  Arms, 
which  they  insisted  were  legally  supported.  The  princ  ,)al  Gentlemen  and  Merchants,  to 
prevent  mischeif  waited  upon  M'  Elliott  in  a  body,  assured  him  they  were  perfectly  satisfied 
with  his  behaviour,  and  declared  warmly  against  any  who  should  attempt  to  insult  him  on 
account  of  what  had  happened,  which  silenced  the  others  who  were  working  in  the  dark  and 
endeavouring  to  raise  the  populace  My  Lord  the  measures  pursued  as  well  by  the  Southern 
as  Eastern  Provinces  puts  the  moderate  &  peaceable  disposition  which  prevails  among  the 
Majority  of  the  people  of  this  Province  dayly  to  the  Tryal.  Enthusiasm  is  ever  contagious; 
and  when  propagated  by  every  artifice,  becomes  almost  irresistable.  The  Assembly  of  this 
Province,  as  I  formerly  informed  your  Lordship  are  to  meet  next  tuesday.  If  I  find  that  there 
will  not  be  a  Majority  for  prudent  measures,  I  shall  incline  to  prorogue  them  for  a  short  time, 
that  the  Plan  of  the  New  Parliament  may  be  known  here,  before  the  Assembly  do  any  thing. 
On  the  other  Hand  there  is  Room  to  fear,  that  if  the  Assembly  do  not  meet,  an  attempt  will 
be  made  to  convene  a  provincial  Congress  in  imniitation  of  our  Neighbours  which  may  be  of 
worse  consequence.  I  propose  to  take  the  ad  ice  of  His  Matys  Council  Tomorrow  upon  the 
interesting  and  important  situation  of  affairs.     When  all  depends  upon  the  humour  of  the 


, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV.  539 

Populace,  one  can  only,  My  Lor.l,  form  very  uncertain  Conjectures  of  future  measures.     I  can 
only  say  with  certainty  that  there  is  still  a  good  Majority  of  the  most  respectable  people  in  this 
Place  who  proim,.e  Peace  and  discountenance  violence.     I  am,  my  Lord,  with  entire  subn.iss- 
Your  Lordships  mo  faithful!  and  most  obedient  Servant 

Cadwallader  Golden 


Sir 


Bdil  of  Dartmouth  to  Lieutenant ■  Governor  Cohkn. 

[  New-Tork  Ptpen  (  8.  P.  O.  )OI.XVII.,  No.  20.  ] 

Whitehall  Jnu^  V^  1775 


Since  my  letter  to  you  of  the  lO'"  of  December  I  have  received  two  from  you,  the  one  dated 
the  2-'  of  Nov  inclosing  the  Proceedings  of  the  general  congress,  the  other  of  the  7"'  December 
inclosing  a  Plan  of  Union  between  Great  Britain  and  the  Golonies,  proposed  by  M'  Galloway 
in  that  congress 

The  affairs  of  America  are  now  come  to  a  cris's,  and  as  the  consideration  will  be  taken  up 
b;^  the  Houses  of  Parliament  immediately  after  the  Holidays,  it  can  not  but  be  the  wish  of 
every  candid  &  unprejudiced  person  that  the  proceedings  of  the  general  congress  had  been 
of  such  a  colour  and  complexion,  as  to  have  united  accommodation  without  provoking  the 
vengeance  of  the  mother  country. 

The  Idea  of  Union  upon  some  general  constitutional  plan,  is  certainly  very  just,  &  I  have  no 
doubt  of  its  being  yet  attainable  through  somechannell  of  mutual  consideration  and  discussion. 

Inclosed  I  send  you  the  copy  of  a  memorial  of  Colonel  Ord '  whose  long  &  faithluil  services 
in  America  render  him  an  object  of  public  attention  ;  and  r  am  commanded  l)v  Hie  King  to 
signify  to  you  His  Majestys  Pleasure,  that  he  be  allowed  to  locate  the  6000  acres  for  which  he 
obtained  a  Mandamus,  upon  the  Tract  to  which  he  refers  in  bis  Memorial 

With  this  letter  you  will  receive  a  Package  inclosing  to  General  Carleton  the  King's 
Commission  &  Instructions  &  other  Documents,  for  the  Government  of  Quebec  under  the  new 
constitution  and  as  it  is  of  great  consequence  that  he  should  receive  these  Instruments  as  early 
as  possible,  I  am  commanded  by  the  King  to  signily  to  you  His  Majestys  Pleasure  llial  you  do 
engage  some  trusty  per.«on  to  carry  the  dispatch  to  Q'u^Wc  by  the  way  of  the  Lakes  and  that  you 
do  draw  a  Bill  upon  M'  Pownall  for  whatever  reasonable  expence  shall  be  incurred  in 
that  Service 

I  am  Sl^" 
Lt  Gov  Colden  Dartmouth 

'  TnoMA«  0»i)  WM  ,,,p«intc.l  CnpUin  in  th«  Royal  Artillery  on  I.t  M.rcb,  1740.  He  wm  an  excellent  offieor,  and  stood 
high  in  the  Duke  of  Cu.nl.erl.in.lN  e8l>-em,  by  whom  he  was  .el«led  to  command  the  artillery  in  the  expeditioruind.T  Brad- 
dock.  Landing  in  Newfoundland,  he  hastened  to  New- York,  and  arrived  in  I'liihidelphiB  7tli  June,  1755.  whence  he 
proceeded  for  the  teat  of  war  acc.n.panied  by  13  non-comn.iMioned  officers.  SarjftHt;  Jirp^Mlh,,,  „f  iiraddotk,  3(14.  In  1789 
ho  was  Mnjor  and  accompanied  Amher.t  in  the  expedition  up  the  I.nkca.  after  which  he  w,,»  promoted  to  he  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  on  the  2Ut  Novemher,  flome  year.  On  lit  January,  1771,  he  became  Colonel  c.n.mnnd.inl  o'  the  llh  halti.lion  of  th« 
Koyal  Artillery  lervinf;  in  America,  n-.d  died  in  1777.  The  land  mentioned  in  the  text  wiis  located  in  tl.a  town  of  Newcomb 
Eaaex  county.  N.  V.  Armn  Luf;  Burr't  Map  of  Etut  County.  —  Ed. 


Vol.  VHI. 


67 


%\\ 


rt. 


580 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I     •! 


Lievtenant-Oovernor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

tNew-Yiirk  rni»r«(9.  P.  O.)  CLXVII.) 

New  York  21  Jan"'  1776 
My  Lord 

The  address  which  I  received  yesterday  from  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Province,  has 
given  n)e  so  great  satisfaction,  and  appears  to  me  to  be  of  such  importance  nt  this  timet 
that  I  think  it  my  duty  to  lay  hold  of  an  opportunity  by  n  merchant  ship  going  from  hence  to 
Exeter,  to  transmit  to  your  Lordship's  my  speech  nt  the  opening  of  the  Sessions  and  the 
Councils  and  the  Assemblys  addresses 

It  was  some  days  before  a  suflicient  number  of  the  members  of  Assembly  got  to  town,  to 
make  a  House,  and  there  are  still  twelve  of  them  absent ;  which  has  occasioned  the  House 
to  put  off  the  farther  consideration  of  their  important  business  to  the  seventh  of  next  month 
at  which  time  they  have  ordered  all  their  members  to  attend.  It  is  thought,  my  Lord,  that 
there  nt  least  as  many  friends  to  Government  among  the  absent  members,  as  advocates  for  the 
late  congress  and  that  the  House  will  therefore  when  they  are  nlltogether,  be  able  to  act  up  to 
the  sentiments  of  their  address  —  Every  Machination  thpt  restless  spirits  can  devise,  will  in  the 
mean  time  be  exerted  to  obtain  an  approbation  of  the  F'roceedings  of  the  Congress  which  is 
the  grand  point  the  aim  to  carry  —  This  delay  to  the  7""  of  next  month  will  however  my  Lord 
be  of  advantage  by  giving  us  an  opportunity  of  receiving  the  Kings  Speech  and  ♦,he  nddressas 
of  the  Lords  and  Commons  which  we  hope  the  December  Mail  will  bring  out 

I  am  with  great  respect  &  submission 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordships  mo:  obed* 

Right  Honble  and  faithful!  Servant 

Earl  of  Dartmouth  Cadwalladek  Colden 


fl 


End  of  Dartmouth  to  Lieutenant-Goveruor  Colden. 


[New-Tork  P»pfrt  (S.  P.  0.)  CI.XVII.,  No.  91.) 


Whitellall  1"  Feb^  1776 


Sir 

I  have  received  your  letters  of  the  S"*  &  -l""  of  January  N"  10  &  11.  and  have  laid  them  before 
the  King. 

The  appointment  of  the  office  of  Survey'  General  of  Lands  is  in  the  Lords  of  the  Treasury, 
and  I  find  upon  enquiry  that  .M'  Fanning  was  nominated  to  it  some  time  since  by  commission 
from  their  Lordships  that  must  certainly  supercede  any  other  nominal"  In  any  thing  that 
depends  upon  me  I  shall  always  be  forward  to  shew  every  mark  of  attention  to  a  faithful 
Servant  of  the  Crown 

The  Discovery  of  the  Arms,  Lead  and  Gun  Powder  imported  in  the  ship  Lady  Gage  is  a 
proof  how  necessary  our  precautions  were,  and  M'  EllioltB  spirited  and  proper  conduct  ia  very 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV, 


581 


much  approved,  as  well  as  that  of  the  gentlemen  who  assured  him  of  their  protection  on  the 

occnsion     A  few  instances  of  such  a  determined  resolution  not  to  submit  to  the  Tyranny  of 

Mobs  would  soon  I  am  persuaded  overcome  their  violence  and  restore  vigour  and  tninquillity 

to  Government  more  especially  if  it  should  turn  out  that  the  Assembly  when  it  meets  adopts 

as  I  trust  it  will  measures  of  Prudence  and  conciliation 

I  am  &c  &c 
Lt  Gov'  Golden  Dartmouth 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  Colonel  Guy  Johnson. 

[  riinUlloni  OeiuTal  (9.  P.  O. )  COLXI.  ] 

Whitehall.  1  Feb''  1775. 
Sir, 

I  have  received  your  despatch  N°  5.  of  the  14.  of  Dec'  and  have  laid  it  before  the  Kini?. 

I  am  very  glad  that  the  signification  to  you  in  my  letter  of  the  S""  of  September,  of  the  FJng's 
pleasure,  respecting  the  Indian  Department  was  agreable  to  you,  and  I  have  no  doubt  that  you 
will  merit  [by]  your  conduct  the  confidence  His  Majesty  has  placed  in  you. 

The  preserving  the  good  will  and  alleclion  of  the  six  Nations  is  an  object  of  which  we  ought 
never  to  lose  sight,  and  I  hope,  thro'  your  zeal  and  endeavours,  we  may  avoid  any  ill 
consequences  that  might  be  expected  to  follow  from  the  measures  which  have  been  pursued  by 
the  Virginians. 

I  am  yet  at  a  loss  from  the  want  of  advices,  from  Lord  Dunmore  to  guess  at  the  motives 
which  led  to  the  hostilities  against  the  iShawanese,  and  I  can  only  say  that  the  provocation 
must  have  been  very  strong  to  have  induced  euterprizes  of  so  much  hazard,  and  which  have 
already  been  productive  of  so  much  bloodshed. 

I  am  ettc 

Dartmouth. 


Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  N-MT-York  P»pe«  (  8.  P.  O.  )  CLXVII.,  No.  12.  ] 

New  York  1"  Feb  1775 
My  Lord, 

Yesterday  I  had  the  Honor  to  receive  your  Lordships  circular  letter  of  the  lO""  Dec',  with 
His  Matys  moat  gracious  speech,  and  the  addres's  of  the  Lords  &  Commons,  and  your  despatches 
No  '25  of  the  same  date 

The  Assembly  of  this  Province  which  was  to  meet  on  the  10""  of  last  month  did  not  make 
a  House  till  the  IS""  when  J  opened  the  Sessions  with  a  speech  which  I  now  take  tlie  honor  of 
enclosing  to  your  Lordship  The  Councils  addresses  did  not  give  so  much  satisfaction  even  to 
the  people,  as  that  which  I  received  afterwards  from  the  Assembly,  I  am  happy  in  having  it 
in  my  power  to  transmit  to  your  Lordship  an  address  which  I  am  persuaded  will  give  you 


If 


'1:f 


532 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  M'vNUSCRIPTS. 


pleasure  to  l>;y  before  His  Majesty  and  will  confirm  the  favorable  opinion  he  is  graciously 
pleased  to  entertain  of  his  Sulijects  in  tiiis  Province 

Allthough  the  address  passed  in  I  lie  House  my  Lord  with  only  one  dissentient  voice,  there 
is  a  party  in  the  Assembly  of  very  c'itferent  principles  who  I  expect  will  be  continually 
eniteavouring  to  do  Mischeif,  Finding  a  great  Majority  against  them,  when  the  address  pass'd, 
the  moved  to  liave  a  call  of  the  House  on  the  ?"■  of  February,  and  that  the  consi(?eration  of  the 
weighty  business  which  was  before  them  should  he  put  ofl"  .o  that  day.  This  the  House 
agreed  to,  and  immediately  sent  out  orderc  for  the  absent  members  to  attend,  However,  two 
Members  co:Ming  in  last  week,  who  were  known  to  he  violent  in  their  opposition  to 
Government,  a  Motion  was  made  that  the  House  siiould  taKe  into  consideration  tiie  Proceedings 
of  the  Congress  held  at  I'hiladelphin  in  September  Inf..  A  warm  debate  ensued  and  upon  the 
Previous  Question  the  Motion  was  rejected  by  eleven  to  ten.  Tiieae  ten  are  my  Lord 
t'lie  whole  rurenglh  of  that  I'arty  The  nine  members  which  have  not  yet  appe;  red  in  the 
House,  it  is  well  known  will  join  the  eleven.  When  they  come  the  Majority  w,ill  be  so  great, 
that  I  hope  the  House  will  not  again  n  ke  so  near  an  escape  from  n  Motion  brought  by 
Burprize  upon  them 

When  your  Lordship  considers  that  every  Ainericnn  Assembly  wliich  has  met  since  the 
Congress  was  held  at  Philadelphia,  have  approved  of  and  adopted  the  Proceedings  of 
the  Congress,  and  that  in  those  Colonies  where  the  Assembly  has  not  met,  the  People  have  in 
Provincial  Congress,  or  otlierwise  done  tl.e  came,  the  loyally  an('  firmness  of  the  Assembly  of 
this  Province,  and  of  the  People  in  general,  will  appear  in  a  very  striking  light.  1  am 
persuaded  his  gracious  Majesty,  and  his  Ministers  will  encourage  this  good  and  singular 
disposition,  by  such  instances  of  indulgnnce  and  f-ivor,  as  shall  he  wisely  calculated  to  render 
most  evident  the  good  eflec'a  of  the  conduct  of  tl'is  I'rovince. 

Ye  terday  before  the  Packet  arrived,  *»  motion  waii  made,  and  agreed  to  in  the  Assembly,  to 
appoint  a  day  to  lake  into  consideration  a  state  of  the  Hreivances  of  thiH  Colony--to  make  an 
humbh  firm,  dull'iiP  and  toyall  IVtition  to  the  th-one,  a  Memorial  to  the  Lords,  and 
Ui'presentation  and  |{einonslriHice  to  the  Commons  of  (Jreat  Britain.  A  Committee  was 
appointed  for  this  business,  who  are  lo  report  ..Iter  the  call  ol  the  House  on  the  7""  of  this 
monlh  I  have  slrong  expectations,  my  Lord,  tlmt  the  coiuluct  of  this  I'rovince  will  every  day 
more  evidently  shev  the  loyally  and  aflection  of  the  IVople  for  their  gracious  Sovereign,  and 
tluir  ernesi  desire  .or  a  Keconcilialion  with  great  Britain 

I  enclose  to  your  Lordship  a  Paper  Published  last  week  by  the  (Quakers  of  l'liilade,;.hia, 
they  a,-e  likewise  a  very  respectable  body  of  Pvori'e  in  this  I'rovince,  It  is  imagined  the 
address  of  our  Assembly  was  even  a  great  means  of  producing  this  paper  from  the  (jankers 
Till  the  addreas  a|)peareil  every  Body  was  afraid  to  oppose  wl,at  scenu'd  to  be  the  Seniimeiils 
of  all  the  Coiainent 

I  thougiit  the  aiid'-esi  of  our  Assembly  of  such  conse'inence  thnt  in  order  to  give  your 
Lordship  the  earliest  intelligt  nee  of  it  I  tr  «.nsmitl.'il  it  lo  you  by  n  .Merchant  ship  which  sailed 
from  tiui  Fori  for  K.teter.  the  beginning  of  last  week 
1  om  with  greui  Submibsion  and  reepect 

My  Lord 

Vour  most  fiithlull 
To  the  II'  Honb.e  &  obedient  Servant 

The  E.irl  of  Dorlmofitli  Caowalladeh  Colukn 


. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


538 


N'6. 


Colojul  Guy  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

t  Pianlallost  General  (S.  P.  0.)  C'CI.Xr.  ] 

My  Lord,  ^"y  ^^'"'^-  13.  Feb'^  1775. 

I  had  the  honor  to  transmit  to  Your  LordP  with  my  last  Dispatch  of  December  14'-  the 
proceedings  of  the  Six  Nation  Deputies  who  came  to  advise  with  me  concerning  their 
transac-.ons  at  a  general  Congress  at  Onondaga,  and  I  then  fully  stated  the  situation  of  Affairs. 
.Soon  a.ter  I  received  an  express  to  notily  the  approach  of  the  Chiefs  on  very  important 
business,  who  arrived  and  opened  their  conference  on  the  20""  Ulf.  a  copy  of  the  principal 
parts  o(  which  I  have  now  the  honor  to  inclose,  tho'  I  have  been  scarcely  able  to  digest  it,  as 
I  caught  cold  during  the  Congress  which  brought  on  mo  a  severe  fit  of  the  gravel,  from  which  I 
am  now  slowly  recovering. 

The  coming  of  the  Indians  was  occasioned  by  a  Message  they  had  just  received  from 
the  t>hawane8e.  giving  an  account  of  their  transactions  and  Treaty  with  Virginia,  and  that  the 
latter  intended  to  quarrel  with  the  Six  Nations,  on  which  the  Shawanese  invited  then,  to  a 
Congress  on  Ohio  next  Spring.  This  intelligence  has  given  them  great  concern,  at  the  same 
time  the  Oneidas  gave  an  account,  that  they  were  told,  His  Maj'r  would  allow  no  more  goods 
to  he  sent  to  the  Indians  or  Colonists;  that  powder  would  soon  be  at  3  or  4.  dollars  for  a  Jill 
with  other  particulars  corresponding  with  what  was  mentioned  in  my  last,  and  amongst  others 
they  accuse  a  Dissenting  Missionary  at  one  of  their  Villages  (a  Native  of  New  England  lately 
returned  from  his  Frien.is  in  lios.on)  and  a  Trader  of  that  Country,  who  resides  amongst 
ihem.  as  the  authors  of  ihi.  report  of  which  I  had  heard  before  from  some  white  people  of 
credit;  as  well,  as  that  various  schemes  are  on  foot,  to  persuade  the  Indians  to  take  part  in 
the  dispute.  Tho-  I  can  scarcely  believe  that  Men  of  good  character,  more  especially  any 
Cergyman  would  recommend  such  a  measure,  yet  I  know  there  are  not  wanting,  inferior 
enthusiasts  in  the  cause  who  are  capable  of,  and  even  speak  of  it,  aiul  who  on  particular 
en(p.iry,  can  easily  deny  the  charge,  or  attribute  it  to  malice  in  the  Indians  whose  testimony 
has  sel.lom  the  deserved  weight.  Such  Reporla.  when  powder  rises  so  much  in  value,  and 
other  Articles  grow  scarce,  are  easily  credited  and  (notwithstanding  all  my  endeavoOrs) 
removed  with  great  dilliculty. 

The  Indians  seem  satislied  that  the  g*reatest  part  of  the  Shawanese  intelligence  is  without  just 
foundation,  and  that  it  is  calculated  to  create  a  jealousy  of  the  V  irginians  for  some  future  evil 
purpose,  and  accordingly  propose  to  decline  meeting  the  former,  and  to  require  their  attendance 
at  a  C.u.gress  to  the  Northward  in  my  presence,  when  the  Confederacy  meets  in  the  spring,  for 
which  I  am  now  making  the  necessary  provision  as  well  as  the  scarcity  of  some  articles  will 
permit,  as  it  will  be  an  important  Congress,  and  the  Tran<iuility  of  the  Northern  Indians 
will  greatly  .lepend  on  it  for  the  ensuing  summer,  the  event  of  which  I  um  anxious  about,  as 
I  have  an  opportunity  of  discovering  many  things  that  cannot  be  known  to  Covernnienl,  and  I 
see  plainly  that  (unless  timely  prevente.l)  some  extraordinary  steps  may  be  taken  to  embarass 
Govern',  and  its  « XVicers,  the  Indians  being  rather  in  a  stale  of  suspence  than  any  other,  until 
Iheir  diU..rent  disputes  are  accommodated,  and  they  hear  respecting  the  several  matters  laid 
before  the  Crown. 

Tho  tra.Hjuilily  of  this  part  of  the  Country  to  whicJ!  the  Indiana  n!w!-'.  -»  » h  r  -,-..♦  t », 

1  1*1  I  ■  ^  ^*'-***rti  I  rat/ 1 1  1 1  its 

been  hitherto  mu.li  owing  to  the  influence  of  the  family,  with  which  I  am  connected,  and 


'k 


w|   i' 


t 


'^- 


ni 


534 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


some  tlironls  of  a  deliuleil  populnoo  have  been  tlit^reby  prevented  ;  I  nm  not  to  be  intimidated 
by  tlu!  ordinary  niodea  practiced,  tlio'  I  may  meet  wilii  some  obstruction  in  my  duties,  and 
the  Indians  get  disturbed  at  a  lime  when  their  uneasinesses  are  not  extinguisiied. 

The  last  Conferences,  were  but  just  ended,  wiien  a  party  of  Deputys  arrived  to  acquaint 
me,  that  tiic  Shawanese  had  sent  a  second  Message  to  desire  the  attendance  of  the  Six  Nations, 
otherwise  the  Virginians  would  put  seven  Senecas  to  dealii,  who  having  lived  for  many  years 
with  the  Shawanese,  and  engaged  in  their  cause  were  now  confined  and  in  irons  at  Fort  Pitt; 
and  although  their  conduct  is  condemned, yet  the  Six  Nations  have  requested  tiie  interposition 
of  Covern'  and  are  much  alarmed  at  their  situation,  they  being  no  more  culpable  tiian  the 
Shawanese,  and  tiie  latter  will  sei/.e  tiiia  occasion  to  irritate  the  Six  Nations,  whoso  fidelity 
they  have  long  endeavored  to  shake.  —  So  many  circumstances  will  oblige  me  to  meet  the 
Confederacy  soon,  and  I  shall  be  very  happy  if,  in  the  interim,  I  nrti  honored  with  His 
Majesty's  commands,  respecting  the  points  in  my  former  letters,  that  regard  the  security  of 
the  Mol-awk's  hands,  the  boundary  line,  or  any  of  their  re(|ue8ta,  as  they  may  apply  for  an 
answer,  and  it  will  conduce  much  to  their  satisfaction,  and  the  public  repose,  if  I  am  enabled 
to  give  liiem  satisfactory  assurances  thereon. 

]  have  the  honor  to  be  with  great  respect, 
My  Lord. 

Your  Lord'''s  most  obedient  and 

most  humble  servant 

(!.  Johnson. 


I  <• 

t 


J'nkecdiihjA'  of  tUontl  Gny  Johnson  with  the  Six  JS'ations. 

{  PiuiuuoiM  u«iip»i  ( s.  i>.  <>. )  en. XI.  i 

At  a  meeting  with  the  Cliiefs  of  the  Six  Nations,  who  were  Deputized  to  come  to  Guy  Park 
on  nnitters  of  importance.     Fryday  20"'  January  177S. 

'  PuBSENT — (juy  Johnson  F.sq"  Superintend*  of  Ind"  Affairs. 

Paniel  Chins  F.sq"  agent  of  lyd"  all":  for  Canada 
Sir  John  Johnson  IV  with  several  other  (Jentlemen 
Joseph  Chew  Ks(j"  Secretary. 
John  Hutler  F.iq"  Joseph  Mrant.  Interpreters. 
C;».  Warriors  and  Chiefs  of  tlie  Six  Nations,  also  the  Mohawks  and 
Coiiiijohares. 

'I'eyorhansera  the  Mohawk  Chief  arose  and  performed  the  ceremony  of  t'ondolance  for  the 
deaths  of  some  Oneidas  and  Cayliuga  Chiefs,  and  gave  three  strings;  which  ceremonial  being 
returned  as  usual  by  the  Onondaga  speaker  with  three  strings,  the  speaker  orose  and  addressed 
the  Superinteniluiil  us  follows. 

Hrother  (Jorali  ('raghi|uadirha. 

Wo  lliaiik  the  great  spirit  lor  enabling  .is  to  meet  this  day  being  sent  with  full  authority 

fre;st  imnfsrtanee  otherwise  vou  could 


ry  gr 


>p, 


from  oiif  whole  Confederacy  to  yoii  on  hifaiii*-a  « 

not  have  expected  to  see  several  old  Chiefs  at  lliis  season  of  the  year. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


585 


Brother.  There  arrived  lately  at  our  great  fire  place,  Messengers  from  the  Southward 
acqiminting  us  with  the  particulars  of  the  Jiaitle  nt  Kaiikawa,  who  sny,  that  the  Virginians 
marched  an  Army  and  fought  with  our  Dependants  the  Shawanese  for  almost  a  day,  that  the 
Commanding  OHicer  of  the  Virginians,  then  required  a  cessation  till  the  (JoV  arrived,  who, 
when  he  came,  desired  to  speak  with  the  Indian  Chiefs  ;  that  some  warriors  went  to  him, 
whom  he  sent  back,  that  then  some  Chiefs  went,  who  asked  him  wny  he  invaded  and 
destroyed  their  people,  ohnerving,  that  they  had  only  attacked  some  Virginiar^s  for  having 
killed  their  people  ;  the(?ov'  acknowledged  he  h-id  bad  people  in  hisCovernment,  but  advised 
them  to  make  peace,  if  it  was  most  ngreable  to  them.  That  whilst  this  was  in  agitation,  a 
Shawanese  runner  arrived  and  declared  he  was  the  only  person  escaped  alive  from  a  village 
then  lately  attacked  ;  on  which,  the  Indians  upbraided  the  Virginians  with  their  falsness,  but 
the  Governor  took  pains  to  excuse  them,  and  still  advised  them  to  peace,  which  was  at  length 
agreed  to,  and  that  the  Indiana  lost  thirty  Men  in  the  Action  of  which  three  were  Senecas  of 
Ohio;  that  when  the  peace  was  made,  the  (!ov'  gave  some  arms  and  presents  to  the  Shawanese 
and  sent  for  the  Mingo's  who  were  at  some  distance  to  join  in  the  peace,  hut  on  their  arrival, 
he  put  ihem  all  in  irons  and  has  sent  them  prisoners  to  Williamsburgh,  telling  them,  that  as 
tiiey  associated  with  the  Shawaiu'se  he  was  determined  to  collect  his  Troops  at  Fort  I'itt  and 
elsewhere,  and  march  against  the  Five  Nations  in  order  to  cut  them  olf;  and  the  Shawanese 
further  advise  us  that  the  prisoners  are  to  be  put  to  death  in  case  the  five  Nations  take 
measures  for  their  security.  The  Shawaiu-se  therefore  reiiuested  us  by  these  strings  to 
consider  their  case  and  to  come  with  all  the  Northern  Indians  in  the  spring  to  a  meeting  at 
Fort  IMtt,  and  that  the  Superintend'  or  some  of  his  OlTicers  should  attend  the  same. 

Delivered  the  strings  from  the  Shawanese. 

Brother.  When  we  considered  this  Message,  we  were  greatly  surprized  at  the  unreasonable 
conduct  of  the  Virginians  and  looked  upon,  it  high  time  for  us  to  shew  our  power  and  the 
strength  of  our  alliances  to  these  people,  who  have  used  us  so  ill  in  return  for  our  fidelity,  for  had 
it  not  been  for  our  sitting  still  and  lollowing  your  advice,  they  would  have  lelt  our  power  long 
ngo  ;  nt  the  same  time  we  thought  it  a  little  extraordinary,  that  the  Shawanese,  our  dependants, 
should  call  us,  who  did  not  engage  or  assist  them  to  a  meeting,  and  therefore  we  agreed  to 
disregard  their  Message,  and  to  come  down  to  you,  in  order  to  have  more  information  in  these 
matters  &  to  see  if  you  could  afford  us  more  satisfacticui  upon  these  and  other  things  that 
disturb  our  minds.  — We  therefore  desire  on  behalf  of  all  the  confederacy,  that  you  will  give 
us  full  inforn..ition  advice  and  assistance,  on  this  and  what  elae  we  shall  sny,  and  as  we  have 
likewise  heart!  that  this  cpiarrel  was  partly  occasioned  about  lanil,  and  that  the  Shawanese 
have  now  given  a  great  deal  of  land  to  the  Virginians,  which  you  know  they  have  no  right  to 
do,  we  desire  to  bear  from  you  about  it  ami  that  you  will  ac(iuaint  the  great  king,  it  is  our 
earnest  desire  and  expectation  that  he  may  remember  our  la:ge  cession  made  lu  17fiS.  and  set 
his  foot  on  the  boundary  line  then  settled,  that  no  pefson  may  cross  itj  and  we  desire  by  this 
Hell  that  you  will  do  the  same.  A  Bell  of  8.  Itows. 

'then  Coiu)g(iiiei8en  Chief  of  Oneida  on  Behalf  of  the  whole  arose  ami  saiii. 

Brother.  We  are  miw  to  speak  to  you  on  another  subject  whicii  much  affects  us ;  we  hear 
many  strange  stories  of  late  from  the  Wliite  people,  that  give  us  much  trouble.  Wo  lately 
told  you  of  some  bad  aiivisers  we  had  met  with  alx.ut  your  own  disputes  they  now  come  into 
our  towns.  We  complained  to  you  last  summer  that  the  tllergyman  at  Canowiirighare  was  a 
very  busy  Man.  that  bo  refused  to  BaniiHe  aomo  of  our  people,  who  were  not  ugr";i!-.!e  to  him, 


f^^'w 


586 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAl.  MANUSCRIPTS. 


and  administering  the  Sacrament  to  ciiiidren,  whose  parents  were  of  his  party.  We  have 
now  much  more  to  say  on  this  head,  (or  he  goes  on  in  such  a  manner  that  our  chiefs  are 
desirous  to  get  rid  of  him;  for  he  has  a  store  in  our  village  and  is  concc  ned  in  trade  with  his 
Brother,  which  is  very  unl)ecoming  in  him,  and  he  minds  public  afliiirs  more  than  Religion,  for 
he  is  always  collecting  news  and  telling  us  strange  matters  of  the  white  people,  whilst  he 
endeavours  to  represent  us  as  a  people  of  no  consequence  to  them,  in  short,  he  has  become 
such  a  meddler  in  things  he  has  no  business  with,  that  we  desire  once  more  that  you  will 
cause  him  to  be  removed  to  prevent  further  trouble  with  him. 

The  Onondaga  spe.iker  next  arose  and  spoke  as  fol'ows: 

Brother.  When  our  Chiefs  returned  last  from  hence  to  Onondaga  our  young  Men  were 
mostly  abroad,  so  that  the  Message  to  the  Southward  was  delayed  for  some  days  and  we  have 
since  heard  that  in  consequence  thereof  one  of  the  Messengers  wrote  a  letter  to  you  upon  it 
which  letter  arrived  at  the  village  of  Canowaroghare,  where  it  was  stopped  and  read  by  the 
Minister,  who  advised  not  to  forward  any  news  that  might  be  disagreable,  but  to  burn  it, 
which  was  accordingly  done.  We  therefore  beg  that  you  will  not  look  upon  it  to  be  an  act  of 
ours,  or  with  our  knowledge,  and  that  should  you  hear  nny  accounts  of  the  Messenger's  delay 
in  consequence  thereof,  that  you  will  believe  our  sincerity  and  not  give  ear  to  it,  and  by  this 
Belt  we  beg  that  you  will  give  orders  that  no  busy  people  shall  hereafter  give  ill  advice,  or 
obstruct  the  Messengers  sent  by  you  and  us,  as  we  believe  this  Minister  has  done,  who  we  find 
to  be  a  very  busy  Man,  and  a  Man  interested  in  Trade  and  things  which  wc  always  thought 
unbecoming  the  character  of  a  Clergyman.  A  Belt  of  7  Rows. 

Having  ended  ;  Col:  Johnson  answered  as  follows. 

Brothers  the  Chiefs.  I  have  carefully  attended  to  your  speeches,  and  as  they  contain  some 
weighty  matters,  which  require  some  thought,  I  shall  consider  the  whole  seriously  and  give 
you  a  full  answer  with  such  advice  and  directions,  as  will  I  trust  prove  satisfactory  to  you. 

Then  gave  them  pipes,  Tobacco,  &  s^me  liquor,  &  adjourned. 

Saturday  21.  January. 
Some  Indian  Chiefs  being  still   behind,  did  not  proceed  on  business,  and  as  the   Post  was 
expected    with    some     letters    on    suiulay,    that    might    contain    matters    necessary    to    be 
communicated  to  the  Ind"'  the  Superintendant's  answer  was  postponed  to  Monday  Morning. 

Monday  23*  Janunry. 
At  a  meeting  with  the  before  mentioned  Ind"'. 

Present —  as  before 

The  Indians  being  all  assembled  and  sealed  Colonel  Johnson,  made  them  the  following  speech. 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations  here  assembled. 

I  urn  glad  to  see  you  all  lure  sufe  and  in  health  this  day,  especially  na  the  season  is  severe 
and  some  of  your  Chiefs  are  aged  Men  and  as  (  have  now  duly  considered  the  subjects  you 
•poke  upon  I  desire  your  particular  attention  to  my  answer  which  I  expect  will  prove  very 
aatiafactory  to  you. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV.  537 

Brothers  In  answer  to  what  you  say  concerning  your  intelligence  from  the  Shawanese.  I 
mu  rem.nd  you  that  at  our  last  meeting.  I  told  you  what  I  had  heard  relative  to  the  action 
nt  he  Great  Kanhawa,  the  particulars  of  which  were  not  then  so  well  known,  and  you 
di  ectinrth    T'"      '°  Messengers,  who  were  accordingly  dispatched  to  the  Southward. 

d,rect,ng  the  fehawanese  to  make  peace;  since  which  it  appears  from  the  accounts  I  have 
re  e.ved  from  my  Deputy,  that  the  Shawanese  have  made  peace  with  the  Virginians,  have 
delivered  up  all  prisoners,  negroes  and   horses  in  their  possession,   with    hostages   for  the 
performRnce  of  it;  and  it  is  in  the  prints,  that  the  Shawanese  have  ceded  a  Tract  of  Land  to 
the  Virginians;  on  this  subject  I  wrote  to  the  Earl  of  Dunmore  who  is  Governor  of  that 
Province,  but  as  I  have  not  yet  received  his  answer.  I.  consequently  cannot  give  you  particular 
information  respecting  the  situation  or  extent  of  the  cession  if  any  such  has  been  made  ;  the 
particulars  you  have  mentioned  respecting  what  passed  at  and  after  the  Action  may  possibly 
be  ,n  some  measure  true  tho'  not  altogether;  as  to  the  Lands  ceded,  if  they  lay  within  the 
limit,  of  your  cession  to  the  King  in  17C8,  you  have  no  reason  to  complain,  for  it  will  be 
considered  as  only  a  relinquishment  of  the  pretended  claim  of  late  set  up  by  the  Shawanese 
to  lands  there;  if  they  are  of  lands  beyoud  the  Ohio,  you  may  be  assured,  that  on  proper 
representation  to  His  Maj'x  you  will  have  Justice.     With  regard  therefore  to  the  Lands,  I 
recommend  to  you  to  be  moderate  and  wait  patiently  until  I  have  an  opportunity  of  more 
particular  information  respecting  the  same.  when,  if  it  appears  that  any  thing  has  been  done 
contrary  to  the  Cession  in  176S  you  may  be  assured  of  my  exerting  myself  in  the  best  manner 
for  procuring  you  Justice  by  proceeding  in  the  only  proper  channel  for  obtaining  redress. 
Brothers.     As  to  any  threats  you  may  have  heard  made  use  of  by  the  Virginians  against  you, 
advioe  you  to  pay  little  regard  to  them,  &  consider  the  character  and  views  of  the  people  who 
brought  you  such  intelligence;   they,  tho'  a  small   people  and  your  Dependants  have  long 
endeavoured  to  lessen  your  reputation,  and  it  is  their  design  to  bring  you  over  to  their  purpose, 
by  various  artifices.     Be  assured  that  whatever  common  people  might  indiscretly  say.  the  Gov' 
or  any  persons  in  high  station,  must  think  differently  and  would  never  make  use  of  threat, 
against  a  people,  that  far  from  associating  with  the  Shawanese  have  taken  great  pains  to  restore 
peace;  as  persons  in  authority  must  know,  that  the  few  stragglers  of  your  Confederacy,  who 
are  dispersed  to  (he  Southward  are  too  remote  and  negligent  to  atteno  to  your  Councils,  and 
that  you  can  hardly  be  accountable  for  their  errors,  or  much  interested  in  their  punishment, 
neither  can  !  find  that  any  of  them  are  in  confinement.     But  with  respect  to  (he  invitation  o( 
the  Shawanese,  I  look  upon  it,  as  of  a  dangerous  tendency,  and  calculated  to  make  you  appear 
08  parties  in  their  quarrel,  and  thr.refcre  agree  v*ith  your  Chiefs  to  reject  their  invitation 

Returned  the  Shawanese  strings. 
Brothers.     The  application  of  the  Shawanese  to  you  to  attend  a  meeting  with  them  next 
spring  on  Ohio,  appears  to  me  to  be  one  of  the  strongest  proofs  of  their  artifice;  if  any  of 
your  people    are    disliked   or  threnlned   by  the    Virginians,    you    probably   owe   it    to    their 
misrepresentations.     You  have  ofen  been  told  by  Sir  William  Johnson  that  your  Kmigrant. 
and  stragglers  on  the  Ohio  have  also  often  brought  your  name  in  question  ;  with  this  view 
you  were  desired  to  call  them  from  ther.ca.     I  know,  this  is  a  difficult  task,  as  they  are  married 
and    intermued   with    others,  but   I  hope   you    may   still   effect    it.     Your   Dependants,  the 
Shawanese  I  .-.-.  twice  declined  to  come  to  you  on  a  summons  to  the  great  Council  fire,  yet 
now,  ask  you     o  a  meeting  on  Ohio;  this  seems  to  me  a.  done  with  a  view  to  make  you 
partiiera  in  ilipir  imiit    nn.l  1,.  1....  „„-.  ^r  »!-_.•_  r-.i.^  l      1         .    ,  ' 

Vol  VIII     "" ^  '  ""  °"  ^°"^  "'  ^°"  "^"y  ''"  •"* 


-I" 


'  V,  •'■[ 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

some  future  occasion  the  easier  suspected,  and  thereby  drawn  in  to  jo'n  in  their  quarrels.  I 
advise  you  to  avoid  this  snare  which  is  laid  for  you,  to  reject  their  desire  as  you  had  no  part 
in  their  quarrels  and  rather  to  call  them  to  your  proper  Council  lira  to  answer  for  all  their 
neglects  and  misconduct ;  this  you  will  find  to  be  wholesome  advice,  and  if  you  follow  it,  you 
will  act  wisely  and  encourage  me  to  represent  the  protection  of  your  land  and  of  the  great 
Treaty  of  Cession  in  the  strongest  manner  to  his  Majesty,  who,  you  will  always  find,  warmly 
disposed  to  protect  and  promote  your  interests,  as  a  Tender  Father  would  those  of  his  childreti. 
Provided,  by  attending  to  his  advice,  and  those  to  whom  he  has  given  authority  for  your  affairs, 
you  appear  to  deserve  his  favour  and  protection.  I  therefore  give  you  this  Belt,  in  assurance 
of  my  attention  to  all  your  concerns  and  interests.  A  Belt  of  seven  Rows. 

Brothers  the  Chiefs  of  Oneidas. 

I  hear  with  much  concern  your  complaints  against  the  Clergyman  at  one  of  your  villages; 
you  have,  'tis  true,  more  than  once  applied  on  this  subject,  and  I  am  very  sorry  to  find  them 
now  much  aggravated,  as  I  am  always  inclined  to  judge  favourably  of  the  Clergy  and  willing 
to  hope,  that  they  have  only  for  their  object  the  promoting  Religion  and  virtue.  I  could  wish 
for  the  credit  of  Religion  and  the  character  of  that  Gentleman,  that  your  charges  were  not  well 
founded  ;  I  hope  that  you  have  considered  all  this,  and  as  the  nature  of  this  charge,  if  true, 
renders  his  conduct  very  culpable,  I  shall  be  glad  to  have  the  most  circumstantial  account  of 
such  particulars,  before  I  can  determine  on  any  thing,  and  in  the  interim,  if  you  are  convinced, 
that  you  have  fairly  stated  the  matter  you  may  signify  your  disgust  in  such  a  manner  as 
becomes  moderate  Men  towards  a  Minister,  whose  person  should  always  be  treated  with 
respect  on  account  of  his  sacred  profession.  His  recommending  it  to  you  to  Burn  a  letter  sent 
to  me  on  public  affairs,  appears  very  extraordinary  indeed,  for  whatever  were  the  contents,  it 
was  unjustifiable  to  stop  it  and  I  hope  you  yourselves  will  be  more  carefull  in  this  particular 
in  future  and  not  give  encouragement  to  people  who  have  no  authority  to  intermeddle  in 
public  affairs. 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations. 

You  have  greatly  surprised  me  with  the  news  of  the  stopping  a  letter  sent,  from  a  public 
Messenger  who  was  on  his  Mfij'>''  service,  and  being  an  intelligent  Indian,  was  ordered  by  me 
to  write  from  time  to  lime,  and  furnished  with  paper  and  other  implements  for  that  purpose. 
1  shall  inquire  fuiiiier  into  this  matter,  as  it  may,  if  passed  over  bo  attended  with  very 
dangerous  consequences  to  the  public  on  some  future  occasion.  I  am  heartily  sorry  for  the 
person  who  is  accused  as  the  adviser  of  it,  but  as  I  am  not  inclined  to  credit  idle  reports,  you 
may  be  assured,  that  I  shall  ni,;  entertain  any  doubts  of  youi  sincerity,  my  disposition  will 
naturally  incline  me  to  point  oui  to  yourselves  any  errors  I  discover  whilst  I  trust  your 
prudence  and  good  conduct  will  seldom  render  it  necessary. —  A  Belt  of  8  Rows. 

Brothers.  With  concern  I  have  heard  that  many  of  you,  excited  by  reports  from  idle  people 
have  busied  yourselves  with  the  little  differences  between  (England  and  some  people  in 
America,  a  dispute  which  I  sutUcieutly  explained  to  you  at  our  last  meeting  and  with  full 
authority,  I  have  further  to  tell  you  that  this  dispute  was  solely  occasioned  by  some  people, 
who  notwithstanding  a  law  of  the  King  and  his  wise  Men,  would  not  let  some  Tea  land,  but 
destroyed  it,  on  which  he  was  nngry,  and  sent  some  Troops  with  the  General,  whom  you  have 
long  known,  to  see  the  Laws  executed  and  bring  the  people  to  their  sences;  and  as  he  is 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV, 


539 


proceeding  with  great  wisdom,  to  shew  them  their  mistake,  I  expect  it  will  soon  be  over. 
This  matter,  I  hope  you  are  all  convinced  you  have  nothing  to  do  with  any  more,  than  you 
have  with  those  foolish  people  who  talk  to  you  about,  what  they  dont  themselves  understand. 
J  charge  you  therefore  to  shut  your  ears  against  such  reports,  and  I  have  full  authority  to 
assure  you,  that  His  Mnjesty,  the  great  and  amiable  King  of  England,  is  and  will  be  your  only 
true  Father,  Protector  and  Friend,  that  the  General  of  the  army,  whose  long  residence  in 
America  has  enabled  him  to  know  your  character  and  whose  benevolence  inclines  him  to  favour 
you,  will  manifest  himself  your  true  friend  and  that  as  neither  himself  or  the  troops  under  his 
command  have  done  or  intend  to  offer  you  any  injury  you  have  nothing  to  fear  but  a  great  deal 
to  hope  from  his  friendship  &  their  protection,  and  I  trust  and  expect  you  will  continue  to 
distinguish  between  those  who  are  your  true  friends,  and  those  who  are  not,  &  recommend 
yourselves  to  his  Miij"-"'  fatherly  attention  as  well  by  your  loyalty,  as  by  your  pacific  conduct, 
in  the  hopes  of  which  I  give  you  this  Belt.  A  Belt  of  0.  Rows. — 

Then  adjourned. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Six  Nation  Chiefs  ett.  at  Guy  Park.     Tuesday  January  24. 

* 

Pkesent  —  as  before. 

The  Speaker  after  asking  whether  they  were  all  present  and  being  answered  in  the  affirmative 
acquainted  the  Superintendant,  that  they  had  met  to  reply  to  his  speech.  On  which 
Teyerhansera  Chief  of  all  the  Mohawks  being  appointed  for  that  purpose  arose  on  behalf  of  the 
rest  and  spoke  as  follows  : 

Brother  Gorah  Uraghquadirha. 

Having  yesterday  to  our  satisfaction  heard  from  you  such  particulars  as  you  received 
concerning  the  affairs  of  the  Virginians  and  the  Shawanese  and  other  very  interesting  matters, 
we  now  return  yoi;  our  hearty  thanks  for  your  free  communication  tliereof,  and  for  your  good 
advice  to  us.  —  As  to  the  invitation  of  the  Shawanese  to  meet  them  next  spring  to  be  present 
at  their  transactions  with  the  V'irginians,  we  are  sensible  of  its  impropriety,  it  never  having 
been  the  case  of  any  of  the  Dependants  of  the  Six  Nations  on  such  occasions  to  change  the  Fire 
place  or  appoint  them  to  meet  any  where  else,  but  at  the  Council  place  at  Onondaga,  or  the 
residence  of  the  Superintendant  of  their  Affairs;  wc  are  tlierefore  determined  to  refuse  their 
invitation  and  call  them  to  one  of  our  fire  places  early  in  the  spring,  and  have  pitched  upon 
two  principal  Shawanese  Chiefs,  Soherise  and  Onererarhe  to  bring  with  them  what  assistance 
they  think  necessary  of  their  Chiefs  ettc  of  that  Nation  and  if  it  is  necessary,  we  desire  you 
will  write  to  the  Gov'  of  Virginia  to  send  some  of  his  principal  Men  to  be  present  at  what  is 
transacted  (if  they  have  any  business  with  us)  in  order  to  be  convinced  of  the  Six  Nations 
Neutrality  in  their  disputes. — They  then  mentioned  three  Messer.f^ers  who  were  to  carry  the 
Message  to  the  Southward  to  be  delivered  to  the  Delawares  who  were  to  forward  it  to 
the  Nations  on  the  Ohio.  Shewed  the  Belt  of  invitation. 

Brother.  You  acquainted  us  yesterday  with  the  particulars  of  what  occasioned  the  King  to 
send  an  armament  to  Boston,  and  told  us  it  was  a  matter  not  in  the  least  concerning  us,  wliich 
we  were  sensible  of  when  we  heard  your  reasons,  and  therefore  shall  not  readily  give  ear  to 
the  reports  spread  relative  to  that  affair  by  those  who  have  no  authority  to  treat  with  us  on 
public  business,  and  request  of  you  to  do  the  same  and  listen  to  nothing  upon  Indian  matter«, 


!• 


540 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


but  what  comes  from  us  by  authority;  but  as  some  of  our  people  may  be  exposed  to  hear  such 
idle  stories,  we  wish  you  would  endeavour  to  prevent  them.  We  are  very  thaniiful  for  the 
good  will  and  attention  the  great  King  our  Father  has  shswn  us  and  for  the  general's  regard 
and  we  hope  may  continue  to  merit  the  King's  favour  and  the  General's  friendship — 

Exchanged  a  Belt. 

Brother.  Your  answer  upon  what  the  Oneidas  mentioned  to  you  concerning  the  behaviour' 
was  quite  pleasing  to  us,  and  it  will  behove  that  nation  to  make  a  strict  enquiry  into  those 
matters,  it  being  of  great  consequence  to  our  mutual  welfare,  to  come  to  the  bottom  of  such 
out  of  the  way  practices,  and  we  advised  the  Oneidas  to  tell  the  plain  truth,  and  use  their 
utmost  endeavours  to  detect  such  matters. 

They  then  asked  for  the  necessary  articles  the  Messengers  would  require  on  their  journey, 
and  desired  Col :  Johnson's  advice  and  directions  respecting  their  intended  Message  and  the 
manner  in  which  it  should  be  transmitted  which  he  promised  to  take  into  consideration. 

Then  adjourned. 

Wednesday  January  26. 
Col:  Johnson  being  much  indisposed  with  a  fit  of  the  gout  and  gravel  occasioned  by  a  cold 
he  had  caught  the  day  before,  the  Indians  did  not  assemble. 

Thursday  January  26. 
The  Indians  had  a  private  meeting  respecting  the  Message,  and  in  the  evening  Col :  Johnson 
had  a  private  meeting  with  some  of  the  Chiefs  in  his  bed  chamber. 


The  Chiefs  assembled  in  the  morning  in  Col :  Johnsons  Room. 
Present —  as  before. 


Frydny  January  27. 


Col :  Johnson  then  gave  them  his  opinion  fully  respecting  their  conduct  towards  the 
Shawanese  and  after  shewing  them  how  negligent  the  latter  had  been  of  their  past  advice  and 
invitations,  &  that  the  Shawanese  had  now  undoubtedly  misrepresented  the  affair  with  the 
Virginians  and  appeared  to  have  some  artful  design  in  calling  them  to  Ohio,  recommended  it 
to  them  to  fix  on  a  short  Message  that  could  not  be  mistaken,  to  send  it  after  the  former 
Messages,  and  if  they  could  be  overtaken,  to  acquaint  them  that  the  present  state  of  affairs 
required  the  original  Message  to  be  altered. 

The  Indians  thanked  Col:  Johnson  for  his  advice  and  begged  that  he  would  frame  the 
substance  of  a  Message  for  that  purpose,  which  they  would  take  into  consideration,  which  was 
accordingly  drawn  up  in  the  words  following  and  being  transacted  into  the  Indian  hnguage 
and  delivered  to  one  of  them  who  could  read,  they  withdrew  to  consider  on  it. 

Message  to  the  Shawanese. 

Younger  Brothers.     We  had  just  sent  oR'our  Messengers  to  you  for  the  last  time  with  good 

peaceable  advice,  when  we  received  a  strange  Message  from  you,  telling  us  of  your  Action 

with  the  Virginia  people,  that  you  had  made  pence,  and  that  they  threalned  to  invade  us  and 

requesting  that  we  should  go  to  a  meeting  with  you  in  the  spring  at  Fort  Pitt  lo  settle  matters. 

'  of  th(  oUrgyman  —  or  som*  luoh  wordi,  latm  wanting  to  mtk«  up  tht  mdh  of  thit  lentenc*.  —  Ed, 


I 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


541 


Younger  Brothers.  This  greatly  surprises  us  and  we  ctsnnot  pay  regard  to  it.  Sure,  you 
know  that  our  proper  Council  fires  are  at  Onondaga  and  at  our  Superintendant's,  and  that 
you  lately  neglected  to  come  to  us,  when  we  called  you  to  our  great  Fire  place ;  besides,  you 
know,  we  have  had  no  concern  in  your  quarrel,  we  were  all  along  for  peace,  and  therefore  we 
have  nothing  to  do  with  the  Virginians,  whom  we  did  not  attack — we  therefore  cannot  go. — 
But  as  we  have  heard  many  things  concerning  you,  we  desire  that  you  will  be  in  readiness  to 
come  to  our  proper  Council  Fire,  when  we  next  send  to  you. 

The  Oneidas  then  came  in  and  being  seated,  Conoghquieson  the  Chief,  acquainted  Col : 
Johnson  that  they  came  to  lay  before  him  the  particulars  relative  to  their  charge  against  the 
Clergyman  on  which  he  spoke  as  follows  : 

Brother.  I  shall  lay  the  whole  before  you  in  a  few  words:  one  of  our  first  dispuies  with 
the  Minister  of  which  we  formerly  complained  to  you,  was,  for  refusing  to  Baptize  some  of 
our  children,  whom  we  carried  to  him  for  that  purpose,  and  earnestly  requested  it,  but  he 
refused  us,  altho'  one  of  the  children  was  at  the  point  of  death,  and  died  soon  after,  saying 
that  unless  the  parents  were  Christians,  he  would  not  Baptize  the  Children,  when  we  told  him 
we  could  take  our  Children  to  the  German  Calvinist  Minister,  or  any  other  at  the  German 
Flats,  who  had  offered  to  Baptize  them,  he  answered,  that  we  might  as  well  throw  them  into 
the  fire ;  for  that  the  French,  the  English  and  Dutch,  were  all  wrong,  but  that  he  was  in  the 
right  way,  and  stood  under  the  protection  of  the  Arm  of  the  Almighty.— On  our  reckoning 
up,  we  find,  that  thirty  children  died,  to  whom  he  refused  Baptizm.  These  and  many  other 
things  we  formerly  related,  have  greatly  disgusted  us  at  him  ;  but  of  late  he  grows  much  worse, 
for  he  engages  in  civil  matters;  he  told  us  some  time  ago,  that  the  New  England  people  had 
taken  a  survey  of  all  the  Indian  Country,  and  the  Numbers  of  each  Nation ;  and  on  being 
asked  the  reason,  said  :  it  was  with  a  view  to  take  possession  of  several  fine  flatts.— On  his 
last  return  from  Boston  in  October  he  told  us,  that  he  had  very  bad  news  for  us,  that  the  King 
wanted  to  be  paid  for  all  the  money  he  had  laid  out  on  America,  and  had  sent  Tea  over,  which 
occasioned  a  quarrel,  whereupon  the  King  had  stopped  all  goods  and  would  not  permit  any 
more  to  be  brought  to  America,  and  that  they  would  shortly  be  obliged  to  pay  perhaps  three 
or  four  Dollars  for  a  jill  of  Powder. 

The  Indians  of  Canowaroghere  then  held  a  meeting,  on  which,  the  New  England  Trader, 
who  lives  there,  came  from  the  Minister's  house  and  said  he  was  sorry  to  tell  them  that, 
that  was  the  last  time  he  believed  he  should  'lave  any  goods  for  them  as  the  King  had  stopped 
all  goods  from  coming  over  and  altiiough  he  would  try,  if  they  desired  it,  he  despaired  of 
succeeding  in  getting  any  more. 

Brother.  These  and  many  other  matters  are  still  better  known  at  the  Village  he  lives  at,  as 
well,  ns  his  carrying  stories  to  and  from  Boston  that  gives  great  uneasiness,  and  on  these  things 
our  Chiefs  had  several  conferences  and  resolved  to  come  down  and  lay  it  before  you  some  lime 
ago.  It  is  with  great  satisfaction  therefore  that  we  hear  from  you,  that  these  bad  stories  are 
without  foundation. 

Col :  Johnson  answered  them,  that  he  was  very  sorry  to  hear  that  any  Minister  of  the  Gospel 
should  have  acted  so  base  a  part  as  they  represented  ;  that  he  would  consider  of  measures  for 
preventing  the  like  in  future,  and  charged  them  to  remember  his  advice  and  not  to  hearken  lo 
any  persons  who  misrepresented  Government  or  entered  upon  Matters  foreign  to  their 
profession  in  which  they  hfd  no  concern. 


'If. 


I  ) 


m 


542 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


The  ChieFs  Assembled. 


Sunday  January  2S'* 


Present — 


as  before. 


•fi 
11 


The  Onondaga  speaker  addressed  Col :  Johnson  and  after  repeating  the  Message  to  the 
Shawanese,  declared  their  entire  approbation  of  the  same  and  their  resolution  to  have  it 
faithfully  delivered,  then  gave  an  exhortation  to  those  who  were  to  carry  it  recommending  it  to 
them,  not  to  hearken  to  any  ill  advisers  they  might  meet  on  the  road,  but  to  mind  alone  the 
business  they  were  sent  on.  —  Col :  Johnson  then  gave  the  whole  particular  advice  respecting 
their  conduct,  charging  them  to  avoid  giving  credit  to  the  several  Reports  which  were 
propagated  by  designing  persons,  whether  Whites  or  Indians,  that  his  Maj'"  having  first  formed 
the  Depart"  for  preventing  abuses,  had  directed  that  ail  transactions  with  them,  should  pass 
thro'  one  general  Channel  whereby,  their  grievances  and  all  their  affairs  would  be  soonest 
known,  and  attended  to  by  Government,  from  whom  they  should  conceal  nothing,  and  in  so 
doing,  every  thing  necessary  for  their  information  eliould  be  communicated  to  them,  and  that 
their  adherence  to  this  advice  would  secure  them  the  continuance  of  His  Maj''"*  favour 
and  protection. 

The  Indians  in  return  expressed  their  thanks  for  this  advice,  which  perfectly  corresponded 
with  their  resolutions  —  and  then  after  some  cloathing  and  presents  ettc  were  given  to  the 
Chiefs  they  took  their  leave. — 

a  True  copy.  Exd. 

Joseph  Chew  Seer"' 


.  •■  ,'ll         •<  J 


hi 

3^' 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Governors  of  Neto  -  York,  Neio  Jersey,  New  Hampshire 
and  Deputy  -Governor  of  Pennsylvania. 

[  PlBDUtloai  GcDenl  (8.  P.  O. )  CCLXI.  ] 

Inclosed  I  send  you,  by  the  King's  command  a  joint  address  by  both  Houses  of  Parliament 
to  His  Majesty  upon  a  Consideration  of  the  papers  which  had  been  communicated  to  them 
relative  to  the  state  of  the  American  Colonies,  together  with  His  Majesty's  most  gracious 
answer  to  the  said  address. 

I  .;';ewise  send  you  a  printed  copy  of  a  Bill  brought  into  the  house  of  Commons  for 
restraining  the  Trade  and  Fisheries  of  the  four  New  England  Governments  for  a  limited  time, 
together  with  the  copy  of  a  resolution  declaratory  of  the  sense  of  Parliament  upon  the  suhject 
of  taxation,  which  resolution  was  moved  in  the  Committee  on  Monday  last,  and  carried  by  a 
Majority  of  274  to  68. 

As  these  two  measures  are  as  yet  in  the  first  stages  only  of  consideration,  and  as  the  Bill 
may  possibly  admit,  in  its  farther  progress,  of  some  alteration,  I  shall  only  say  upon  them,  that 
I  flatter  myself,  that  the  firm  determination  of  Parliament  to  preserve  the  Colonies  in  a  due 
dependance  upon  this  Kingdom,  tempered  with  the  Justice  and  moderation  expressed  in  the 
last  resolution  of  the  Committee,  will  have  the  effect  to  produce  such  a  conduct  on  the  part  of 
the  Colonies  as  shall  lead  to  a  restoration  of  the  public  tranquility. 

,.„  r,  ,  I  am  ettc. 

22  Feb^  1775.  Dartmouth. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS;.    XLV.  543 

Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

t  New-Tork  Ptpera  (8.  P.  O.)  OLXTII.,  No.  18.] 

„     ,     ^  New  York  l'«  Mar  1776 

My  Lord 

I  informed  your  Lordship  in  my  last  letter  of  the  1"  of  February  that  the  Assembly  of  this 
Province  had  resolved  to  petition  the  King  &c.  The  Committee  of  the  House  appointed  to 
state  the  greivances  of  the  Colony,  did  not  report  till  the  latter  end  of  last  week.  The  Report 
was  recommitted  to  a  Committee  of  the  whole  House  and  is  to  be  taken  into  consideration 
this  day.  Th«y  have  not  got  their  Petition  ready  to  transmit  by  this  Packet.  I  was  informed 
that  the  Boston  and  Quebec  Bills  were  at  first  rejected  in  the  Committee,  as  not  being  any 
part  of  the  Greivances  of  this  Colony,  it  seems,  however,  my  Lord,  that  they  were  at  last 
brought  into  the  Report,  and  I  am  afraid  may  not  now  be  got  rid  of  in  the  House.  The 
Assembly  have  been  very  firm  in  rejecting  several  attempts  to  draw  them  into  an  approbation 
of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Continental  Congress.  The  numbers  on  the  negative  side  have  been 
neerly  two  to  one.  Last  week  a  Motion  was  made  to  take  the  sense  of  the  House  on  the 
necessity  of  appointing  Delegates  to  join  the  continental  Congress  in  May  next,  which  passed 
in  the  negative  seventeen  to  nine 

It  is  surprizing,  my  Lord,  that  nothwithstanding  the  firmness  with  which  the  assembly  have 
discountenanced  the  Measures  of  the  late  Congress,  and  the  approbation  this  part  of  their 
conduct  has  received  from  a  large  Majority  of  their  constituents,  the  nonimportation  association 
of  the  Congress  is  ever  rigidly  maintained  in  this  Place.  The  enemys  of  Government  do  all 
they  can  to  propagate  an  opinion  that  the  Ministry  will  yet  draw  back  and  quiet  the  Colonies 
by  a  Repeal,  they  constantly  hold  up  the  case  of  the  stamp  Act,  and  find  this  an  Argument 
which  influences  many  friends  of  the  Government  to  lye  bye ;  dreading  the  consequences  of 
making  themselves  conspicuous  in  the  Cause  should  Government  again  yield.  I  doubt  not 
they  will  before  long  be  convinced  of  the  Folly  of  such  expectations  But  at  present  I  really 
think,  my  Lord,  such  an  opinion  has  a  good  deal  influenced  the  measures  that  have  been 
pursued  here,  so  contrary  to  the  Spirit  of  our  Assembly  Votes.  Two  vessels  have  arrived  here 
since  the  first  of  February  one  of  them  from  Glasgow  has  been  obliged  to  depart  with  her 
Cargoe  to  Jamaica.  Neither  the  Master  of  the  Ship  nor  the  merchant  to  whom  the  Cargoe  was 
consigned,  would  demand  any  assistance,  or  shewed  any  inclination  to  have  the  goods  landed. 
It  was  not  therefore  possible  for  Government  to  interfere  with  any  propriety.  The  second 
ship  is  from  London ;  she  still  lies  a  few  miles  below  the  Harbour,  and  it  is  said  is  to  carry  her 
Cargo  to  Halifax.  Neither  the  master  nor  owners  of  this  ship  or  Cargoe,  have  made  any 
application  to  Government.  The  success,  my  Lord,  which  the  violent  Party  have  had  in 
preventing  there  vessels  from  Landing  their  Cargoes  here,  has  given  them  great  spirits,  and  is 
a  strong  counterpoise  to  the  conduct  of  the  Assembly — Your  Ldp.  will  beleive  it  has  chagrined 
me  a  good  deal 

Since  it  was  known  that  oiir  Assembly  would  not  appoint  Delegates  for  the  May  Congress 
the  mischeivous  folks  have  been  vary  busy  at  work  endeavoring  to  bring  about  a  Provincial 
Congress  in  this  Colony  ;  in  order  by  that  means  to  get  provincial  delegates  appointed.  They 
may  no  doubt  get  some  people  to  meet,  and  these  may  take  upon  them  to  act  for  the  whole 
Province,  Iho  not  the  twentieth  part.  1  find  my  Lord  many  people  are  apprehensive  this 
business  may  embroil  the  Colony  in  troubles,  that  have  been  hitherto  kept  at  a  distance 


■'t 


t    -,  f 


L  i. 

i 


m'^ 


^H 


0  ^ 

1,  - 

ra"    ' 

:  s 


iilj.  ■.  'i 


544 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


We  have  had,  My  Lord,  only  one  hundred  men  of  the  Royal  Irish  Regim^t'  in  this  City 
for  several  months  past,  and  the  Kings  Fisher  Sloop  of  War  in  the  harbour.  The  moderate 
Inhabitants  have  constantly  expressed  a  wish  that  we  had  a  more  formidable  Power  in  the 
PIac3  to  awe  the  licentious  &  encourage  the  freinds  of  Government,  convinced  that  it  would 
be  for  His  Matys  Service,  I  wrote  to  Admiral  Graves  on  the  20'*  Ull»  and  suggested  to  him  the 
utility  of  sending  one  of  the  large  Ships  from  Boston  to  this  Place.  I  mentioned  of  what 
consequence  it  would  be  to  keep  the  command  of  Hudsons  River  which  must  be  passed  by 
the  Southern  People  before  they  can  join  the  Eastern.  The  Idea  of  their  really  fighting  the 
Kings  Troops,  is  so  full  of  Madness  and  folly,  that  one  can  hardly  think  seriously  of  it — yet  my 
Lord  a  neglect  of  proper  precautions  may  encourage  wild  enthusiasts  to  attempt  what  they 
would  not  otherwise  venture  upon. 

Except  the  measures  that  are  pursued  in  support  of  the  non  importation  association,  the 
people  of  this  Province  are  in  other  respects  very  quiet  and  shew  no  inclination  to  copy 
the  extravagant  Plans  of  their  neighbours 

I  send  your  Lordship  a  Pamphlett  lately  published  in  this  Place.  We  have  had  seveial 
good  political  peices  published  here  this  winter  this  is  esteemed  one  of  the  best,  it  is  wrote 
by  M'  Galloway  of  Philadelphia' 

I  am  My  Lord  with  great  submission 

To  the  R«  Honble  Your  most  faithfull  &  obed'  Serv« 

The  Earl  of  Dartmouth  Cadwallader  Coldkn. 


,'  ^''H 


1  '  * 
I!   f 


Lords  of  Ih-ade  to  the  Governor  of  New-  York. 

[New-Tork  EnlriM,  LXIX.,  p.  to.  ] 

To  the  Governor  of  New  York 

Sir 

We  have  had  under  Our  consideration  the  Laws  of  New  York  passed  in  February  and  March 
1774  and  altho  we  do  not  see  sufficient  reason  to  recommend  the  disallowance  any  of  them 
yet  some  of  them  appear  liable  to  objections  which  it  is  Our  duty  to  point  out  to  you. 

The  Acts  for  empowering  the  Magistrates  of  Albany  and  New  York  to  raise  money  for  the 
purposes  therein  mentioned  subjects  those  Magistrates  to  punishments  and  penalties  of  which 
there  is  no  example  or  precedent  in  any  case  of  the  like  nature  provided  for  by  similar  Laws 
in  this  kingdom  and  such  severity  is  not  only  in  its  nature  improp  ■■  is  tending  to  lessen  the 
dignity  of  and  throw  an  odium  upon  the  first  Mngistrates  of  those  Cilu,  ;>ut  \.  also  uneceej-ar^r 
because  by  the  common  law  Ihcy  would  be  responsible  for  any  pejiloct  that  should  have  uie 
effect  essentially  to  defeat  the  purpose  of  the  Acts. 

The  Act  to  prevent  the  abatement  of  Suits  is  in  many  respects  very  objectionable  indeed 
the  whole  tenor  and  purport  of  the  Bill  is  liable  to  much  doubt  but  the  principal  objections  lie 

'The  18th  Foot. 

•  "A  candid  7.x^vn\ufio-x  of  the  Mutual  Claia,.  of  Great  BriUiD  and  th.  Colonie.;  with  a  plan  of  Accommodation,  on 
tonititutiODv  1  pr  -iv  ij'  ij.      New  York.  8vo.  pp.  62.  —  Ed. 


" 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV. 


545 


to  those  Clauses  by  which  an  Action  may  proceed  without  making  all  the  persons  interested 
parties  in  the  Cause,  and  allowing  only  eighty  days  for  the  appearance  of  the  Representatives 
of  deceased  parties  which  term  however  reasonable  it  may  be  in  respect  to  persons  residing  in 
the  Colot'es  must  be  accompanied  with  a  manifest  injustice  to  such  as  may  happen  to  be 
resident  either  in  England  Ireland  or  the  East  Indies. 

The  Act  for  the  relief  of  Insolvent  Debtors  with  respect  to  the  imprisonment  of  their  persons 
by  confining  the  benefit  lo  a  few  individuals  appears  to  us  to  be  improper  it  is  contrnry  to  the 
usage  and  practice  in  this  Kingdom  and  has  an  aspect  of  partiality  that  ought  ever  to  be 
avoided  in  such  Cases. 

Unless  there  may  have  been  some  paculiar  reasons  which  do  not  appear  for  adopting  this 
Mode.  We  cannot  but  think  it  is  a  precedent  that  ought  not  to  be  followed  in  any  future 
provision  for  such  a  purpose  but  that  the  benefit  of  Insolvency  whenever  it  may  be  fit  to  be 
granted  should  be  made  general. 
We  are 

Sir 

Your  most  obedient  and 

most  humble  Servants 
Dartmouth 
SoAMK  Jbnyns 
Bamber  Gascoynb 
C.  F.  Orbvillb  ' 


Whitehall 
March  'J.  1775. 


JSarl  of  Dartmouth  to  tlie  Oovernorn  in  North  America. 

[  rUnUUoni  Oennal  (8.  P.  0. )  CCLXL  ] 

To  the  Governors  of  : 

Nova  Scotia  Maryland 


New  Hampshire 
Massachusets  Bay 
New  York 
New  Jersey 
Pensylvania 


Virginia 

North  Carolina 

South  Carolina 

Georgia. 

Gov'  &  Comp''  of  Connecticut. 


Gov'  and  Comp^  of  Rhode  Island 

Whitehall  3  March  1776 

You  will  have  seen  in  the  King's  answer  to  the  joint  address  of  both  houses  of  Parliament 

on  the  7'"  of  February,  which  address  &  answer  have  already  been  transmitted  to  you,  how 

much  attention  His  Maj"-  was  graciously  pleased  to  give  to  the  assurance  held  out  in  that 

address,  of  the  readiness  of  Parliament  to  afford  every  just  and  reasonable  indulgence  to  the 

'  riiAKLB!  Francih  Omivii.i.g,  dccoinl  Kon  of  Vmnciii,  l«t  Karl  of  Brooke  and  Warwick,  waa  born  12  May,  1749,  anJ  Oied, 
unmarried,  23d  April,  1809.  He  waa  a  moinbor  of  tlie  Board  of  Trade  from  January  25,  1774,  to  September  6,  1780.  Btaltm'i 
PolUical  Annali,  IIL,  61.  —  En. 

Vol.  Vni.  AS 


'jii^riitt 


; 


546 


NKW-YORK  COLO:;iAL  MANUSCl-IPTS. 


,1 


Coloniet  whenovtT  they  slioiiUi  make  u  proper  application  on  the  ground  of  any  n'a]  grievance 
they  might  have  to  coniplaiii  of,  and  tlierel'ore  1  have  the  less  occasion  now  to  enlarge  upon 
sjF»i.»iTO  the  salisraclion  it  hath  given  His  Mnj"'  to  see  that  mldress  followed  hy  the  inclosed 
resolution  of  the  house  of  Commons,  which,  whatever  may  he  the  ettect  of  it.  J  trust  a  happy 
one)  will  forever  remain  in  evidenco  of  their  Justice  and  moderation  &  manifest  the  temper 
which  has  accompanied  their  deliheralions  upon  that  question,  which  has  heen  the  source  of 
«o  much  disipiiet  to  His  Miij""  suhjects  in  America,  and  the  pretence  for  Acts  ol  such  criminal 
disorder  &  disohedience. 

His  Maj"  ardently  wishing  to  see  a  reconciliation  of  the  unhappy  dillerences  whicli  have 
produced  those  disorders,  hy  every  means  throuuh  which  it  may  he  ohtaiiu'd,  without  prejudicn 
to  the  just  authority  of  I'arliament,  which  His  Majesty  will  never  sulVer  to  he  violated, 
approves  the  resolutions  of  his  faithful  Commons,  and  commands  me  to  transmit  it  to  yon,  not 
dotihting  that  this  happy  disposition  to  comply  w'th  every  just  and  reasonahle  wish  of  the 
King's  suhjects  in  America,  will  meet  with  such  a  return  of  duly  and  atfcction  on  their  part, 
as  will  lend  to  n  happy  issue  of  the  present  disputes,  aiul  to  a  re-cstahlishment  of  the  public 
tranquility  on  those  grounds  of  e<]uily  justice  and  moderation,  which  this  resolution  holds  (orth. 

The  King  has  tha  greater  satisfaction  in  this  resolution,  and  the  greater  confidence  in  the 
good  effects  of  it,  from  having  seen,  that,  amidst  all  the  intemperance  into  which  a  people 
jealous  to  their  lih»-rties  have  been  uid'orlunately  misled,  they  have  nevertheless  avowed  the 
J\istice,  the  equity,  and  the  propriety  of  suhjects  of  the  same  Slate,  conlrihuting,  according 
to  their  abilities  and  situation,  to  the  public  burthens;  and  I  think,  I  am  warranted  in  saying, 
that  this  resolution,  holds  no  proposition  beyond  that. 

I  am  unwilling  to  suppose,  that  any  of  the  King's  suhjects  in  the  (Colonies,  can  have  so  far 
forgot  the  benefit  they  have  received  from  the  I'arenl  State,  as  not  to  acknowledge  that  it  is 
to  her  support,  held  fiirth  at  the  expense  ot  her  IJIood  and  Treasure,  that  tiiey  principally  owe 
that  security  which  hath  raised  llicm  to  their  present  stale  of  opulence  and  iinporlauce  ;  in 
this  situation,  tlierefore.  Justice  rcijuires  that  tiiey  should  in  return  contribute,  according  to 
tiieir  respective  abilities,  to  the  common  defence,  and  their  own  welfare  and  interest  demand 
that  their  Civil  F.stablisiin.ciit  should  he  supported  with  a  becoming  dignity. 

it  has  been  the  care,  and  I  am  |)ersii,idcil  It  is  the  llriii  determination  ot  I'arliament,  to  see 
that  both  these  ends  art>  answered  ;  and  their  wisdom  and  moderaiion  have  suggested  the 
pripriely  of  leaving  to  each  Colony  to  judge  of  the  ways  and  means  of  making  due  provision 
for  these  purposes,  reserving  to  themselves  u  discretionary  power  of  ap|)roviiig  or  disapproving 
what  shall  be  otfered. 

The  resolution  neither  points  out  wh.it  the  Civil  Kslablishmenl  should  be,  iU)r  deirands  niiy 
specific  sum  in  aid  of  the  public  huribens.  In  both  these  respects  it  leaves  full  scope  for  that 
Justice  and  liberality  which  may  be  expected  from  ("Colonies,  that,  umler  all  their  prejudices, 
hnve  never  been  winting  in  exi)resHions  of  an  alVectionate  atlachmeiit  to  the  Mother  Country, 
nnd  a  zealous  regard  lor  the  general  welfare  of  the  Hritish  r.in|nre,  and  therelore  the  King 
trusts  that  the  provision  they  will  engage  to  make  lor  the  su|)porl  of  Cinl  (iovernment  will  he 
adequate  to  the  H.iiik  and  Station  of  every  necessary  Ollicer,  and  that  the  sum  he  given  in 
contribution  to  the  common  defence  will  be  offered  on  such  terms,  and  proposed  in  such  a  way, 
ns  to  increase  or  diminish  according  as  llie  public  nurihens  id  this  Kingdom  are  Iroin  time  to 
time  aiigment"d  or  reduced,  in  so  lar  ni  those  Uurthens  consist  of  Taxeii  and  duties  which 
are  not  a  Bectirity  for  the  National  debt.     Ity  such  a  mo<le  of  contribution  the  Culonies  will 


LONDON  noCT/MKNTS :     XLV. 


547 


liavo  full  Bocurity  tliat  tlioy  can  never  be  rot^uirt'd  to  tax  iIumh8cIv.!s,  without  rarlimnont'B 
Taxitifj  tlu'  suhj.'ftH  of  iIiIh  KiiiKilom.  in  a  fur  ^rj-iiter  proportion,  and  llirrc  nm  Im"  no  (I(Mil)t,  that 
any  proposition  of  this  nalnr.' nia.lo  l.y  any  of  ilio  Coloni.'s,  an<l  acconipani.'d  with  Nuch  a  statu 
of  their  faculties  and  ahihties  as  may  evince  the  equity  o(  the  proposal,  will  he  received  with 
every  possible  inilulf-ence,  provith><l  it  be  at  the  same  lime  unaccompanied  with  any 
declarations,  and  unmixed  with  any  claims,  which  will  make  it  impossible  h)r  the  King, 
consistent  with  his  own  dignity,  or  for  I'arliiiment,  consistent  with  their  Constitutional  righlH, 
to  receive  it.  Hut,  1  will  not  suppose  that  any  of  the  Colonies  will,  alter  this  example  of  the 
Temper  and  moderation  o(  I'arliamenI,  adopt  such  a  conduct ;  on  the  ontrary,  I  will  cherish 
the  pleasing  hope  lb.  I  the  public  peace  will  be  restored,  and  that  the  Colonies,  h)rgetting 
all  other  trivial  and  groundless  complaints,  which  ill  humour  hath  produced,  will  enter 
into  the  consideration  of  the  resolution  of  the  house  of  commons  with  that  calmness  and 
deliberation  which  the  importance  ol  it  demands,  and  with  that  good  will  and  inclination  to  a 
reconciliation,  which  are  due  to  the  candor  an<i  Justice  with  which  Parliament  luis  taken  up 
this  business,  and  at  once  declared  to  the  (%)lonie8  what  will  he  ultimi;tely  expected  from  them. 
I  have  already  sai.i  that  the  King  entirely  approves  the  resolution  of  the  house  of  (^ommonsi 
and  His  Maj"  commands  me  to  say  that  a  compliance  tlierewith  by  the  (;enerul  Assembly 
^f/\-'-\ ^''"  '"'    """*'  graciously  considered,  by   Mis  Mnjesty.  not  only 


Tu  Sew  Yolk  «(/(/; —  Atsrmhly 
of    New      York,     tchirh     litii 


as  a  'restimony  of  their  reverence  for   rarlianx-nt   out  also  as 
II   nnirk   of   their  duty    and    uttachment    to    their    Sovereign, 
almuh,     ,hrwn     .o     (^nod     a      vvho  has  no  object  nearer    to    his  heart  than  the  pence    nn.J 

''"'"'■"';.""  '"""""         ,"      ••^""l^'fily  "<■   "i"  ''^"l'J'''^'H  i..  .-very  part  of  His  Dominions 

rffoiifilialion  tni/i  the 

Milliter   Ciiiiiitn/ 


At  the  saun^  lime  His  Miijesty  considers  liiuMelf  as  bound  by 
every 'I'ye  to  exert  those  means  the  Constitution  has  placed  in 
his  builds  for  preserving  that  Constitution  entire,  and  to  resiwl  with  lirmiieHs  every  attempt  to 
violate  the  rights  o(  Tarliam',  to  distress  and  obstruct  the  liiwful  commerce  of  bis  sulijecis  ; 
and  to  incourage  in  thet'olonies  ideas  of  Independence  inrouHisleut  with  their  connection  with 
this  Kingdom. 

I  am  eltc. 

Paictmuutii. 


Kir. 


/uirl  of  Dartmouth  to  UiiUinaut-liloveriwr   (ohkit. 

I  N«*.rork  I'iprn  v  <.  W  O. )  ll.XVM  ,  No  m.  \ 

Whitehall  4  March  1775 


The  American  Packets  having  bei-n  detained  a  few  days  beyond  the  usual  time  of  their 
sailing  gives  me  the  opportunity  of  ac(piaiuting  you  that  ysmr  Despatch  o(  the  I"  ol  Feb"  hu* 
been  received,  and  of  assuring  you  that  the  iMentimenIs  of  duly  to  the  King,  k  wisbei  of  n 
reconciliation  with  the  Mother  Country,  so  fully  exprcMsed  in  Ih.'  addresses  of  the  Council  & 
Assemldy  in  miswer  to  your  very  prudent  and  proper  speech  t.i  ibem  have  been  very  graciously 
receive.l  by  Ilii  Majesty  niiil  have  given  great  Halislaclion  to  all  ranks  of  reople  in 
this  Kingdom 


Lt  (Jov  Coldeii 


i  Ulll  dCCU 


I) 


AnrMourii 


I  . 


15.   .1 


548 


^  2;W.Y0RK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


W.: 


"■I 

?! 


N»7. 


Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  the  -Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  PluUUoiu  Oanenl  (  S.  P.  O. )  CULXI.  ] 


Guy  Park.  16.  March  1775. 
My  Lord, 

The  &'■'  ult»,  I  had  the  honor  to  write  to  your  Lord',  and  enclosed  some  proceedings  with  the 
Indians  about  a  Message  they  had  received  from  the  Southward,  since  which  several 
Deputations  of  Chiefs  have  heen  with  me  on  the  matters  contained  in  the  minutes  I  now  have 
the  honor  to  transmit.  The  first  ,>iirt  concerns  some  farther  advices  brought  by  the  Onejdas 
Ouoghquageys  of  another  Message  from  the  Shawanese,  the  request  of  the  former  ab*  the 
boundary  line,  and  matters  regarding  their  Missionaries,  one  of  whom  had  been  accused  by 
the  Oneidas  of  spreading  alarming  reports  of  the  American  Disputes  as  mentioned  in  my  letter 
of  last  month.  This  last  party  of  Oneidas  are  his  friends  and  speak  in  his  favour,  but  are  at 
least  as  partial  as  his  Enemies,  for  according  to  the  Clergyman's  ncc*  whom  I  have  since  seen, 
they  made  a  very  false  report  of  the  transactions  of  the  rest  a  this  place.  He  acknowledges 
that  he  has  occasionally  explained  the  prints  to  them,  &  ngreable  to  his  judgement 
observed  that  the  Dispute  arose,  from  the  Crown's  endeavouring  to  obtain  a  large 
reimbursement,  for  the  expenses  of  the  late  War,  which  the  Colonies  could  not  comply  with 
and  therefore  an  Army  was  sent  to  compell  them ;  I  remarked  that  this  was  a  gross 
misrepresentation  of  a  matter,  with  which  the  Indians,  should  have  had  nothing  to  do,  and 
that  some  persons  of  credit  had  corroborated  the  charge  brought  by  the  Indian  Chiefs,  to 
which  he  replyed  with  many  protestations  of  his  innocence,  and  1  heartily  wish  tliey  may  lie 
relyed  on,  but  at  all  events  I  have  taken  care  to  prevent  the  evil  operation  o(  such  reports 
amongst  the  Indians  in  future. 

The  next  part  of  the  iiiclosures  contain  Transactions  with  the  Chief  of  the  Lower  Senecas 
(a  Man  of  great  fidelity)  and  with  a  party  of  Cayugas,  and  the  last  is  the  substance  of  my 
proceedings  with  those  Six  Nation  Indians  who  inhabit  about  the  Susquehanna,  and  who  are 
much  alarmed  on  finding  lliat  the  boundary  line  lately  run  from  Owegy  on  the  before 
mentioned  river  to  Delaware  includes  four  of  their  N'iliages  contrary  to  the  intention  of  the 
Fort  Stanwix  Treaty  in  1708. — This  error  was  occasioned  thro'  the  want  of  n  proper  survey 
of  the  course  of  the  Susquehanna,  at  that  time,  all  the  Maps  then  to  be  found  having  given  it  a 
much  more  Northerly  direction  than  it  appears  to  have  (above  C)wegy)  according  to  the  late 
■urvey  which  leaves  their  Villages  within  the  limits  of  the  (Colonies  &  thereby  causes  much 
discontent,  not  only  amongst  those  immediately  afri'iied,  but  the  rest,  wIki  hiive  applied  to  nie 
for  redress,  as  previous  to  their  executing  the  Deed  of  (.'eitsiou  they  in  a  public  speech 
•tipulated  :  "  That  the  Lands  of  the  Mohawks,  as  also  the  residences  of  any  others  of  the 
"Confederacy,  affected  by  the  Ossion  should  be  considered  as  their  sole  property"  And 
therefore  it  may  appear  necessary  to  give  them  some  security  for  the  lands  they  cM-cupy  about 
the  Villages  so  circumitaiiced,  otheiwise  at  a  time  when  so  much  jealousy  subsists  on  account 
of  lands  and  encroachments,  this  would  he  aggravated  into  a  high  grievance  by  the  Confederacy 
(who  are  bound  to  provide  their  people  with  lands)  and  prnhahly  incline  them  to  einnge  in 
ioine  of  these  evil  t'ouncils  or  Associalions,  whiih  it  liiis  been  my  ciinstant  endeavours  to 
prevent.  I  therefore  hope  to  be  enabled  to  signify  to  them  Mis  Miijesty'i  commands  iheieon, 
and  if  1  can  also  receive  orders  respecting  some  land  (and  other)  nnitters  mentioned  in  former 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


549 


letters,  previous  to  the  General  Congress,  that  must  shortly  take  p'ace,  it  will  prove  of  great 
advantage  to  the  service,  for  I  lind  that  reports  of  encroachments  ettc,  have  spread  amongst  the 
Nations  to  the  Westward,  and,  I  likewise  discover,  that  measures  are  now  in  agitation  to 
draw  the  Six  Nations  into  the  schemes  of  the  disaffected  by  persuading  them,  that  they  are  in 
danger  and  that  their  applications  will  be  disregarded  ;  so  tliat  any  marks  of  attention  at  this 
time  will  strengthen  their  confidence  in  His  Maj"'  which  I  continually  labour  to  promote,  than 
which  nothing  can  be  more  necessary,  when  not  only  many  amongst  themselves,  but  also  a 
great  number  of  the  White  people  are  endeavouring  to  alienate  their  affections  and  even  spirit 
them  up  to  the  worst  purposes.  This  1  have  hitherto  been  fortunate  enough  to  prevent,  and 
under  the  sanction  of  (Jovern'  I  trust,  I  shall  neither  prove  wanting  in  zeal  or  influence  to 
render  their  schemes  abortive. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  with  true  respect, 
My  Lord. 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  and  most 

humble  servant 

G.  Johnson. 


Proceedings  of  Colonel  Ouy  Johnson  with  the  Oneidas  and  Oughqiiageys. 

{  riiDtelloai  Oenoral  (  B.  1'.  0.  >  CCLXI.  ] 

Extracts  from  the  proceedings  with  the  Chiefs  ettc  of  Oneida  and  Ougliquaga, 
before  Col :  Guy  Johnson  Superiutendant. 

Friday  February  10'*  1775. 
Twenty  one  Onoidns  and  Oupliouagas  arrived  here  and  after  shaking  hands  condoled  with 
three  strings,  and  then  with  two  gave  an  account  of  the  death  of  their  Chief  Chiketah,  which 
they  desired  might  be  told  to  the  Mohawks,  who,  they  wanted  to  be  present,  having  news  of 
importance  to  communicate  to  them. 

Saturday  11'*  of  February 
The  Oneidna  and  Oughquagas  ossembled. 

PuGsENT —  The  Superiutendant  with  the  oflUcers  of  the  Depurtm' 

Col:  Johnson  first  returned  the  ceremony  of  condolence  with  three  strings,  and  then 
the  like  for  the  death  of  Cliiketah,  one  of  their  Chiefs.  Then  Thomas  arose  and  spoke 
B8  follows. 

Brother.  Here  is  the  Belt  which  was  sent  thro'  the  Nations  with  the  account  of  the  death 
of  our  late  worthy  Superiutendant  Sir  Wiliam  Johnson  ;  when  it  came  to  the  Hurons,  they 
expressed  their  great  concern  on  the  occasion,  and  joined  in  reronunending  it  to  tht  Six 
Nations  to  withdraw  their  people  from  the  Shawnnese.  When  the  Ili-lt  came  to  the  Shawanese, 
titey  doubled  it,  and  desired  that  the  Six  Nations  should  listen  to  theni,  and  come  to  a  meeting, 
proiiosud  to  be  hold  at  Fort  I'itt,  at  which  they  requested  you  to  be  present. — 

A  Belt  of  8  lluwi. 


li  \ 


550 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANrSCRirTS. 


« 

1 


W 


M 

;* 


P 


Brother.  Here  is  n  string  from  Oanawngoro  where  Kaynshotn  nml  Adonqiiot  i\ow  nre,  tho 
former  of  whom,  wlien  at  Fort  Pitt,  saw  some  of  his  people  in  confinement,  hnt  oouUl  not 
procure  their  releasment ;  they  therefore  heg,  that  you  and  tiie  Six  Nations  will  come  to  the 
meeting  proposed  by  the  Slmwanese,  ai\d  thereby  procure  n  discharge  for  their  people. — 

3.  Strings. 

He  then  gave  an  account  of  Knyasliola's  application  to  the  Gov'  of  Virginia  to  have  soveii 
Senecas  released,  that  at  length,  two  of  them  were  released,  and  the  irons  taken  oH"  tlie  rest, 
but  that  they  were  still  detained  in  confinement;  that  some  of  tiiem,  tho'  they  had  for  many 
years  lived  very  distant  from  the  Six  Nations,  were  nearly  connected  with  several  principal 
Chiefs,  who  requested  Col :  .Tohnson's  interposition  with  Gen'  (3age  and  the  Gov',  that  they 
might  be  discharged  in  consiileration  of  the  fidelity  nuuiil'ested  by  the  Six  Nations 

Then  Peter  with  a  Belt  expressed  the  concern  which  Sir  William  Johnson's  death  had  given 
them,  for  which,  they  had  heard  the  rest  of  their  people  had  long  since  condoled,  and  had 
congratulated  Col  :  Johnson  on  succeeding  liim,  that  they  now  again  repeated  their  satisfaction 
at  the  latter,  hoping  that  Col :  Johnson  would  always  continue  to  follow  his  steps,  and  givo 
them  good  advice. —  .\  Belt  of  Six  Hows. 

Then  after  repeating  .*^ir  William's  liaving  established  a  large  Fire  on  the  Mohawk  River  for 
the  purposes  of  peace,  and  to  bring  all  Nations  into  a  right  way  of  thinking,  he  expressed  their 
satisfaction  that  it  continued,  and  ho|ied  that  it  would  still  be  a  place  of  peace  and  shelter,  and 
to  which  all  people  should  resort,  give  an  account  of  their  conduct,  and  receive  good  advice. 

A  licit  of  ten  Bows. 

Then  repeated  Sir  William  Johnson's  past  care  of  them,  and  his  sending  Soldiers  to  protect 
their  Faniilies  in  the  late  war,  his  recommending  it  to  them  to  cast  their  eyes  one  way.  aixl 
use  one  road  of  peace,  which  they  faithfully  observed,  and  relused  all  advice,  and  invitations 
from  the  Enemy,  assuring  Col :  Johnson  they  still  contintied  in  the  same  sentiments. 

A  Belt  luilt  Black  and  White,  nine  Rows. 

Then  produced  a  Belt,  and  observed,  it  had  been  given  to  them  formerly  by  Sir  William 
Johnson,  as  a  proof  of  his  regard,  advising  them  by  the  King's  authority  to  look  only  to  hitni 
and  not  meddle  with,  or  attend  to  provincial  all'airs,  and  that,  whenever  any  thing  happened 
among  them,  or  any  bad  news  arrived,  they  should  look  to  him  for  advice,  and  direction,  and 
that  his  ear  -vould  be  open  to  them. 

A  Black  Belt  with  nine  Rows,  with  the  letters  W  ■■  |-  and  l^tdS-  *"  ^vhile  on  it. 
Adding,  that  they  had  strictly  followed  these  advices,  and  alw'-ys  kept  thi  m  in  remembrance, 
and  that  they  were  determined  to  continue  firm  in  their  resolution,  and  to  promote  peace,  miil 
every  thing  required  of  them  ; — that,  no  doubt  Col:  Johnson  must  have  great  trouble  in 
conducting  the  alfairs  of  so  troublesome  a  Peparim',  but  they  hoped  the  great  spirit  above, 
would  enable  him  to  do  it  wisely,  and  would  give  him  strength  to  sujiport  it. — 

A  Belt  of  7.  Rows. 

Next  with  three  strings  observed  they  were  very  happy  in  pursuing  their  present  resolulioni 
and  following  his  good  advice,  —  that  as  so  many  disputes  had  arisen  about  lands,  it  had  given 
them  great  pleasure  to  find  the  line  between  them  and  the  White  people  eRtablished  at  Fort 
Stanwix,  and  timt  the  King  had  strengthened  the  boundary,  and  set  his  fool  on  it  to  secure  it, 
so  that  no  person  should  in  future  attempt  to  encroach  on  any  part  ul  it,  on  any  account.  This 
the  Indians  had  desired,  not  meaning  that  it  should  be  only  a  temporary  boundary,  —  that  they 
were  now  greatly  alarmed  at  the  endeavours  of  peojile  to  cross  it  lately,  and  requested  that 


LONDON  DOOWMlCNTa:     XLV.  5 

thpy  miglil  be  inunt'dintrly  prrv.Mit.'d  ;  ntlilinp,  tlmt  llio  Surveyors  liixl  lately  run  n  lino  lliro 
tlu'ir  roiuilry,  wliith  cimi.'  tip  to  tin'  Tuacurora  villnpo,  iind  wim  in  110  wis.-  iigr.-alile  to  tlioir 
intentions  in  17C.S.  and  that  tiiey  r.Miui-sit.d  llio  Cov"  ollVnusylvania  and  New  York,  niiglitbu 
ae(]nninled  with  it.  that  tliey  niij^ht  dettisit.  ;i.  siriiiun. 

Then  Adam  of  OnoKh(i.ia«ey  aroHo  .V  said  that  they  had  now  some  matters  or  n  private 
nature  to  mention.  — That  many  years  a^c.  M'  Schnyler  the  I'reshyterian  Minister  at  Meohara 
applied  to  them  (or  some  land*,  at  their  vilhige  Cur  Itaptizing  their  iMiildren,  ai.d  other  Keligioua 
serviees,  which  he  had  long  negleeted,  and  therefore  they  had  resolve.!  on  taking  the  landi 
back;  that  some  of  their  people  were  lor.  and  others  against  it.  hut  thai  his  sons  eame  there, 
nn.l  were  very  argent  to  get  the  land,  an.l  many  others  were  continually  lea/.ing  them  lor 
settlements;  all  which  they  begged  might  be  prevented. 

He  then  proceeded  to  give  an  account  of  their  Disputes  about  the  New  Knglan  Minister  nt 
Ough.juagey.  and  the  divisions  occasioue.'.  in  Hieir  village,  some  taking  part  with  him,  ami 
others  ihreatning  to  .Irive  him  away,  as  lie  wag  not  u  member  of  the  Church  of  Knglan.l, 
and  as  he  refused  to  Hapli/e  the  children  of  those  who  had  led  imnu.ral  lives,  or  did  not  i.pprovo 
of  hia  worship;  and  exprcsse.l  their  wishes  that  these  diirerences  might  he  accommodated. 
Then  delivered  »  letter  from  M'  Aaron  Orosby '  the  dissenting  Minister,  to  (\)1 :  Johnson,  which 
was  in  the  words  following: 

„  ,  ^,.  Ononhoghijuage  2r>,  .Jan"  I77rt. 

Honoured  Sir, 

The  dinerenees  subsisting  here,  and  the  desire  of  a  considerable  number  of  the  InhabitantR 
together  with  some  things  reported  among  them  indu.  e  me  to  write  to  you.  not  to  refer  tho 
matter  to  your  decision,  for  that  would  be  iucoiiNislenl  willi  the  nature  of  that  part  of 
administration  committed  to  me,  as  well,  as  an  unlawful  (Imposition  upon  you.  For  tha 
Supreme  head  of  the  Church,  re.piircs  that  every  one  should  act  coi.sci.tilu.uMly  In  matters  of 
such  importance,  agreable  to  which  there  has  hccii  im  Act  pa-Ncd  by  the  King  and  I'arliamenl 
proclaiming  liberty  of  conscience  to  all  the  worshippers  of  the  true  (Jod. 

As  to  the  nn«nner  of  Worship  ;  here  I  am.  though  unworthy  to  be  called  a  servant  of  Christ 
laboring  in  his  Vineyard,  acting  according  to  the  dictates  of  my  conscience,  aiming  at  the  glory 
of  (iod  and  the  good  of  souls.  Against  the  iMiurch  of  Knglaml.  have  I  spoken  nothing,  neither 
against  the  Church  at  Scohare.— The  things  reported  concerning  me.  are  through  mistake  or 
malice.  I  would  hope  the  former;  though  some  are  of  a  dideri-nl  opinion  with  respect  to  tho 
a<lminislrntion  of  ordiminces.  also  with  respcit  to  the  <|ualilications  of  persons  to  be  admitted 
to  ordinances,  yet  I  wouhl  put  on  that  charity  which  hopelh  all  things,  and  helieveth  all  things, 
and  so  hope,  that  all  act  conscientiously  in  their  Admininlratiou,  therefore   I  can't  condemn 

others,  aJtho'  my  conscience  obliges  me  to  act  in  some  instant ditrereul  (rom  them.     I  re(|uiro 

those  who  are  guilty  of  great  sins,  which  are  known  lo  all,  to  nwike  public  confession,  thereby 
to  satisfy  tliose  whom  they  have  otlemled  and  aggrieved,  then  exhort  theut  to  take  care  for  tho 

'  H«v.  A*«os  CMWBt  WM  lioni  iii  l'i,ml,n,lK«.  «*«•.  i"  1V»!1;   w«>  Kr><liiiil.Ml  nt  lli.rvnr.l  (•c.ll,.gn  in  n7ii.  mi.l  iin..rwiinU 

»iiii.l„y,Ml  M  A  iMi-.i..imry  t..  \h,<  lii.lmii.  i,t(ln..,iii«Kl,...  Iln.om..  .oumIv,  N,  V.     A  r.. tw i,,!,.  N,„ 'r'.!7,  IVVii,  loil,« 

(^nMlliU'iiml  C.ihKr....  r,..-mn.m.ii.IiM«  timl  Mr    Kirkli.n.l  »i„l  Mr.  Aiir„i.  <V,..l,_v,  wl Il, miMi»«ioiM.r.  „l  ll,„(.,„.  „|,|',„iMl,.,l 

I7  til,-  S..,M..ty  r,.r  l'r..|mnilMi«  Hi.'  (io.|M'l  «,n,.M«  ll„.  I,„|i«,„,  |„„|  .„„,,|.,y,„i  „  ,ni.»i„„»ri,..  f.ir  tlmt  |.m,|,„...,  i|„.  f,.r r  nt 

Oici.ls,  thr  lall.r  At  t)i,.,.|uiiKl...,  Im-  o.Mitii.u,,!  ii,  ll„„r  i.Hlm.. ,  y.,„r,  nt  *  wUry  ..I   four  linii.lr.Ml  himI  >|>I,'|.||  <lulliiri  miil 

"•"■"'"■''"■  '"I""'  Iium.1i.mI  yumuU  .IrrlinK,     II,.  «,„.  „r.l,.iM,.,|  |„„|„r  .,f  tl,„  ('■.nKr-Knti.-ni.!  .■hur.h  in   Dii ,rr.t 

V.rni,.i.t,  in  17N| ;  t,.,\^,u,:i  1...  .-U»,g,'  in  IHOI ;  nn.j  ,li,.,l  J„«„„ry  l:i,  IS'il.  iiK<«l  111.  A«/./MrH..A«<  *,  ««..   W  H.  SpraoJ 
l>.  /*.;  6  Am»rit»H  Anhimi,  III.,  16HII    -  Kn,  '  r    ¥    t 


V  u- 


lisJ 


,    ,i 


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NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


r*! 


\k 


future,  that  they  don'i  ngnin  fall  into  these  sins,  of  which  they  have  repented,  nnd  give  them 
such  instructions  ns  appear  necessary,  as  they  are  liable  to  bear  them.  Yet  there  may  be  some 
among  their  here  who  insist  upon  it  that  I  shall  Baptize  Children,  without  conversing  with 
the  parents  respecting  their  knowledge  in  these  important  matters ;  in  short,  they  would  have 
me  Baptize  those  that  come  for  Baptizm,  be  their  life,  and  conduct  what  it  will. — And  old 
Isaac  lately  told,  that  a  certain  Man  living  near  the  Mohawk  River,  who  has  great  influence 
among  the  Indians  told  him  to  drive  away  their  Minister,  if  he  would  not  Baptize  Capl"  Jacob's 
child  in  that  manner  in  which  he  desires;  but  I  don't  credit  the  report,  for  1  can't  believe  that 
Gentlemen  of  such  superior  wisdom  as  those  (Jentlemen  are  said  to  he  endowed  with,  could 
be  guilty  of  acting  such  a  part  so  unbecoming  their  character.  The  old  Man  Isaac  and  Capl" 
Jacob  have  publicly  ordered  me  to  leave  the  place,  but  the  rest  of  the  Headmen,  and  all  the 
Tuscaroras  with  united  voice,  desire  me  to  continue  with  them,  which  request  I  am  in  duty 
bound  to  comply  with  ;  for  there  are  290  souls  of  those  who  desire  my  assistance.  1  understand 
that  Isaac  expects  to  leave  it  to  your  honor  lo  determine  the  afiair,  but  the  others 
understand  so  much  of  the  nature  of  the  affair,  that  they  would  not  willingly  impose  upon  your 
honor  in  such  a  manner  as  to  ask  him  to  decide  matters  which  they  ought  to  do  themselves, 
nnd  which  they  have  done  already — Thus  much  from  Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant. 

Aaron  Cnosiiv. 

P.  S.    I  determine  by  leave  of  Providence  tj  wait  upon  your  honor  in  my  journey  to  or 

from  New  England.  Your's  as  above 

A:  Crosby. 

•  This  letter  being  read,  Thomas  said,  that  he  had  heard  the  dissenting  Minister  at 
Canawaroghere  was  accused  by  the  Indians  of  interfering  in  worldly  matters  and  of  many 
other  things;  that  as  to  his  burning  a  letter,  he  could"  not  tell  whether  it  was  done  by  the 
Minister,  or  not,  as  he  was  abroad  when  it  happened,  but  he  believed  the  Minister  never  meant 
to  concern  himself  in  any  thing,  but  Ri-ligion  ;  that  indetd  they  all  found  that  the  New  Kngland 
Trader  there,  was  a  bad  Man,  and  they  had  accordingly  ordered  him  away,  and  concluded  with 
a  request  that  Col :  Johnson  would  rely  on  their  sincerity  and  assurance  of  following  his  advice. — 

Then  adjourned. 

Monday  February  13. 
The  Indians  asscmhled  to  receive  Col:  Johnson's  answer,  which  he  delivered  as  follows  : 
Brothers.     1  have  heard,  and  considered  attentively  the  several  subjects  on  which  you  spoke, 
nnd  am  now  going  to  answer  the  same,  desiring  you  will  hearken  to  my  words. 

Brothers.  What  you  tell  me  on  your  first  Belt  concerning  the  Shawanese,  having  doubled 
the  Belt,  and  invited  you  to  meet  them  the  next  spring  to  the  Southward,  is  very  extraordinary. 
1  have  lately  given  the  Chiels  of  your  Confederacy  my  full  sentiments  respecting  these 
people,  and  th"ir  motives  for  drawing  them  to  a  meeting,  that  they  may  appear  interested  in 
their  quarrel,  of  all  which  the  Chiels  appeared  so  sensible,  that  I  looked  upon  it  as  a  thing 
concluded  upon,  that  they  should   disregard    their   invitation.     The  News  I  have  from  my 

*  Mr.  DirrLia  tlie  Interpreter,  eon«i<l«ring  liimieir  ii*  nlliiiloil  tu  in  tliU  letter,  ikij  th*t  lie  ImJ  not  told  tli«  Iniini  lo  l>aniili 
tlieir  Mininter  fur  rcfuKiii|{  ll^ititin,  l)ut  tliut  hi-  nni'l,  lie  luiik»J  u|>uii  it  nt  wry  unelmriobl",  tu  reluie  it  tu  uliilJrtn  fur  tlit 
fmilU  uriitrciitf,  kUil  tliat  lie  utill  tliuii^lit  •» 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV.  rsg 

Deputy,  and  others  to  the  Southward  does  by  no  means  justify  their  apprehensions  respecting 
the  persons  in  contlnoment.  who  are  not  l^ent    is  I  iLr  L  ..  i    "^"^"'"''  respecting 

r  th!r       T         .  'TT  '"'"  *-•""«'•'•"•"''""  ■•>"'»  "'^t  ngreable  to  Justice. 

IJro  liers.  1  |,e  strings  which,  you  have  delivered  that  were  forwarded  from  Canawnuon 
have  been  occasioned  by  mistaken  notions  of  the  Chiefs,  who  are  intere  rfor  tZe  in 
confinemen     whose  cause  you  should  no,  espouse,  &  therefore  I  can  neither  approve  of  the  r 

n  conh uement.  are  by  this  time  either  released,  or  that  they  will  be  socm  so,  being  only 

have  done.  i.  with  which  you  have  nothing  to  do  ;  for  altho'  you  may  pity  their  folly,  you 
cannot  interest  yourselves   in   their  fate,  without  appearing  to  favour  a   VVar  you  ,  ublfcly 

'::;::;z:z;:';;;;;:ir  :^::"'^^' '-  ^"'^"  ^"^  --  -^  y-  ^^-^^--^  -« ^-«^' 

Sir  Willi'nn  j'!h!"'""  "Tl  '•'*""  """"'  '"  ''"  '°"'^''^"  '"^"y  •''^'^  expressed.or  the  Death  of 
c  it  I  r  o  i  r"  ""1  I  -"«-tulations  on  his  succeeding,  and  assured  them  of  the 
tontinuaiiie  of  his  regapl  and  attention  to  the  duties  of  his  Ullice. 

-n,        .M.i  ■       .  Ift'tiTiied  their  Belt  of  6.  Rows. 

1  hen  told  them  that  he  was  «!a.I  they  received  so  much  satisfaction  from  the  Kstablishment 

»...  ,         ■,,  ,         ,  li^turiied  iheir  Ileltof  10.  Itows. 

Ntxt  he  said   he  was  pleased  to  hn.l,  they  reinemh..rcd  their  many  obligations  to  Sir  WiMiam 

w^riZirioiir  r' ''-''"  --'  '""^  -  "^^  "^"  -'-'^^  ^-«-'  ''^''- "« -.--« i;;:; 

,    ^'^-  -•!" "  -•"  "7".^"-  •"' collected  the  nelt.  With  the 'S/^rS^tilliam.s 

.aim  ,  vvh.ch  was  to  keep  them  stea.lfast  in  obeying  the  King,  and  following  the  a.lvice  o  ,o  e 
hia  Maj    appointed  to  take  care  of  them,  by  which,  whenever  they  were  disturbed,  they    1    ud 

remembrance,  and  that  so  long  as  they  .lid  so,  they  might  be  assur  .1  C„I:  AslvZ 
would    be   open    to   them    in    like   manner,   and    his   endeavours   directed    to  th  ir  i    er;8 
and  advantage.  luieresi 

'iM       ,.11         .  Ueturned  the  Belt. 

I  hen  told  then,,  be  was  glad  to  hear  them  declare  their  strict  observance  of  past  a.ivice  •  that 
c  knew    hey  had  in  general  acted  agreable  thereto,  and  that  it  was  their    uteres    to  do 
ha    no  doubt  the  o.lice  he  held  was  very  troublesome,  but  if  they  acted  wisely  and  st     1  ly 
the  r  engagenientH.  endeavoured  to  promote  peace,  and  hearken  to  wholesome  advice     e 
'       ..t  ^ioubt  with  the  divine  assistance  he  should  acp.it  himself  of  its  .luties.  ns  I le      i  ^  d 
have    been    recommended,    neither   would    ho   have    taken    the   olhce   up  n    him,   i^  e 
had    been  uiiac.ua.nted  with  it.  .  ,i^,„^„^.j  ^.^  ^2; 


■    «i 


'       i 


?! 


554  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Then  observed  that  they  might  be  assured  the  Government  had  no  intention  to  violate  the 
Treaty  at  Fort  Slanwix,  or  breai^  thro'  the  Boundary  line,  that  their  apprehensions  were 
therefore  ill  founded  ;  that  some  of  themselves  had  given  rather  too  much  encouragement  to 
individuals  to  harbour  in  their  neighbourhood,  who  once  established,  could  not  be  easily 
removed,  and  therefore,  they  must  blame  themselves  in  such  cases ;  that  if  any  persons  intruded 
it,  or  passed  the  line,  they  should  warn  them  to  retire,  and  they  would  certainly  do  so,  or  on 
notice,  would  be  compelled  to  do  it,  and  that  thro'  the  want  of  an  actual  survey  of  the 
Susquehanna  at  the  Fort  Stanwix  Treaty  in  1768,  the  boundary  line,  though  run  strictly 
corresponding  therewith,  did  on  measurement  appear  to  come  very  close  to  them ;  that 
however,  he  was  persuaded  the  Governments  concerned,  would  not  take  any  immediate 
advantage  of  distressing  them  ;  that  he  would  lay  the  matter  .before  them  according  to  desire, 
advising  them  to  rest  satisfied  with  their  good  intentions.  Returned  the  strings. 

He  next  answered  the  Oughqugoes,  observing  that  their  old  promises  of  land  to  individuals, 
gave  no  title  to  such  persons  to  force  themselves  upon  them,  that  they  might  tell  M'  Schuyler, 
or  any  one  else  claiming  under  the  same,  &  who  had  neglected  the  conditions,  that  the 
settlement  of  the  Boundary  line  precluded  them  from  any  title  there,  and  that  they  could  not 
be  expected  to  make  good  any  old  conditional  promises  that  defeated  the  purposes  of  it,  and 
that  in  all  these  matters,  they  should  endeavour  to  be  unanimous,  otherwise  their  application 
to  Govern'  would  be  defective.  — As  to  their  differences  about  the  New  England  Missionary  at 
Onoghquagey,  he  heard  of  them  with  concern.— That  Sir  William  Johnson  shortly  before 
his  death  wrote  to  them  about  it,  remarked,  that  they  had  hitherto  lived  happily   under  the 
direction  of  Oli  Isaac,   a  pious  Chief  who  had  read  the  service  to  them,   and  gave   them 
many   wise  exhortations,   which    he    thought    might   answer    their   purpose,    till   a   fitting 
settlement  cou'.a  be  made  there.— That  Sir  William  Johnson's  advice  was  good  and  wholesome, 
and  that  Col :  Johnson  was  sorry  to  find,  that  notwithstanding  the  residence  of  Missionarys 
at  two  of  their  villages,  discord  and  quarrels  appeared  to  have  increased  which  had  occasioned 
one  of  their  people  to  be  dangerously  wounded  ;  that  the  letter  this  Missionary  had  now  wrote, 
set  forth  his  disinclination  to  Baptise  the  children  of  those  parents,  whose  lives  were  not 
agreable  to  him,  and  gave  an  account  of  a  large  party,  equal  in  number  to  the  whole  settlement 
who  had  entered  into  fixed  resolutions  in  his  favour,  and  particularly  mentioned  the  Tuscaroras. 
That  Col:  Johnson  could  not  take  upon  him  to  Interfere  about  religious  tenets,  and  presumed 
that  the  Tuscaroras,  who  were  a  people  lately  received  from  principles  of  humanity  by  the  r^st, 
would  not  dictate  to  them  in  matters  of  Religion,  that  they  might  determine  for  themselves, 
and  if  the  Missionary  was  disagreable  to  them,  or,  endeavoured  to  force  the  consciences  of 
those  educated  in  a  different  persuasion,  he  should  certainly  be  prevented,  adding,  that  the 
Christian  Religion  was  a  Religion  of  peace  &  moderalion,  that  those  persons  were  wrong,  and 
bad  Men,  who  endeavoured  to  pervert  them,  or  lead  away  those  who  were  educated  in  different 
sentiments  from  theirs;  and  that  they  should  come  to  some  terms  ol  accommodation  amongst 
themselves,  in  which  case  they  would  meet  with  the  protection  of  Govern'  ;  that  although  he 
was  no  Enemy  to  any  religious  people,  he  could  not  help  remarking  that  the  complaints  against 
some  of  their  Missionaries  were  too  many  and  various  to  be  destitute  of  some  foundation,  and 
that  the  charges  against  the  Clergyman  among  the  Oneidas,  demanded  a  particular  enquiry, 
and  that  he  was  glad  to  find  they  had  discovered  the  faults  of  the  Trader  there,  and  would 
remove  him  — adding,  that  any  persons  who  interfered  in  matters  foreign  to  their  duty,  should 
be  diBcountenanced  and  removed;   and  coacluding  with  desiring  them   to  remember  hiB 


I 

1i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


555 


ttS  with  ^"f  "  ''^f  '"  ''""  ^'"  ^'""^  ""'  ""^''"■•'■='«'^  »'y  ♦'^^  Crown  to  transact 

att.i.r8  w.th  them,  as  .t  was  to  the  Crown  they  owed  their  happiness  an.l  security,  and  all  the 
favour  they  rece.ved.  the  continuance  of  which  depended  on  their  following  the  King's  advice 
and  those  in  authority  under  him.     After  which  adjourned  g  «  aavice 


The  Indians  assembled  again  to  answer  Col :  Johnson. 
Present —  as  before. 


February  the  14"' 


The  Chief  arose  and  on  behalf  of  the  rest,  returned  Col ;  Johnson  many  thanks  for  his 
speech  which  gave  them  great  satisfaction. 

Then  proceeded  to  observe,  that  they  were  so  fully  satisfied  of  the  artifices  of  the  Shawanese 

and  the  httle  they  had  to  do  themselves  i„  their  affairs,  that  they  would  not  only  disregard 

the.r  summons  but  send  three  faithful  Messengers  to  Kayashota  and  Adonquat  to  explain  their 

sentiments  and  resolutions  to  them,  to  advise  those  who  had  their  friends  in  confinement,  to  a 

reliance  on  the  clemency  of  government,  and  not  give  themselves  any  trouble  about  the  fate  of 

hese  foolish  people.     That  they  would  use  all  their  influence  to  dispose  the  whole  Confederacy 

to  continue  to  look  upon  the  Crown  as  their  true  protector,  whence  they  expect  redress  in  all 

matters.  &  in  the  interim  to  avoid  hearkening  to  ill  advisers.-The  Oughquageys  said,  that 

heir  Minister  was  mistaken  in  saying  they  had  determined  on  matters  before  they  left  home, 

for  that  they  had  really  come  to  Co! :  Johnson  for  his  advice  and  direction,  and  that  what  he 

had  said  was  so  convincing  to  them  that  they  should  return,  and  in  order  to  restore  peace  in 

the.r  lown,  enter  into  a  general  resolution  to  abide  by  the  Lithurgy  printed  in  the  Indian 

Language;  that  they  had  reason  to  believe  Ihe  Missionary  would  conform  to  it  in  which  case 

they  would  let  him  stay,  otherwise  they  would  use  the  Lithurgy  themselves  till  a  proper  person 

could  be  provided.  r     r     r 

Then  they  retired  to  make  choice  of  proper  persons  to  send  thro'  the  Confederacy,  on  which 
Col :  Johnson  charged  them  to  choose  only  Men  of  character  and  fidelity. 

Wednesday  February  the  16'* 
The  Indians  assembled  and  repeated  to  Colonel  Johnson  the  Message  they  had  agreed  on 
as  before  mentioned,  and  ncquainte.l  him,  that  agreable  to  his  advice,  the  Mohawks  would  send 
Capt:  Daniel.  I  he  Oneidas  Thomas  alias  Adinghquonoron.  and  that  they  would  be  directed 
to  apply  to  the  Bunt  at  Onondaga  to  sen,!  two  persons  of  his  own  family  with  them.-Col- 
Johnson  approv..'  of  their  choice,  and  told  them  he  would  send  a  Belt  with  a  particular 
message  from  himself  to  the  Onondaga  fire  place,  and  that  he  expected  it  would  be  faithfully 
delivered  ;  that  its  purport,  would  be  to  strengthen  the  late  advice  he  had  given  to  direct  them 
to  rely  on  the  crown  for  redress,  and  on  account  of  the  people  in  confinement  to  be  in 
readiness  to  attend  his  next  summons.-Then  gave  particular  advice  and  instruction  to  the 
Messengers  who  retired  with  the  rest  to  prepare  fo    l.ieir  departure. 

Thursday  the  IG""  of  February. 
In  the  morning  Col :  Johnson  delivered  his  Bell  to  the  Messengers,  after  repeating  its  purport, 
and  then  after  recommending  it  to  .hem  to  ho  firm  and  stea.ly  in  their  conduct,  he  clothed  the 
Messengers  and  several  of  the  principal  Men,  and  they  all  departed. 

Exam'' 

JosBPH  Chbw  Socr'' 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUaCRIPTS. 
Proceedings  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  with  Cayuga  and  Smguehanna  Indians. 

[rianlatloni  Oeaoriil  (  8.  P.  0. )  CCI.XI.  ] 

Proceedings  of  a  Congress  with  the  Chiefs  and  Warriors  of  the  Cayugas  and 
several  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations  Confederacy  held  at  Guy  Park  Feb'" 
28'"  1775. 

Present  —  Col :  Guy  Johnson  Superintend'  for  Indian  affairs 
Col :  Daniel  Claus  agent  for  Canada. 
Several  Odicers  of  the  Departm'  &  other  Gentlemen. 

The  Cayuga  Chief,  began  with  the  usual  salutation  of  the  Warriors,  who  being,  as  he 
observed,  a  plain  people,  would  use  but  few  words.— He  then  recounted  briefly  the  proceedings 
and  resolutions  at  the  General  Congress  at  Onondaga,  and  that  in  consequence  tliereof,  the 
Chiefs  of  llie  Cayugas  on  their  return  to  their  Towns  recommended  it  to  their  Warriors  to 
live  peaceably  iiave  nothing  to  do  with  the  .ire  but  to  support  their  engagements.  The  Chief 
women  joined  in  promoting  the  same  ;  to  all  which,  the  warriors  paid  strict  regard.  That 
at  first,  they  were  uneasy  on  account  of  the  absence  of  seven  of  their  people,  least  they  might 
have  been  misled  by  the  Shawaneso,  but  they  fortunately  relumed,  without  hearkning  to  bad 
advice,  and  the  warriors  after  a  meeting  on  the  occasion,  resolved  that  a  deputation  of  their 
Chiefs  should  come  down  to  acquaint  tlie  Superintendant  with  the  news  they  had  brought, 
ar.!  -vith  their  firm  resolutions  to  abide  by  his  advice,  and  have  notliing  to  do  with  the 
Shawanese  or  their  Councils.  Gave  a  Belt  of  Seven  Rows, 

then  proceeded  as  follows: 

Brother.  The  seven  Cayugas  who  returned  from  the-great  p:ains,  at  their  Departure  received 
three  strings  from  Dt-oarohogas  Brother  and  a  young  Mohawk,  who  have  both  lived  there  for 
several  years,  setting  Torth  that  the  Six  Nations  have  not  appeared  to  be  attentive  for  some 
years  to  the  news  that  passed  through  that  Country  or  to  the  Messages.— they  therefore 
ordered  these  strings  to  be  delivered  to  the  Chiels  of  the  Senecas  at  the  Western  door  of  the 
Confederacy  desiring  tliem  to  forward  tlie  same  to  exhort  them  to  be  more  attentive  to  these 
interresting  matters  at.d  to  all  public  messages  assuring  them,  that  they  would  return  and  see 
them  early  in  the  spring.  Gave  4.  white  strings. 

Brother.  These  strings  came  from  another  warrior  from  Canundageh,  on  this  side  of  the 
great  plains  on  behalf  of  three  Nations,  recommending  it  to  the  warriours  of  the  Six  Nations  to 
be  for  the  future  in  all  things  unanimous,  to  mind  the  true  interests  of  the  confederacy,  and 
to  follow  strictly  the  advice  &  councils  of  their  Chiefs,  and  desired  these  strings  to  he  forwarded 
thro'  a'l  the  Nations.  Gave  4.  short  strings  black  Wampum. 

Brother,  These  strings  were  delivered  to  our  people  at  the  same  place  on  behalf  of 
Jg/at(ig/,< rr<rr  the  head  of  the  Ilurons  and  their  eight  Confederate  Nations  whereon  they 
remarked  tlie  good  advice  tliey  received  formerly  from  Sir  William  .Johnson  the  Message 
they  received  from  Colonel  Johnson  and  their  adherence  to  peace  and  their  engagements.- in 
the  midst  of  which  they  heard  of  an  unlucky  quarrel  between  the  people  of  \irginia  and  the 
Shawanese,  which  „'ave  them  great  uneasiness,  but  shortly  after,  they  received  a  message  from 
Col:  Johnson  and  the  Six  Nations  assuring  them  that  the  latter  would  not  engage  in  any 
quarrel  against  the  English  but  would  promote  peace,  which  Message  settled  all  their  miuds 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


557 


nnd  gave  them  great  sntisfHction ;  they  therefore  after  condemning  the  conduct  of  those  of  the 
Six  Nations  who  lived  at  a  distance  from  the  Conf.  leracy  exhorted  each  of  the  nations  to  be 
particularly  attentive  to  the  Superintendant's  advice  and  to  the  Councils  of  their  Chiefs,  at  the 
two  proper  Fire  places  and  to  attend  only  to  peace  and  their  engagements.  Expressed  a  desire 
of  meeting  us  here,  and  they  particularly  recommended  it  to  the  Onondagas  to  continue  faithfully 
to  preserve  all  transactions  and  to  promote  attention  to  public  affairs  at  their  Fireplace. 

<^nve  4.  strings,  Black  Wampum. 

Brother,  This  is  a  string  from  the  Senecas  to  the  Onondagas  in  consequence  of  a  drunken 
quarrel  at  Adigie  on  Ohio,  between  the  Senecas  &  others— wherein  the  former  killed  a 
Shawanese  and  two  Delawares,  for  which  a  Deputation,  according  to  ancient  Custom  is  to  be 
Dent  by  the  Onondagas  that  the  affair  may  bo  passed  over  and  this  matter  is  to  be  immediately 
taken  into  consideration.  4.  ,j,„,,,  ^^^-^^^^ 

B  other.  As  these  matters  are  of  weight  &  moment,  it  was  not  thought  adviseable  to 
send  It  .  Uh  three  or  four  Messengers,  and  therefore,  we,  the  Cayugas  have  been  accompanied 
at  the  desire  of  the  Confederacy  by  sundry  of  the  principal  Men  of  each  Ration,  that  they  might 
hear  the  same  faithfully  delivered  and  receive  your  advice  and  direction. 

To  which  Col:  Johnson  answered: 

Brothers.  I  have  heard  with  great  attention  the  several  matters,  you  were  directed  to  lay 
before  me.  I  thank  your  Chiefs  for  their  attention  to  the  same  which  I  shall  take  into 
consideration  and  give  you  an  answer  to  morrow.— Then  distributed  pipes,  Tobacco  and  some 
liquor  amongst  them  and  adjourned. 


At  a  meeting  with  the  Chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations. 
Present —  as  before. 


Wednesday  March.  1" 


Col:  Johnson  asked  them  whether  they  were  all  assembled;  and  being  answered  in  the 
aflirmative  he  proceeded  as  follows: 

Brothers,  i  have  duly  considered  and  am  now  prepared  to  answer  your  speech  and  to  give 
you  my  opinion  on  the  several  matters  you  laid   before  me,   and  I  desire  your  attention. 

Brothers,  I  am  very  well  pleased  with  the  Conduct  of  your  Chiefs  at  the  Onondaga  meeting  as 
well  as  with  the  Warriors  for  paying  a  due  regard  to  the  advice  they  received,  and  I  hope  they 
will  always  be  governed  by  wholesome  advice.  Your  apprehensions  for  those  of  your  people 
who  were  to  the  Southward,  was  very  reasonable  ;  they  were  in  a  dangerous  situation  and 
exposed  to  evil  temptation,  which  Warriors  aie  too  often  apt  to  listen  to.  Every  instance 
shows  plainly  that,  which  you  have  been  often  told,  the  danger  of  your  peoples  living  and  getting 
connected  to  the  Southward  and  tbe  necessity  there  is  for  the  removing  them,  1  wish  your 
endeavours  hitherto  had  met  with  more  success,  and  I  again  advise  you,  either  to  bring  them 
home  or  to  cast  them  off  in  case  of  refusal,  as  a  people  who  bring  disgrace  on  your  Confederacy 
and  endeavour  to  attach  you  to  interests,  which  may  at  some  one  time  prove  your  ruin  ;  it 
is  for  your  benefit  that  I  repeat  my  advice,  and  you  may  depend  on  my  sincerity  as  my  heart  is 
open,  my  inclinations  disposed  to  serve  you,  and  my  judgement  constantly  exercised  in 
promoting  your  Imppiness.  A  Belt  of  12.  Hows. 

Brothers.  These  strings  which  you  received  from  the  two  young  warriors  near  the  great 
plains,  appear  to  me  in  a  very  odd  light.     It  is  not  a  miss  to  hear  good  Council  from  any  person 


i 


m 


Si  ,1    '' 

1  ■'  ' 


iM; 


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NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


but  I  believe  it  never  was  the  practice  of  Whites  or  Indians  to  take  Council  from  a  few  Lads 
who  have  left  their  Country  and  associated  with  people  of  a  troublesome  disposition  ;  neither 
does  it  appear  to  be  intended  so  much  for  your  benefit  as  to  draw  you  into  measures  with 
others  and  I  find  from  the  Journal  of  my  Southern  Deputy,  that  these  young  Men  talked  big 
and  represented  themselves  as  of  great  consequence  to  the  Virginians  and  as  having  vast 
influence  over  you  ;  Your  Warriors  therefore  did  right  in  hearing  the  same  with  caution  and  I 
address  them  plainly  as  a  warrior  to  hearken  to  me  and  to  the  Councils  of  their  Chiefs  in  their 
own  Towns  as  that  is  the  sure  road  to  reputation. —  Relumed  the  strings. 

Brothers.  The  Strings  you  received  from  the  Indians  at  Canundageh,  appear  to  be  to  the 
same  effect  and  for  the  same  purposes  as  the  former,  for  I  can't  see  how  they  who  have  left 
your  Confederacy  and  hitherto  have  declined  returning  to  it,  can  with  any  propriety  direct  you, 
and  I  clearly  understand  that  the  unanimity  they  recommend  has  in  view  an  intercourse  and 
association  with  interests  you  si  juld  avoid ;  let  those  who  express  so  much  regard  for  your 
interests,  give  a  solid  proof  of  it  by  returning  to  their  proper  Council  fire,  where  their  advice 
will  be  better  credited ;  but  whilst  they  remain  where  they  are,  they  can  have  no  true  regard 
for  your  welfare.  Returned  the  Strings. 

Brothers,  The  strings,  which  went  to  the  Southward  from  the  Ilurons  and  their  Confederacy 
were  I  believe  well  intended.  The  Hurons  have  acted  wisely  during  the  late  troubles ;  but 
the  reports  that  came  from  the  Southward  in  which  thro'  the  folly  of  your  people  that  live 
there,  your  name  is  always  liable  to  be  brought  in  question,  gave  concern  to  the  Hurons  till 
they  heard  of  your  good  and  pacific  resolutions,  and  their  advice  to  you  to  persevere  therein 
and  to  hearken  to  your  true  advisers,  is  a  proof  of  their  wisdom  and  friendship  and  merits  your 
particular  regard  and  I  have  that  confidence  in  your  Chiefs  that  1  believe  they  see  there  true 
interests,  and  I  charge  them  to  pursue  them.  Returned  the  '•trings. 

Brothers.  The  quarrel  which  was  the  Effect  of  that  pernicious  liquor,  to  which  you  are  so 
much  adicted,  is  a  fresh  instance  of  the  fatal  consequences  of  intoxication.  You  see  it  has 
ended  in  blood  and  gives  you  the  trouble  of  sending  a  great  way  to  make  reparation.  I  have 
no  objection  to  your  complying  with  the  Institutions  of  your  Ancestors  in  these  cases,  which 
may  be  done  by  a  small  Deputation  of  those  most  interested  in  it. 

Delivered  the  strings  to  the  Onondagas. 

Brothers.  I  approve  of  the  wisdom  of  your  Chiefs  in  causing  all  these  matters  to  be  laid 
before  me  and  they  may  be  assured  of  my  Best  and  most  candid  advice  in  return.  —  1  doubt 
not  (seeing  so  many  great  Men  here)  that  it  has  been  faithfully  related,  but  I  wonder  I  hear 
nothing  of  an  extraordinary  string  lately  brought  to  me  by  the  Oneidas  as  sent  thro'  the 
Nations  from  the  Shawanese,  with  a  strange  account  that  some  of  your  people  would  be  put 
to  death  at  Fort  Pitt,  and  that  you  must  go  and  meet  them  on  Ohio.  Perhaps  this  string  rose 
out  of  the  ground  or  came  from  the  evil  spirit,  for  I  am  sure  that  it  could  not  come  from  any 
persons  that  understood  and  regarded  your  true  interests.  I  have  given  my  opinion  fully  on  it 
to  those  that  brought  it  and  they  have  joined  in  sending  a  proper  answer  by  special  Messengers 
who  were  dispatched  a  few  days  past.  I  have  also  explained  these  matters  fully  in  private 
Conferences  with  the  Chiefs  here  present  and  others  and  I  hope  you  will  all  regard  it  as  coming 
from  your  true  friend.  What  I  have  further  to  say  thereon  is  but  a  few  words  to  exhort  you 
all  to  consider  solely  the  interest  of  your  proper  confederacy  and  not  to  take  part  in  any  dispute 
with  those  who  never  apply  to  you,  but  (or  their  private  purposes  or  lo  lessen  you  in  the  King's 
estimation  by  making  you  appear  as  parties  concerned  with  them  —  you  have  been  often  advised 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


559 


to  keep  your  eyes  fixed  on  the  place  from  which  you  always  receive  the  greatest  benefits  and 
the  wisest  Councils ;  'tis  to  the  King  alone  you  are  Indebted  for  redress  of  grievances  and  for 
all  the  favours  you  receive  and  not  to  any  particular  Colonies  or  Societies  of  White  people, 

they  will  all,  I  trust,  do  you  Justice,  but  where  they  refuse  it,  the  King  will  consider  your  case 

'Tis  therefore  to  him  you  are  to  look  in  all  cases,  and  in  the  affair'  he  has  intrusted  with  your 
affair  you  should  solely  confide  and  I  give  you  this  Belt  to  strengthen  the  hands  of  your  Chiefs 
for  that  purpose.  A  Belt  of  9.  Rows, 

then  adjourned. 

Thursday  March  S""" 

The  Indians  assembled,  and  after  thanking  Col :  Johnson  for  his  speech,  and  assuring  him 
that  they  did  not  look  on  the  strings  sent  from  the  Shawanese  as  deserving  their  attention, 
proceeded  to  acquaint  him,  that  as  llie  Hurons  had  expressed  a  desire  of  conversing  with  them 
on  the  State  of  affairs,  they  had  considered  together  and  it  would  be  very  agreable  to  them, 
that  Col :  Johnson  should  signify  to  that  Nation  the  desire  of  the  Six  Nations  that  some  Chiefs 
from  that  .Country  might  attend  their  next  public  meeting  and  this  they  observed  would  be  the 
surest  Channel  for  conveying  their  Message  that  it  might  not  be  liable  to  misrepresentation 

Then  the  Speaker  proceeded  as  follows : 

Brother.  We  are  very  sensible  of  the  truth  of  what  you  have  said  to  us  and  extreamly 
thankful  for  your  advice  on  all  the  subjects  we  spoke  upon  —  we  greatly  regret  that  the  late 
troubles  interrupted  our  correspondence  to  the  Southward  and  prevented  our  collecting  our 
scattered  people;  in  this  matter  we  mean  to  be  governed  by  youradvice,  as  well  as  in  every 
thing  elc  ,  and  we  put  our  hearts  into  our  hands  with  a  resolution  to  continue  to  love  the  King 
and  to  follow  your  directions  and  faithfully  to  deliver  what  you  have  said  at  the  great 
Council  fire. 

To  which  Col:  Johnson  answered  : 

Brothers,  I  have  great  pleasure  in  your  Conduct  whenever  you  act  with  wisdom  and  discretion 
and  I  shall  confide  in  your  decbuutions  from  the  good  opinion  I  have  of  you.  I  shall  be  glad 
to  see  some  of  the  Huron  Chiefs  and  to  that  end  I  shall  give  them  notice  of  your  desire  to 
which  they  will  doubtless  agree,  and  I  now  take  this  opportunity  to  acquaint  your  whole 
Confederacy,  that  I  continue  in  the  same  sentiments  1  have  always  expressed  for  your  collecting 
your  scattered  people,  without  delay,  and  I  advise  you  to  cast  off  all  those  who  refuse  to  comply, 
as  Enemies  to  their  country.  I  therefore  give  you  this  Belt  to  strengthen  the  resolutions  of 
your  Chiefs  and  encourage  them  to  Act  with  vigour  in  collecting  these  people  and  placing  them 
under  your  immediate  guidance,  within  the  influence  of  your  great  Council  fire,  and  I  desire, 
this  Belt  may  be  forwarded  through  the  Nations  for  that  purpose.—  Gave  a  Belt. 

Then  acquainted  them,  that  in  consequence  of  their  request  last  fall,  he  had  wrote  to,  & 
received  Gov'  I'enn's  answer,  which  was  agreable  to  what  he  had  before  told  them,  that  the 
Gov'"'  Message  to  P'ort  Pitt,  had  been  sent  early  the  last  summer  to  recommend  peace  with  his 
people  to  them ;  that  he  was  pleased  with  their  conduct  and  had  no  intention  or  occasion  for 
calling  them  to  a  meeting.  After  which  Col :  Johnson  delivered  out  some  presents  to  the 
principal  Men  particularly  to  Sayenguaraghta  the  faithful  Chief  of  all  the  Lower  Seuecas  and 
his  family,  and  recommending  it  to  them  to  preserve  his  words  and  act  accordingly.  He 
dismissed  them  in  the  usual  manner. 

'  St*.  Qu  t  Officer,  —  Eo. 


k 


>  h' 


fi 

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560 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Friday  Marcli  3"' 

The  Indians  after  receiving  provisions  orders  ettc,  tuoi\  tlieir  leave  and  set  out  on  their 
return  home. 

P.  M.     Thirty  two  Ciiiefs  and  Warrioura  arrived  from  Clienango  and  tlie  brunciies  of  the 
Susquehanna,  wlio  after  the  customary  entertainment  and  salutations  went  to  their  incampment. 

Saturday  Mareii  l"" 
The  above  Chiefs  and  Warriors  assembled. 


Present — 


as  at  the  last  meeting  ; 


After  performing  tlie  ceremony  of  condolence  on  l)oth  sides  as  usual,  the  Speaker  addressed 
Col:  Johnson  as  follows: 

Brother.  We  the  Chiefs  of  the  two  Trii)es  at  Chenango  the  Ciuiglinuts,  Owegy,  and 
Tiaogos,  being  five  several  Nations  express  our  great  satisfaction  at  meeting  yon  this  day  the 
rather  as  few  of  us  have  had  tlie  pleasure  of  seeing  you  since  you  have  had  the  care  of 
our  allairs. 

Brother.  We  heard  from  the  Six  Nations  long  since,  the  death  ol  our  late  Worthy  Brother 
and  Ciuardian,  Sir  William  .Fohuson  but  had  not  liie  particulars,  till  sometime  after,  when  wo 
were  told  that  yon  had  succeeded  him,  which  gave  us  all  mud'  pleasure,  and  by  his  death, 
we  were  thrown  into  the  deepest  sorrow;  our  eyes  were  cast  down,  and  our  bodys  lay 
groveling  on  the  earth  ;  but  so  soon  as  we  had  intelligence  of  your  being  raiscil  up  in  his 
place,  we  revived  again,  arose  and  became  chearful.  We  now  give  you  these  strings  as  an 
assurance  of  the  satislaction  we  receive  from  your  Management  of  our  nHairs. 

three  strings. 

Brothers ;  We  the  Chiefs,  having  heard  of  yoiir'  several  wise  transactions  with  our 
Confederates  in  very  troublesome  times,  do  on  behalf  of  all  our  people  express  our  entire 
approbation  thereot' and  our  determined  resolutions  to  follow  iwid  be  governed  by  your  advice 
and  to  attend  to  the  (.Councils  ol  the  great  lire  place,  we  have  acted  agreable  to  the  advice  you 
gave  by  the  .Messengers  sent  thro'  the  .Nations  on  the  death  of  .'^ir  William  .Johnson,  we  shall 
continue  to  do  so  ami  we  give  you  this  assurance  of  it. —  a  Belt  of  seven  Hows. 

Brother.  The  Warriours  desire  to  ae(|uaint  you  by  these  strings,  ihal  they  were  cast  down 
to  the  earth  on  account  ol  the  death  of  Sir  William  .lohnson,  and  that  they  are  alone  revived 
by  the  news  of  your  succeeding  him,  ami  are  now  once  more  happy  and  ready  to  lollow 
your  advice.  I.  Strings. 

Brother.  Our  Chief  Women  who  have  great  inlhience  with  us,  take  this  opportunity  of 
congratulating  yon  on  r  present  OlVice  assuring  you  that  they  are  now  become  chearful  and 
will  always  assist  in  recommending  good  works  to  the  young  people  that  they  nuiy  act 
agreable  to  you  and  obtain  your  favour.  ;t.  .Strings. 

Then  after  speaking  of  the  l)oundary  line  fixed,  and  Cession  m;ide  to  His  Majesty  at  Fort 
Stanwix  in  J7<'iS,  In;  added  that  they  hiid  something  interesting  to  say  on  that  subject, 
and  proceedet! : 

Brother,  We  very  well  remember  ami  ktu)w,  that  the  boundary  line  was  run  from  Owegy  to 
the  Delaware,  an<l  to  run  fnmi  thence  .North  to  the  Suscpiehanna  l{iver  at  the  mouth  o(  the 
Tienuderliah.     This  we  agreed  to,  Brother,  ami  at  the  same  time,  we  mentioned  in  our  speech, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


561 


that  should  any  of  these  liiips  appear  to  affect  any  of  our  settlpments,  it  should  not  be  taken 
advantage  of,  hut  our  properties  should  he  excluded;  all  which  was  promised  us.  Now 
Brother,  we  find,  that  the  Surveyors  last  Summer  have  run  that  line  in  such  a  manner  along 
the  Susquehanna  as  to  nflect  our  property  very  much,  and  as  we  apprehend  contrary  to  the 
intention  of  the  Treaty;  we  are  not  fond  of  disputing  and  have  great  confidence  in  the  King 
and  therefore  we  hope  you  will  represent  our  case  in  such  a  manner  as  to  obtain  redress  for 
us,  that  we  may  be  made  easy  in  our  minds. 

To  which  Col :  Johnson  answered  : 

Brothers.  I  am  glad  to  see  you  here  this  day  and  I  have  heard  your  speeches  with  attention 
and  shall  deliver  you  an  answer  to  morrow. 

Then  after  treating  them  as  usual  adjourned. 


The  Indians  assembled  to  receive  Col :  Johnson's  answer 
I'liESENT —  as  before. 


Sunday  March  6'* 


Brothers.  I  heartily  thank  the  Chiefs  of  the  several  Nations  here  assembled  as  well  for  the 
regard  they  express  for  the  memory  of  Sir  Willi.nn  Johnson  as  for  the  satisfirtjon  ihey  shew 
at  my  succeeding  in  his  Othce  as  1  shall  always  endeavour  after  his  example  to  promote  the 
happiness  of  all  well  disposed  Indians.  I  am  well  pleased  with  the  assurances  of  the  Chiefs 
and  hope  they  will  pay  due  rejjard  (o  their  enuagenients.  3.  a^" 

Brothers.  I  am  happy  to  find,  that  my  transactions  during  a  troublesome  period  are  so 
ngreable  to  you,  as  1  know  and  consult  your  true  interests,  you  may  always  bo  assured  that 
my  advice  shall  be  wliolesome  and  good  and  so  long  as  you  follow  it  and  hearken  to  the 
Councils  of  your  proper  Tire  place  you  will  enjoy  the  protection  and  favour  of  the  (ireatKing 
and  may  rely  on  my  best  Ofiices  for  your  service.  I  therefore  give  you  this  Belt  ns  an 
assurance  thereof  and  au  a  renewal  of  the  ancient  league  of  friendship  and  alliance  between 
you  and  the  Knglish.  A  Belt  of  H  Hows. 

Brothers.  I  nm  much  obliged  to  the  Warriors  for  their  expressions  of  regard,  and  the 
promises  they  make,  and  they  miiy  rely  on  their  friendship  &  good  advice;  1  therefore 
recommend  it  to  then\  to  regard  it  as  teiuling  to  promote  their  true  interests,  and  not  to  be  led 
astray  from  the  Councils  of  their  wise  Men  at  the  proper  Council  fire.  4.  strings. 

Brothers.  I  also  thank  the  Chief  women  for  their  kind  congratulations  and  I  expect  they 
will  continue  to  a<t  wisely  and  to  lead  the  young  people  to  follow  good  Councils  by  which 
means  they  will  enjoy  the  blessings  of  peace  and  the  protection  of  (Jovernment.— 

4.  ilringi. 

Brothers.  I  have  considered  what  you  said  respecting  the  boundary  line  with  the  particulars 
of  which  I  am  well  acquainted,  and  I  have  often  explained  it  since  to  many  of  your  people, 
particularly  ot  n  late  meeting  with  the  Oneidas.  You  nil  remember,  that  at  the  lime  of  the 
Fort  Stanwix  treaty  the  line  was  agreed  on,  to  be  run  Kaslward  from  Owegey  to  Delaware; 
now  as  the  Knglish  had  never  surveyed  the  Susquehanna  above  that  place  to  avoid  giving  you 
any  suspicion,  the  course  of  that  lliver  from  thence  to  the  patented  lands  was  taken  from  the 
Maps  then  in  being,  and  your  own  descrijuion,  which  I  am  sorry  to  find  does  not  agree  with 
the  late  Survey,  as  the  great  Bind  comes  to  that  line  contrary  to  all  our  expectations.  'I'iiis 
wa-  !!■.>•  !!■•.■  fuiiU  !>f  (Jovcrn',  it  arose  from  the  wutU  oi  iufofmatioii,  aud  no  doubt,  accordiog 
Vol..  VIII  71 


562 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


to  the  terms  of  the  Treaty,  the  Govern'  will  take  some  measures  for  your  satisfaction  on  my 
making  a  proper  representation  of  the  matter.  Here  is  a  Map  drawn  by  myself,  from  which 
you  will  see  the  real  course  of  the  River  and  be  satisfied  that  as  it  was  not  formerly  conceived 
it  took  that  direction.  There  could  have  been  no  design  in  view  to  deceive  you,  1  recommend  it 
therefore    to   you   to   be   satisfied    with    my   assurances,  and   you    shall   soon    hear   further 

respecting  it. 

Then  shewed  them  a  Map'  lately  made  of  that  Country,  after  which  they  returned  thanks 
for  the  kind  assurances  they  had  received  and  begged,  the  affair  might  be  attended  to  as 
it  afiected  4.  Villages. 

After  which,  they  representt  i,  that  several  of  their  old  people  were  in  great  want,  and  they 
were  accordingly  supplied  with  some  necessaries  and  departed  March  G"" 

Exam'' 

Joseph  Chew  Seer*'' 


"  Warrant  to  Lieutenant  -Colond  Maclean  to  raise  a  Regiment  in  the  Colonies. 

[  rUnUlloni  Geiier»l(9.  P.  O.)  Ct'LXI.] 

George  R.  (secret) 

Additional  Instruction  to  our  trusty  and  Welbeloved  William  Tryon  Esq"  Our 

Captain  (ieneral  and  Governor  in  Chief  in,  and  over  our  Province  of  New 

(  L.  s. )         York,  in  America ;  or  to  our  Lieut :  Gov'  or  Commander  in  Chief  of  our 

said  Province  for  the  time  being.  — Given  at  our  Court  at  S' James's  the 

third  day  of  Apiil  1775.  in  the  LI"'  year  of  our  Keign. 

[A  like  Imtriictlon,  muUti*  miiUiulis  to  Our  Tru«ty  nn,\  WoUbolov^l  J.»iul.  Martin  Fjmi".  Our  C»ptn  Oen«rnl  A 
Govr  in  t"l.i,.r,  in  nnj  ovor  our  imovIum  of  No  Cmoliim,  in  America,  or  to  our  LieuU  Ouvr  or  Coiumandor  in 
Cbief  uf  our  aaid  provincn  for  llio  tinio  being  —  tiiven.  «ltc.] 

Whereas  an  humble  application  hath  been  made  to  us  by  Allen  M'Lkan  Esq"  late 
Major  to  our  lU'"  Regiment,  and  Lieut  Col:  in  our  Army  setting  forth,  that  a  considerable 
number  of  our  subjects,  who  have,  at  different  limes,  emigrated  from  the  North  West  parts  of 
North  Britain,  and  have  transported  themselves,  with  their  families,  to  New  York,  have 
expressed  a  desire,  to  take  up  Lands  within  our  said  I'rovince,  to  be  held  of  us,  our  heirs  und 
•uccessors,  in  fee  simple;  and  whereas  it  may  be  of  public  advantage  to  grant  lands  in  manner 
aforesaid  to  such  of  the  said  Emigrants  now  residing  within  our  said  province  as  may  be 
desirous  of  settling  together  upon  some  convenient  spot  within  the  same.  It  is  therefore  our 
Will  and  pleasure,  that  upon  applicali.m  to  you  by  the  said  Allen  Maclean,  and  upon  his 
producing  to  you  an  Association  of  the  said  KmiKrants  to  the  eiTec  t  of  the  form  hereunto 
annexed,  subscribed  by  the  heads  of  the  several  families  o(  which  such  Emigrants  shall 
consist,  you  do  cause  a  proper  spot  to  be  located  and  surveyed  in  one  contiguous  Tract  within 
our  said  I'rovince  of  New  York,  suiricient  in  quantity  for  the  accommodation  of  such  Emigrants, 

'In  KnYork  Donmtnlarn  /l-l.^y,  IV.,  i*  n  "M.>|.  ..f  lb.  .M.unlry  »f  iU"  VI.  N»li..n  l'r"|>«r  with  1  »rt  uf  tb«  A.ljn I 

Cuiiiuiai,     Hy  Oaj  Jshosan  ivvi  "  ~  ifu. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


563 


allowing  100  acres  to  each  head  of  a  family,  and  50  r.cres  for  every  other  person  of  which  the 
said  family  shall  consist;  and  it  is  our  further  will  and  pleasure  that  when  the  said  Lands  shall 
have  been  so  located  as  aforesaid,  you  do  grant  the  same  by  letters  patent  under  the  seal  of 
our  said  Province  unto  the  said  Allen  Maclean,'  in  trust,  and  upon  the  conditions,  to  make 
allotments  thereof  in  Fee  simple  to  the  heads  of  Families,  whose  names,  together  with  the 
number  of  persons  in  each  family,  shall  have  been  delivered  in  by  him  as  aforesaid,  accompanied 
with  the  said  association,  and  it  is  Our  further  will  and  pleasure  that  it  be  expressed  in  the  said 
letters  patent,  that  the  lands  so  to  be  granted  shall  he  exempt  from  the  payment  of  quit-rents 
for  20  years  from  the  date  thereof,  with  a  proviso  however  that  all  such  parts  of  the  said  Tracts 
as  shall  not  be  settled  in  manner  aforesaid  within  two  years  from  the  date  of  the  grant  shall 
revert  to  us,  and  he  disposed  of  in  such  manner  as  we  shill  think  fit;  and  it  is  our  further  will 
and  pleasure,  that  neither  yourself,  nor  any  other  of  our  Ollicers,  within  our  said  Province,  to 
whose  duty  it  may  appertain  to  carry  these  our  orders  into  execution  do  take  any  Fee 
or  reward  for  the  same,  and  that  the  expense  of  surveying  and  locating  any  Tract  of  Land  in 
the  manner  and  for  the  purpose  above  mentioned  be  defrayed  out  of  our  Uevenue  of  Quit  rents 
and  charged  to  the  account  thereof.  And  we  do  hereby,  declare  it  to  be  our  further  will  and 
pleasure,  that  in  case  the  whole  or  any  part  of  the  said  Colonists,  (it  to  bear  Arms,  shall  be 
hereafter  embodied  and  employed  in  Our  service  in  America,  either  as  Commission  or  non 
Commissioned  OIHcers  or  private  Men,  they  shall  respectively  receive  further  grants  of  Land 
from  us  within  our  said  province,  free  of  all  charges,  and  exempt  from  the  payment  of  quit 
rents  i'or  20  years,  in  the  same  pro|)()rtiou  to  their  respective  Hanks,  as  is  directed  and 
prescribed  by  our  Royal  Proclamation  of  the  7"'  of  October  17GJ.  in  regard  to  such  Oflicers 
nnd  Soldiers  as  \rere  employed  in  our  service  during  the  lust  War. 

G.  K. 

'  ('oIoikI  Alan  Mailjax,  of  Tarluisli  waa,  lii  1747,  I.ieutoimnI  in  the  Soutcli  brinado,  wliicli  ttlio  wont  by  the  nnine  of  "  th« 
Dutch  l>rinH.le,"  from  lli..  circminlunc!  of  its  lioin^  nt  tlii'  tim«  in  lli«  |..iy  uf  th«  .SiBtes-Oy.i.Mfil.  In  cutting  lii,<  way  tliniuijli 
the  French  linoa  at  the  funions  »iei;e  of  ll.rsen  op  /.o.mi,  I.i.ntenant  Mueleun  wiis  taken  i.riwwi.r  ami  irnnie.hately.dTriilte.l 
to  parole  l.y  (Jeueial  l...wenilahl,  with  tliia  cunipliin.  iitury  a.hii.»»  ;  "  Ilii.l  all  coii.lnele.l  ll,eni»oln«  iin  you  luwl  your  lirave 
Corp.  hava  ,lone,  I  ahoiil.l  nul  now  lie  nui-ter  of  HeiKen  op  Zoom."  Having  left  llie  Uuteh  seiviee,  he  ..htaineil  a  c,>mpany  in 
the  62.1  or  tirnt  ilinhhuul  Imitalion  on  il«  or^ai.i/ation  in  17«.  With  thii*  r.  (jiinent,  wlio.o  nnmher  w»»  aft.  rwnnU  clionKed 
to  the  77tli,  he  came  to  America  an.l  «,•!  veil  iin.ler  Forl.es,  al  Ih-  Uking  of  Fort  ,lti  (inesne  in  IT.'.H  aii.l  in  the  following  year 
Wii  with  Amhei.t  in  th^  expedition  up  the  Northern  lake*.  He  rained  the  I  Ulli  Ilixhland  reniniMit  in  I7&»,  of  which  ha 
Win  appoiute.l  Major  commanding,  lint  ii  w««  rediic.l  in  niill  and  Maior  Maclean  went  on  half  piiv.  On  26  May,  1771,  he 
became  l.ieiitenaiiK'olunel  in  the  army,  liiil  wan  not  again  called  into  iietiva  iervice  until  1776.  when  the  paltry  echenie 

detailed  in  the  IcTt  wu«  concocted  to  ral.,.  nion  in  At 'ica,  i.  anpport  lh«  Koyal  eauie.     Willi  that  warrant  and  Momo 

follower.,  Colonel  Maclean  came  to  NowVork  in  the  aprlng  of  1775  ;  n,  »t  vi>iled  lioiton,  wheie  hi*  scheme  not  wind  ;  then 

hastened  hack  to  N.w-York,  repaired  to  t'oL  (luy  .lohnnon  on  the  Mohawk  river  an.l  ll ce  procee.le.l  io  liswego  an.l  lo  to 

Canada,  where  he  eolleete.l,  in  the  ooiirne  of  the  lumiuer,  a  ho.ly  of  men,  olii.'lly  Scotch  refo^;ee9  an.l  disbaniled  aoldiere, 
formerly  belonging  to  the -IJ.l,  7ithan.l  7Mli  lli;{hlan.leni,  under  the  title  of  the  ll.iyal  Highland  Emigrant*.  On  the  approach 
of  the  Ani.Tiean  army  l.y  Lake  Champlain,  Col.  Mael.'an  wa«  or.lcred  to  St,  .loliim  with  a  parly  of  niililia,   but  got  only  •• 

fare.  St.  l)eni»  wh,n  he  waa  de»erte.l   by  liin  men.     tjnebeo  being  next  threate 1  l.y  the  American  army,  under  Arnold, 

Col.  Maclean  tn  i.le  the  beat  of  hia  w.iy  t..  that  cily,  which  ho  entered  on  the  12th  November,   177,'i,  jiut   in  lime  to  prevent 

the  eili«eiH  ■.iirretnlering  Ihe  place  to   Ihe  A ri.ana.      Ilii  c.iiolii.t  .luring  the  .iege  !•  mentioned  in  the  handnoliicKt  termi. 

Hut  after  all  hm  leul,  hi«  eor|i«  wa«  not  yel  recogtiice.l,  ih.ingh  he  ha.l  at  tli.i  oiiKet  been  promised  e»tabli»hnienl  anil  rank 
n>r  it  lie  Iheref.ire  returned  t.i  Knglan  I,  where  he  arrived  on  the  Int  Sepleinber.  177(1,  to  ne. k  jiwticc  for  himfclf  an.l  imn. 
They  were  not  reeeive.l  until  the  eloae  of  177H,  when  the  regiment,  which  conKiated  of  two  battaliona,  one  in  Caiiala  an.l 
one  in  .Novo  .Se.ilia,  waa  nnmbere.!  llie  Hllh.  In  January,  17Nil,  he  wai  appolnte.l  Ctd.m.  1  In  the  Army.  The  Koyal  High- 
land  Kmigraiin  wert  diabanled  In  17H1I  an. I  Colonel  Maclean  .lied  in  I7K4,  .Irw.y  Unit;  ItruvnM  ll„,liUmi  Claxi,  IV.,  242, 
«U7,  yus  i  Sti.   ht  CanaJa,  1 1 ,  S3,  Uarntau'i  Vtinaila,  3.1  »J.,  II.,  4;irt ;  S.  Amn-Kan  AnmiU,  1 ,  24,  i;2il.  —  l.i>. 


564 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCillPTS. 


Form  of  Association. 

We,  whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed,  do  hereby  severally  and  respectively  promise 
and  engage,  tliat  we  will  demean  ourselves  as  good  and  Loyal  subjects  to  His  Majesty  King 
George  the  Third,  and  peaceably  submit  to  the  Laws  enacted  by  the  Parliament  of  Great 
Britta^n,  and  that  we  will,  at  the  hazard  of  our  lives  &  fortunes,  oppose  all  illegal  combinations 
or  insurrections  whatever,  and  give  our  utmost  aid  in  suppressing  all  such  proceedings  & 
practices  as  are  contrary  to  the  Laws  of  the  Land  and  the  authority  of  the  King.  —  And  if  His 
Majesty  or  those  acting  under  His  Iloya'  authority,  shall  judge  it  necessary  or  expedient  for 
us  to  be  assembled  and  embodied  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  the  peace,  order  and  good 
Government  of  the  respective  provinces  in  North  America,  wherein  we  reside.  We,  the 
subscribers,  to  hereby  bind  and  oblige  ourselves,  forthwith  to  assemble  and  embody 
accordingly,  and  to  serve  on  the  same  terms,  and  under  the  same  regular  discipline  and 
command,  as  in  His  Maj''*  other  M.litary  service  &  establishments. 

And  moreover,  if  his  Mnj'^,  or  those  acting  under  his  Royal  authority,  shall  deem  it  requisite 
for  such  of  us,  as  are  fit  for  actual  service,  to  be  embodied,  and  to  act  in  conjunction  with  His 
Majesty's  regular  forces,  we  do  hereby  bind  and  oblige  ourselves  forthwith  to  assemble  and  to 
be  embodied  accordingly,  to  obey  all  the  orders  of  oi-r  proper  Orticers,  and  commanders 
respectively,  and  to  continue  to  serve,  in  our  respective  stations,  during  his  Majesty's  Iloyal 
Wil'  and  pleasure. — 


Lieutenant-Oovernor   Golden  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[N»w.Tork  r»pfii»  CS.  P.  0)  CLXVII.,  No.  14.] 

New  York  4'»  April  1776 
My  Lord 

The  General  Assembly  of  this  Province  being  yesterday  adjourned,  by  my  directions,  to  the 
third  day  of  May,  I  am  now  to  give  your  Lordship  some  account  of  the  Dills  which  have  been 
past,  I  have  assented  to  seventy  one  liills,  and  refused  two;  viz  a  naturalization  Bill,  and  one 
for  making  perpetual  a  particular  Section  (the  \'\)  of  the  (iuit  Rent  Act 

It  has  been  on  this  occasion  mention''  to  me,  my  Lord,  that  His  Majeslys  Instruction, 
prohibiting  his  liovernurs  from  passing  a  naturalizatiun  Bill,  opperi'tes  very  partially  to  the 
prejudice  of  this  Colony  surrounded  as  we  are  by  charter  Governments  where  such  Instructions 
have  no  eflect.  Many  usefull  Foreigners  are  by  this  ujeans  driven  out  of  this  Province  where 
they  cannot  acquire  landed  property,  and  settle  in  the  Charter  Governments,  where  they  meet 
with  the  greatest  encouragement 

The  Bill  for  making  perpetual  the  sixth  Section  of  the  Quit  Rent  Act,  I  did  not  assent  to, 
because  I  thought  it  was  inadviseable  to  make  any  part  of  that  Bill  perpetual,  while  those, 
which  provide  for  collecting  the  Quit  Rents,  are  left  to  expire 

A  Militia  Act  appeared  to  me  to  be  very  expedient  at  this  Time,  to  prevent  that  confusion 
which  the  Province  might  otherwise  be  thrown  into,  by  the  endeavors  that  some  People  would 


Mul 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


565 


certainly  ir.nke,  to  establish  n  iiiilitin,  by  election  of  the  People — Tliis  was  so  strongly, 
represented  to  me  by  tlie  friends  of  Government  that  I  could  not  doubt  of  the  propriety  of 
passing  the  Militia  Bill,  which  was  one  of  the  number  prepared  for  my  Assent. 

There  are  only  two  other  Acts  on  which  it  is  necoEsary  to  trouble  your  Lordship  with  any 
remarks  the  rest  being  Cheiily  to  revive  other  Acts  with  a  few  new  ones  for  ordinary  & 
immaterial  purposes 

Upon  the  Act  for  the  general  quiet  of  Ilis  Majestys  subjects  in  this  Colony,  against  all 
pretence  of  concealment  whatever,  I  need  only  to  observe  to  your  Lordship,  that  it  is  passed 
with  a  suspend*  clause,  and  therefore  it  is  entirely  in  His  Majestys  Power  to  give  it  ellect 
or  not 

The  Act  to  regulate  elections  for  Representatives  in  general  Assembly  for  the  City  and 
County  of  Albany  is  thought  necessary  to  prevent  the  exhorbitant  Influence  which  the  very 
large  Matniors  in  that  County  give  to  the  Proprietors  or  Lords  of  the  Mannors  as  they  are 
called :  There  are  two  Mannors  &  a  IJorough,  my  Lord  in  that  County  which  each  send  a 
Representative  to  the  Assembly,  besides  the  two  Members  that  are  return"*  for  the  City  and 
County.  The  Freeholders  in  the  Borough  &  Mannors  have  had  a  right  to  vote  in  the  County,  as 
well  as  in  the  Borough  or  Mannor  upon  a  Freehold  which  lay  [in]  the  Mannor  or  Borough  only. 
This  Right  they  have  never  exercised,  but  should  they  at  any  time  do  it,  thsy  are  now  become 
80  populous  that  it  is  in  their  power  to  determine  every  Flection  in  the  County  &  may  in  eflect 
return  all  the  five  Members  In  this  light  the  People  of  the  City  &  County  view  the  privilege 
claimed  by  the  Mannors,  as  dangerous  to  them;  and  in  my  opinion  it  must  be  very 
disadvantageous  to  Covernment,  that  any  one  or  two  families  should  be  able  to  return  so  large 
a  proportion  of  the  Members  of  our  assembly.  The  present  Representatives  of  the  Manners 
have  distinguished  themselves  in  the  opposition  to  Government,  and  were  the  warmest 
supporters  of  the  Congress.  I  therefore  thought  it  was  a  proper  time,  my  Lord,  to  abridge 
this  privilege,  when  the  Majority  both  in  Council  and  Assembly  were  for  it.  It  may  not 
hereafter  he  in  the  power  of  Government,  to  have  it  done,  when  the  Effects  have  taken  place 

An  other  Act  which  your  liordship  may  take  notice  of,  is  one  for  admitting  the  mode  of 
administering  an  oath  practiced  in  Scotland  to  be  used  by  such  persons  in  this  Colony  ns  make 
matter  of  Conscience  of  it.  There  are  many  sober  discreet  Inhabitants,  who  from  the  prejudices 
of  education,  have  suffered  great  uneasiness  lor  want  of  such  an  indulgence  in  this  Government. 
No  alteration  is  made  by  thin  Act,  but  that  of  holding  \ip  the  Right  hand,  in  place  o.  kissing 
the  Book.  I  could  not  therefore  my  I^ord,  discover  any  thing  to  induce  me  to  refuse  my  assent 
to  the  Bill,  which  the  Council  &  A88<'mbly  upon  mature  deliberation  thought  proper  to  pass 
1  am  with  perfect  submission 
My  Lord 

Your  most  obedient 
nt  Ilonbic  and  faithfull  Servant 

Tlie  Karl  of  Dartmouth  Cadwali.adkr  Coldkm 


566 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i 


f  »fs"i 


Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Sari  of  Dartmouth. 

[Now- York  Pipen  (S.  P.  0. )  CLXVII.,  No,  IS.] 

New  York  5  April  1775 
My  Lord 

I  have  received  your  Ldps  commands  of  the  7"'  of  January  N"  2ti  and  your  circular  letter  of 
the  4""  of  the  same  month.  I  have  the  pleasure  to  infoim  your  Lordship  that  the  conduct 
of  our  Assembly,  with  respect  to  the  congre.""  .,;.>'.osed  to  b°  held  nt  Philadelphia  in  May,  is 
entirely  agreeable  to  His  Majestys  Sentiment      ■  ssed  in  your  circular  letter.     No  person 

has  been  appointed  by  them  to  attend  that  Coi.  ,  and  when  it  was  proposed  in  the  House, 

the  motion  passed  in  the  Negative  by  a  large  ^J^lJority.  The  disatFected  party  are  however 
exerting  their  utmost  influence  to  obtain  an  appointment  of  Delegates  by  the  people  It  is  not 
in  the  power  of  Government  to  prevent  such  measures;  they  are  supported  by  individuals  in 
their  private  characters  and  do  not  come  within  the  energy  of  our  Laws.  Your  Lordship  may 
however  be  assured  that  a  great  part  of  the  people  are  against  appointing  Delegates  to  meet 
the  May  Congress,  and  that  their  disapprobation  will  be  public.  I  therefore  hope  His  Majesty 
will  look  upon  the  Majority  in  the  Assembly  as  speaking  the  sentiments  of  their  constituents 

When  I  reflect  my  Lord  upon  tne  event  of  this  Session  of  Assembly  how  much  the  measures 
pursued  have  tended  to  preserve  this  Government  from  the  dangerous  and  extravagant  Plans 
which  are  formed  in  almost  every  other  Part  of  llie  Continent.  The  moderation,  loyalty 
and  affection  with  which  the  Assembly  have  laid  their  Greivances  before  His  Majesty  and 
Parliament  &  the  hearty  disposition  they  have  testified  to  obtain  a  permanent  reconciliation, 
I  feel  a  satisfaction  which  can  only  be  heightened  by  His  Majestys  approbation,  and  the  final 
happy  accomplishment  of  this  important  business 

On  Monday  last  1  gave  my  assent  to  all  the  Ijiils  which  passed  the  Council  and  Assembly, 
except  two,  and  then  directed  the  speaker  to  adjourn  the  House  to  the  third  day  of  May.  in 
an  other  letter  I  gave  your  Lordship  a  particular  account  of  the  Bills 

I  now  transmitt  the  printed  Journals  oi  the  Assembly  from  which  your  I,dp  will  be  able  to 
judge  of  the  disposition  of  the  different  parties,  and  I  am  persuaded  you  will  be  convinced  that 
the  Majority  in  the  Assembly  have  acted  with  a  very  sincere  Inclination  to  accomplish  a 
permanent  reconciliation  with  great  Britain. 

About  a  month  agoe  1  received  accounts  of  farther  ou  geous  and  most  illegal  proceedings 
of  the  Beiiington  llioters,  of  which  your  Ldp  has  already  iieard  so  nuich.  Their  Acts  grow 
from  time  to  time  more  daring  and  dangerous.  They  have  now  had  the  hardiness  to  seize 
a  justice  of  the  Peace,  to  try  him  before  a  mock  Tribunal  of  their  own,  formally  to  pass  sentence 
upon  him,  and  after  intlicting  a  punishment  of  12(10  Lasiies  on  him,  to  lianish  him  from  that 
part  of  the  Country  which  they  call  their  own  Indeed  the  authority  of  Government  is  entirely 
lost  among  them,  and  I  am  afraid  can  not  be  restored  but  by  Force.  They  began  with  pretending 
only  to  hold  possession  of  the  Lands  on  which  they  had  settled,  but  your  Ldp.  may  be  assured 
they  have  extended  their  Designs  much  farther,  and  are  dayly  growing  more  and  more 
formidable  and  dangerous  to  (iovernment. 

I  have  lately  received  accounts  likewise,  my  Lord,  of  a  dantierous  Insurrei'tion  in  (himbcrland 
County  of  this  Province  which  is  connected  with  Massachusetts  Bay  on  one  side  and  New 
Hampshire  oo  the  otiier.     A  number  of  People  in  Cumberland,  worked  up  by  the  example 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV. 


567 


and  Influence  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  embraced  the  dangerous  resolution  of  shutting  up  the 
Courts  of  Justice.  With  this  design  tiiey  took  possession  of  the  Court  House  immediately 
before  the  Courts  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  and  common  Pleas,  were  to  be  opened 
there  in  March  last.  Tliey  persisted  with  so  much  obstinacy  to  resist  the  Sheriff  and  his  Posse 
that  he  was  obliged  to  have  recourse  to  fire  Arms,  by  which  one  of  the  Rioters  were  killed  and 
several  were  wounded  upon  which  they  quitted  the  House  and  the  Courts  were  opened.  But 
by  the  next  day  such  numbers  had  joined  the  Rioters  from  New  Hampshire  &  Massachusetts 
Bay,  as  made  them  too  powerful!  for  the  Majistrates :  they  took  one  of  the  Judges  the  Sheriffs 
Clerk  of  the  Court  and  several  other  persons  prisoners,  and  after  confining  them  for  several 
days  in  the  Goal  of  their  own  County  carried  them  into  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  put  them  into 
the  Goal  of  North  Hampton  where  they  remaind  when  the  last  accounts  came  from  them 

It  was  necessary  for  me,  my  Lord,  to  call  upon  the  Assembly  for  aid,  to  reinstate  the 
authority  of  Government  in  that  county  and  to  bring  the  atrocious  offenders  to  Punishment. 
They  have  given  but  one  thousand  Pounds  for  this  Purpose  which  is  much  too  small  a  sum, 
but  the  party  in  the  Assembly  who  have  opposed  every  measure  that  has  a  tendency  to 
strengthen  or  support  Government  by  working  on  the  parcemonious  disposition  of  some  of  the 
Country  Members  had  too  much  influence  on  this  occasion  I  am  now  waiting  for  an  answer 
from  General  Gage  to  whom  I  have  wrote  on  this  nfliiir  in  Cumberland:  by  his  Assistance  I 
hope  we  shall  soon  be  able  to  hold  a  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  in  that"  County,  wiiere  I  am 
assured  there  are  some  hundreds  of  the  inhabitants  well  affected  to  Government ;  and  that  if 
the  Debts  of  the  people  who  have  been  concerned  in  this  outrage,  were  all  paid,  there  would 
not  be  a  six  pence  of  property  left  among  them 

It  is  proper  your  Lordship  should  be  informed,  that  the  inhabitants  of  Cumberland  County 
have  not  been  made  uneasy  by  any  dispute  about  the  Title  of  their  Lands;  those  who  have 
not  obtained  Grants  under  this  Governm',  live  in  quiet  possesssion  under  the  Grants  formerly 
made  by  New  Hampshire  The  Rioters  have  not  pretended  any  such  pretext  for  their  conduct : 
the  example  of  Massachusetts  Bay  is  the  only  reason  they  have  assigned.  Yet  I  make  no  doubt 
they  will  be  joined  by  the  Bennington  Rioters,  who  will  endeavor  to  make  one  common  cause 
of  it,  tho'  they  have  no  connection  but  in  their  violence  to  Government 

Some  weeks  before  I  received  His  Majestys  commands  for  locating  Coll  Ords  Land,  I  had 
sealed  a  Patent  granting  6000  Acres  of  Land  to  him  upon  his  mandamus,  in  another  part  of  the 
Country,  where  his  agent  had  petitioned  to  have  it  granted  before  (Jovernor  Tryon  went  from 
hence.     It  was  now  therefore  out  of  my  Power  to  comply  with  his  Majestys  directions 

I  am  with  entire  submission 
&  respect 

My  liord 

Your  most  obedient 

and  faithfull  Servant 

Cadwai.lauek  Colden 


The  I'rinter  has  not  compleated  the  Journals  of  Assembly,  but  those  I  send  contain  all  that 
is  material. 


568 


NKW-YOBK  COLONIAL  MANlTSCHirTS. 


Ill 


S(\'rTt(V'i/   i\wHoU  to  Mr.  .famf'i*  iCh'iitijton. 


-.^  I 


I  m«»>tm«i  »'«|w«  ^h,  V,  o,>  cxi.vn.  1 


\VI\it.'l>«ll  ft"-  April  I77ft 


Sir 

1  nm  din'Ctptl  by  the  KnrI  of  l>i\rtmouth  to  trnnsimilt  to  you  tl(f>  otu'lonoiJOoinini.-mion.nmlor 
His  Mntys  «ign  mnnual,  contiiining  Hid  M«ty«  »ppoiiitnuM»t  of  you  lo  lio  lliit  Maty*  I'lintiT 
within  the  rrovitu>t«  of  N  York  utui  I  lun  turth«>r  lo  notiuaiut  you  Ihnt  th«»  King  hiw  hpou 
grnciounly  pU>niieil  to  siguily  lli»  Mu'ys  ron)n\«nil(i  lo  tho  l.onis  roinu»i»i«loii«'rH  of  hln 
Trensury,  Ihnt  ihi'y  tlo  niuko  mi  nlUnviuioo  lo  you,  oul  of  aui'h  Kmul  iv«  llu'ir  l.orili»hipii  «hi>ll 
think  proper,  of  one  humlrfd  poumin  I"  Annum,  to  connnonoo  from  tho  I"  of  Jununrj  ht«t  pnst 

I  cuugriUuinto  you  upon  thi»  nuirk  of  His  MujoHly*  Uniot)  und  favour  &  tun 

tVc  &o  *o. 

Mr  James  llivington'  J  1'ownai.i. 

*  Jah»  IlivixtmMi  V  M  Writ  ia  KHgUiiJ  in  lh«  ymt  17  J4,  kiul  wm  ItoI  « liookMlUi'  in  l.xiuUiii  niKt  »•  hUkIi  w«mI  »(l»ii>lv«ljf 
into  l)U>in>-«i  in  ihnt  oitj--  •!»  I'roniKti  (oiiil  of  mmuoiiuoiU  »ii.l  iv((«l«il,v  ulloiivlwl  tlm  Ih'ibh  i'ki'm  hI  Nnwnmil.i'1  ,  kI  hiii>  of 
wliicli  hi'  Uwt  »\>  iiuu'h  HioHoy  «»  t,»  oonoeivn  l\im«»'lf  lo  |i*  niiii.'.l.  II*  « no  llif ciloiu  in.liu-oil  lo  iwrmimlo  ohk  o(  IiI«  |iiliioi|iiil 
i^rMlilora  to  litk«  oul  •  ooiiimiMion  of  l<iinkru|'li<v  ii|ritiH>l  liiix  AflKr  iliiit  »\ii(iiliiiitloii  Into  liia  AlfHlitK  liU  or«illtoi'  Miiirvil 
him  thiti  it  wu  iiniir<M'Miir,v,  «>  li«  |h>««m«>I  |>r\>|H<rly  iiiorv  limn  •utllcirnt  lo  |iiiy  nil  >Uiii»nil»  imiiintl  lilm.  ItlvliiKlon,  liow 
*v»r,  i<*r«i»t>»l  in  Ui»  rf.iuciK,  uml  woiil  Uironsli  llii'  itmi-om  ro'inirt'il  liy  lli«  l»»nliin|>l  not;  ho  iivi-nlunlly  (Xlil  IWfnIjr 
•hilling*  in  Ihf  |H>iin>l  itnil  li*>l  nomtilliiuit  Iffl.  Tliit  cvonl  iWloi'ioinu<l  Kitinnton  lo  rvuiovn  lo  Anivrioit,  wlioip  lin  urilvnil  In 
17«i>  «nJ  ii»tll<-il  at  »  lowLjcUor  in  I'tulK.lftpMn.  Tlif  ymi  following  lio  Irfl  hit  Imniiitw  In  I'hiU.lolj'hU  willi  it  |>mlnir  hy 
th«  n«m*  of  Itivwn.  iin<l  ««ni«  lo  NnwVork  ;  openi-il  »  liook  ilor*  at  Iho  lowt'f  mil  of  Wall  •liool  ami  nia>l»  llial  oily  lila 
plaw  of  linainoMk  AlVnv  •oin,i  yriii-a  hn  failoil ,  Iml  vory  •(Munlily  mIIIihk  Iik  allnii^  h«  iwoiniiioni'ml  liu«inK«i«.  llooKMilif 
ally  a>lo|>ti<.l  |>iinliii)j.  anil,  in  A|iiil,  1".1.  (mlili^lio  1  a  imwucajioi.  riililln.l  /t'lriM^loii't  A>i4'  I'orA  (/•ttfllfr ,  m  I'ht 
(\fiB«Wiit«/,  Xnr  Jtntf,  /finfnw'i  Kirfr  ,ih,I  {,>»riw  U'»t7y  .ijf*iliur  'Ihia  |ia|>oi' roiiinirnooj  ila  oaivor  April  V'Jl,  ms,  on 
a  lary«  luislinm  •lio^l,  folio  llo  alio  prinlnvl  novi-rnl  liooki  for  lii«  own  aali'ii,  anioiiK  wliioli  ivn»  I'ook'n  Voyaan,  in  Itvii 
ToliiniM,  ISnio  and  lU'all  l«ri;ilt  a>  a  hookiiolli'r  ami  (liilioiior.  In  llm  l>o);liiniii)(  of  \til\  llio  (/•utilfr  nonliilnml  n  nnnili«r 
of  atlacka  aKainal  I'oii|;ivm  anil  Iho  Ipailihg  I'alriola,  tirhiirKliy  UiniiiKloii  liivamo  tiiTy  olmoxloiia  to  llio  (mpnlar  I'arly,  miil 
as  f arly  at  Marvh  of  that  yoar  »a«  ilononiiooil  in  Uho.lo  Ulnn.l,  Notv  Jnnii'y  ami  lllali'r  oonnly,  N.  Y.  On  llio  tilth  of 
May  thi>  tlorm  hunt  o\tt  hia  lioait.  Thu  inoli  tvlih'h  na<l  fai.)  •  vltil  lo  t'rioiiUliI  roo|i«r  (  •H/irii,  p.  \lti7,  noti^ )  allaiikml 
Kirinnlon,  who  wat  fortiiiiatrly  reaciii-il  l>y  on«  or  two  lilnmU  and  (iihiii'iiiiKnllv  •onuht  ivfiido  on  lioaril  Iho  Man  ol  War. 
lli>  oomlui'l  »ra«  taken  n|>  hy  tlm  rroviiuMal  ront(r«i^  tvliich  rrforrotl  liia  onto  lo  iIik  t'onliimnlal  TonKruaa,  llivn  In  aoaalon 
in  IMiilailrlphia.  l!iviii|;lon  ihon^hl  il  brat  lo  iiiiik^i  liia  poam  aii>l  afnl  an  apoloKolio  Inlltir,  |nonil>iii)|  lo  avolil  iiivliiK  any 
furlhvr  olTcni'v ;  ho  aftpruar.la  ai|;iio.l  tlio  lii'iiainl  Aa^ooialioii.  Iliil  liia  nppolnlnKnt  aa  KiiiK'a  I'llnlrr  ami  hia  InliinnlA 
oonnrction  with  Iho  |<i  n>ionr>l  trrili'r*  on  lhi<  Itoyaliat  aiilo,  lir»ii);lil  him  attain  Into  oolliiion  tvilh  Iha  popular  axnlimont 
anil  hia  proaa  ami  pnuiint;  ollii'n  «rrri<  iloalroyo  I  in  Notomhrr.  n7A  (  Ktyro,  p.  iW.  iiotnk  wh«n  a  alop  waa  oir»vliially  put  lo 
hia  duWiMr.  Sion  after  thia  ovpiit  Uivini{ton  wrnl  lo  KnglamI,  wlnim  ho  aiipplioil  liiinanll  wiihanow  piinliiiK  apparalna 
Afl«r  lh«  Uriliah  ^ainoil  poaipaaion  of  tho  oily,  he  ivIutoimI  ,  an>l,  Oolohar  4,  W'il,  ■•I'l'iniiii'niiMl  Iho  pohliealion  ol  hia  IU>oll« 
tinJer  tho  ori);inal  lille,  hill  in  Itvo  woeka  <<t>'lian)tiiil  that  tillo  for  llm  follotoiti);,  KiviHy'on'a  A'aif  Yuik  loitnl  (iiiitltf,  ami 
on  th«  18lh  of  Deocnilicr  followinm  Im  oalloil  hia  paper  I'Ki  Hi'ifil  U'ifllr,  "  i'lililiahiol  hy  Jniiiea  ltlvint(lon,  I'rintar  to  thn 
KiuK'a  Moat  KxeelUnI  Mi^jeaty."  While  Uivin|;lon  enterlaineil  th*  anppoailion  that  tho  Ainerieaiia  woiihl  h«  aiihjueleil  l>y 
th«  Kritiah  arma,  hn  eonlinnnl  hia  hoal  lily  to  llieir  eaiiae  ,  lull  tthen  he  ilrapiiireil  of  their  anhjeetlon  ami  heliaveil  Ihnt 
liri>al  Itrilain  troiiM.  heraelf  neknotvleil^a  the  Imlrpemlenee  of  the  t'ltileil  Slnlra,  he  ileeineil  il  prihleiil  lo  eioietliala  Ilia 
niiiiila  of  aoine  of  the  leailiiif;  American  eharaelera.  To  thia  eiiil,  il  ia  aani,  he  aeiit  out  of  Netv  York  aiieh  eiiiiitittiiiii<aliinia 
aa  he  knew  Woiihl  l>e  intereiilinK  to  ihe  eomhiaiilem  of  the  Ainerieiiti  niiuy.  In  eoiiaei|iiem<e  of  llieae  praee  olfarinua  li*  waa 
protrcteil  when  Ihe  war  emleil,  ami  remaiiiiul  in  the  oilv,  haviiiK  <lia<'ar<leil  from  hia  paper  llm  appemlaiiea  of  royally  II 
waa  no  more  lh«  Itoyal  or  l.oyal  l)a«elle,  hut  a  plain  rrpiihliean  uewapnper,  inlilleil  A'lt iMj/Zon'a  AVw  )'nr^  (l,MHit  nxif 
f'atrerMf  Aiirfrtitfr  It  wria,  however,  eonai.leri'i!  aa  a  wolf  in  ahecp'a  elolhing,  nml  not  nieeiln^  with  anpport,  llm  pul'liea- 
tion  of  It  terminaleil  an<l  the  eililonul  Uhorfi  of  itiviiiKlon  emieil  in  Ihe  year  I VHII.  He  oim>', iiiiie<)  hia  liiolo  in  Hooka  ami 
Sitiionery,  hut  failetl  a  ihinl  limit,  ami  tlioil  in  July,  IHOU,  at  lli«  dlvanrml  «)[»  iif  •evaiilvaiKliI  yeara.     Tkvmat  llittar^  of 


I.ONIMJN   IMMMtMICNTS       XI. V, 


860 


Wlilli'liull  n'"  Ajtill   I77A 
* 
I  um  (llrm<(ml  l»y  llio  V,n\\  of  Dttrliiioutli  lo  )tiM|ui)lnl  you  llml  IIU  MtijuKly  Iii«m  Imi'ii  gruoliMmly 

|i|i<itiittil  Iroiii  K  tM)iiKlili<ntttiin  ol'your  iiitiill  ft  HotvlKi'it  (o  n\^\\i(y  l|i«  riniiinuniU  lit  llm  l.oiiU 
(\)iiimii«i«loii«ii'«  of  lli<<  'riiMiiy  lliiU  llii\Y  <l»  Mutko  iiiul  tillinviuii^n  lo  you  oul  ol  duoIi  I''uuiI«  hh 
lltxit  l.ortUI\i|)ii  mIiuII  lliiuk  |irii|)in  ol'  (wo  luiuiliinl  I'ouuiIm  |ii<i  iimuuui,  iIio  niiIiI  iillowiuioo  l*i 
O»n\uinnoi^  lioui  tlm  IItnI  ol  .liiuuiuy  liiitl, 

I   lii^K  l*^*>vo  lo  tiotigntluliilii  you  u|)oii  llila  innik  ot'  IIU  MiijuiityM  lUvoui   mid  mil  wllli 
gr«iit  (tutli 

YouiH  Ao 

I'oWNAI.Ii 


A'«»7  of'  Ihrtini^iilh  /(»  tht>  (lovtH'Hoi'H  in  Ami^vUit, 

I  l<liHl«ll»llt  U*H»*I  t  *     IV  O,  )  llOI.III    I 

To  tim  (luvninorN.  tili 

Ouolmo  Norlli  CttritHiin 

Novn  Mi'ollii  Doulli  ('urull)ia 

Nnw  ltiiiii|i)ililrn  C^uorKln 

Miutmu'liuNi'l'M  liny  V.m\  li'lortdn 

Nnw  Jurmiy  Wnttl  Fliitlilu 

Now  Voik  l'iiun*ylvniiln 

VlrKJiiin  Mnryliiiiil, 

I  itin  conuDiitiili^tl  liy  tlio  Kln^  to  itci|imliil  You.  tlinl  It  la  IIU  Mii|(^iily'M  |il(iNi)uri«  (lit;(  lli« 
*trili«rN  of  (lilt  <'oiiiiiiMnili<r  lu  Clilxl' ol  liU  Miij"'*  lorcnN  In  Norlli  AiimhIi'n,  iuhI  iiiMlnr  liliu  of 
i\w  Miijor  (lt<ni«ritlii  itint  ilrlK'xIli'r  (liMiHriiln  nIihII  Iih  HU|ir*iuitt  In  all  onioN  ri^liillvn  to  (lia 
«|ittrnliuiiii  ol'tlin  ii.iil  'rroupN,  niiil  Im*  olitiynil  ii)M-orilliif{ly- 

1  mil  ill  I II 

Wlillitlmll,  16  April  1776.  DAniMoiiTii. 


liAirl  iif  IhudniMith   fit  (iirvrrnor  'IS-yon, 

|Na*  r.Kt  I'aiuri  (*  I*,  o  )  IH.XVII.  I 

Wlillnliitll  Vl    April   !77A 


Hlr 


I 

III  (■niiNi«i|unii<-(«  or  tliH  ronvnniiUioii  I  liiiil  wllli  you  yii*l«*riliiy,  ri<ii,irrlliiK  Mm  propoNllinii  of 
lllll'ililjr  irriintM  lo  Miimi"  'roltiin,  (^roMl'iillil,  Viiu  Itnniliuir,  h<lWi  J<<IIHi<p  ftr  olIinrM,  Ilia  Mulriilyii 


Vol..  VIII. 


7a 


570 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


subjects  in  New  York,  of  lands  purchased  by  them  of  the  Indians  in  1772, 1  think  fit  to  acquaint 
you,  that,  fully  sensible  of  how  much  importance  it  is  in  the  present  moment,  that  His  Majestys 
faithfuU  and  well  disposed  subjects  in  New  York  should  be  gratified  in  every  reasonable 
request,  as  far  as  may  be  consistent  with  the  Kings  Justice  and  dignity,  I  shall  submit  to  His 
Majesty  my  humble  opinion  that  whenever  the  persons  really,  and  bona  fide  interested 'and 
concerned  in  those  purchases  shall  make  humble  application  to  His  Majesty  for  such  gtants 
accompanied  with  a  disavowal  of  all  association  to  obstruct  the  Irapoitation  or  Exportation  of 
goods  to  and  from  Great  Britain  it  may  be  adviseable  for  His  Majesty  to  comply  with  their 
request  and  to  confirm  to  them  the  possession  of  the  said  Lands  by  letters  Patent  under  the 
Great  Seal  of  Great  Britain  &  not  otherwise 

With  regard  to  the  other  matters  stated  in  your  letter  to  me  of  the  12""  Instant,  ai.4  which 
you  think  are  objects  of  importance  to  Government  in  the  present  Situation,  I  shall  not  fail,  at 
a  proper  time,  before  your  return  to  New  York,  to  receive  and  to  communicate  to  you  His 
Majestys  commands  upon  such  of  them,  as  are  not  in  train  of  consideration  before  the  privy 
council  &  Board  of  Trade  and  upon  which  therefore  I  am  precluded  from  giving  any  Instructions, 
untill  those  Boards  shall  have  submitted  their  opinions  to  the  King 

I  am  &c  &c 

Gov'  Tryoa  Dautmocth 


^  ■■  »  ■•  ^ 


ICarl  of  Darimeuth  to  Colonel  Ouy  Johnson. 

( PUalkltai  Omeral  ( S.  F.  O.)  OCLXI.  ] 

Whitehall  3  May  1775 
Sir, 

I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  your  Dispatch  of  the  13""  February  N"  6. 

It  is  tf  be  expected,  that  the  Enemies  to  the  restoration  of  the  public  tranquility  will  pursue 
every  indirect  measure,  and  propagate  every  falsehood  that  may  answer  their  wicked  purpose 
of  exciting  jealousy  and  apprehension  in  the  minds  of  the  Indians  ;  but  the  King  tr  ists  that, 
through  your  influence  and  atteption,  their  evil  designs  will  be  defeated. 

His  Majesty  has  at  all  times  being  desirous  of  complying  with  every  just  and  reasonable  request 
of  his  faithful  subjects  and  Allies  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians,  and  if  you  are  of  opinion  that,  in  the 
present  moment,  any  particular  instructions  from  hence  are  wanting  for  the  accommodatioa 
of  their  Disputes,  or  upon  any  other  matters  necessary  to  their  welfare  and  satisfaction,  it  will 
be  your  duty  to  make  an  immediate  and  particular  representation  home  of  the  diiT'erent  heads 
upon  which  you  wish  kt  be  instructed  and  your  opinion  of  the  means  by  which  His  Maj'^  may 
manifest  his  gracious  j.  irpose  of  exerting  his  Royal  authority  in  every  case  in  which  their  peacs 
and  security  may  require  it 

I  am  ettc 

Dartmouth. 


V' 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


571 


Lieutenant-Governor  Colden  to  the  Mirl  of  Dartmouth. 

[N«w-Tork  P«pen(B.  P.  0. )  OLXVII.,  No.  16.  ] 

New  York  May  3^  1776 
My  Lord 

I  have  received  your  Lordships  Despatclies  of  the  22''  of  February  and  S"*  of  March,  both 
circular  and  one  private  of  the  \mi  date.     Lii^ewise  your  letter  No  23. 

In  all  my  correspondence  1  have  studied  to  give  your  Lordship  an  exact  Idea  of  the  real 
situation  of  the  Province,  and  of  the  most  material  transactions  of  the  People.  The  Accounts 
which  I  am  now  to  give  will  almost  entirely  destroy  the  expectations  you  have  had  reason  to 
entertain  of  the  conduct  which  this  Province  would  pursue  :  yet  I  ar.i  persuaded  the  Proceedings 
of  our  Assembly  and  other  information  which  I  doubt  not  your  Lordship  has  received,  will 
justify  the  representations  I  have  made 

The  disunion  of  the  Colonies  being  he.d  up  in  America  and  by  many  in  Britain  likewise  as 
the  Otily  thing  which  could  defeat  the  measi  -es  of  the  congress,  the  moment  that  the  legislative 
Body  of  this  Province,  deviated  from  the  General  Association  of  the  Colonies,  and  pointed  out 
a  different  conduct,  a  iesign  was  evidently  formed  ia  the  other  Colonies,  to  drive  the  people 
from  acquiescing  in  tlie  measures  of  their  Assembly,  and  to  force  them  into  the  General  Plan 
"  of  Association  and  Resistance.  This  design  was  heartily  seconded  by  many  among  ourselves. 
Every  species  of  public  and  pri-ate  Resentment  was  threatened  to  terrify  the  Inhabitants  of 
this  Province  if  tht-y  rontinued  disunited  from  the  others.  The  certainty  of  losing  nil  the  Debts 
due  from  the  oilier  Colonies,  which  are  very  considerable  and  every  other  argument  of  private 
Interest  that  could  influence  the  Merchants,  or  any  one  was  industriously  circulated  The 
miuds  of  the  people  in  the  city  were  kept  in  constant  agitation,  by  Riots  and  attempts  to 
prevent  the  Transports  from  loading  here,  with  stores,  Provisions  &c  foi  the  army.  The  want 
of  any  degree  of  Resolution  in  the  Magistrates  to  support  the  authority  of  Government  in 
opposition  to  popular  measures,  rendered  the  leaders  of  the  People  insolently  bold  and  daring 
— The  friends  of  order  and  Government  saw  no  power  either  in  the  exertion  of  the  Magistrates, 
or  the  feeble  aid  that  could  be  afforded  by  the  very  small  body  of  Troops  quartered  in  the  city 
to  protect  their  persons  and  property  from  violence  and  destruction.  Severa'  Incidents 
combined  to  depress  all  legal  Authority  ;  and  to  inciease  the  Terror  of  the  Inhabitants,  which 
seemed  to  vanquish  every  thought  of  Resictance  to  popular  Rage.  In  this  unfortunate  situation 
of  the  City,  the  first  accounts  of  an  action  between  the  Kings  Troops  and  People,  near  Boston, 
was  published  with  horrid  and  aggravating  circumstances.  The  moment  of  consternation  and 
anxiety  was  seized.  The  people  were  assembled,  and  that  scene  of  disorder  and  violence 
begun,  which  has  entirely  prostrated  the  Powers  of  Government,  and  produced  an  association 
by  which  this  Province  has  solemnly  united  with  the  others  in  resisting  the  Acts  of  Parliament. 
The  Gentlemen  of  His  Mujestys  jouncil,  in  support  of  their  advice  for  prorogueing  the  Assembly 
to  the  7'"  day  of  June  having  gone  into  a  particular  detai!  of  the  most  material  Transactions  of 
the  People  from  the  23'  of  last  month  to  the  present  time,  I  beg  your  Lordships  leave  to  refer 
to  the  extracts  of  the=r  Minutes.  It  contains  a  full  description  of  the  present  state  of  the 
Province,  whicli  at  this  time  I  think  will  be  niost  properly  laid  before  vou  in  their  own  words. 
Two  of  the  Council  have  this  moment  informed  me  that  a  copy  of  the  uiinuteii  has  beer  shewn 
10  the  City  Commiiiee  and  that  they  have  sent  to  request  that  it  may  be  transmitted  Home. 


572 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  pretence  given  out  for  the  necessity  of  shutting  up  the  Custom  House,  was  to  prevent  the 
exportation  of  Provisions  of  which  it  was  said  all  that  was  in  the  place  would  be  wanted  for 
the  armies  of  the  Colonies.  But  it  is  more  probable,  my  Lord,  that  the  real  Intention  was  to 
strike  terror  by  the  boldness  of  the  action.  Having  effected  this  purpose  and  established  the 
absolute  Power  of  the  Committee;  the  Keys  of  the  Custom  House  have  been  return''  to  M' 
Elliott,  but  at  the  same  time  a  declaration  published  that  no  vessell  shall  be  suffered  to  clear 
for  Boston  or  Halifax 

The  whole  military  Force  we  have  in  this  Province,  my  Lord,  is  the  Kings  Fisher  sloop  of 
War  and  100  men  of  the  Royal  Irish  Regiment  commanded  by  Major  Hamilton.'  This  small 
Body  of  Troops  are  quartered  in  the  City  Barracks  without  any  kind  of  Protection  but  in  their 
arms  Lord  Dunmore  when  in  this  Governm'  converted  the  Fort  Barracks  into  Stables,  and 
dismantled  the  Fort  itself  which  before  that  time  was  a  suflicient  security  against  the  attempts 
of  a  Mob  The  Troops  now  found  the  want  of  this  security  and  that  they  were  not  only  a  force 
too  small  to  make  any  formidable  opposition  to  the  violence  of  the  People,  but  in  their  situatioa 
appeared  insufficient  to  deter  the  rash  designs  which  were  meditated  to  destroy  them,  and  which 
there  is  reason  to  think  would  have  been  attempted  if  some  of  the  inhabitants  had  not  supported 
moderation  and  wisdom  enough  to  prevent  the  spilling  of  Blood 

The  Posts  between  this  place  and  Boston  are  stopped,  as  all  letters  have  been  opened  on  the 
way,  and  many  secretted  since  the  affair  of  the  19  April  I  hope  General  Gage  will  employ  a 
Cutter  to  go  between  us,  as  a  communicat"  of  intelligence  may  be  very  necessary 

Governor  Carleton  informs  me  that  he  has  received  the  Box  with  his  Commission  and 
Instructions,  which  I  received  from  your  Lordships  ofRce  with  your  orders  to  forward  it  to  him 

I  inclose  a  printed  Copy  of  the  Association 
I  am  with  great  respect 

and  submission 

Your  Lordships 

most  faithful  &  obed' 
To  the  Rt  Honble  Servant  • 

The  Earl  of  Dartmouth  Cadwali.ader  Colde^j 


n 

ft 
1 


Sir 


Bad  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  Tryon. 

[New-Tork  P»per»  (8.  P.  O.)  CUCVII.] 

Whitehall  4"'  May  1776 


As  it  is  the  Kings  pleasure  that  you  should  without  delay,  return  to  New  York,  I  have 
thought  it  my  duty  humbly  to  submit  to  His  M.itys  consideration  tho  several  matters  stated  in 
your  letter  to  me  of  the  12'**  Instant,  and  upon  which  you  urge  the  necessity  of  having  some 
Instructions  before  your  departure 

'  IiAAC  Hamilton  whs  appoinlril  Meuteoant  in  the  ISlli  or  Royal  Iriah,  lit  Ootobrr,  17SS,  nnJ  Captain  4th  March,  17C(X 
The  regiinent  came  to  America  in  17G7  ;  on  tlio  16tb  Dectinber,  of  that  year,  he  woi  promoted  to  l>«  M^jor.  He  left  the 
army  in  July,  1778.  Amy  Littt.  —  Ed. 


LONDON  D(X!UMENT3 :    XLV. 


578 


The  difficulties  which  have  arisen  in  a  variety  of  cases  occurring  in  the  Land  department, 
are  obvious  points  of  immediate  attention,  and  I  should  do  injustice  to  the  intentions  of  my 
Royal  Master  if  I  did  not  assure  you  of  His  Majeslys  gracious  disposition  to  give  every 
reasonable  satisfaction  to  His  faithfull  subjects  in  New  York,  as  well  upon  those  points,  as  in 
every  other  case  in  which  it  may  be  proper  to  meet  their  wishes  To  this  end  the  board  of 
Trade  has  now  under  its  immediate  consideration  not  only  the  claims  of  Lands  lying  to  the 
Westward  of  Connecticut  River  both  under  New  Hampshire  &  Canadian  Titles,  but  also 
the  case  of  Kings  District  between  Hudsons  River  and  the  Western  Limit  of  Massachusetts 
Bay,  and  as  it  is  their  Lordships  Intention  to  proceed  upon  this  business  de  die  in  diem,  1  hope 
it  will  not  be  long  before  I  shall  be  able  to  send  you  His  Matys  orders  upon  those  heads.  In 
the  mean  time,  it  will  be  your  duty  to  take  no  further  steps  whatever  regarding  those  cases, 
and  to  avoid,  in  conformity  to  the  Instructions  you  have  already  received,  making  any  grants  or 
allowing  of  any  survey  or  location  of  Lands  in  those  parts  of  the  country  which  are  the  seat  of| 
the  present  disputes  |Tlie  Proposition  of  establishing  a  iiile  lo  tlioso  Lands  which  have  been 
purchased  of  the  Indians  under  Licenses  from  Lord  Dunmore  and  yourself,  is  happily  not 
embarrassed  with  those  difliculties,  which  prevent  an  immediate  Determination  in  the  other 
cases ;  and  it  is  with  great  satisfaction  I  signify  to  you  his  Majestys  Pleasure,  that  you  do 
acquaint  the  persons  interested  in  those  purchases  that  when  ever  they  shall  make  an  humble 
application  to  His  Majesty  for  a  confirmation,  of  their  Titles,  His  Majesty  will  give  direction 
for  passing  a  grant  of  tha  Lands  by  letters  Patent  under  the  Great  Seal  but  as  it  appears,  from 
your  representation  of  this  matter  that  most  of  the  considerable  Persons  within  the  Province» 
are  interested  in  the  purchase  such  a  mark  of  His  Majestys  Grace  and  favor  must  not  be 
expected,  so  long  as  any  association  shall  subsist  for  preventing  the  lawfull  importation  or 
exportation  of  goods,  or  otherwise  obstructing  the  Commerce  of  this  Kingdom 

It  is  with  concern  the  King  sees  that  ditliculties  have  arisen  in  the  final  completion  of  the 
agreement  for  a  Boundary  Line  between  New  York  and  Massachusets  Bay  and  His  Majesty 
acquiescing  in  what  you  have  suggested  on  that  head,  will  direct  instructions  to  be  given  to 
the  Surveyor  General  of  the  Northern  District  conformable  thereto 

The  rebuilding  the  Governors  House,  Secretarys  oiBce,  and  the  Hospital,  art  considered  by 
the  King  as  very  commendable  Services,  and  his  Majesty  is  graciously  pleased  to  allow  you  to 
assent  to  any  Bills,  that  either  have  been,  or  shall  be  preferred,  for  making  provision  for 
defraying  the  expence  of  those  services,  either  by  Lottery  or  iu  any  other  mode  the  Assembly 
shall  think  fit  to  adopt 

The  King  has  no  doubt  thot  the  religious  communities  in  New  York  as  well  the  Dissenters 
as  those  of  the  Kstablished  Church  are  fully  satisfied  of  His  Majesty's  gracious  Intentions  to 
aflford  them  all  resisonable  support  and  Protection  ;  His  Majestys  good  disposition  in  that 
respect  hath  been  manifested  in  many  recent  Instances  of  Grace  and  favor  to  both 

What  is  now  requested,  however  by  the  reformed  Dutch  &  Presbyterian  churches  and  by 
the  Members  of  Kings  College  involves  constitutional  questions  of  greaf  difficulty,  and  it  is 
more  especially  necessary  that  the  Charter  proposed  in  the  latter  case  should  have  the  fullest 
consideration  before  any  step  is  taken  upon  it.  To  that  end  I  have  received  the  Kings 
Commands  to  lay  the  Draft  of  that  charter,  transmitted  to  you  by  M'  Colden,  before  the  Privy 
Council  ill  order  that  it  may  be  put  into  such  a  train  of  examination  as  shall  be  judged 
necessary,  but  I  do  not  think  it  likely  that  their  Lordships  will  be  induced  to  advise  the  King, 
to  grant  a  charter  which  is  to  have  the  elTect  to  increase  the  number  of  Members  in  the  House 


.1 


574 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


of  Representatives  without  the  consent  and  concurrence  of  that  House ;  in  other  respects  the 
Charter  does  not  appear  to  me  to  be  liable  to  any  material  objection 

The  only  doubt  or  difliculty  that  has  occurred,  upon  the  request  of  the  reformed  Dutch  & 

Presbyterian  Churches  for  Charters  of  Incorporation,  is  whether  such  ChartersVould  not  have 

the  effect  to  give  an  establishment  inconsistent,  with  the  Principles  of  the  Laws  of  England, 

and  it  is  the  more  necessary  to  attend  to  this  difficulty,  as  it  was  firitt  stated  by  the  Council  of 

New  York,  in  the  case  of  the  application  made  in  1766  by  the  Ministers,  Elders  and  Deacons 

of  the  Presbyterian  church  within  the  City  of  New  York;  if  however  upon  consideration  of 

-  the  several  cases  in  which  this  priviledge  is  now  requested,  the  F^aw  Servants  of  the  King  in  the 

i  Province,  and  the  Council  whom  you  will  consult  upon  them  shall  be  of  opinion  that  they  are 

uee  from  any  difficulty  of  such  a  nature,  it  is  the  Kings  pleasure  that  you  do  grant  such  cbart«r 

eneinwd  In  Qnr.  of  incorporation,  conformable  to  what  has  been  approved  of  by  His  Majesty  in 

•  11:  Miyim.        a  like  Case  within  the  Province  of  New  Jersey  of  which  you  will  be  particularly 

informed  by  the  enclosed  Papers. 

The  fores;oing,  sir,  are  all  the  Instructions  which  I  have  at  present  in  command  from 
the  King  to  signify  to  you  in  consequence  of  your  letter  to  me  of  the  12'*  Instant,  but  it  is  with 
very  particular  satisfaction  that  I  add  thereto,  that  I  am  further  commanded  by  the  King  to 
acquaint  you,  that  His  Majesty  is  graciously  pleased  to  permit  and  allow  that  the  assembly  of 
New  York,  may  if  they  think  fit,  by  an  Act,  or  Acts,  settle  upon  you  such  sum  or  Sums,  in 
addition  to  your  salary,  as  they  shall  think  proper,  and  you  are  accordingly  allowed  to  give 
your  consent  to  any  Act  or  acts  of  Assembly  for  that  purpose  provided  that  such  sum  or  sums 
be  settled  on  you  and  your  successors  in  that  Government,  or  at  least  on  you  during  the  whole 
time  of  your  Government  there,  and  provided  the  same  be  done  by  the  first  Assembly,  and 
within  one  year  after  your  arrival  in  your  Government 

I  nm  &c  &c 
To  ■  Daiitmouth. 

Governor  Tryon 


J^rl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor  2'iyon. 


t  .Ntw.Yofk  r«p«ra  ( H.  P.  0. )  CLX  VII.,  Mo.  i>,  J 


Sir, 


VVIiitehall  23"'  May  1776. 


In  a  very  short  time  after  you  embarked  upon  your  return  to  your  Government,  the  Pt-tition 
to  the  King,  the  Momoriiil  to  the  House  of  I.ord»,  and  the  representation  to  the  House  of 
Commons  of  the  Asieinbly  of  New  York  upon  the  subject  imitler  of  the  (ireivances  they 
complain  of  in  various  instances  of  the  exercise  of  the  conslilution'  .lutlmrity  of  Parlinment 
were  received  and  M'  Burke  having  delivered  to  me  the  Petition  to  the  King.  I  had  the  honor 
to  present  it  lo  Ills  Mnjenly  who  was  well  pleased  to  receive  it  with  the  iiiost  gracious 
expreisiuns  of  Regard  and  attention  to  the  humble  re<|uesU  of  Ills  faitliltill  subjects  in  New 
York  who  have  on  this  occasion  manifested  adiily  to  His  Majesty  and  n  regard  (or  the  authority 
of  the  parent  stale,  which  had  they  not  in  the  Memorial  lo  the  House  of  Lords  and  in  the 
Representation  to  the  House  of  Commons  been  unfortunately  blended  with  ejipress"' containing 
claims  which  made  it  impossible  for  Parliament  conaiHUnt  with  it*  justice  and  dignity  to  receive 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV. 


575 


them,  might  have  laid  the  foundation  of  that  conciliation  we  have  so  long  and  so  ardently 
wished  for. 

I  will  however  still  hope  (and  I  am  encouraged  in  that  hope  by  private  advices  received 
from  Pensylvania)  that  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Commons  of  the  S?""  of  Feb' will  remove 
all  obstacles  to  the  restoration  of  ihe  public  tranquillity  and  I  am  commanded  by  the  King  to 
say  that  nothing  can  give  greater  satisfaction  to  the  Royal  Breast  than  to  see  us  again  a  happy 
and  united  People 

Should  such  an  event  take  place  it  will  be  and  ought  in  Justice  to  be  attributed  in  great 
measure  to  the  moderation  and  good  disposition  which  has  appeared  in  the  Assembly  of  New 
York  and  whilst  they  continue  firm  the  body  of  the  People  must  soon  be  convinced  how 
equally  vain  and  improper  it  is  to  insist  upon  claims  inconsistent  with  their  dependance  on  the 
authority  of  Parliament,  and  that  the  only  constitutional  method  of  obtaining  redress  for  any 
greivances  they  may  have  to  complain  of  is  through  the  channel  of  their  legal  Representatives 

in  Assembly  • 

I  am  &c  &:c 
To  Governor  Tryon  *  DARTMou■f^^ 


Hepresentation  of  the  Lm'ds  of  Trade  to  the  Committee  of  the  Privy  Council. 

[NtwTork  InlrlM,LXIX.,  p.  88.] 

To  the  Right  Hon'''*  the  Lord[8]  of  the  Committee  of  His  Majesty's  most  Hon"-"  Privy 
Council  for  Plantation  Affairs, 

My  Lords, 

Pursuant  to  two  Orders  of  your  Lordships  of  the  26  of  August  1773  We  have  taken  into 
Our  Consideration  the  Petition  of  sundry  Officers  of  His  Mnjestys  Army  who  served  in  North 
America  during  the  late  War  humbly  praying  that  certain  Lands  lying  in  the  Province  of  New 
York  heretofore  claimed  by  John  Van  Rensselaer  Ksq:  may  be  granted  to  them  agreable  to  the 
proportions  specified  in  His  Majesty's  proclamation  of  the  7  of  Oct'  1703  whereupon  we  beg 
leave  to  report  to  your  Lordships. 

That  the  Petitioners  having  fniU'd  in  a  8uit  which  under  His  Majesty's  protection  and 
support  they  hod  instituted  in  the  Courts  of  New  York  in  order  to  set  aside  M'  Rensselaera 
claim  under  his  original  (Jrant  aud  the  (Governor  of  New  York  having  in  consequence  thereof 
thought  (it  upon  a  surrender  of  par',  of  that  claim  to  establish  M'  Rensselaers  Title  to  the  rest 
by  new  grant  there  remains  reserved  out  of  the  said  claim  a  very  considerable  Tract  of  Land 
lying  between  the  North  and  South  Manors  of  Rensselaer  bounded  on  the  West  by  a  Patent 
called  Kindernook  and  on  the  Kast  by  a  line  of  Jurisdiction  between  the  Province  of  New  York 
and  Massachusets  Pny. 

It  is  necessary  however  that  we  should  observe  to  your  Lordship  that  there  are  two  claims 
to  these  lands  which  upon  this  occasion  will  require  to  be  considered  the  annexed  Copy  of  a 
Petition  presented  to  us  by  M'  James  Savage  in  behalf  of  himsell  and  otherx  will  shew  your 
Lordships  that  this  (Country  has  been  for  a  long  Series  of  years  in  the  actual  possession  of  a 
number  of  !>!■  Majestv'!  Subjecti  who  nrinciunlly  under  encourasenient  from  the  UovernmeDt 


576 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


fC'  i 


m 


'^: 


of  Massachusets  Bay  while  it  was  supposed  to  belong  to  that  province  have  seated  themselves 
upon  those  Lands. 

The  other  claim  to  which  we  beg  leave  to  refer  your  Lordships  is  founded  upon  a  Grant  to 
^  sundry  Inhabitants  at  New  York  in  the  year  1705  commonly  called  the  Westhook  Patent  the 
Circumstances  of  which  Grant  will  more  fully  appear  to  your  Lordships  from  the  annexed  copy 
of  a  petition  presented  by'  Governor  Tryon  by  the  proprietors  of  that  Patent  and  by  him 
delivered  to  us  But  we  beg  leave  to  observe  to  your  Lordships  that  upon  the  fullest 
consideration  of  this  Claim  and  of  every  thing  which  has  been  offered  to  us  in  support  of  it  we 
cannot  think  it  ought  to  have  any  weight  in  this  Consideration  there  being  no  evidence 
whatever  the  lands  supposed  to  be  conveyed  thereby  were  ever  taken  up  at  any  time  or  indeed 
that  they  ever  could  have  been  so  taken  up  as  the  description  of  the  limits  in  the  Grant  itself 
has  no  reference  whatever  to  any  places  or  point  of  determination  at  present  known  or  to  be 
found  with'  the  district  in  question. 

With  regard  to  the  case  of  the  other  Claimants  who  ar%  stated  to  be  in  actual  possession  of 
the  J^ands  comprehended  within  that  district  we  submit  to  your  Lordships  that  it  appears 
to  us  to  deserve  a  mucli  more  favourable  consideration  not  only  from  the  Claimants  having  had 
possession  for  many  years  and  from  their  having  cultivated  and  improved  the  Land  with  great 
Industry  and  labour  and  at  a  great  expence  but  also  from  their  having  ct  all  times  according 
to  the  representation  made  to  us  by  Governor  Tryon  demanded^  themselves  with  distinguished 
loyalty  and  attachment  and  from  their  having  by  their  dutiful  and  peaceable  conduct  merited 
the  encouragement  and  protection  of  the  Government  of  New  York  under  these  circumstance! 
therefore  however  dcsirouy  we  are  of  shewing  every  proper  attention  to  the  case  of  the  Officers 
whose  Petitions  have  been  referred  to  us  by  your  Lordships  yet  we  could  not  consistently  with 
any  principles  of  Justice  and  Ecjuity  recommend  such  a  Location  of  their  Grants  upon  this 
Tract  as  should  prejudice  the  interests  of  the  other  claimants  at  the  same  time  we  have  the 
Satisfaction  to  acquaint  your  Lordships  that  this  difficulty  has  been  happily  removed  by 
the  following  proposition  suggested  by  the  petitioners  and  assented  to  by  M'  Savage  on  behalf 
of  his  constitutents  which  proposition  is  as  follows  Viz' 

"That  the  Officers  be  allowed  to  locate  their  Lands  claimed  under  the  Proclamation  upon 
"  that  Tract  within  the  Province  of  New  York  which  lies  between  the  North  and  South 
*■  Manors  of  Renselaer  bounded  on  the  West  by  the  Kinderhook  patent  and  on  the  East  by 
"  the  Jurisdiction  line  between  the  Provinces  of  New  York  and  Massachusets  Bay  as  far  as 
**  such  locations  can  be  made  without  prejudice  to  the  present  occupancies  ( now  under  actual 
"  improvement)  allowing  to  each  occupant  at  the  Hate  of  City  Acres  of  Woodland  for  every 
"  two  hundred  Acres  of  Land  under  actual  Improvement  and  so  in  proportion  for  a  greater  or 
"lesser  number  of  Acres  such  parcels  of  Woodlands  to  be  as  contiguous  as  possible  to  each 
"occupancy  to  which  the  same  shall  be  respectively  allotted  and  if  any  quantity  of  Woodland 
"shall  have  been  already  inclosed  by  any  of  the  occupants  such  Woodland  if  less  than  the 
"proportion  abovementioned  shall  be  reckoned  ns  part  of  the  Woodland  so  directed  to  be 
"allotted  to  each  occupancy  as  aforesaid  and  if  it  exceeds  the  number  of  fifty  Acres  in  that 
"  case  no  Woodland  shall  be  allotted  and  that  in  so  far  as  the  vacant  Lands  shall  fall  short  of 
"  the  quantity  claimed  by  the  Petitioners  they  be  allowed  to  locate  double  the  quantity  of  such 
"  residue  in  some  other  part  of  the  province  of  New  York  or  elsewhere  in  North  America  not 
"  already  Granted." 


'Bie.  lo. 


'  .?!>.  within. 


*  8it.  d«niun«<L  —  En 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV. 


577 


As  this  proposition  appears  to  us  to  be  just  and  reasonable  in  every  light  in  which  it  can  be 
viewed  we  trust  your  Lordships  will  agree  with  us  in  opinion  that  it  will  be  fit  for  his  Majesty 
to  give  his  Royal  sanction  to  it  and  therefore  we  beg  leave  to  recommend  to  your  Lordships  to 
advise  his  Majesty  to  send  such  Instructions  to  his  Governor  of  New  York  as  shall 
correspond  therewith. 
We  are 

My  Lords 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  and 

most  humble  Servants 

Dartmouth 
SoAMK  Jbntns 
Bambbr  Gascoynb 
Whitshed  Keenb 
Whitehall  May  26.  1775  C.  F.  Grevillb 


Report  of  (he  Lords  of  Trade  on  (he  French  Seignories  on  Lake  Champlain. 

[N«w-Tork  InlriM,  LXIX.,  44.  ] 

To  the  Right  Hon''''  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  His  Majestys  most  Hon'"''  Privy  Council 
for  Plantation  Affairs. 

My  Lords 

Tursuant  to  your  Lordships  order  dated  the  l?""  day  of  June  1772,  we  have  taken  into  our 
consideration  the  Petition  of  Michel  Chartier  de  Lotbiniere,  Cheavalier  and  styling  himself 
Seigneur  de  Ah  inville  and  d'Hocquart,  setting  forth  amongst  other  things  that  he  has  been 
deprived  and  diapossessed  of  his  two  Lordships  of  d'Alainville  and  d'Hocquart  situated  at  the 
head  of  Lake  Champlain  in  a  most  advantageous  position  and  consisting  of  the  best  and 
richest  land  in  the  Province  of  New  York  to  which  they  were  annexed  eighteen  Months  after 
the  Treaty  of  peace  and  humbly  praying  for  the  reasons  therein  contained  that  they  may  be 
reinstated  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  his  said  two  Lordships  in  the  same  manner  as  when  under 
the  Government  of  France  and  that  he  may  be  reimbursed  the  expense  he  has  been  at  in 
endeavouring  to  obtain  redress  therein  and  to  be  indemnified  for  having  been  kept  out  of  his 
estate  and  property  for  so  long  a  time  ns  well  as  for  the  damage  his  said  Estates  may  have 
sustained.     Whereupon  we  beg  l«ave  to  report  to  your  Lordships, 

That  the  petition  of  Mons'  de  Lotbiniere  refers  to  two  tracts  of  Land  under  very  different 
circumstances. 

With  regard  to  that  Tract  which  is  claimed  by  the  Petitioner  under  a  Title  derived  from 
a  purchase  made  by  him  of  Mon»'  d'Hocquart  in  April  1703  af\er  the  conclusion  of  the  pence 
with  France,  it  consists  of  two  Seigneuries  which  amongst  several  other  Seigneuries  were 
granted  by  the  most  Christian  King  or  under  his  Authority  by  the  Governor  of  Canada  upon 
Luke  Cliampluin  alter  Franco  hud  in  violation  of  the  Rights  of  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain 
Vol.  VHl.  »a 


578 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Mm 


usurped  the  possession  of  the  Inte  and  the  circumjacent  Country  and  forcibly  maintained  that 
possession  by  erecting  in  the  year  1731  a  fortress  at  Crown  Point. 

It  appears  by  the  most  authentic  evidence  upon  the  Books  of  our  Office  that  Lake  Champlain 
and  the  circumjacent  Country  were  at  all  times  claimed  by  the  five  nations  of  Indians  as  part 
of  their  possessions  and  that  by  agreement  with  them  the  Land  on  both  sides  the  Lake  to  a 
very  great  extent  was  granted  by  the  Gov"  of  New  York  to  British  Subjects  long  before 
any  possession  appears  to  have  been  taken  by  the  Crown  of  France  which  having  by  the 
express  stipulation  of  the  fifteenth  Article  of  the  treaty  of  Utrecht  acknowledged  the  Sovereignty 
of  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain  over  the  Five  Nations  had  upon  every  principle  of  Justice  and 
Equity  precluded  itself  from  any  claim  to  the  possession  of  any  part  of  their  Territory 

Upon  these  Grounds  it  was  that  erecting  a  Fort  at  Crown  Point  in  1731  was  then,  and  ever 
after  complained  of  as  an  Incroachment  on  the  British  Territories  and  a  violation  of  Our  Rights 
and  so  carefull  were  the  Ministers  of  this  Country  to  preserve  those  Rights  that  when  in  the 
consequence  of  the  Treaty  of  .\ix  La  Chapelle  Commissaries  were  in  the  year  1750  appointed 
to  settle  with  '  nmissaries  on  the  part  of  France  the  limits  of  each  others  possessions  in 
North  America,  mey  were  instructed  to  insist  that  France  had  no  Right  to  any  possession  on 
the  South  side  of  the  River  S'  Lawrence. 

Under  these  circumstances  therefore  and  for  as  much  as  we  are  clearly  of  opinion  that  the 
Stipulations  of  the  Treaty  of  Paris,  by  which  Canadian  properly  is  reserved  doth  both  in 
the  letter  and  Spirit  of  them  refer  only  to  the  property  and  possession  of  the  Canadians 
in  Canada  of  which  we  insist  that  the  Country  upon  Lake  Champlain  was  no  part,  we  cannot 
recommend  to  your  Lordship  to  advise  his  Majesty  to  comply  with  ^-hat  is  requested  by  the 
Petitioner  or  to  do  any  Act  which  may  in  any  respect  admit  a  right  in  the  Crown  of  France  to 
have  made  those  Grants  under  which  the  possessions  upon  Lake  Champlain  are  now  claimed 
either  by  Canadian  Subjects  or  others  deriving  that  claim  under  purchases  from  them  :  We  do 
not  however  t:iean  by  any  opinion  of  Ours  to  prejudice  their  claims  in  any  Suit  they  may  bring 
for  establishing  those  claims  by  due  course  of  Law  and  we  submit  [whether]  under  any 
circumstances  of  the  Case  the  question  in  dispute  between  these  claimants  and  the  possessors 
under  New  York  Grants  can  be  properly  decided  by  his  Majesty  in  Council,  unless  upon  any 
appeal  from  such  Courts  as  have  constitutionally  the  cognizance  of  such  Matters. 

On  the  other  hand  when  we  consider  thpt  many  of  his  Majestys  Subjects  trusting  to  the 
validity  of  the  Canadian  Titles  have  become  proprietors  of  these  Seigneuries  under  purchases 
for  valuable  considerations  We  cannot  but  be  of  opinion  that  the  making  Grants  under  the 
Seal  of  New  York  of  any  j>art  of  those  Seigneuries  was  an  unjust  and  unwarrantable  proceeding 
That  the  claimants  therefore  ought  to  be  quieted  in  the  possession  of  at  least  those  parts  which 
remain  yet  ungranted  by  such  order  as  his  Majeslys  Law  S«'rvants  shall  think  more  effectual  for 
that  purpose  that  the  Governor  of  New  York  should  receive  the  most  positive  orders  not  to 
make  any  further  Grants  whatever  of  any  part  of  the  Lands  within  the  limits  of  any  of  these 
Seigneuries  and  that  a  suitable  compensation  should  be  made  to  the  claimants  for  what  has 
already  been  taken  away  by  giving  them  gratuitous  Grants,  equivalent  in  quantity,  in  other 
parti  of  his  Majestys  Provinces  of  Quebec  or  New  York. 

With  regard  to  the  other  Tract  claimed  l)y  the  petitioner  under  the  description  of  the 
concession  of  d'Alainville,  when  we  consider  its  situation  to  the  South  of  Crown  I'o'nt,  that  it 
is  stated  to  have  been  granted  to  him  at  a  time  when  his  Majestys  Armies  had  penetrated  into, 
and  occasionally  possessed  themselves  of  the  Country  and  that  independent  of  these  objectioni 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


579 


there  is  no  evidence  of  the  Grants  having  been  ratified  by  the  Crown  of  France,  or  registered 
within  the  Colony  we  cannot  recommend  to  your  Lordships  to  advise  His  Majesty  to  give  any 
countenance  thereto ;  But  if  the  Petitioner,  if  he  thinks  he  has  a  good  title,  should  be  left  to 
establish  that  Title  by  due  course  of  law  in  such  mode  as  he  shall  be  advise'  to  pursue  for 
that  purpose.  i 

Having  said  thus  much  upon  the  merits  of  the  petition  itself,  in  so  far  as  it  regards  the  validity   I 
of  the  petitioners  title  to  the  Lands  he  claims  we  think  it  necessary  in  Justice  to  the  noble  I 
Lord,  that  presided  at  this  Board  in  the  year  1764  to  take  some  notice  of  what  is  alledged  therein  / 
in  respect  to  the  declaration  said  to  have  been  made  by  his  Lordship  to  the  eifect  of  what  is/ 
stated  by  the  petitioner ;  and  to  observe  that  admitting  that  his  Lordship  had,  in  conversation 
with  the  petitioner  made  use  of  the  expressions  he  states,  they  could  only  refer  to  poBsessions 
and  property  in  general  any  where,  to  which  he  could  shew  a  legal  title ;  and  as  an  evidence  of 
this  meaning  we  beg  leave  to  lay  before  your  Lordships  the  annexed  extract  of  a  letter  to  the 
Lieutenant  Governor  of  New  York  written  in  consequence  of  the  petitioners  application  and\ 
subscribed  by  the  Earl  of  Hillsborough  which  is  so  far  from  admitting  a  Title  in  the  petitioner  I 
to  these  Lands  which  he  claims  in  particular  that  it  expressly  reserves  any  discussion  upon 
that  question  until  the  evidence  of  the  legality  of  the  Title  should  be  more  authentically 
adduced  and  in  the  mean  time  with  equal  Justice  and  humanity  forbids  any  further  Grants 
being  made  within  the  limits  of  the  Seigneuries  claimed  by  the  Petitioner 
We  are 

My  Lords 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  and 

most  humble  Servants 

Dartmouth 
SoAME  Jenvns 
Bamber  Gascoyne 
Whitehall  Whitshed  Kkenk 

May  26.  1775.  Grbvillk 


Lieutenant •Oavernw  Coldm  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  H«w-Yofk  Ptptn  ( 8.  P.  O. )  CLX VI  I.,  No.  IT.  ] 

Now  York  7**  June  1776 
My  Lord 

My   Letter  to  your  Lordship  No   16   of  the  3"  of  May,  and  the  minute  of  Council  then 

transmitted,  contained  a  full  account  of  the  unhappy  confusion  and  disorder  introduced  into 

this  Province  in  consequence  of  what  had  happened  at  Boston  on  the  I'J""  of  April.     After 

those  accounts,  and  every  particular  circumstance  of  our  siluation  which  your  Lordship  would 

be  informed  of,  by  the  Qenllenipn  o(  the  Council,  and  others  who  went  to  Kngland  in  the  May 

Packet,  you  will  not  be  surprized  to  hear  that  congresses  and  Committees  are  now  established 


'a<#._iCD. 


1^^^ 

^n^ 


P 


580 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


in  this  Province  and  are  acting  with  all  tlie  confidence  and  authority  of  a  legal  Government. 
The  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Province,  now  setting,  consist  of  upwards  of  100  Members. 
Except  the  remote  Counties  of  Tryon,  Gloucester  and  Cumberland,  and  some  districts  in 
Queens  County  on  Long  Island,  every  other  part  of  the  Province  have  sent  Deputys.  The 
City  Committee  and  Sub  Committees  in  the  Country  places,  are  likewise  kept  up;  and  that 
the  new  Plan  of  Government  may  be  compleat,  for  carrying  into  execution  the  determinations 
of  the  continental  and  Provincial  Congresses,  those  few  places  which  have  not  yet  appointed 
their  sub  Commitiees  are  now  called  upon  by  the  provincial  Congress  to  do  it  immediately. 

The  principal  matters  said  to  be  under  consideration  in  the  Congresses  are  raising  money 
and  an  army  to  oppose  the  Kings  Forces,  and  erecting  such  Fortifications  as  may  best  keep  the 
command  of  the  Country,  and  obstruct  the  March  of  an  army.  The  Congress  are  well  aware, 
that  an  attempt  to  raise  money  by  an  immediate  assessment  upon  the  People,  would  give  a 
disgust  that  might  ruin  all  their  measures,  and  therefore  propose  to  do  it  by  issuing  a  paper 
Currency.  I  am  told  this  measure  has  been  referred  by  the  Continental  Congress  to  the 
several  Provincial  Congresses  and  that  the  Congress  of  New  York  have  approved  of  it,  as  no 
doubt  all  the  others  will. 

The  Places  proposed  to  be  immediately  fortified,  in  this  Province,  are  Kingsbridge,  upon  the 
little  River  which  separates  the  Island  of  New  York  from  the  Continent,  about  14  miles  from 
the  City:  and  some  place  on  each  side  of  Hudsons  River,  which  may  be  best  situated  for 
maintaining  the  Command  of  that  River.  It  was  mentioned  in  the  Minute  of  Council 
transmitted  with  my  last  letter  to  your  Lordship,  that  a  number  of  Cannon  were  removed 
from  the  City  into  the  Country.  The  Continental  Congress  approved  of  this  measure  pid 
rejommended  that  all  the  Cannon  and  Ammunition  should  be  remoV*  into  the  Country,  except 
those  belonging  to  the  King ;  which  has  accon^ingly  been  done.  I  am  told  the  amount  to  above 
100  Pieces  of  Ship  Cannon  belonging  to  the  Merchants,  tho'  many  of  them  are  not  fit  for  use. 
It  is  said  there  is  but  a  small  quantity  of  Ammunition  in  this  Province,  it  having  been  bought 
up  by  the  New  England  People,  whitever  there  is,  is  removed  into  the  Country.  The  Spirit 
of  arming,  and  military  Parade  still  runs  high  in  the  City  Several  companies  are  formed  who 
have  appointed  their  own  otticers,  are  well  armed  and  cloathed  in  uniform.  The  Contagion 
has  not  yet  spread  much  in  the  Country  where  tlie  people  would  be  very  glad  to  remain  quiet, 
but  indefatigable  pains  are  taken  to  bring  th?  whole  Province  into  one  plnn  of  Measures 

It  must  excite  the  most  poinant  sensations  of  Pain  und  anxiety,  my  Lord,  in  every  Breast 
where  the  principles  of  humanity,  are  not  obliterated  by  the  rage  of  Political  Enthusiasm,  to 
gee  a  people  thus  calmly  determine  to  involve  a  Country  in  dreadfuil  War  and  desolation  ;  not 
even  seeming  to  pay  the  least  attention  to  a  peaceable  accomodation  tho'  benevolently  held 
out  to  them  by  their  gracious  Sovereign  and  the  I'arliament  In  this  gloomy  prospect  of  affairs 
the  friends  of  Government  have  received  a  glimpse  of  hope  upon  hearing  that  M'  Duane  a 
Delegate  from  New  York,  has  moved  in  the  Continental  Congress  to  introduce  a  plan  of 
accommodation  which  produced  a  warm  debate  but  was  carried  in  favor  of  the  Motion.  Any 
measures,  my  Lord  are  to  be  preferred  to  those  of  Hostility,  A  Negotiation  once  begun,  will 
give  the  people  time  to  cool,  and  feel  the  consequence  of  what  they  have  already  done,  before 
they  become  as  desperate  as  are  the  Eastern  Colonies 

I  transmit  your  Lordship  Copies  of  an  address  made  to  me  by  the  Committee  of  New  York 
on  the  13*  of  last  month,  and  of  my  answer  It  ii  evident  that  the  real  design  of  the  address, 
the'  the  pretence  is  different  was  to  take  an  opportunity  of  declaring  their  Sentiments  upon  the 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


581 


present  unhappy  controversy.  A  direct  answer  to  this,  tho'  the  material  part  of  the  address,  I 
was  well  convinced  would  not  be  of  any  use  at  this  time  of  Delusion.  I  therefore,  in  opposition 
to  their  assertion  that  all  applications  from  the  Colonies  have  been  rejected  introduced  a  short 
account  of  the  benevolent  disposition  of  His  Majesty  and  the  House  of  Commons  as  expressed 
in  your  Lordships  letters  and  the  resolution  of  that  House.  The  recent  instance  of  Disorder 
attended  to  in  my  answer,  was  a  most  scandalous  outrage  upon  D'  Cooper,'  the  president  of  our 
College.  He  narrowly  escaped  being  seized  by  a  Mob,  who  broke  the  College  Gate  open,  and 
would  certainly  have  committed  the  most  violent  abuse  upon  him  if  he  had  not  happily  saved 
himself  by  Flight.  The  Doctor  is  since  gone  from  this  distracted  country  to  England  and  will 
give  your  Lordship  a  further  particular  account  of  the  transactions  here.  The  odium  excited 
against  him  is  for  his  warm  attachm'to  Government  and  his  being  a  supposed  author  of  almost 
every  peice  that  was  published  on  that  side  of  the  Question  I  presume  your  Lordship  is  so 
well  acquainted  with  his  Character  &  Merit  that  I  need  not  add  anything  to  introduce  him  to 
your  attention.  M'  Revington  the  Printer  of  one  of  our  newspapers  was  attacked  by  the  sacie 
Mob  and  rescued  out  of  their  Hands  by  the  Resolution  of  one  or  two  friends  He  has  since 
taken  refuge  on  Board  of  the  Man  of  War  and  will  not  yet  venture  to  return  to  his  House. 
His  Crime  is  only  the  liberty  of  his  Press 

While  these  transactions  engrossed  the  attention  of  the  City  a  matter  of  greater  importance 
was  carried  on  in  the  Northern  part  of  this  Province  No  less  than  the  actual  taking  His 
Majesty's  Forts  at  Tienonderoga  anu  Crown  Point,  and  making  the  Garrison  Prisoners.  I  have 
not  any  account  my  Lord  of  this  affair,  but  what  I  have  collected  from  the  Current  Reports  f'  r 
all  intelligence  to  Government,  thro'  the  country  is  effectually  cut  off.  The  only  people  of  this 
Province  who  had  any  hand  in  this  expedition,  where  that  set  of  lawlesE  people  whom  your 
Lordship  has  heard  much  of  under  the  name  of  the  Bennington  Mob.  They  were  joined  by  a 
party  from  Connecticut  and  an  other  from  Massachusetts  Bay  They  surprised  the  Garrison  & 
took  tho  Forts  without  opposition.  The  Prisoners  are  carried  into  Connecticut  These  people 
advanced  across  a  lake  as  far  St  Johns;  took  a  Vessel  there  and  destroyed  a  number  of 
Boats  and  some  Store  Houses.  This  will  retard  the  operations  which  CJovernor  Carleton  will 
probably  undertake  on  this  occasion.  He  alone  has  it  in  his  power  to  do  any  thing  in  that 
quarter,  and  I  hope  he  may  have  an  opportunity  of  severely  retaliating  this  wanton  Act  of 
Treason.  Many  people  there  are  of  opinion,  my  Lord,  this  has  been  a  plan  concerted  by  our 
neighbours  of  the  East,  in  order  to  embarrass  this  Colony,  and  impell  us  into  a  situation  like 
their  own  —  It  is  evident  that  ail  the  neighbouring  Colonies  saw  with  outnioust  Jealous"',  the 
moderate  Temper  of  the  Majority  of  our  people,  and  the  conduct  of  our  Assembly— They 
determined  to  hold  up  such  terrors  as  should  etloctually  prevent  us  from  accepting  of  the 
indulgences  and  favours  intended  by  Parliament.  We  were  looked  upon  as  highly  inimical  to 
their  Designs,  and  plans  were  laid  to  efTect  our  Destruction,  or  produce  an  explicit  union  with 
them  which  have  been  executed  with  great  success  I  am  told  the  People  who  took  the  Forls, 
immediately  dispatched  a  Messenger  to  the  Continental  Congress  but  I  have  not  learnt,  with 
any  degree  of  certainty,  what  resolutions  either  they  or  tho  provincial  Congress  have  taken 
upon  it. 

His  Majesty's  Ship  Asia  came  into  our  Harbour  about  ten  days  since.  In  my  lette.  of  March 
1"  No^j3  I  informed  your  Lordship  that  I  had  suggested  to  Admiral  Graves  the  propriety  of 
•ending  one  of  the  large  Ships  to  this  Place.    He  answer'  that  1  might  expect  the  Asia  her«  by  the 


."    I' 


'  S«e  Dotf,  lupra,  p.  207.  —  Ed. 


n 

i 


582 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


1"  of  April.  I  am  heartily  sorry  she  was  not,  for  I  really  think  the  Countehance  of  that  Ship 
would  have  had  a  good  effect  by  encourBging  some  and  discouraging  others  —  The  friends  of 
Government  saw  no  security  for  their  persons  or  Property  bat  by  joining  with  the  multitude 

I  have  considered  my  Lord,  with  great  attention,  the  sudden  change  of  Measures,  and  to  all 
appearance  of  Sentiments,  which  has  happened  in  this  place,  and  upon  the  best  judgement  I 
am  able  to  form,  it  is  my  opinion,  that  if  the  same  number  of  Regular  Troops  had  been  here 
which  we  have  had  at  all  times  since  the  Peace,  till  now,  this  change  of  Measures  and 
Prostration  of  legal  Authority  hud  not  happened.  And  upon  the  inlormalion  I  have  received, 
I  will  venture  to  say,  that  when  ever  a  suflicient  Protection  appears,  it  will  be  found  that  His 
Majesty  has  many  true  and  loyal  Subjects  who  are  at  present  compelled  to  acquiesce  in  the 
Plans  of  opposition.  I  have  reason  to  beleive  that  numbers  now  appear  in  Arms  in  the  City, 
who  have  not  the  least  intention  to  oppose  Oovernm'  but  will  join  to  support  legal  Authority 
when  there  is  an  opportunity.  I  know  of  one  company  in  particular  who  have  associated  to 
support  Government,  but  for  the  present  appear  and  parade  as  others  do.  The  association 
mentioned  in  the  minute  of  Council  to  which  I  have  already  referred  was  signed  by  many 
Hands  during  the  first  impulses  of  Confusion  and  Despair;  but  that  having  subsided,  the  spirit 
of  signing  has  very  much  abated.  1  am  told  only  Um  have  signed  in  the  City  of  New  York 
There  must  be  at  least  three  times  that  number  who  have  an  equal  Right  to  sign.  The 
Congress  have  lately  directed  a  fresh  application  to  be  made  to  every  Man  throughout 
the  Province  who  has  not  signed  and  the  names  of  those  who  do  not  sign  to  be  returned  to 
them  by  the  16**  July 

As  it  is  not  possible  for  me  my  Lord,  in  our  present  situation  to  obtain  regular  Intelligence 

I  am  obliged  to  mention  such  Reports  of  Matters  of  consequence,  as  I  have  any  reason  to 
believe  true.  Of  this  kind  is  a  lleport  that  a  body  of  2500  Connecticut  men  are  enchamping 
at  Greenwich,  a  place  in  that  (lovernment  about  40  miles  distant  from  New  York  City,  the 
declared  purpose  of  this  army  is  to  keep  this  Government  in  awe,  and  prevent  any  defection 
here  from  the  genera!  Plan  of  Measures;  and  to  assist,  if  necessary,  in  opposing  the  measures 
of  Government 

In  my  letter  to  your  Lordship  N°  Ifi  I  mentioned  the  very  disagreeable  &  critical  situation 
of  the  Few  Troops  who  were  quartered  in  the  Barracks  of  this  Place  and  that  only  by  the 
interposition  of  the  more  prudent  Inhabitants,  they  were  suffered  to  remain  in  Peace.  No 
Pains  however  were  spared  to  debauch  the  men  and  induce  them  to  desert.  Large  Rewards 
anJ  certain  Protection  they  were  assured  of;  which  had  such  effect  that  the  ollicers  began  at 
last  to  apprehend  they  were  in  danger  of  looseing  the  whole.  In  this  situation  General  Gage 
wrote  to  Mnjor  Hamilton,  by  the  Asia,  that  he  thought  it  would  be  a  proper  measure  to  put  the 
Troops  under  his  command  on  Board  of  that  Ship,  and  desired  him  to  consult  with  me  upon 
it.  As  1  was  very  sensible  this  small  number  of  Troops  could  not  be  of  any  use  in  the  Barracks, 
and  were  exposed  to  those  "Ty  disagreeable  circumstances  I  have  already  mentioned,  I  did 
not  doubt  of  the  propriety  of  the  Measure  proposed  by  Gen'  Gage  a  difficulty  however  arose  on 
account  of  the  women  and  Children,  w!)o  were  too  numerous  to  be  taken  on  Board  with  the 
men,  almost  the  whole  that  belong  to  the  Ifegiment  being  in  the  Barracks  here  with  this 
detachment.  This  occasioned  a  delay  of  eight  or  ten  days  in  which  time  several  soldiers 
deserted.  We  at  length  thought  of  enchamping  the  Women  and  Children  on  what  is  called 
the  Governors  Island,  till  they  could  be  otherwise  taken  care  of,  and  yesterday  was  fixed  for 
embarking  the  Troops  on  Board  the  Asia,     The  i'rovinciul  Congress  had  notice,  that  some 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


583 


people  proposed  to  stop  the  emlmrkntion  upon  which  they  published  a  hnnd  Bill  ndviseing  the 
People  by  no  menus  to  niolegt  the  Troops,  or  interrupt  them  in  their  design.  They  like\ri8e 
appointed  a  number  of  their  members  to  join  the  City  Mngistrntes  and  assist  them  in  preventing 
any  interruption  to  the  Troops.  As  soon  as  the  Troops  marched  from  the  Barracks,  several 
People  began  to  harangue  them,  exiiorting  them  to  desert,  and  assuring  them  of  sufUcient 
Protection  Thto  or  three  fellows  had  the  hiirdiness  to  turn  off  with  their  arms,  (rom  the  flanks, 
and  were  immediately  carried  away  by  the  People,  when  the  Troops  got  upon  the  Deck'  where 
they  were  to  embark  on  board  of  Boats,  (he  Cnrts  following  in  the  rear  with  their  Baggage, 
were  stopp''  and  in  the  Face  of  the  Mayor,  Aldermen,  Congress  and  Committee  men,  turn'd 
about  by  a  few  desperate  fellows,  carried  to  a  Place  in  Town,  where  they  opened  the  Baggage, 
and  took  out  n  number  of  spare  arms  and  all  the  ammunition  belonging  to  the  Detachment. 
The  Troops  embark''  without  their  Bnggnge 

This  violent  outrage  has  much  alarmed  the  Inhabitants,  and  many  of  the  Congress  and 
Cimmittee  Men  themsslves,  who  did  not  expect  thot  their  authority  would  meet  with  a  public 
c.  it^mpt,  which  demonstrated  how  inade«]uate  they  were  to  the  (iovernment  or  Protection  of 
the  People.  Yesterday  made  it  sufTiciently  evident  that  a  people  encouraged  to  trample  on 
Majistrates  and  legal  authority,  will  not  be  governed  by  any  thing  but  their  own  wild  and 
dangerous  Passions 

I  have  received  the  Despatches  from  your  Lordships  office,  by  the  April  Mail  ai..i  the  Secret 
Dispatch  by  Lieut'  Coll  M'Lean  with  whom  I  have  not  yet  had  any  consultation  He 
immediately  after  he  arrived,  embark'd  again  for  Boston  in  a  vessel  which  waited  here  for  the 
Generals  Despatches,  I  hope  the  Plan  he  is  on  may  succeed 

I  am  with  entire  submission  and  respect 
Your  Lordships 

most  faithful!  and  obedient  Servant 

To  the  Rt  Ilonble  Cai.wau.adkr  Coldkn 

The  Karl  of  Dartmouth 


A(l<lres.<i  of  the  New- York  A-'iiociation  to  Lientenniit-Governor  Cohhn. 

[Now-Tiirk  I'ipan  (8.  P.O.)  Cl.XVIt.) 

To  the  Honorable  Cadwallader  Colden  Ksq"  Lieutenant  Governor  and  Commander  inCheif 
of  His  Majestys  Colony  of  New  York  &:  the  Territories  thereon  depending  in  America 
Sec  See. 

The  Humble  Address  of  the  (JenernI  Committee  of  Association  for  the  City  and 
County  of  New  York 

May  it  please  your  Honor 

It  frequently  hnppi-ns  under  every  Form  ofOovernment.that  the  measures  of  administration 
excite  the  just  jealousies  of  the  People,  and  that  the  same  measures  pursued  divest  them  of  all 

'  Sic.  Qii »  Dock.  -  Eo. 


584 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


4    i 
I 


lis 


.J    ' 


I' 


confidence  in  those,  in  whose  Hnnda  the  ordinary  executiva  Powers  are  lodged.  In  such  a 
state  of  things  it  is  natural  for  the  people  to  cast  their  eyes  upon  those  of  their  fellow  sufferers, 
on  whose  abilities  and  integrity  they  can  rely ;  and  to  ask  their  advice  and  direction  for  the 
Preservation  of  all  that  !n  dear  and  valuable  to  them. 

That  such  is  the  Frame  &  Temper  of  our  Inhabitants;  you  have  had  the  fullest  opportunity 
to  know,  in  the  course  of  that  Residence  with  which  you  have  lately  honored  us 

This  City  and  County,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  the  Colony  have  exercised  the  greatest  Patience 
in  waiting  tho'  in  vain,  for  a  redress  of  the  many  unconstitutional  Burdens  under  which  this 
whole  Continent  has  groan'd  for  several  years  past.  To  their  inexpressible  greif  they  have 
found,  that  the  most  dntifuil  applications  for  Redress  have  not  only  been  rejected  but  have  been 
answered  by  reiterated  violations  of  their  Rights 

You  cannot  therefore  wonder.  Sir,  that  at  this  most  interesting  crisis,  when  their  all  is  at 
stake,  and  when  under  the  authority  of  administration  the  Sword  has  been  drawn,  tho' 
unsuccessfully  against  their  Brethren  of  Massachusetts  for  asserting  those  invaluable  Rights 
which  are  the  conr  non  inheritance  of  Britons  and  Americans,  that  the  City  and  County  of 
New  York  have  proceeded  to  associate  in  th<3  Common  cause,  and  to  the  election  of  a  Committee 
and  Delegates  in  Congress  to  represent  them  in  their  claims,  and  to  direct  their  Councils  and 
conduct  for  the  preservation  cf  those  inestimable  priviledges,  to  which  the  Great  Creator  the 
Order  of  their  being  as  rational  creatures,  &  our  happy  constitution,  have  given  them  an 
undoubted  title. 

To  this  important  end  they  have  unanimously  irvested  us  their  Committee  with  a  Trust 
which  we  are  determined,  with  the  best  of  our  abiUties,  and  most  faithfully  to  discharge;  and 
in  the  execution  of  which  we  think  it  our  indispensible  duty  to  declare 

That  our  Constituents,  while  they  chearfully  yield  that  the  legislative  of  the  Parent  State 
may  make  Provisions  in  their  Nature  merely  calculated  to  regulate  the  Trade  of  the  e-  ^.re, 
yet  they  claim  as  their  indefeazable  Birthright  a  Total  exen^ption  from  all  Taxes  ■'  ...jrnal  and 
external  by  Authority  of  Parliament  j  and  from  every  Aid  to  the  Crown  out  on  Royal 
Requisition  to  their  Representatives  in  Assembly,  constitutionally  c"  vened  and  freely 
deliberating  &  determining  upon  every  such  requisition 

That  they  never  can,  nor  will  submit  to  the  establish!,!*  rit  "  uiiconstitutional  Admiralty 
Jurisdictions ;  but  will  ever  regard  them,  as  Engines  ili...  may  be  employed  for  the  most 
Tyrannical  Purposes 

That  they  are  determined  never  to  part  with  their  precious  and  lately  inv.ided  Right  of  Trial 
by  Peers  of  their  Vic-nage  in  any  case  whatsoever 

T'iat  they  look  with  the  utmost  dread  on  every  expedient  by  Authority  of  Parliament  or 
otherwise,  that  may  tend  to  secure  from  condign  punishm'  Offenders  against  the  most  essential 
Rights  of  human  Nature,  by  removing  them  for  their  trial  to  places  distant  from  the  Scene  of 
Perpetration  at  the  discretion  of  a  Governor  or  Commander  in  Cheif 

That  they  esteem  and  therefore  will  by  every  lawfull  means  oppose  the  late  oppressive 
restraints  upon  Commerce  as  subversive  in  their  Nature  of  the  'iberties  of  America. 

That  they  regard  the  hostile  blockade  of  the  Port  of  Boston,  the  attack  upon  the  venerable 
Charter  Rights  of  Massachusetts,  the  extension  of  the  Bounds  of  (Juebec,  the  establishment  of 
Popery,  and  an  arbitrary  form  of  (Jovernnient  in  that  I'rovince,  and  the  exclusive  Priviledges 
virtually  given  to  it  in  the  Indian  Trade;  as  so  many  Steps  of  an  ill  judging  administration 
that  most  eminently  endunp'r  the  liberty  and  prosperity  of  the  wnole  Empire 


^ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV. 


585 


That  they  view  with  inexpressible  horror  the  bloody  Standard  erected  in  the  Eastern  Part 
of  the  confederated  Colonies ;  and  'Vel  as  in  their  own  bodies  every  stroke  which  their  brave 
compatriotes  have  received  from  the  jnds  of  their  fellow  subjects;  cruelly  &  unnaturally  armed 
against  them  by  mistaken  ministerial  severity 

In  short  that  they  are  determined  to  equip  themselves  for  maintaining  with  successful! 
bravery  &  resolution,  the  unquestionable  Rights  of  Englishmen 

Permit  us  at  the  same  time,  Sir,  to  assure  you  in  their  behalf  that  tho'  they  are  arming  with 
the  greatest  Diligence  and  industry;  it  is  not  with  design  to  oppose,  but  to  strengthen 
Government  in  the  due  exercise  of  constitutional  Authority,  it  is  to  be  in  a  state  of  readiness 
to  repel  every  lawless  attack  by  our  Superiors,  and  to  prevent  anarchy  and  confusion  to  which 
ministerial  misconduct  has  evidently  paved  the  way.  It  is  to  defend  the  liberties  of  the 
subject,  and  to  enable  your  Honor  and  those  in  office  under  you  efficaciously  to  administer 
the  just  Government  of  this  Colony 

Your  Honor  cannot  but  see  the  sudden  Transition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Capital,  from  a 
state  of  Tumult  occasioned  by  the  Hostilities  committed  against  their  Brethren  ;  to  Tranquillity 
and  good  order,  as  the  consequence  of  our  appointment.  It  is  our  ardent  wish.  Sir,  that  the 
same  Tranquillity  and  good  order  may  be  permanent. 

We  look  forward  therefore  with  deep  concern  at  the  expected  arrival  of  Troops  from  Great 
Britain.  An  event  that  will  probably  be  attended  with  innumerable  mischeifs.  Their 
Presence  will  doubtless  revive  the  Resentment  of  our  Inhabitants  at  the  repeatedly  avowed 
design  of  s-;'  i  ; . .  ng  the  Colonies  by  military  Force.  Mutual  jealousies  may  break  out  into 
ritiiiii-  -:  /iotencis  Thousands  will  in  that  case  be  poured  in  upon  us  from  our  other  Counties, 
»».r.j  the  neighbour!  ig  Colonies,  who  we  are  well  assured  have  resolved  to  prevent  this  City 
from  being  reducd  to  the  present  situation  of  Boston.  Thus,  instead,  of  being  a  secure 
Garrison  Town  o  jd  Place  of  Arms,  as  is  vainly  expected  by  some,  the  streets  of  New  York  may 
be  delvged  with  Blood,  Such  a  destructive  evil  we  are  well  assured  your  Honor  will  do  every 
thing  in  your  Power  to  prevent,  Permit  us  then,  sir,  to  beseech  you  to  apply  to  General  Gage 
for  orders  that  such  Troops  as  may  arrive  from  Great  Britain  or  Ireland,  do  not  land  or  encamp 
in  this  City  and  County,  and  in  case  of  their  arrival  before  your  honor  shall  receive  the  Generals 
answer  to  solicit  the  command*  officer  to  the  same  purpose 

Gir  us  leave.  Sir,  to  conclude  by  assuring  you,  that  we  are  determined  to  improve  that 
ccuudence  with  which  the  People  have  honored  us,  in  strengthen*  the  hand  of  the  civil 
Majistrate  in  every  lawfull  measure  calculated  to  promote  the  Peace  and  just  Rule  of  this 
Metropolis;  and  consistent  with  that  jealous  attention  which  above  all  things  we  are  bound  to 
pay  to  the  violated  Rights  of  America 

We  are  Sir,  with  the  great" 
Respect 

Your  Honors 

Most  obedient  and 

humble  Servants 

By  the  unanimous  order  of  the  Committee 

May  11.  1776.  Hknrt  Rkmskn  Dy  Chairman 


Vol.  vim. 


74 


i   ?! 


,^^4 
,*•#'•  1 


586 


NEW  YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Aimver  nf  LietUenant-Om^ernor  CoJden  to  the  A(l(lre,<iA  of  the  A^ew-York  Association. 

[  Niw  Y.  rk  P«iKri  (  S.  P.  O  )  CI.XVII.  ] 

Gentlemen 

I  hnve  the  best  authority  to  ndsnre  you,  that  our  most  grnrious  Sovereign  nnd  both  Hougea 
of  Parlinm'  hnve  decinred  their  Readiness  to  afford  every  just  and  reasonable  Indulgence  to  the 
Colonies,  whenever  they  should  make  a  proper  Application,  on  the  Ground  of  any  real 
Greivances  they  may  have  to  complain  of.  This  Declaration  has  been  followed  by  a  Resolution 
of  the  House  of  Commons,  which  it  was  expected  would  have  manifested  the  Justice  & 
moderation  of  Parliament,  and  a  disposition  to  comply  with  every  wish  of  the  Suiyects  in 
America.  They  offer  to  forbear  every  kind  of  Taxation  or  Assessment  on  America ;  except 
such  as  are  necessary  for  the  Regulation  of  Commerce ;  and  only  require  that  the  Colonies 
should  make  Provision  by  such  ways  and  means  as  are  best  suited  to  their  respective 
circumstances,  for  contributing  a  proportion  to  the  Common  defence  of  the  Empire,  for  the 
support  of  their  own  civil  Government  and  the  administration  of  Justice.  Ilis  Majestys 
Ministers  did  not  doubt  this  Temper  in  Parliament  would  meet  with  such  a  Return  on  the  part  o' 
the  Colonies,  as  would  lead  to  a  happy  issue  of  the  present  disputes,  and  to  a  re-establishment 
of  the  public  Tranquillity  on  Grounds  of  equity,  justice,  &  moderation.  Is  it  not  then  to  be 
lamented  as  a  most  unfortunate  event,  that  the  Patience  of  the  People  was  exhausted  nt  the 
moment  of  this  prospect  of  a  peaceable  and  happy  accomplishment  of  all  their  wishes.  Will 
not  those  in  whom  they  now  confide  yet  endeavour  to  obtain  it?  must  this  Country,  till  now 
happy  and  flourishing  beyond  Pnrnlell  be  involved  in  the  dreadful  Calamities  ever  attendant 
on  civil  Wars,  while  there  remains  one  possible  means  untried,  by  which  so  great  so  cruel  an 
evil  might  be  averted? — You  tell  me,  Gentlemen,  that  the  people  have  lost  all  confidence  in 
the  ordinary  officers  of  Government  and  that  they  have  cast  their  eyes  upon  you  for  advice  and 
direction.  I  can  not  divest  myself  of  the  most  affectionate  concern  for  the  welfare,  the  Peace, 
and  prosperity  of  the  people  over  whom  1  have  so  long  presided  as  the  immediate  Representative 
of  their  August  Sovereign  ;  with  whom  I  have  lived  the  Term  of  a  lo.ig  life  &  among  whom 
I  leave  all  that  is  dear  and  valuable  to  me.  I  am  impelled  by  my  duty,  and  a  most  zealous 
attachment  to  the  Interest  and  safety  of  this  People,  to  exhort  you  not  to  irritate  the  present 
enraged  state  of  their  minds,  nor  suffer  them  to  plunge  into  Labrynths  from  whence  they  can 
neither  advance  nor  retreat,  but  through  Wood  and  Desolation 

His  Majestys  ministers  have,  in  the  Strongest  Terms  expressed  the  satisfaction  with  which 
the  King  received  the  Assurances  of  the  loyalty  &  affection  of  bis  faithful  subjects  in  this 
Governm',  and  of  their  ardent  desire  for  a  permanent  Reconciliation  with  the  Mother  Country 
I  can  not  then  conceive  upon  what  grounds  a  suspicion  is  entertained,  that  the  City  of  New 
York  is  to  be  reduced  to  the  present  State  of  Boston,  I  have  not  had  the  least  intimation 
that  any  Regular  Troops  were  destined  for  this  Province.  It  is  proper  that  General  (Jago 
should  know  your  sentiments  on  this  subject,  and  I  shall  embrace  the  first  opportunity  of 
communicating  your  request  to  him.  At  the  same  time  I  think  there  is  reason  to  suspect, 
that  this  report  has  been  invented  to  facilitate  the  introduction  of  an  arm'd  Force  from 
Connecticut,  which  1  am  told  is  meditated.  Will  not  the  Apprehension  of  such  a  design  rouse, 
you.  Gentlemen,  &  every  virtuous  cityzen  to  avert,  by  every  means  in  your  power,  a  Measure 
so  degrading,  so  dangerous  to  the  Honor,  safety,  and  freedom  of  this  Colony 

I  have  beheld  with  inexpressible  anxiety,  the  state  of  Tumuli  and  disorder  which  raged  in 
the  Metropolis  of  this  Province  ;  and  I  am  sorry  that  a  recent  instance,  since  your  appointment. 


•k 


LONDON  DCK;UMENTS:    XLV. 


687 


revives  the  threatening  prospect  of  Insecurity,  to  which  the  inhnbitiints  are  reduced.  I  exhort 
you  to  carry  into  eftect  the  assurances  you  give  me.  that  you  are  determined  lo  improve  ihat 
conhdence  with  whicli  the  people  ln»ve  honored  you.  in  strenglheniuK  the  hands  of  (he  civil 
Majistrates.  Let  this  bo  done  immediately,  and  with  impartial  Kirmneas  on  every  occasion  ; 
that  the  Houses,  Persons,  &  Property  o(  your  fellow  cili/.ens  may  not  be  attacked  and  insulted 
with  impunity,  and  every  Degree  o(  domestic  security  and  Happiness  sap|>ed  to  the  foundation. 
May  13'*  1776.  Cadwai.i.aoku  Coi.dkn 


luv-l  of  Dartttmtih  to  (iovemor  l)-yon. 

tNaw-Vork  I'lpon  (  8.  1*.  O.  )  OI'XVIl.  1 

gl^  Whitehall,  l'«  July  1776 

The  Proceedings  at  New  York  upon  the  first  Intelligence  of  what  had  passed  on  the  19"-  of 
April  in  Massachusetts  Bay,  are  of  a  most  extraordinary  and  alarming  Nature  for  as,  on  the 
one  hand,  the  acts  of  Violence  committed  and  the  lowers  assumed  by  the  Populace  are  (aa 
the  Council  truly  state)  a  Prostration  of  all  (iovernmcnt,  so,  on  the  other  hand,  the  advice  of 
that  council  in  consequence  thereof,  that  (Jeneral  (Jage  should  be  told,  that  unless  he  desisted 
from  all  measures  of  Irritation,  or,  in  other  words  laid  down  his  arms,  no  Heconciliulion  could 
be  expected  is  in  effect  no  less  a  IVoslration  of  the  authority  of  this  Kingdom  lo  the 
unwarrantable  claims  and  Pretensions  of  America 

It  is  hoped  however  that  this  advice  proceeded  from  their  Timhliiy  in  consequence  of 
the  consternation  they  were  thrown  into  by  the  Intelligence  of  an  event  untruly  and  unfairly 
related  and  His  Majesty  receiving  it  in  that  light,  is  graciously  pleased  lo  excuse  a  conduct 
which  if  it  had  proceeded  from  other  motives  must  have  been  considered  as  an  insult  to  the 
Kings  dignity,  more  especially  after  the  fullest  assurances  had  been  given  of  His  Majestys  firtn 
Resolution  to  maintain  the  constitution  and  aRer  both  Houses  of  Parliament  had  in  their  joint 
address  pledged  themselves  to  support  His  Majesty  at  the  hazard  of  their  lives  and  Fortunes 
against  the  Kebellious  Attempts  of  His  Subjects  in  Massachusetts  Bay 

I  am  persuaded,  Sir,  you  must  have  seen  that  transaction  in  the  same  light,  and  us  you 
would  have  been  able  lo  have  fully  explained  to  the  I'eople  the  real  Sentiments  of  (Jovernment 
here  upon  the  present  unhappy  disputes  with  America,  and  the  true  spirit  of  His  Mnjestys 
Measures;  I  am  in  great  hope,  that,  upon  your  arrival,  the  vigor  of  (Jovernment  would  have 
been  restored  and  the  People  would  have  recovered  that  goo<l  sense  and  good  Humour  which 
gave  us  so  well  grounded  an  assurance  that  they  would  have  calmly  and  dispassionately  have 
taken  up  the  consideration  of  the  Resolution  of  the  House  of  Commons  of  the  UO"-  of  February 
Be  that  however  as  it  may,  I  am  commanded  by  the  King  to  say,  that  it  is  His  Majestys 
firm  Resolution  to  exert  every  power  which  the  constitution  lias  placed  in  His  hands  lo  compel 
obedience  to  the  Laws  and  authority  of  the  supreme  Legislature.  To  that  end  orders  have 
been  already  given  for  augmenting  our  Naval  Forces  in  America,  and  we  think  we  shall  soon 
be  able  to  make  such  addition  to  the  Army  under  General  Cage  as  will  enable  him  to  withstand 
the  utmost  efforts  of  that  Uebelliou  into  which  the  People  of  the  four  New  England  Provinceg 
have  80  ruahly  plunged 


588 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


A 


It  is  hoped  that  notwithstanding  the  present  nnfavorivble  appenrances  nt  New  Yorit  &  the 
other  Southern  Colonies  they  will  not  attempt  to  send  assistance  to  the  Hebels,  but  it  is  judged 
expedient  at  all  events  fo  guard  as  much  as  possible  against  it,  and  for  that  purpose  the  Admiral 
will  be  directed  to  send  to  New  York  such  n  Part  of  his  Fleet,  ns  he  shall  think  may  be 
necessary  to  secure  (as  far  as  depends  upon  Naval  Service)  the  Passes  of  Hudsons  Uiver,  and 
to  support  the  operations  of  the  Four  Battallions  ordered  thither,  in  case  General  (Jnges  situation 
will  admit  of  their  acting  as  a  ••  .arnte  Corps 

In  our  present  State  of  uncertainty  anxiously  waiting  for  further  advices  from  America,  I 
have  nothing  to  add  but  this  single  reilection  ;  that  however  desireable  a  Heconciliation  with 
America  may  be,  it  must  not  be  sought  for  on  the  ground  of  a  submission  of  the  authority  of 
Great  Brittain  to  their  Pretensions,  but  can  only  be  found  in  tlieir  submission  to  that  authority 
which  as  it  can  never  be  exerted  but  for  the  common  good  Obedience  to  it  is  and  must  be  that 
Bond  of  Peace  k  unity,  upon  which  the  Dignity  and  security  of  the  empire  are  to  depend. 

I  am  &c 

Dartmouth 


Lieutenant -Got^emw   VoUien  to  the  Earl  of  DaHnimtth. 

(Ntw.Tork  P>p*n  (8. 1>.  O.)  CLXTII.,  No.  18.] 

New  York  3"*  July  1775 
My  Lord 

In  my  letter  So  17  I  inf(  rm"'  your  Lordship  that  1  had  received  your  secret  dispatches  by 
Col  Allan  .MMean  and  that  he  was  gone  to  Bostou.  He  has  since  returned  and  sat  out  again 
from  henco  the  25""  ult°  for  Albany.  He  is  obliged  to  proceed  very  cautiously,  and  must  use 
some  address  to  get  to  Coll  Johnson;  from  thence  he  proposes  to  go,  by  way  of  Oswego 
to  Montreal 

While  Col  Maclean  was  at  Boston,  the  Provincial  Congress  discovered  thai  one  M'Donald, 
formerly  a  Serjeant  was  endeavouring  to  engage  men  to  join  the  Kings  Troops;  they  seized 
him,  and  on  his  exiiruinution  found  that  he  hud  been  employed  by  Major  Small '  for  tliis  Purpose  ; 

•  John  Small  w««  lioru  in  ITJB  M(l  fnfernl  tSe  nniiy  mrly  in  life.  Up  wni  «n  linlf  p«y  in  MM,  wli«n  «p|iiiiiitpil  I.i<ni- 
(foant  in  the  4'iJ  IliKliUndd  un  tliu  <>ti<  uf  iu  ilepkitiire  fur  Aiiuirie*.  Ui  Juiii  tb«  riitxilition  untlsr  I.ortl  lA>iiilun,  iu  I7AH, 
the  rcKiniont  trrTPtl  un<liir  (trn.  AlierommKy  iit;«init  TicuniliTiyit,  iiml  l.ivuU  Hninll  ■rcutnpkniitl  llic  i<i|>i'ilitii>n  undnr 
Anilipnit  lliu  rnllouiug  }'t'»r  t<>  llin  •mur  |>»rl  of  tlic  iMuntry,  nnvl  in  17Ai>  ««ht>lu«ii  friini  Oiiwi'Ko  to  Mniilrrdl,  lir  nTTrd  in 
tli<  Weil  lnilii'«  iu  17112,  and  on  llic  I'.lli  nf  Ainfiiil  i.f  tlmt  yi-nr  win  |ir<ini.>li-il  ti>  *  cimi|miiy.  Tlir  •coonil  h»tt»ii"n  llion 
returnt'il  to  ScotlnnJ,  whtre  it  w«i  ri'iluceii  In  176.1.  snil  Cnptjiin  Sniull  wmt  on  li»lf  ii»y.  wliirc  lie  reiu»iii»ii  until  Apiil, 
17f>B,  wli«n  111!  WRH  nppuiuti'J  to  a  foiii)  »ny  in  the  iUl  or  lloyul  North  Itritiuli  I'luiUcm  wliirh  p»mi'  loou  »fli'r  to  Anicrion. 
11«  contiuu«>l  with  thin  rrt-'inoiit  until  177S,  wlu'ii  ho  riCKivril  n  tiniilar  poniiniuion  to  that  of  I.L  Col  Mnelrun  |  Sujira,  p. 
id'.i  ),  to  rkini'  a  I'orpa  uf  lliglilmukra  in  Nov*  Si'oti*  iu  aul  of  llii'  orowii,  ll«  wh  nroorilin);!/  uppoinlvil  Major,  eniniiianil 
inK  tlin  'id  liattnlioii  of  thr  Xllh  Koyal  I'lnigntiitu,  with  a  portion  of  wliirh  lia  joinnl  til*  Koyal  arniii'o  under  Sir  II.  (  linton 
•t  daw- York  in  177i>.  and  in  17H0  waa  appointed  l.itiuti'nant  (.'olonel  of  hi*  rpginioiit.  Tlio  (ircnadier  coinpanr  wa>  at  tint 
balU*  of  tutaw  Spring*.  In  \1»9.  lie  waa  quartered  un  i.ong  inland  and  in  nSS  the  ri>t()nitnt  wai  ditlmnded.  The  men  who 
wara  Amarioaoa,  and  hail  eniiiUi'.  while  th.>  »4th  waa  italioiiail  on  l,onK  lalaml,  umi^raUid  lo  Nora  Scotia,  whara  Uh-y  aattleil 
Uia  preaent  town  of  IXmnlaa.  I.U  t'ol.  SiuaM  lieoaniu  a  Colonel  in  the  army  on  Ih.'  IMh  NoToinlur,  KlH),  and  waa  ap|HMnled 
Lieulenant'liuTernor  of  Ouernaey  in  I7m:i  ;  lia  waa  pronioled  to  the  rank  of  Majur  (lemral  .1  (letoher,  17V4,  aiiJ  died  nt 
Uuemaey  un  17tli  March,  )7»rt,  in  the  70th  ye«r  of  hm  aue.  (,»,i(/fm.ifi'»  Mayatint,  l,.\VI,,  !l.^.'^ ;  llriHmti  IlighlaHil  Clnnt, 
IV  ,  I&&,  un.  HOD,  Armu  Liili .  lltalimi  .Vaaoi  ami  MiUtun  Utmuiri.  \  I.,  -IdV ,  JJaUkmr(>in'i  A'oM  Snlia,  U.,  112.  Ciuiar- 
t'l  (JuHtu  CmMlf,  p\\  SOS,  fil»,  tas.  —  Ko. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV. 


589 


they  sent  him  a  Prisoner  into  Connecticut.     This  hns  raised  a  violent  suspicion  against  the 
Scots  ami  Highlanders  and  will  make  the  execution  of  Coll  Maclean's  I'lau  more  ditHcult 

The  Connecticut  Troops,  which  in  my  last  letter,  I  informed  your  Lordship  were  stationed 
on  the  IJorders  of  this  Province,  marched  last  week  to  this  City  and  encamped  in  the  suburbs 
This  we  are  told  is  done  by  the  order  of  tiie  Continental  congress,  but  for  what  purpose  is  kept 
a  secret.  The  same  Congress  have  appointed  George  Washington  Commander  in  Cheif  of 
the  American  Army,  [.eo  and  Philip  Schuyler  Major  (Jenerals  and  Horatio  Gates  Adjutant 
General— They  all  arrived  here  from  Philadelphia  the  aS"-  Ult"  Schuyler  who  is  of  this 
Province  is  left  to  take  the  command  in  this  (Quarter,  the  others  went  forward  to  Boston 

I  have  now  informed  your  Lordship  of  every  thing  of  consequence  that  has  happened  in  this 
Province  up  to  the  day  of  Gov'  Tryons  return  to  his  (Jovornment  which  was  on  the  2,V^  Ult» 
I  entreat  your  Ldp  to  beleive  that  I  am  with  the  (irmest  attachment  to  His  Majestys  Person 
and  Government  and  the  Greatest  respect  to  your  Lordship 

Cadwalladbr  Coldbn 


itovernor  Tnjon  to  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  Ntw-Yof k  r>pm  (».  1'.  O.)  CLXVll.,  No.  1.) 

..     ,       .  New  York  i"- July  1775 

My  Lord 

I  arrived  in  the  tJovernm'  the  SS'"  of  Inst  month  with  apparent  satisfaction  to  the  Inhabitants 
of  this  city,  and  received  the  next  morning  the  Great  Seal  of  the  I'rovince,  and  the  diminished 
authority  the  Lieutenant  (iovernor  had  to  transfer  to  me. 

The  (Jeneral  Itevolt  that  has  taken  place  in  the  t:!olonies  has  put  his  Majestys  civil  Governors 
in  the  most  degraded  situation,  left  in  the  exercise  of  only  such  feeble  executive  Powers  as  suit 
the  present  conveniences  of  the  Country,  and  this  dependant  on  the  caprice  of  a  moment.  To 
attempt  coercive  measures  by  the  civil  aid  would  hold  up  (Jovernment  to  additional  contempt 
by  the  exposure  of  the  weakness  of  the  executive  and  civil  Branches,  and  as  to  calling  iii  the 
legislative  authority  the  reasons  set  forth  in  the  minutes  of  Council  herewith  trauHniifted,  as 
well  on  the  first  of  May  as  upon  the  occasion  of  my  asking  the  advice  of  Council  in  (his  time  of 
general  Tumult,  will  point  out  the  impossibility  of  obtiiiniug  at  present  any  success  to  the 
Kesolution  of  I'arliament  for  accommodation  especially  since  the  Colonies  to  the  Southward 
whose  Legislatures  have  met  have  uniformly  referred  the  coMHideration  thereof  to  the  Continental 
Congress.  If  it  were  the  wish  it  is  not  in  the  Power  of  any  one  Province  to  accommodate  with 
(Jrent  Britain  being  overawed  and  controuled  by  tbotJeneral  confederacy  Oceans  of  Blood  may 
be  spilt  but  in  my  opinion  America  will  never  receive  parliamentary  Taxation.  I  do  not  meet 
with  any  of  the  Inhabitants  who  shew  the  smalleNt  inclination  to  draw  the  SwonI  in  support 
of  that  principle,  a  I'rinciple,  I  apprehend,  the  extremity  of  Calamity  which  threatens  America 
will  not  induce  her  to  accept  The  firm  friends  of  Governn-,  i.t  here  upon  any  "iber  Ground 
of  Parliamentary  authority  are  now  depressed  by  those  win  havi>  taken  the  Power  into  their 
Hands  possibly  for  deeper  designs. 

Five  thousand  men  are  raising  through  this  Province  (or  the  general  Defence  as  it  is  inid  of 
the  iibenics  of  .\mcricn  to  be  piiiii  otit  of  the  two  miiiions  of  Dollars  issuing  in  Paper  money 


590 


NEW-Y«)RK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


„,.. 


'(Ji 


at  Philadelphia  a  measure  that  v ;  I  be  permanent  ruin  to  the  Merchants  of  this,  who  will  be 
compelled  to  take  it  in  discharge  <•>  Bond  Debts,  Dry  Goods  &c  &c 

The  Continental  Troops  were  r>r  iered  here  by  the  Continental  Congress,  as  well  to  endeavor 
to  check  the  four  Regiments  whicl;  were  intend""  for  this  Province,  as  a  mark  of  disgrace  and 
Punishment  to  New  York  for  the  conduct  of  her  General  Assembly  last  Session.  The  pay  of 
these  Troops,  who  are  embodied  for  live  months  from  May  last  is  placed  to  the  account 
of  this  Province 

The  Communication  through  the  Province,  and  I  understand  through  the  Continent,  are 
stopt.  Every  traveller  must  have  <;  Pass  from  some  Committee,  or  some  Congress.  We  are 
therefore  extreemly  in  want  of  more  frequent  Communication  by  Water  to  Boston  As  General 
Haldimand  is  well  informed  of  thp  biilitary  operations  on  this  Continent,  I  beg  leave  to  refer 
your  Lordship  to  him  (or  particulars.  And  to  Coll  Morris'  &  M'  Watts*  for  the  true  State, 
Sentiments,  &  desperate  Situation  of  this  once  happy,  but  now  distressed  Country 

I  am  with  the  greatest  respect  My  Lord 

Your  Lordships  most  obedient  Servant 

Earl  of  Dartmouth  W"  Tkyon 

'  Colonel  RooEB  Mohbm  wu  born  in  EiigUnd  28tli  J«uuary,  1717,  »nd  obUintJ  a  CapUincy  in  tho  48th  Foot,  IStli  S«p- 
temUer,  1745.  Artnji  Lin,  17(i8.  His  roKimeut  l-.ayint;  been  orJerod  to  accompany  the  aipedilioii  unJor  Bra.Wock,  Captain 
Morrie  was  appointed  one  of  the  General'*  Aid  J«  t  i>in|)«  and  waa  wounded  in  the  engagement  of  the  Hth  July,  1766,  on 
the  bunke  of  the  Monon^ahula.  In  17.'.7  he  aorTi' !,  with  his  rcKiment,  in  the  expedition  under  Lord  Loudon.  On  lUth 
January,  1758,  ho  inarri.d  Mary,  daiij;bter  of  Frederick  I'liilipi-e,  .f  Yonkem,  Weslcliesler  county,  N.  V.,  and  in  Fubru  »ry 
followiiiit,  purchased  a  majority  in  the  35th  Foot,  wit!'.  »  d.Uohnient  of  whi.h  ho  did  duty  at  llnlifai.  Ill  Hie  winter  folluw- 
inK  be  wa«  stationed  at  Fort  Frcilcri-',  and  waa  occasionally  detailed  to  chase  the  In.iians  who  harasse.l  the  British  scttleinenU 
in  Nova  Seotia.  Id  1759,  he  aeconipanieJ  Wolfe  in  tli'.?  ■  xpediliun  against  yuebee  and  was  attached  to  the  corps  d'elilc,  th« 
Louisbourg  grenadiers,  with  whom  be  participated  in  the  battle  on  the  I'lains  of  Abrahiini;  Major  Morns  also  performed 
good  service  at  tho  battle  of  f<illery,  2Hth  April,  17fio.  in  which  the  French  defeated  the  Kunlish.  In  May  following,  he  was 
pr..in..t.d  to  I.,.  l.ieutensiitColonclof  the  I7th  Foot  u,  i!ie  place  of  lUl.',  appointed  to  the  iHth  Light  Dragoon^  and  com- 
manded Uie  »d  batulion  lu  the  expedition  against  Montreal  thai  summer,  under  (Jeiieial  Murray,  lie  sold  his  commission 
and  retired  from  the  army  in  Juna,  17114,  when  he  wm  elevated  t«  the  Kxeculive  t'ouncil  ..f  the  Province,  in  which  body  he 
took  his  seat  on  the  6th  December  following.  Coune^l  .Vinulft,  XXV.,  5U4.  UrtTiiig  adhered  to  tha  Crown  In  the  Uevohition, 
bis  nsme  was  included  in  the  New-York  Act  ..f  Attiindei  of  177y.  In  December,  17mI,  Commissary  Oeneral  Hake  ad.lresse.l 
•  letter  U>  LieuU'nant  Colonel  ( Uiver  Dc  Uncey,  AdjuUnl  (icneral  of  the  Ito)  al  f..rce^  accusing  Mr.  Morris  of  "  disloyalty." 
This  letter  was  forwarded  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton  to  (loTernor  KoberUon  anil  laid  before  the  Council ;  but  after  investigation, 
the  charge  was  declared  "fal»n  scandalous  and  malieii.u.."  VouHcit  Miuutf,  X.Wl,  462-4117,  At  tho  peace,  Mr.  Morris 
retir.d  to  England,  whore  he  died  on  the  inth  Septenib»,r,  I7l<4,  aged  77  ,  his  wi.low  survived  him  until  July,  1»25.  Tlivir 
remains  were  deposited  Bear  Saviorgatv  Chiireh,  \-.,rk.  Saryfaul'i  Ktptdilion  o/  UroJ.kKk,  HUB,  noU;  A'aoj's  Uutorieal 
JoHrnal,  I.,  HS,  2l'a,  If! ;  II ,  «!»,  844, 1174;    H'arhurtun§  Omiiiuil  uf  Ciinntit,  11 ,  ;ift4.  —  Fn. 

•  lion.  ,\ouH  Witts  was  the  oldest  sou  of  Kobcrt  \S  atta,  of  liosa  Uill,  near  Ldinburgh,  and  Mary,  oldest  daughter  of  Wm. 
Nicoll.  of  Islip,  U  I     He  was  born  in  Wew  V..rk  on  the  (.ih  of  April,    1715,  ami  in  July,    1742,   married   Ann,   youngest 
daughter  of  Stephti.  Do  Lancey.     In  1747,  he  ae.piired  the  hose  Uill  f..rm,  containing  i.ver  IIKI  acres,  and  which  lay  iin  the 
East  river,  between  2Ist  and  :toth  streets,  and  between  the  4lh  avenue  and  the  water;  he  had  a  smaller  farm  adjoining  on 
tho  woat.    t<ii»n/ia.'»  //i.<ory  of  A'ns  •  Tort.  3H2,  and  map  ann,re,L     His  town  house  was  No.  a  llroadway.      He  r.prt«inUj 
his  native  city  in  the  Assembly  f..r  many  yeara,  and  was  app..inte.l  to  tho  Council  lu  December,  1757,  and  to..k  his  seal  id 
that  bo.ly  In  June.  175S,  dm  ing  tho  ».lmini»lralion  of  his  biolher-in  law,  LioiiteiiantHovornor  Do  Lancey.   AVir  •  >or*  ('..«Mi< 
MiHUli.,  \\V..  211.     He  continued  a  member  of  the  Council  until  tbe  4lh  May,   1775,  when  he   r'tired  to  F.Mgl.nd,  two 
months  after  which  ( :i  July.  1775  )  lie  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  his  wife      In  October.   17711.  he  was  attainted  by  the  Wgia- 
lature  and  his  property  confls<aUd ;  but  on  the  l.t  July,  17N1,  the  t  .    iinis,.i..neni  of  Korfeitureo  for  the  Hoiiiheru  District  of 
the  Siau  of  New-Vork,  reeotivoyrd  the  moat  valuable  part  of  the  f.,.lH.led  premi.es  tu  hi. -eus  Itobort  and  John,  tho  Utier  of 
whom  afterwards  endowed  willi  princely  liberality  that  noble  iiistiliUnui  i.f  charily,   •'  Vht  Lt-kt  ami  W»lu  OrpMn    l/.ut,' 
.New- Vork.     The  Hon.  John  Walt,  died  in  Wales  in  August,   17Hii,  in  the  (liJlh  year  of  hi*  age.   (/tnlltmaf  Mayiuin,,  LIX., 
7e»,     The  fullowiiiB  are  the  name*  of  hi*  children;  Itobort  m.  Lady  Mary  Aleiaiider;  Anne  m.  (apt.  ArehiKalJ  Konnedy.  R  N. 
,      —    ^,,,     ..... .     1-1...     ^....^„.  Mj.  r,.l    l'l..li,>  lv...ru.v     Mar»  'u.  Sir  John  JuliB«>u  ;  BlepliW  Di.  Utrj  Nugeni  autl 

Hargarot  m.  Cut  Robert  Uak.v  I)t  I'tgittr  Utnmlomi,  I.  IS-  —  ••"■ 


Sir 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV.  591 

K(irl  of  Dartmouth  to  Governor'  Ih-yon. 

[  Now- York  P.pon  ( 8.  P.  0. )  CLX VII.,  No.  81.  ] 

Whitehall  S"-  July  1775 

I  have  already  in  my  dispatch  of  the  first  instant  said  every  thing  to  you  that  was  necessary 
in  consequence  of  what  passed  at  New  Yorit  upon  the  Intelligence  that  was  received  of  the 
affair  in  the  neighhourhood  of  Boston  on  the  ]!)"'  of  April. 

The  advices  which  we  have  lately  received  contain  the  fullest  evidence  that  all  America, 
Quebec,  Nova  Scotia,  Georgia,  &  the  Floridas  excepted,  is  in  arms  against  Great  Britain, 
and  that  we  have  to  encounter  an  unnatural  Rebellion  that  menaces  the  subversion  of 
the  Constitution 

In  this  situation  it  is  the  Kings  firm  Resolution  that  the  most  vigorous  efforts  should  be 
made  both  by  Sea  and  Land  to  reduce  his  rebellious  subjects  to  obedience  and  the  proper 
measures  are  now  pursuing  not  only  for  augmenting  the  army  under  (;eneral  Gage  but  also 
for  making  such  additions  to  our  Naval  strength  in  North  America  as  may  enable  Admiral 
Graves  to  make  such  a  disposition  of  his  Fleet  as  that  besides  the  Sijuadron  necessary  for  the 
New  Knglond  Station  there  may  be  seperate  Squadrons  at  New  York  within  the  Bay  of 
Delaware,  in  Chesapeake  Bay  and  upon  the  Coast  of  Carolina. 

Aaer  what  has  passed  there  can  be  no  doubt  what  ought  to  be  the  Plan  of  Operations  for 
the  Squadron  upon  the  New  Kngland  Station,  and  I  think  it  necessary  to  acquaint  you, 
for  your  own  information,  that  Admiral  (iraves  will  be  instructed  to  exert  the  most  vigorous' 
efforts,  ftr  suppressing  the  Rebellion  now  openly  avowed  &  supported  in  that  Country  and  to 
seize  &  detain  all  ships  and  Vessels  belonging  to  the  Inhabitants  thereof,  such  only  excepted 
na  are  the  property  of  Persons  who  are  friends  of  Government  &  have  shewn  an  attachment 
to  the  Const  it  ution 

There  is  still  some  Room  to  hope  that  the  Colonies  to  the  Southward  may  not  proceed  to 
the  same  lengths  with  those  of  New  Knglnnd.  it  is  however  His  Majesty's  intentions  that  the 
Commanders  of  the  separate  Squadrons  I  have  mentioned  should  be  instructed  to  prevent  all 
Commerce  between  the  Colonies  within  their  respective  stations  and  any  other  places  than 
(ireat  Britain  Irelnn<l  and  His  Majestys  Islands  in  the  West  Indies  That  ih.-y  should  receive 
on  Board  and  give  protection  to  any  odicers  of  the  Crown  who  may  be  compelled  by  the 
violence  of  the  People  to  seek  for  such  an  Asylum  and  to  proceed  as  in  the  Case  of  n  Town 
in  actual  Rebellion  against  8Mch  of  the  sea  port  Towns  being  accessible  to  Ihu  Kings  Ships, 
as  shall  hereafter  offer  any  violence  to  the  Kings  ofliceri  or  in  which  any  Troops  shall  bJ 
raised  or  military  works  erected,  other  than  by  His  Mnjestys  authority,  or  any  attempts  made 
to  seize  or  plunder  any  public  Magazine  of  Arms  or  Amuiuuition 

With  regard  to  the  plan  of  operations  to  be  adopted  by  (ieneral  (hige  it  must  depend  upon 
his  own  Judgment  and  the  opinion  ol  the  able  (Jenerals  with  him,  and  therefore  I  have  only 
to  add  that  it  is  His  Majestys  express  command  that  you  do  exert  every  endeavor  and  employ 
evpry  means  in  your  power  to  aid  and  support  him  and  Admiral  (Jraves  in  all  such  operations 
as  they  may  think  pro|)er  to  undertak..  for  carrying  the  Kings  orders  into  full  execution  and 
restoring  the  .uilliority  of  His  Majestys  Government. 


mm 


592 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Mirl  of  Dartmouth  to  Colonel  Ouy  Johnson. 


I  riuUUona  eeneni  (  B.  P.  O.  i  COLXI.  ] 


Whitehall  6.  July  1776. 


Sir, 


I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  17'*  of  March,  N"  7  and  have  laid  it  before  the  King. 

The  present  state  of  attairs  in  His  Majesties  Colonies,  in  which  an  unnatural  Rebellion  has 
broke  out  that  threatens  to  overturn  the  Constitution,  precludes  all  immediate  consideration 
in  the  Domestic  concerns  of  the  Ind"  under  your  protection ;  nor  it  is  to  be  expected  that 
any  measure  which  the  King  may  think  fit  to  take,  for  redressing  the  injuries  they  complain 
of  respecting  their  lands,  can,  in  the  present  moment,  be  attended  with  any  effect.  It  will  be 
proper,  however,  that  you  should  assure  them,  in  the  strongest  terms,  of  His  Majesty's  firm 
resolution  to  protect  them  and  preserve  them  in  all  their  rights ;  and  it  is  more  than  ever 
necessary  that  you  should  exert  the  utmost  vigilance  to  discover,  whether  any  artifices,  are 
used  to  engage  them  in  the  support  of  the  Rebellious  proceedings  of  his  Maj'"'*  subjects,  to 
counteract  such  treachery,  and  to  keep  them  in  such  a  state  of  affection  and  attachment  to  the 
King,  as  that  his  Maj'"  may  rely  upon  their  assistance,  in  any  case  in  which  it  may  be 
necessary  to  require  it. 

At  the  same  time  it  will  be  very  proper  that  you  should  collect  together,  and  state  to  me  in 
the  fullest  manner,  the  different  subjects  of  complaint  referred  to  in  the  several  conferences 
you  have  held  with  them,  and  that  you  should  report  your  opinion,  by  what  means  those 
grievances  may  be  effectually  redressed,  and  all  ground  of  discontent  removed  ? 

1  am  ettc. 

Dartmouth. 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  luirl  of  Dartmouth, 

I  Naw-Tork  r>|>«n  (B.  P.  O. )  CLXVtI.  ] 

New  York  7'*  July  1775 

My  liord 

In  the  delicate  state  of  my  health  and  public  situation,  &  it  being  very  probable  I  may  be 
either  taken  Prisoner,  as  a  state  Hostage,  or  obliged  to  retire  on  board  one  of  His  Mnjestys 
Ships  of  War  to  avoid  the  insolence  of  an  inflnmcd  Mob,  you  will  see  the  expediency  of  my 
humble  request  to  His  Majesty  for  discretionary  leave  to  return  to  England  and  that  it  may  be 
lent  out  to  me  by  the  next  Packet ;  was  1  to  remain  three  four  or  five  months  on  board  the 
■hip  on  Salt  Provisions,  in  my  biliious  Habit  of  Body  I  should  afterwards  have  but  little 
prospect  of  complealing  the  voyage,  the  King  may  be  assured  I  will  make  no  wanton,  hasty, 
or  improper  use  of  such  (Jrace,  and  if  I  find  I  cannot  stay  in  my  (iovernment  will  resign  my 
Commission  as  Covernor  on  my  arrival  in  Kngland.  Hut  should  Hii  Majesty  have  the  least 
wish  to  recall  me,  1  shall  most  cheerrtilly  and  obediently  submit  to  His  lloyal  Will  Your 
Lordships  good  offices  in  obtaining  for  me  the  above  request  will  greatly  oblige  my  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  Servant 

Karl  <rf  Uarlmoutli  VV"  Uyoh 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


593 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  New- York  Papen  (  3.  V.  O. )  CLXVII.,  No.  4.  ] 

My  Lord  ^'"^  ^"'"'^  ^"'y  '*  ^^^^ 

The  Mayor  &  Corporation  of  this  City  having  come  to  a  Resolution  to  present  an  address 
to  me  a  copy  of  which  was  left  with  me  by  the  Mayor  the  3''  Instant,  I  appointed  yesterday  to 
receive  it.  About  ten  in  the  morning  the  Mayor  came  to  me  to  acquaint  me  he  had  an  order 
from  the  Provincial  Congress  forbidding  the  Corporation  to  wait  on  me  with  their  address. 
An  order  carrying  so  much  personal  Insult  to  the  Kings  Governor  and  so  derogatory  to  the 
liberties  of  the  Citizens,  I  told  him,  I  hoped  would  not  be  regarded  by  the  Corporation, 
and  that  they  might  reconsider  the  propriety  of  their  wailing  on  me  ifter  they  had  left  the 
copy  of  their  address,  and  that  I  would  be  at  home  this  day  at  twelve  o'clock  to  receive  it. 
Accordingly  the  Mayor  waited  on  me  with  the  inclosed  apology  from  the  Corporation,  I  then 
ordered  him  to  deliver  to  the  Corporation  when  assembled  the  answer  I  had  prepared  to  their 
address  as  the  best  means  to  convey  it  to  the  citizens,  since  the  situation  of  public  affairs 
forbad  them  to  wait  upon  me  The  address  and  answer  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  transmit! 
The  intimidation  and  apprehension  under  which  the  Mayor  &  Corporation  have  acted  on 
this  occasion  is  a  melancholy  evidence  of  the  impotence  of  Ilis  Matys  Officers  and  Ministers 
of  Justice  in  this  Province  and  of  the  Dispotic  Power  with  which  Congresses  &  Committees 
can  controul  any  body  of  People  among  the  Inhabitants  of  America 

I  am,  with  great  regard  My  Lord 
Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  Servant 
Earl  Dartmouth  YV"'  Tkvon 


Enclosure  M"  1. 

To  Hit  Excellency  William  Tryon  Esquire  Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Cheif  of  the 
Province  of  New  York  and  the  Territories  thereon  depending  in  America  and  Vice 
Admiral  and  Chancellor  of  the  same 

The  Humble  Address  of  the  Mayor  Aldermen  &  Commonalty  of  the  City  of 

New  York 

May  it  please  your  Excellency. 

We  wait  on  you  Sir,  to  congratulate  you  on  the  better  establishment  of  your  health  and  to 
bid  you  welcome  to  a  people,  who  from  the  rectitude  of  your  administration  could  not  part  with 

you  without  the  deepest  regret,  and  whomust  therefore  receiveyouagain  with  all  that  confidence 
of  safely  and  protection  which  the  experience  of  your  virtues  and  abilities  can  inspire 

Would  to  Heaven  that  an  event  so  honorable  to  you  us  this  fresh  mark  of  the  King^ 
npprobnlio  really  is  and  which  is  so  acceplablo  to  us.  hud  found  us  in  a  condilion  more 
propitious  to  your  felicity,  (or  even  amidst  the  complicates!  distresses  of  .his  melancholy  hour 
we  feel  an  nddition  to  our  Greif  from  the  unfriendly  aspect  of  the  times,  upon  the  happin^?*  ivg 
sincerely  wish  you  (u  enjoy. 

Vol.  Vlii.  7ft 


594 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


-r.' 


a 


To  whatever  causes  the  suspension  of  the  Harmony  once  subsisting  between  tlie  parent 
state,  and  lier  colonies,  may  be  imputed  be  assured,  8ir,  that  we  sigh  witii  the  utmost  ardour 
for  the  reeslablishni'  of  the  common  Tranquillity  upon  that  ancient  System  of  (Jovernmenl  and 
intercourse  which  has  been  such  a  fruitful  source  of  general  I'rosperity  and  opulence 

It  is  with  alHiction  we  behold  a  nation  as  renowned  for  wisdom  as  for  valor  involved  in  n 
civil  War,  in  which  disloyalty  in  His  Majestys  American  Subjects  to  their  I'rince,  or  want  of 
affection  to  their  mother  country  constitute  no  part  of  the  unnatural  Controversy,  and  we 
trust,  under  a  merciful  (Jod,  in  the  aid  of  your  intercession  with  His  Maty,  for  a  speedy 
termination  of  those  hostile  animosities  of  his  contending  subjects,  which  undermine  the 
power  and  threaten  the  destruction  of  the  empire. 

The  above  is  a  copy  of  the  address  whicli  was  intended  to  be  presented  to  his  Excellency 

Gov'  Tryon  by  the  Corporation  of  the  City  of  New  York  and  which  I  delivered  to  him  on  the 

S"*  July  1775  by  order  of  the  Common  Council 

WaiTGiiEAO  lIicKs,'  Mayor. 

N"  2. 

In  Provincial  Congress  New  York 

July  fl*  1776 

This  Congress  b'-i'i;-  informed  that  the  Corporation  of  the  City  of  New  York  intend  to 
address  His  Excellency  Governor  Tryon.  liesolved  that  tho'  this  Congress  entertain  the  highest 
Respect  for  Ilis  Excellency,  yet  it  will  be  alltogelher  improper  for  the  said  Corporation,  or  any 
other  Body  corporate  or  individals  in  this  Colony  to  address  His  Excelleni-y  at  this  most  critical 
Juncture  — Uesolved  also  that  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  this  Congress  Do  forthwith  serve  his 
worship  the  Mayor  with  u  copy  hereof 

A  true  copy  from  t1ie  Minutes 

Uoii'  Uensdn  Secry 

The  above  Copy  of  an  order  was  served  on  me  the  day  of  the  date  thereof 

WiuTHiiKAi)  Hicks  Mayor. 

'  WiHTKiiEAii  llii  Rs,  tilt  .'lilest  ■nil  of  Tlionmn  mi.l  Miirpirot  IIii>k»,  wim  Imrii  kt  riiiKliiiiK,  I,,  I.,  Auwiisl  '24,  17'2H,  ami  liiiiin 
ilostiiif.l  liT  liisfnllicr  for  llic  It-Rnl  proffMioii,  receivcil  a  fji'oj  |irc|.iiintory  eiliioAlioii,  iifliT  wlui'li  lii>  wk«  plncpil  im  n  Ktuiliiit 
ill  llu'oflice  of  tlu'  lion  Williiini  Smitli,  wlicii-  lie  Imd  fiT  liu  HpW'oiBten  Willimii  Siiillli.  .luiiior,  tho  liinlorimi  of  N«w  York, 
»nJ  ullorwiiriU  Chiel  Jinliof  of  Uiwt-r  CiinnJii,  niiil  Willlmii  I.ivinmton,  n  tcrwuriU  (Jovi-rnor  of  Now  .li'rti-jv  Mr.  llickt 
win  mlmitti'it  to  tlifi  bur  Oct  22.  17&0  (  XneVdrk  Commiuioni,  111,  Bllft),  mnl  imiiiclinloly  oiiUri-d  iipon  tliu  |ir«otlco  of 
Uic  Ihw  III  llio  oilv  of  .Niw  York,  wher«  lin  Dirt  Willi  «ill  iii.'n^ril  •ui'o<'»\  null  nliiinil  willi  bit  cotfinpor.iried  in  tlii'  li»«t 
biiniiu'i'i"  of  liiK  profoMioii.  Ho  ro»i'  in  •  f»w  y<'Hr«  lo  tlic  lii)jli,i.l  nink  lit  tlic  Imr  of  llif  »ii|H'rior  i!oiirl»  of  lln'  proviiii'e,  ami 
wiui'ilfi'iiU'l  ill  n  »|'«ci«l  miiiiiiir  for  llii' iiit.'rfiily  iiikI  coiirli^fv  wliuU  ilii>tiiiKiii>li>''l  lii»  |>rofi-««ion»l  «iul  |MiTiitc  ooiiiliict 

Oil  12lli  Miircli,  17£p2.  In-  wiin  iip|ioiiitr.l  cl.rk  of  lli,.  .•oiiiily  of  U\ I'N  lunl  lirM  thai  "in iiilil  2Htli  IVI.rnarv,  17.'i7.    Ann- 

Yurk  Cummisnoni,  VI,  2a,  llN,  In  (tftoliir  fi'llow  ini;  lii>  iiinrr.cd  <liiiilollii,  (.nly  cliiM  of.lohn  llr.'voort-  In  ( ictDlMr,  I7rt«, 
he  •nopi'wli'd  Mr.  Oruir.'r  m  Mayor  of  Itio  ("ily  of  N»w  York,  and  oonliiiiKd  in  llml  oMi.-.-  till  1  llli  Iclirunry.  177rt,  wlii-n  l,a 
rMi)(nml  on  Iwiiig  B|iiiointcd  one  of  tli<  juduM  of  tlio  Sii|irim«  t'oiiit  of  llii'  Coliiny  (  AW-  York  t'ominmuiin,  VI.,  1H4,  \M  ), 
and  llic-t-upoii  rctiiid  with  liin  fiiiiiily  l»  Jainaioa,  wlii-ra  l.v  ri'inaiiifd  a  frw  inontliK,  wlii'ii,  lii'  fnllier  d)  inn,  Iik  look  puui  mioii 
of  tho  palrimony  iit  H«>-«idf.  KliuhinK,  and  ih.  n-  ipiiit  tho  riMiiaiinler  of  lila  lifo.  It,  in  lioliovcd  thai  h«  wan  primlidy  in 
favor  of  indpp«ud«ipp,  hut  timid  in  di«p.)"ili.in,  and  liiddiiiK  an  iiiiportant  jndii-ial  offlcp  niidfr  rf«nl  anthorily,  In"  coiioliid»J 
to  rciiiain  !>il"iil 'in  political  niatloi>  wliil,.  Iiix  onulioiH  pni.lonco  .M|ually  provi'nivtl  ni«pioion  and  ill  treatment  from  both 
parti««;  i"  euiiae.pieiwe  of  which,  hia  peiKon  niid  properly  were  iiinndei.led,  ]'<.l  '■■■  W8«  Dot  witli.iiil  appr,  lien-ion  that 
hii  n.'Ulralily  iniKbl  incur  tho  lepiilalion  ot  favoriiiMil  to  one  piirly.  or  hoalilily  I  ,  I  other.  Thi«  "liiln  of  apprehciimon. 
which  wai  wholly  iniaL'inary,  produeid  Hub  an  eircci  upon  ii  eoinlilnlion  imlmiil!,<-  .  vcit«blc,  that  il  avidenlly  baatcned  bia 
(l«aUi,  whieh  took  pUee,  (letoi'  ■.  17i*(i,  and  «at  a  loil.j.ct  of  the  lui'nt  uiii».'r.!>l  ngret.  '/'Avn/iMll't  Uittory  «J  iMftg  Itlanil, 
VoL  U  ,  611,  wboati  error*,  buw>  '*.•,  »t\>  corrseloU  fruiii  oilii ml  xoiiuaa,  -    r  ■ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


N"3. 


The  Mayor,  Al.lermen  &  Commonulty  of  the  City  of  New  York  in  Common  Council 
convened,  present  their  most  respectful  complimenta  to  His  Kxcellency  iioV  Tryon,  heg  h-ave 
to  assure  him.  that  it  was  their  intention  to  congratuhite  him  on  his  Bafe  arrival,  a..<l  testify 
their  regard  tor  him  by  an  humble  address  a  Copy  of  which  was  left  with  Elis  Kxcellency  the 
0'"  Instant,  since  which  they  have  had  reason  to  think,  that  any  a.ldress  from  any  public  body, 
presented  at  this  critical  Juncture  would  occasion  a  dissatisfaction,  not  from  a  Disregard  to 
His  Kxcellency.  hut  from  the  present  troubles  of  the  times  Tliey  therefore  humbly  beg  His 
Excellency  will  excuse  their  not  waiting  on  him  to  day  as  was  proposed,  llattering  themselfs 
that  His  Kxcellency,  will  waive  such  a  publick  Testimony  of  their  Ksteem  for  the  reason 
above  mentioned 

By  order  of  the  Common  ('oiincil 

New  York  July  G-  1775.  ^'''^"'"^^  VV.nTK„K.u  Hicks.  Mayor. 


N»4. 


of 


The  Oovernors  Answer  to  the  address  of  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  &  Commonalty  of  the  City 
New  York,  delivered  to  the  Mayor  to  be  laid  before  the  Corporal" 


(ienlieinen 

I  receive  with  satisfaction  your  congratulations  on  my  return  to  this  Country,  and  obliging 
nsHurances  of  your  aflectiouate  regard  from  my  former  Ifeshh-ncc  among  you  and  your 
continued  conlideiice  in  me  at  this  melancholy  crisis  of  public  allairs,  already  carried  to  an 
extreem  much  to  be  lamented  by  every  good  man  and  well  wisher  of  his  King  and  Country 

I  confess  my  disapiiointnient  at  the  change  of  Circumstances  in  this  (..•overnmcnt,  and  feel 
the  weightiest  distress  at  the  present  unfriendly  aspect  of  the  Times  — Kong  H.-sidence  in  the 
Colonies  and  a  happy  experience  of  repeated  friendships  have  as  it  were  naturalized  me  to 
America,  &  bound  me  while  I  remained  in  Kngland,  faithfully  to  represent  the  loyalty. 
Sentiments  &  situation  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  Province,  and  to  support  their  Inter.'sts  with 
my  best  endeavours.— At  the  same  time,  my  Mreast  glowing  with  an  ardent  zeal  for  the 
Honor  of  my  Sovereign  and  atreclion  for  my  native  Country,  I  was  induced  to  embark  again 
for  'his  (iovernmeiit  cherishing  the  pleasing  hope  of  b.'ing  able  to  contribute,  in  some  small 
degree,  the  hastening  the  (leneral  wish  of  the  Nation  for  a  speedy  and  happy  reconciliation 
between  (ire:it  Mritain  and  her  t^olonies 

If  there  can  be  a  'J'imt!  when  it  would  be  wisdom  and  Humanity  to  listt  n  to  the  calm  and 
dispassionate  voice  <if  reason  and  moderation  it  surely  must  be  at  present.  1  w  ish  to  enibritce 
the  Idea  that  neither  Disloyalty  in  His  M.ijcstys  Ameri.'an  subjects,  or  disallcction  to  their 
mother  country  coiistilule  any  part  of  the  present  unnatural  controversy,  liut  that  the 
('ontention  flows  from  a  mere  misconcepiion  ol  constitutional  principles 

The  I'arliamcnl  in  their  IJcsolution  of  tlie  •J7"'  of  Keliriiary  have  made  the  first  utlvance  to 
n  measure  of  accommodalicm.  It  would  surely  be  glorious  in  the  Ain.'ricans  to  avail 
themselveg  of  8o  important  an  opportunity  in  so  noiile  a  cause.  In  the  present  moment  were 
America  to  liberalo  the  restraints  she  has  laid  on  her  i;ommerce&  constitutional  authoritv.  and 


596 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


!l 


5  i 


through  her  Provincial  Assemblies,  grant,  suitable  to  the  ease  of  their  circumstances,  supplies 
to  the  mother  Country  for  the  protection  of  the  whole  British  State.  1  am  coofident  in  my 
own  mind  the  controversy  would  fall  to  the  (Jround  and  that  many  Acts  of  conciliating  Grace 
would  be  extended  to  America  by  Great  Britain,  which  National  honor  cannot  suffer  to  have 
torn  from  her  by  violence.  1  am  acquainted  in  a  Dispatch  from  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth, 
that  tho  the  memorial  &  llepresentation  of  the  (General  Assembly  of  this  Province  were 
unfortunately  blended  with  expressions  containing  claims  which  made  it  impossible  for 
Parliament  consistent  with  its  Justice  and  Dignity  to  receive,  yet  the  Petition  to  the  King  has 
been  presented  to  His  Majesty  who  was  pleased  to  receive  it  with  the  most  gr-tcious 
expressions  of  Kegard  and  attention  to  the  humble  requests  of  his  faithfull  subjects  in  New 
York  and  I  am  authorized  to  say  that  nothing  can  give  greater  satisfaction  to  the  lloyal  Breast 
than  to  see  us  again  a  happy  &  united  People 

W"  Tryon 


I'i5"' 


4~- 


S!i, 


^rl  of  Dartmouth  to  Colonel  Guy  Johnson. 

[  rikDUUoiii  Oeuenl  (  H.  1*.  O.  )  OOLXI.  ) 

Whitehall.  24.  July  1776. 


I  have  already  in  my  letter  to  you  of  the  S"-  inst:  hinted  that  the  time  might  possibly  come 
when  the  King,  relying  upon  the  attachment  of  His  faithful  Allies,  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians, 
might  be  under  the  necessity  of  calling  upon  them  for  their  aid  and  assistance  in  the  present 
state  of  America. 

The  unnatural  rebellion  now  raging  there,  calls  for  every  effort  to  suppress  it,  nnd  the 
intelligence  His  Maj'J'  has  received  of  the  Ilebells  having  excited  the  Indians  to  take  a  part,  and 
of  their  having  actually  engaged  a  body  of  them  in  arms  to  support  their  rebellion,  justifies  the 
resolution  His  Mnj"  has  taken  of  requiring  the  assistance  of  his  faithful  adherents  the  six  Nations. 

It  is  therefore  His  Maj"'"  pleasure,  that  you  do  lose  no  time  in  taking  such  steps  as  may 
induce  them  to  take  up  the  hatchet  against  his  Majesty's  rebellious  ubjects  in  America,  &  to 
engage  them  in  His  Maj''"'  service  upon  such  plan  as  shall  be  suggested  to  you  by  General  Gage 
to  whom  this  letter  is  sent  accompanied  with  a  large  assortement  of  goods  for  presents  to  them 
upon  this  important  occasion. — 

Whether  the  engaging  the  Six  Nations  to  take  up  arms  in  defence  of  his  Maj''"' Government, 
is  most  likely  to  be  etl'ected  by  separate  n  •  Mciation  with  the  (Miiefs  or  in  a  general  Council 
assembled  for  that  purpose,  must  be  left  to  your  judgement,  but  at  all  events  as  it  is  a  service 
of  very  great  importance,  you  will  not  hiil  to  exert  every  eflorl  that  may  tend  to  accomplish  it, 
and  to  use  the  utmost  diligence  and  activity  in  the  execution  of  the  orders  I  have  now  the 
honor  to  transmit  to  you. 

I  nm  ettc. 

Dabtmoutii. 


i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


597 


My  Lord 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  l^krl  of  DarlvxoutU. 

[New-Tork  r«pe«  (H.  P.  o. )  Cl.XVII.,  No.  B.  ] 

New  York  7">  Aug.  1775 


Since  I  had  the  honor  of  trnnsniitting  to  your  Lordship  my  publiciv  Dispatches  by  the  last 
Mail  Colonel  Skeene'  has  been  taken  through  this  Province  under  a  military  (Junrd  The 
Detachment  from  Philadelphia  delivered  him  to  the  Connecticut  Troops  who  conducted  him 
to  Hartford.  While  the  Colonel  was  at  the  encampment  near  this  City  \  sent  my  Secretary  to 
wait  on  him  and  receive  his  commands,  but  he  was  not  admitted  to  an  interview,  supposed 
to  be  owing  in  a  great  measure  to  M'  Lundie,  (who  was  confined  with  Col  Skeene)  having 
made  his  escape  the  evening  before 

Last  week  Capt"  Nordbergh*  who  was  taken  prisoner  at  Lake  George  the  IS"-  of  April  last, 
informed  me  that  the  Provincials  had  taken  about  a  hundred  Cannon  &  some  mortar  pieces  at 
Crown  Point,  which  they  were  mounting  on  Carriages  for  the  purpose  of  converting  them  to 
the  use  of  the  continental  army.  He  also  inform''  me  that  several  armed  vessels  or  Moats  were 
building  and  fitting  out  on  the  Lakes.  The  Captain  also  adds  (hat  he  thinks  the  number  of 
Continental  'I'roopsat  Tyconderoga,  Crown  Point  and  Lake  (ieorge,  may  be  about  three  thousand 

On  the  IS"-  ultimo  a  Boat  belonging  to  His  Majeslys  Ship  of  War  the  Asia  (the  only  Kings 
Ship  now  in  this  Harbour)  under  the  command  ol  Clapt"  Vandeput^  was  seized  and  set  on  Fire 
by  the  Mob.  Tlie  Mayor  and  Corporation  took  up  the  Matter  as  a  high  misdemeanor,  & 
attempted  a  discovery  of  the  perpetrators  of  an  outrage  so  manifestly  contrary  to  the  general 
sense  and  inclination  of  the  Citizens.  At  the  same  time  they  engaged  to  Captain  Vandeput  an 
immediate  restitution,  and  in  that  were  supported  by  both  the  (^ity  Committee  &,  Provincial 
Congress.  The  Boat  when  partly  finished  has  since,  in  the  night  been  secretly  cut  in  Pieces. 
An  other  Boat  I  am  told  is  to  be  built,  and  I  hear  it  is  to  be  secured  against  any  attempts  to 
destroy  it. 

The  Kings  Stores  have  been  fre(|uently  broke  in  upon,  and  some  carried  away.  The  Keport 
of  M'  Stevens  the  Keeper  of  the  Kings  Stores  will  best  explain  this  matter  to  your  [.ordship 

Part  of  the  Connecticut  Troops  are  gone  to  Albany,  as  will  the  Ifcginient  raised  in  this  city 
in  a  few  days,  tho'  at  present  in  possession  of  both  the  upper  and  lower  Barracks 

Eleven  companies  ol  Ilillemen,  consisting  of  about  one  hundred  men  each,  with  Ammunition 
from  the  Provinces  of  Pensilvania,  Maryland  and  \irginia  have  lately  passed  thro'  this  Province 
crossing  over  Hudsuns  Itiver  at  New  Windsor  in  their  march  to  the  I'rovincial  Camp 
near  Boston. 

'H««  tupra,  p   41(1,  nnle. 

•  John  Norihiiibo  w,i<  ,.,.pol„t.„l    I.ieul^imnt  \n  It.,,  fidll.  fulineiit  'isil.  .luly,   17r,H,  «n<l  w.'rit  <>ii  l.»lf  pay  m  the  p^nre  of 

mil) ;  lio  iikCiiiii  join,..!  III.,  rcg. nt.  •iutli  Mnivli,  ITiKl,  iitiil  l„..'.ime  Ciii.tiiiii  in  Aincrion  Hl.t  AiivfiiKt,  177!!.     !!,■  finiiin,,!  n 

prim-iMT  u.Mil  I),.<.,.„il,..r  \\  UVft,  wli,.|i  il  RpponniiK  to  the  I'rovini.iHl  foliar™  thill  hi.  h..«Uh  w,m  in  .ud.  u  »l,>l,.  hm  th.it 
t.-n.h-rii..M  .n.l  hor.iHMity  ,h.m»mlo.l  hi.  goiiiK  to  (Jr.-iit  Ilrilaii.  for  Ui.^  r..tor«linu  ..f  hin  inipuir,,!  Pon.lilnllo,,,  ,„hI  that  he 

hn.l  with  thn  Ktrict...t  honor  hehaVf.l  lowar.U  tli.<  ii.hahita.it.  of  th..  An„.rlcnn  c ni.H,  hh  u  .ol,ii,.r  himI  ,.  K..„lli.,nan,  h»  waa 

p.TniitU,l,   in  t.,k«n  of  ihoir  r.»p,.ot,  to  proooo.l  I.,  Ennlan.!  with  an.'h  ..f  hi.  .If.H.t-  a.  h..  cho-o  t„  rrmov,.,  an.l  thi.  | pl„ 

w.r«  r«,-.,u,Mi>.n.Kul  not  t..  iolerriipl  him.  JoHm„l  of  the  A>,r.)„r*  J'r.^lnciat  Co«,jr,„,  -JJii.  Jlin  nam.'  app..ar«  in  lh« 
Armii  r.iti  III  1771  for  thn  last  tiino.  -  Ki>. 

'(i«oB<iic  Vaniikitt  »■«•  appoint.Ml  l,i,.Hl..narit  in  the  Uoyal  N,.vy  in  17.'.'.i;  wan  proniot.Ml  to  h.'  ('omni.in.hr  April  17,  1784, 
■nd  t;»ptaiii,  .lunu  *i,  Urtft.     Ilu  oonlinue.l  on  tli«  Anieri.-«ii  iitalion,  in  ><oirmmn.l  of  lh.>  Aniu  until  near  1772.  Jlealtm. 


If' 


598 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


4 
.■■4 


Capt"  Sinclair'  was  taken  up  last  week  by  order  of  the  provincial  Congress  in  his  way  through 
this  City  to  his  Government  in  Canada  and  sent  Prisoner  to  Suffolk  County  on  Long  Island. 
We  have  had  no  intelligence  from  Canada,  and  nothing  from  Boston,  since  the  account  of  the 
action  at  Bunker  Hili  i  i'.\;,;  'm  the  principal  occurrences  of  late.  There  are  other 
Circumstances  dependant  on  report  and  matters  of  opinion  that  I  confess  myself  at  a  loss  how 
to  write  upon.  Evt  ry  thing  is  conducted  in  the  Committees  and  Congresses  with  such  Secrecy, 
and  Reports  are  so  various  &  contradictory  that  scarcely  any  conclusion  can  be  formed  from 
them  they  are  the  Rumours  of  the  Day  and  mostly  founded  in  Fiction  and  misrepresentation. 
The  Gazettes  and  other  Papers  which  accompany  this  Dispatch  it  is  hoped  may  assist  your 
Lordship  in  forming  some  conception  of  the  deplorable  state  of  affairs  in  the  Colonies.  The 
Gentlemen  who  go  passengers  to  Enc'iirid  Ui  the  Packet  from  this  and  some  other  of 
the  Provinces  may  be  able  to  give  your  Lordship  further  information. 

From  the  Military  Manciuvres  and  preparation  already  made  and  making,  the  complexion  of 
the  declared  original  cause  of  contention  between  Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies  seems  to  have 
undergone  an  entire  change.  The  Americans  appear  to  have  lost  sight  of  first  principles  & 
first  causes,  and  have  gone  on  to  adopt  measures  &  prosecute  Plans  of  the  most  determin'd 
opposition  and  resistance,  and  I  Tear  are  fatally  abandoned  to  the  Resolution  of  hazarding  every 
thing  rather  than  to  submit  to  the  principle  of  Parliamentary  Taxation.  Unhappily  therefore, 
my  Lord  constrain'd  to  adhere  to  my  former  sentiments  on  this  subject,  I  would  with  the 
greatest  defference  submit  it  to  the  wisdom  and  Beneficence  of  His  Majesty  and  His  Ministers 
whether  it  might  not  be  expedient  in  compassion  to  the  unhappy  prejudices  of  opinion  and  wild 
delusion  of  His  Majestys  American  subjects  to  hold  forth  some  further  conciliatory  measures 
and  also  to  grant  a  Repeal  of  the  duties  on  Tea.  It  would  be  removing  the  original  ostensible 
cause  of  discontent  and  greatly  abate  the  early  prejudices  among  the  Populace  and  Peasantry 
of  this  Province.  Five  or  six  thousand  or  more.  Regulars  being  then  sent  to  New  York, 
supported  by  three  or  four  regiments  of  Americans  which  I  am  confident  might  then  be  raised 
in  this  Province  &  the  Jerseys,  the  authority  of  His  Majestys  Government,  now  entirely 
prostrate  through  the  Colonies  might  at  least  be  reinstated  in  this  The  influences  of 
Committees  and  Congresses  receive  a  check  and  a  '"ody  of  the  'V-ople  brought  to  a  sense 
of  duty  and  Allegiance.  The  embodying  of  a  few  Regiments  of  Americans  upon  the  same 
establishment  with  His  Matys  regular  Troops  I  apprehend,  my  Lord,  might  be  followed  with 
the  happiest  effects,  actuated  by  a  sense  of  duty  as  well  as  allured  by  the  Rewards  of  offices 
&  appointments,  for  I  would  recommend  that  the  officers  of  the  Regiments  so  raised  should  be 

'  I.ipat^nant-Goiieral  I'ATRirK  Sinclair  <>iitori'(l  the  nnny  a«  «ii  Knsi^n  in  tlie  Btcoml  Ijattalioii  of  the  12(1  lliijlilanders  in 
Octolier,  nss,  anil  sorvcil  the  foUowiii);  year  ap;niiist  (iimilaloupe,  in  tin-  West  IllJie^  where  he  was  wounded.  lirownt'i 
Highland  Clann,  1  V.,  100,  10;i.  lie  served  n.'Xt  in  A'lHTiea,  where  ho  wa-  iiromoted  to  a  I.ieulenaiiey  27th  .luly,  KfiO.  On 
the  regitn.Mit  lieini;  ordered  to  the  WeBt  Imliis  in  Oelolier,  1761,  Lieutenant  Sinclair  eselmngwl  into  the  I.llh  Foot,  and 
continued  to  mrve  in  Aineriea  until  17iW,  wlim  thai  ie|{lmeiit  relnnied  to  Dn^land.  lu  April,  1772,  he  was  jironioted  to  n 
company,  and  tliereupon  apj  ed  for  leave  to  '!onie  haek  to  America,  hut  .(juld  not,  it  seems,  perfeet  the  arranpeinent  ;  ..lid 
he  sold  out  or  retired  in  1773.  The  Knijliuli  noverBinent  hnviiii;  resolv,,!  on  employing  the  Indians,  Captain  Siiulair  was 
appointed  Lieutenant  Governor  and  Indian  Superintendent  at  .Miehiliinakin  i«,  but  on  laiulinj;  at  New-Vork  was  miminoned 
before  the  I'rovineiul  (.'onttress,  li  August,  177.'>,  by  whom  ne  was  sent  u  pri«(Uier,  on  parol,  to  I.oiit!  Ishuid,  where  he  remained 
until  Mareh,  1770,  when  ho  was  allowed  to  return  to  Europe.  In  April,  1780,  he  was  appointed  Captain  in  the  B4tU 
or  ni({hl»ud  Kiiiigrants,  on  duty  in  Canada,  with  peniiia.ilon  to  retain  lii»  rank  in  the  army,  in  which,  in  June,  1782,  he 
became  Major,  and  retired  on  half  pay  in  178.1.  On  12th  October,  IV'Jii,  h'l  became  Lieutennut-Colonol,  and  on  the  2iUh 
.IttiiuBiy,  n9>j,  was  promoted  to  be  Colonel  in  the  army  ;  in  Si^pteniber,  1803.  he  lieeaine  .Major  (iencral ;  Lieut enant-Oeneral  on 
2.1lh  July,  1810;  and  was  ihu  oldest  l.ieutenant-tieiieial  in  the  army  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  182ii.  Ann;) 
Lilt);  Journali  of  Xtw-Yiirk  I'ruvincial  Vongrets,  1  ,  lUO,  3JU ;  II.,  y7,  17.0;  4  .■l»i«rKim  .IrcAiec*,  V.,  102,  ii.')2,  IliU3. —  Ki'. 


u 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV. 


599 


nominnted  by  the  Governor,  and  at  reduction  both  Oflicers  and  men  have  the  same  bounty  as 
under  the  Royal  Prochimalion  in  1703)  many  would  enter  into  the  Service  who  by  their  influence 
and  Connections  would  divide  the  opinions,  excite  the  Jealousies  and  weaken  the  Confidence 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  America  among  themselves,  with  a  facility  &  in  a  Degree  moat  probably 
superior  to  any  other  measure  wiiatever. 

A  Body  of  Troops  in  this  Province  with  a  strong  Naval  F-.rce,  seems  highly  necessary  and 
important  as  it  niiglil  check  a  disposition  in  some  of  the  Americans  evidently  verging  towards 
an  independancy  it  also  would  occasion  a  division  of  the  Continental  Forces  and  extend  the 
awe  of  His  Miijestys  arms  more  generally  through  the  Colonies.  For  permit  me  to  assure 
your  Lordship  that  the  influence  and  terror  of  His  Majestys  Forces  at  Boston  has  hitherto  been 
very  little  felt  at  this  place  and  it  must  necessarily  be  still  less  in  the  Colonies  further  Southward 

Conflned  within  so  very  limited  a  prospect  of  rendering  His  Majesty  the  least  service  in  my 
civil  Capacity  here,  and  being  frequently  informed  it  will  be  my  lot,  will  all  other  Crown  oflicers, 
to  be  led  captive  to  Hartford  as  hostages  for  the  good  treatment  of  any  prisoners  General  Gage 
may  take  1  most  humbly  request  my  Sovereign  to  grant  me  discretionary  leave  of  absence 
from  my  Governmeut  or  to  recal  me,  as  his  Majesty  in  his  wisdom  shall  think  most  proper. 

I  am  with  the  greatest  Respect 
My  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  Servant 

Earl  of  Dartmouth  Wm  Tuvon 


Report  of  Mr.  Franci.a  Stephens,  Storekeeper  of  His  Mojestijs  Ordnance. 

[New-York  Papon  (S.  P.  O.)  CLXVIl.] 

Memorandum 

On  Wednesday  the  12'"  Instant,  between  the  hours  of  9  &  10  oclock  at  night,  being  at  the 
house  of  M'  Banyar,  in  the  neighbourhood,  The  Clerk  of  Stores  came  and  acquainted  me, 
that  a  number  of  men  with  side  Arms  &c,  had  got  over  the  Fence  of  the  shot  yard,  and  were 
breaking  open  the  several  doors  of  the  Armory,  Store  house  aini  those  of  the  Artilii.rs  shops 
whereupon  I  immediately  repaired  to  the  front  doors  of  the  two  first  ment"  places,  and  on 
hearing  a  great  noise  proceeding  (rom  their  ransacking  the  premises,  Instantly  called  upon  M' 
Alderman  lirewerton  acquainting  him  therewith  and  requested  his  interposition,  but  he  replied, 
as  an  individual  he  could  by  no  means  render  me  any  assistance,  and  in  that  fase  advised  me 
to  wait  on  the  Mayor,  which  I  accordingly  did,  but  he  was  not  in  Town.  I  then,  in  my  way  to 
the  Governors  met  with  Capt"  Thos.  VV"  Moore  who  had  the  command  of  the  Guard  appointed 
to  preserve  the  Peace  of  the  City  &  to  whom  I  communicated  the  above  &  entreated  his 
assistance  in  order  to  put  a  stop  to  the  Felonious  proceedings  of  a  number  of  armed  men  who 
were  carrying  oH'  his  Majestys  Stores,  as  also  some  of  i.  i  own  private  property,  &  which  I 
conceived  was  his  Duty  to  protect,  soon  after  tiapt"  Moore  came  down  to  the  Storehouse,  and 
brougl't  with  him  a  party  of  armed  Men  who  with  myself  went  in  amongst  the  people  that 
were  committing  the  depredations  aforesaid,  demanding  by  what  authority  they  presumed  to 


coo 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I. 


carry  off  the  Kings  Stores  when  some  of  them  replied  to  M'  Moore — Thnt  it  was  by  order  of 
their  Colonel  Ritzma  they  came  there,  and  did  what  they  had  done,  upon  this  Captain  Moore 
told  them,  That  no  persons  whatever  had  a  right  to  order  them  to  act  in  that  manner  and 
advised  them  to  disperse  which  they  soon  did  after  carrying  off  several  Drums  a  considerable 
number  of  Iron  Ram-Rods  and  sundry  other  articles  of  His  Majestys  property.  Two  hours 
alter  they  were  gone  namely  about  2  oclock  in  the  morning  a  considerable  number  of  the 
Connecticut  Forces,  supposed  to  be  upwards  of  a  hundred  came  to  the  Store  Houses  afore 
mentioned,  where  they  continued  untill  nigh  day  light,  rummaging  &  ransacking  every  place  & 
carried  off  such  articles  as  they  thought  proper. 

Thursday  the  ]  3""  about  8  oclock  in  the  evening,  Francis  Staple,  the  person  who  has  the  care 
of  Turtle  Bay,  came  to  Town,  and  informed  me  of  the  following  particulars  (Viz')  that  about  3 
oclock  this  afternoon,  a  Sloop  came  from  New  York,  there,  and  run  along  side  the  Wharfe,  and 
was  met  by  a  party  of  the  Connecticut  Troops,  supposed  to  be  about  fifty  men,  who  put  on 
board  the  said  Sloop  (as  near  as  he  could  well  guess)  about  five  Hundred,  24  pounder  Round 
Shot,  Fifty  10  inch  &  like  number  of  Cohorn  Shells.  They  likewise  broke  open  the  Storehouse 
took  out  the  Major  part  of  what  remained  there,  such  as  sand  Bags,  empty  Boxes  &'  and  then 
went  off:  The  same  night  about  half  past  9  oclock,  a  company  of  armed  [men]  came  to  my 
dwelling  house  &  demanded  admittance,  pretending  that  they  had  received  certain  intelligence, 
of  a  number  of  small  arms  being  concealed  in  the  upper  apartment  of  said  house,  and  as  such 
was  determined  to  be  satisfied  by  searching  the  premises,  which  was  accordingly  done,  to  their 
great  disappointment.  They  then  requested  of  me  the  Keys  of  an  other  Store  House  which 
they  said  had  not  as  yet  been  examined  into,  observing  that  the  arms  must  of  course  be 
certainly  there  &  notwithstanding  my  utmost  endeavors  to  dissuade  them  to  the  contrary 
They  violently  broke  open  the  Doors  of  the  same  &  robbed  it  of  the  following  articles  (Viz' 
Two  Brass  Pettards,  some  Tents,  I'owderhorns,  nails  Ballast  Baskets  &  many  other  things 
which  at  present  is  by  no  means  in  my  power  to  particularize 

New  York  21"  July  1775 
(Signed)         Francis  Stephens 
Storekeeper  of  His  Majestys  Ordnance 


List  of  a  General  Committee  for  Xeto-Yorh. 

[New-Tork  r«po«(8.  r.  0.)CLXVII.] 

List  of  a  General  Committee  for  the  city  and  County  of  New  York  chosen  the 
1"  of  May  1775. 


'■f 


1.  Isaac  Low 

7  Isaac  Sears 

2  ['hilip  Livingston 

8  David  Johnson 

3  James  Duane 

9  Alex'  M"^Dougall 

4  John  Alsop 

10  Thomas  Randall 

6  John  Jay 

11  Leonard  Lispenard 

6  I'el"^  V.  B  Livingston 

12  William  Walton 

13  John  Broom 

14  Joseph  Hallett 

15  Gabriel  II.  Ludlow 
IG  Nicholas  Hoffman 

17  Abraham  Walton 

18  Pel'  Van  Schaack 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


19  Henry  Remsen 
80  Peter  T.  Curtenius 

21  Abraham  Brasher 

22  Abraham  I»  Lott 

23  Abraham  Duryee 

24  Joseph  Bull 

25  Francis  Lewis 

26  Joseph  Totteii 

27  Thomas  Ivers 

28  Hercules  Mulligam 

29  John  Anthony 

30  Francis  Bassett 

31  Victor  Bicker 

32  John  White 

33  Theophilus  Anthony 

34  William  Goforth 

35  William  Denning 

36  Isaac  Ilcosevelt 

37  Jacob.  Van.  Voorhees 

38  Jeremiah  Piatt 

39  Comfort  Sands 

40  Robert  Benson 

41  Will-  W.  Gilbert 

42  John  Berrien 

43  Gabriel.  W.  Ludlow 

44  Nicholas  Roosevelt 

45  Edward  Fleming 

46  Lawrence  Embree 


601 


47  Samuel  Jones 

48  John  Delancey 

49  Fred<^Jay. 

60  William  W.  Ludlow 

61  John  B  Moore 

63  Rudolphus  Ritzind 

63  liindley  Murray 

64  Lancaster  Burling 

65  John  Lnsher 

66  George  Janaway 
67.  James  Beekman 
68  Samuel  Verplanck 

59  Richard  Yates 

60  David  Clarkson 

61  Thomas  Smith 

62  James  Desbrosses 

63  Augustus  Van  Horn 

64  Garrat  Keteltas 

65  Eleazer  Miller 

66  Benjamin  Kissam 

67  John  Moran  Scott 

68  Cornelius  Clopper 

69  John  Read 

70  John  Van  Cortiandt 

71  Jacobus  Van  Zandt 

72  Gerardus  Duyckinck 

73  Peter  Goelet 


74  John  Marston 
76  Thomas  Marston 

76  John  Morton 

77  George  Folliot 

78  Jacobus  Lederts 

79  Richard  Sharp 
SO  Hamilton  Young 

81  Abraham  Brinkerhoff 

82  Benjamin  Helme 

83  Walter  Franklin 

84  David  Beekman 

85  William  Seton 

86  Evert  Banker 

87  Robert  Ray 

88  Mich'-  Bogert  (Broadway) 

89  William  Laight 

90  Samuel  Broom 

91  John  Lamb 

92  Daniel  Phoenix 

93  Anthony  Van  Dam 

94  Daniel  Dunscomb 
96  John  Imlay 

96  Oliver  Templeton 

97  Lewis  Pintard 

98  Cornelius  P  Low 
9!)  Thomas  Buchannan 

100  Petrus  Byvaiik 


OJkers  bela,iging  to  a  Battalion  of  Independent  Foot  Companies  in  New.Y<yrk  City. 

[  New.Tork  P.p^n  (  S.  P.  O. )  CLXVir.  ] 

A  Battalion  of  independant  Foot  companies  in  the  city  of  New  York 
John  Lashier  Colonel 
Edw-i  Flemming  L'  Col 
Andrew  Stockholm  Major 
I'hilip  Brashier  Adjutant 
Will"'  Leary  Serj'  Major. 

Gremulicr  Company— Uniform  Blue  with  red  Facings 

JcK  Lashier  Capt"  Abraham  Brashier  2"  Lt. 

W.llmu.  Hyer  I"  Lt.  Abra.  Van  Dyck  3-  do. 

Vol.  VIH.  ^g 


a,  '» 


602 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


til 


lav 


^J 


Fuzillcrs — Blue   Red    Facings.     Bearskin   Caps.     A  Brass   Plate   on   their  Caps     Word 
Fuziliers.     Do  on  pouch.     Word  Fiizilicrs     round  it,  Sains  ynindi  niprftna  Lex  est. 
Ric""  Ritzema  Capt"  Andrew  Lott  2^  Lt. 

Henry  G  Livingston  1"  Lt  James  Van  Zandt  S"*  do. 

German  Fuziliers  —  Blue  red  facings  Silver  Lace,     Bear  skin  Caps,  White  Plates  German 
Fuziliers    a  Star  of  tin  above 


Sibastin  Beaumont  Capt" 
Thomas  Leonard  1"  Lt 

The  Union. — Blue     Red  facings 

Sam'  Broome  Cap'" 
Will"  Malcolm  1"  Lt 


Peter  Grim  J'  S*  Lt 
3*  do 


John  Labeauteaux  S""  Lt 
Thos  Hazard  3''  do. 


Si>ortsman  Companij.    Green,  Crimson  Facings.     Small  round  Hats 

Abra.  P.  Lott  Capt"  James  Beekman  2''  Lt 

Abra.  Van  Wyck  1"  Lt.  Theop'  Beekman  3"^  do 

The  Corsirans—  short  Green  Coats,  Small  round  Hats  Cock  on  one  side.     A  Red  Hart  of  Tiu 
with  the  words,  God  and  our  Right,  round  the  Crown  Libcrti/  or  Death 

Edw*  Flemming  Capt"  John  Berrian  S"*  Lt. 

Nidi'  Roosevelt  I"  Lt.  Fred.  Depeyster  !"•  do 

Fred  Jay.  S**  do 

The  Bold  Forresters,     Short  Green  Coats  small  round  Hats,  one  side  up     the  word  Freedom 
on  a  Brass  plato  on  F'ront    Hatchetta  on  their  Backs 


James  Alner  Capt" 
Marine?  Willett  1"  Lt. 

Light  Infantry     Blue,     fled  Facings 

Andrew  Stockholm  Capt" 
William  W  (ijlbert  1"  Lt. 


James  Moore  S**  Lt. 
James  Jarvis  3''  do. 


John  Wyley  2''  D" 
Vireer  Van  Zant  3''  do. 


Oswt'go  Ihingrrs.  Blue  Coats,  Small  round  Hats  Brass  Plate  against  the  Crown  words  on 
it  Ihmigo  Rangers 

John  Rosowelt  Capl"  (ierardus  Dychinck  2''  Lt 

CI  as'  Dickson  I"  Lt.  Abra  Miisier  3'"  do 

All  White  under  Cloallis  half  Caters  and  Black  Garten 

Rangers.  Green  Coats,  Bufl'  Facings  &  under  Cloaths  While  Stockings  Black  Garters  & 
half  (Jaters.  [This  Company  was  formerly  Adolphus  Philips's.  Have  not  Joined  the  Battalion 
as  there  is  a  Dispute  about  Kank  ] 

Chrisf  Hanker  Capt"  Peter  Kollletas  2''  do 

Christ'  Benson  l"  Lt.  Philip  Lot  a*  do. 


'  •  ■  y 


i^'ord 


rman 


Tia 


.ONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV, 


1«  Company  of  iio(/«/  Artillery     Blue  Red  facings  White  under  Cloat!is  &c 
have  not  joined  the  Battalion  as  they  have  not  yet  got  their  field  Pieces] 
Sam'  Tudor  Capl"  John  Davan  3''  Lt. 

James  Seagrove  Capt"  Lt.  Nicholas  Bogart  4"'  Lieut. 

Isaac  Heron  S**  Lt. 


603 
[This  company 


New  Companies  raising 
S""  Company  of  Artillery 

Anthony  Rutgers  Capt" 
I'atrick  Dennis  1*  Lt 
Thos  Ivers  2''  do 


Christ'  Miller  S-"  Lt. 
Anthony  Griffith  i""  Lieut' 


John  Woodward  Capt° 
Abra.  Livingston  1"  Lt. 

llangcrt.'— Green  Stuff. 

James  Abeel  Capt" 


Jeremial  Wool  S*"  Lt. 
William  Hannah  a")  do. 


'^ 


edom 


R  on 


rs  dc 

ilion 


[CondJential] 


Governor  Tryoa  to  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth. 

[  New-York  I'«riri  (  S.  V.  O.  )  II.XVII.  ) 

New  York  Aug*  T^  177 i 


My  Lord 

Tho'  your  Lordship  must  from  all  (iunrters  be  informed  of  the  revolted  and  hostile  State  of 

America  You  n.i.y  not  possibly  he  aniuainled  how  far  some  of  those  who  now  exercise  t*-- 
usurped     I'owers    of    (iovi-rnnu-nt    evidently    mean    to    pursue    their    dnngero;^*    denigns. 

ndependency  is  shooting  from  the  root  of  the  present  contest ;  it  is  confidently  said  if  (;reat 
Britain  does  not  within  six  months  adopt  m^m^  new  plan  of  a.-commodation  the  Colonies  will 
be  severed  (mm  her,  as  lo  a-.y  «y«tem  of  solid  and  general  Union  ;  that  the  standard  of  Freedom 
and  indepeiulency  may  be  erected  on  this  Continent,  when  all  those  who  have  not  taken  an 
active  part  in  the  Commotions  (tho  inimical  to  the  principles  of  Parliamenlary )  taxation  will 
tall  a  s,.cri(ioe  to  the  resentment  of  their  l^ulers.  ami  their  Kxlates  confiscated  to  defray  in  part 
the  expence  of  the  civil  War.  at  the  same  I'eriod  it  is  belcived  the  I'orts  of  America  will  be 
declared  free,  and  the  Powers  of  L.iropo  invited  to  Cm  .raiitee  the  Independency  of  the  Colonies. 
It  IS  also  wlii«p,.rcd.  propositions  have  been  made  for  that  purpose,  ami  that  a  I' rench  officer  of 

distinction  was  at  I'l elphiu  n  few  weeks  ago  on  some  important  embassy.     Large  siipplye. 

o!  Ordnance,  arms  and  anim.miiion   have    been  procure.!  from    llispaniola  ami   Maritineco. 

Calumilous  as  this  conduct  must  prove  lo  (I onf. rate  Colonies.  The  cluif  Wiihrs  seem 

determined  to  drive  on  their  iiieaHures.  I  s ,1.1  howevr  do  ^reat  injustice  to  Ameri.a;  were 

I  to  hold  up  an  i.len.  that  the  Bulk  of  it,  inhabi.ants  wishes  an  In.lepen.lcncy  I  am  satisfied 
(n.,t  to  a.,Hw..r  for  our  Ivi.tcrn  neighbours)  a  very  h.rge  majority  particulariv  in  this  Province 
are  utter  ciu'inie.  to  .uch  a  principle  hut  the  (ireal  Affliction  is.  tlie  American  fri.nds  of 


■J 


604 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Govcrmnent  m  general  consider  themselves  between  Scylla  mu\  Chnryl.dis,  that  is  the  dread 
of  1  arl.amentary  Taxation  and  the  Tyranny  of  their  present  Masters.  Could  the  first  prineipal 
be  moved  out  of  the  way  His  Majesty  would  probably  see  America  put  on  a  less  deternm.'d 
complexion  notwithstanding  sharp  Struggles  I  beleive  would  be  made  against  the  operation  of 
8ome  Bnt.sh  statutes  extended  to  America,  yet  many  would  be  drawn  from  the  confederacy 
to  the  support  of  (Jovernm'  ^ 

Should  the  principles  of  (^overnm-  now  overturned,  not  be  soon  reestablished  but  the  present 
mternal  convulsions  be  carried  to  the  extremities  suggested,  it  may  be  a  question  on  what 
foundation  the  future  settlement  of  North  America  may  rest ;  unhappily  at  present  I  am  without 
any  public  line  to  walk  on;  That  some  plan  may  be  fixed  for  the  settling  this  melancholy 
contention  must  be  the  ardent  wish  of  every  friend  of  humanity. 
I  am  with  all  due  respect 

My  Lord 

Vour  Lordsiiips 

Most  obed'  humble  Servant 

W'"  TllYON 


Governor  'lhj<yn  to  the  luirl  of  Dartniouth. 

I  Now-Tnrli  l'.p,.r.  i  «.  V  i), )  cl.XVll.,  No.  «.  ] 

My  l.urd  '^''"'  ^'"'•^  •'"■  A"B-  >"« 

I  detained  the  Packet  one  w^ek  in  expectation  that  (Jenernl  Cage  might  sen.!  his  DespMtches 
in  that  tune  lor  (Jovernment.  A  Transport  arrived  last  night  in  this  Harbour  from  Boston 
with  »  letter  to  me  from  the  General  of  the  Is-  of  last  month  with  th-  Communication  that 
nothing  had  bappene.i  since  the  alfair  of  Bunker  Hill.  The  (ieneral  Kays  '.  He  should  think 
"  It  1.0  dilhcult  matter  to  get  provisions  sent  to  them  but  finde  every  ho.ly  shy  of  nn.lertakinK 
••  .1  In  the  present  stale  of  aHa.rs  it  is  impnuticable  to  obtain  any  to  be  sent  to  Boston  from 
his  ort  while  (he  IVnalty  „f  even  the  attempt  is  forfeiture  of  aliip  and  Cargo,  as  in  M'  Van 
V  leeks  case  published  in  the  New  York  (Jnzelte 

The  inclose.1  secret  intelligence  came  to  this  Town  the  C,'^  L.stant  from  tha  Comman.lii.K 
othcer  of  the  I'rovincial  Troops  at  Tyconderoga.  In  conse<,uence  of  which  yester.lay  the 
Regiment  raised  by  M'  M'Dougal  le.l  this  Town  for  Albany.  A  Duplicate  of  this  infor.nation 
I  shall  forward  to  (ieneral  tiage  as  worthy  of  his  Notice 

I  am  with  the  greatest  respect  k  esteem 
My  Lord 

Your  Lordshipi 

. ,     ,    ,  _  .  most  obed'  Servant 

Lari  of  Dartmouth  „,_  „, 

W"     I  UVON. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


605 


SiTH't  IiUelligcnco  ()"'  Aug.  177ft. 

■    '^\  ^7r  "^"H!"   '''?"'"    "'"'*"   "'"    ^•'""""""'    "'■    ^'""1    M'l><."«lf.    <.r,i..n.,l    to    .nurol. 
•»......I.ately  (or  1  y.-on<U.ro«a.  wlu-n  joiru..!  l,y  „,..,  ,1,o„h„„.1  Ifill.,  M..„  will  anu.m.t  at  U-anl  to 

t hnu,  tl.„u«an.I  ...on.    TIu-bo  to  lH.joi,H..i  l,y  tour  tlmuHan.l  Now  KM^lan.!  Korc.-,  to  K... .v«u« 

Itrnn  hall  the  CniiadmiiH  having  proiniBcd  to  join  thoBo  FoncB. 


rn^ceedin.jf,  of  the  Commimoners  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonie.s  with  the  Six  Nation.: 

[  •■  MMM^IiuHtU  llliliirlMl  Oiilldi'ltiiin,  v.,  III.  ] 

(MTinaii  FlatH,  'l"ticH(iay,  Aug.  I  ft,  I77r). 
At  a  meeting  with  the  saclieuis  and  warriora  of  Iho  Six  NationH  ut  thia  place. 

Pkusknt—  Volk.Tl  1'.  Donw,  Vm\.  ) 

Tiirbot  Francis,  Ks<|.      p  " 

The  following  8|H'fcli  was  duliviirtul  by  (^ol.  Francis 


ninnHHiomtrH. 


Urcthron  of  the  Six  Nations  altciid. 

Wo  nc<,Maini,.,l  yon  ycntcniay  Cro.n  wlx-nc.  wo  cann..  and  l.y  whoH.-  authorilv  :  nan.Hv  l.v 
the  nu.horuy  ol  tho  Twolvo  llnit.Ml  Coloni.-H  dwlling  n,.on  thin  iHland  of  Ann-rica  Wo 
uc,|ua.n.,Ml  yon  that  wo  wrro  two  imthooh  of  livo  appoinlcl  i.y  |1,..  TwHvo  Uni.rd  Coloni.-H 
now  m...  ,n  conn.il  at  I'lnladclphia.  to  invito  yon  down  to  Albany,  where  yon  n.ay  ..xrcc.  to 
nicl  onr  other  Ihreo  brethren,  uppoinled  to  act  in  conjnn.-iion  with  un.  When  we  .neei  von 
our  brethren '.f  the  Six  NaliooH  and  your  allies,  at  Albany,  wo  will   rekindle   .he  conncil-liro 

which  onr  nnceHtor.  and  yours  formerly  ki d  up  at  .hat  place,  and  there  si.  down   and 

conveTHo  together  upon  the  preHen.  «itnation  o(  the  Twelve  llni.ed  Colonies,  an.l  dis.lose  .o 
you  the.r  nnnds  thereon.  We  have  in.por.an.  matters  to  comn.nnicale  ,o  you.  ..ur  bre.hren 
of  the  Six  iVatu^ns,  an.l  your  alli..s,  which  .Munol  be  .liHclos.-.l  until  (be  nH.„..d-|i,e  be  knolle.l 
up  at  Albany,  and  wo  aro  in  full  asacnibiy. 

Hrethreii, 

Wo  ..bm.rve  that  ...any  of  onr  brelbr..,.  o.  tho  Six  Nations  ar h.-ro  pres.-nl ;  an.l  as  it  is 

the  w.«h  of  tb..   I  w..|ve  I  Jni.e.i  (^.lonies  that  .hero  ...ay  be  a  general  n ting  of  their  brethren 

...'.ri.T'f  o'" ,"'."'" ";'""':'  ''"'""■■" "" ""' '""''  '•'"* ""•  '""■"•■'"■""" "' " >■■  ^'"'  •"--••■.  <"  •'  '."t  ,1,.. 

.:r::l:;rr;r:,^:r;;:r"::;r\:;i::::— 

n..l.,.S.,l,„jrl..r.  M^„r  J...,,,l.  H,w|,y,  Mr  Turl.,..  Fr....,i^  Mr.  ..I,v..,  W,, ,  „„,  .«,    v„lfc«.l  .■   iL'       'n        , 

::2rt;r!;:;:;,s;;t::-;;:;;,i-:;,:";-; ;•: ;.....;..::::...':;::.  ,:;::ri 

"""■-"•  -- - ".  "■ -  - '-».;;::. Ji;:r  ■;T:iL:,;;,rri:.:,:r. t.. r;i. '■' 


606 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


wn-' 


•pUP 


of  the  Six  Nations,  we  their  lieputies,  in  their  names,  beg  you  would  send  to  all  these  absent 
brethren  of  the  Six  Nations,  and  invite  them  to  come  down  and  sit  at  the  council  fire  at 
Albany,  that  they  may  hear  from  us  the  sentiments  of  their  brethren  of  the  Twelve  United 
Colonies. 

Brethren, 

We  now  inform  you  that  your  brethren  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies  have  sent  you  and 
your  allies  a  token  of  their  love  and  friendship,  which  is  now  at  Albany,  and  which  we  shall 
deliver  to  you  at  that  place.  ^  String. 

Brethren, 

As  our  friends  and  your  allies,  the  Caghnawagas,  and  the  seven  towns  upon  the  river  St. 
Lawrence,  live  at  a  great  distance,  and  have  not  yet  had  an  invitation  to  come  down  to  the 
council-fire  which  we,  the  deputies  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies,  will  kindle  at  Albany,  wo 
beg  your  assistance  in  forwarding  an  invitation  to  them;  and  wish  you  would  immediately 
appoint  four  or  six  of  your  most  active  and  sensible  men,  who  may  be  relied  on,  to  transact 
the  great  and  important  business  which  they  will  have  in  hand.  A  Belt. 

Brethren, 

As  many  mischievous  and  ill-disposed  persons  may  attempt  to  raise  up  in  your  minds 
sentiments  that  are  unfriendly  to  your  brethren  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies,  we  beg  you 
will  shut  your  ears  and  fortily  your  minds  against  any  such  evil  ai.d  false  reports;  and  if  any 
such  liars  and  deceivers  should  appear  among  you,  and  attempt  to  poison  your  minds,  bo 
assured  they  are  as  much  your  enemies  as  the  enemies  of  your  brethren  of  the  Twelve  United 
Colonies  together,  and  which  is  now  going  to  be  made  stronger  at  All-uny,         A   Belt. 

To  this  Kanagliquaesa,  an  Oneida  sachem,  replied.. 

Brother  Solihoany  and  our  Albany  Brother,  Commissioners  from  the  Twelve  United  Colonies, 
You  have  now  opened  your  minds.  We  have  heard  your  voices.  Your  speeches  are  far 
from  being  contemptible.  But  as  the  day  is  far  Kprnt,  we  defer  a  reply  til!  lo-morrow,  as  we 
are  weary  from  having  sat  long  in  council.  We  think  it  time  for  a  little  drink  ;  and  you  must 
remember  that  the  Twelve  United  Colonies  are  a  great  body. 

German  Kl.it.s,  Kith  August,  1775. 

The  council  having  again  assembled,  Tiahogwando,  an  Oneida  sachem,  addressed  himself 
OS  follows. 

Brother  Solihoany  and  our  Albany  broilier,  attend. 

We  are  now  assembled  at  the  (iernian  h'h.l.s,  ,it  which  pla.v  you  kindled  up  a  council-fire, 
and  yesterday  c:ill-d  us  i..g/tlier,  and  ac(|uainle'l  us  (rom  wlience  you  came  and  by  whose 
authority,  — namely,  by  that  of  the  Twelvu  United  Colonies,  and  you  opened  your  business  to 
US.  Itrothers,  now  attend.  'I'hrongh  the  merry  of  Co.]  we  are  brought  to  ti'iis  day,  and  the 
Six  .Nations  are  now  in  lull  a.-  i-mbly  at  this  |.lace,  where  we  snu.kc  a  pipe  in  friendship  and 
in  love.  We  are  glad  to  hear  your  voices.  You  are  come  in  the  name  of  the  Twelve  Tnited 
Colonies  to  invite  us  down  to  Albany  to  a  council-fire  of  peace.  Vou  .l.-sire  we  should  all 
attend  with  our  coiilederaten,  us  you  say  the  council-fire  tlal  is  to  be  kindled  up  at  Alltanv.  is 
of  much  importance.  IJrotliers  we  Ihnnk  you  (or  (hie  invitation;  it  meetf  with  tuir  entire 
approbation.     Were  we  are  of  every  tribe  in  the  .<iv  \,iiions;  it  hliall  hedone  an  you  have  said. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


G07 


Brotliers, 

You  have  desired  that  all  our  confederates  should  receive  this  invitation.  This  cannot  be 
done  short  of  one  year,  as  we  extend  very  far,  and  could  not  posHihly  call  the  extremities  of 
our  confederacy  ,o  t  us  intended  meeting.  But  possess  your  n^inds  in  peace.  When  this 
Congress  ,s  over,  and  the  council-fire  raked  up.  we  shall  acquaint  all  our  allies  with  what  has 

Brothers,  attend. 

Yesterday  yon  said  that  you  were  sensible  our  confederacy  exten<Ied  to  Caghnawaga,  and 

he  .Seven    Inl.es  upon   the  river  8t.   Lawrence,  that   it  would   he   very  agr^>ahle   for  your 

brothers  (rom  that  quarter  to  attend  this  great  council-fire  .o  he  kindled  at  Albany  by  order  of 

e    Twelve    Lmted  Colonies;  and    that    it    was    the    desire  of  your   brethren    of  all    those 

1  rovmces,  that  they  should  attend  together  with  us. 

Brothers, 

You  therefore  desired  our  assistance  to  forward  this  your  belt  of  invitation  to  the 
Caghnavvagas  and  the  Seven  Tribes  in  that  quarter.  Brothers,  possess  your  n.inds  in  peace. 
We  the  hix  Nations  are  put  to  dilbculty  to  grant  this    e,,uest. 

We  are  very  much  embarrasse.l  for  this  rea.mn.  The  man  is  now  there  who  will  vex  your 
minds,  and  never  consent  to  their  coming  down,  and  will  draw  hard  upon  their  minds  another 
way.  Hrothers,  possess  your  min.is  in  peace.  We  of  the  Six  Nations  have  the  minds  of  the 
(-aghnawagas  and  the  Seven  Tribes  in  that  quarter.  At  our  certral  cou.uMl-h-  ..se  when  this 
took  place,  they  addressed  us  of  the  Six  Nations  in  the  following  manner:  You  are  better 
capable  of  mr.mtaining  peace  than  we  are;  therefore  we  deliver  up  our  minds  to  you.  For 
these  reasons  we  advise  you  to  reconsider  your  petition  to  us,  seeing  we  are  so  embarrassed 
we  cannot  grant  it.  IVrhaps  you  will  say  lu  us  when  your  intended  ccuncil-fire  shall  be  over. 
Brothers,  n  ,  you  of  tli-  Six  Nations  acquaint  all  yuur  confederates  and  allies  of  what  luia 
passed  at  this  council-fire  of  r  ',u-v  ;  and  this  we  shall  do  with  great  care  -,ud  exactness.  Now, 
brothers,  you  see  we  are  eu.  .arrassed ;  and  therefore  give  you  this  advice. 

'v^  .1,;    I-  \   V        ■  .  ^clt  return^.  J. 

I  o  this  Col.  h  raijcis  answered. 

Brethren  of  the  Six  Nations, 

It  gives  lis  a  great  deal  of  uneasiness  to  find  you  cannot  at  present  convey  this  belt  to  our 
'  "ids  in  Canada.     We  have  heard  your  reasons,  and  are  sorry  to  find  one  of  our  bloo(!  is 

nirea.ly  there deavoring  to  draw  their   minds  from  us.  when  we  mean  nothing  but  peace 

towards  them.  As  there  are  a  great  many  Knglishmen  in  Canadii.  we  know  not  who  you 
mean.     We  shall  therefore  he  glad  to  have  the  particular  man  pointed  out. 

To  which  Abraham,  a  Mohawk  sachem  replied. 

Brothers, 

We  take  it  for  granted  that  you  all  know  the  very  man  we  mean,  as  we  said  he  was  of  your 
Moud.     We  see  no  necessity  of  pointing  him  out  more  explicitly. 

Tiahogwando,  (he  Onmidngo  sachem,  then  spoke  again. 


608 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


'i 


Brother  Solilionny  niui  our  Albany  brotlier, 

We  take  it  for  granteil  you  have  called  us  to  n  council  of  pence  and  entire  friendship  ;  and 
you  have  taiten  U8  by  the  iiand.  As  there  are  men  of  difTcrent  minds,  and  some  may  be  illy 
disposed,  we  desire  you  will  admonish  your  own  people  that  they  offer  us  no  abuse  in  the  way 
down  to  your  council-fire  of  peace.  If  this  caution  should  be  neglected,  some  misfortune 
might  happen ;  as  all  people  do  not  meet  so  much  like  brothers  as  formerly,  on  account  of  the 
present  situation  of  afliiirs.  It  would  be  unhappy  if  our  council-fire  should  be  crushed  by  any 
misciiiei-mnkers.  We  have  given  you  this  caution,  that  wiiile  we  are  marching  along  in  pence 
and  quietness,  we  might  not  be  alarmed  by  a  blow  struck  in  our  rear.  W«!  therefore  desire 
you  wt)uld  begin,  even  at  this  council-fire,  to  publish  your  adinonilions  to  unwise  and 
ungovernable  people.  Hy  this  belt  we  declare  to  you,  our  brothers,  that  the  road  is  as  open 
for  passing  and  repassing,  and  free  from  all  embarrassments  through  the  Six  Nations,  as  it  has 
been  for  a  long  time.  Therefort  we  desire  that  wo  may  have  the  same  open  road  dowu  to 
your  intended  council-fire  at  Albany. 

To  which  Col.  Francis  made  ilic  following  answer. 

Brethren  of  th'-  Six  Nations, 

By  this  belt  you  dcjire  that  we  may  clear  the  road  to  Albany,  that  none  of  our  people  may 
injure  you.  The  i oad  shall  be  as  clear  for  you  to  go  to  Albany  as  it  is  for  us  to  go  to  the 
country  of  the  Six  Nativis.  The  Twelve  United  Colonies  have  given  us  great  power  over 
the  while  people.  Wo  u  ,'1  appoint  white  men,  who  speak  your  language,  and  love  your 
nations,  to  see  you  safe  down  to  .\lbany,  and  to  provide  provisions  for  you  on  the  way.  We 
shall  set  out  for  Albany  to-morrow  morning,  to  prepare  matters  for  kindling  up  the  ijrent 
council-fire  there. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Commissioners  for  trans.icting  Indian  alTairsin  the  northern  department, 
held  at  Albany  on  Wednesday,  the  iill''  August,  l??."). 


Present — 


(Jen.  Schuyler. 
Col.  FranciB, 
Mr.  Douw. 


Resolved,  unanimously,  that  the  Indians  of  the  Six  Nations  be  invited  to  receive  our 
congratulations  on  llieir  safe  arrival  here  ;  that  it  be  at  five  o'clock  this  afternoon  ;  that  the 
committee  of  the  city  of  Albany  and  the  principal  gentlemen  of  the  place  l)e  rc(niesled  to 
accompany  the  Commissioners  ;  and  Hint  the  folic. ving  letters  be  wrote  for  that  purpose  to  the 
chairman  of  the  committee. 


Albany,  23'*  August,  1775. 
(ieiitlemen, 

Your  generous  exertions  to  support  the  Americnn  cause  against  the  nefarious  schemes  of  a 

wicked  and  profligate  ministry,  the  propriety  with  which  you  have  conducted  those  Indian 

afliiirs  that  have  become  the  subject  of  your  consideration,  a  consciousness  that  without  your 

aid,  and  that  of  gentlemen  of  the  town  conversant  in  those  matters   the  important  business  of 

the  ensuing  confereBr*  cannot  be  so  ptoperly  conducted  n»  our  zeal  for  the  service  makes  us 

wish,  are  so  niaay  wotivei  which  point  out  to  us  the  neceisity  of  cnlling  on  you  and  those 


LONDON  D(XJUMKNTS:    XLV. 


COO 


fi....tl.-monforyo»ra,daml„.lvic.,j  which  wo  entreat  you  will  give  u«  without  n.H.rv.s  ""-l 

ho  asHur..   that  ,t  w.li  1,.,  „tt..u.l...l  to  wi.h  all  that  .MW.nc.  that  i«  .lue  to  your  n-H.Jtahle 

o.iy  an.i  to  ih.Mr  goo.I  ju.lgnuM.l.     W.-  propo.,  ,o  pay  a  visit  .Ihh  aC-ruoon  at  li v«  oVIock  to 

r.  «  ...-.a hh.  a  t.o.ly  w.l    groatly  a.l.i  to  tho  .•umplin...utary  viai,  w.,  n.oau  .o  pay    h.m.     Wo 
.hall  Ko  iron,  (,ar,wr.«hfH   and  «hal|  uk.-  it  as  a  favor  if  cho  «e„ll..n,..„  of  the' town,  who  nr« 
not  of  tho  couitnille.',  would  h,.  pl.-am-d  to  go  with  us. 
We  aro,  gi-nthunen,  with  groat  reaju-ct, 

Voiir  nioBt  hiimhio  sorvautH, 

I'.  Srinrvi.KU, 
Vol.KKHT    I\    Doiiw, 

To  which  the  committee  returned  the  following  answer.  '^'""""''"  '''"^~''"" 

(lentlemen, 

Your  polite  invitation  for  ua  to  join  i„  paying  a  complimentary  vIhII  to  the  In.lianH  thi, 
urteruoon  at  five  o  clock  we  accept  of.  and  Hhall  for  that  purpone  attend  at  CnrlwrighfH  ut  tho 
hour  appointed.  "^ 

Wo  arc.  genllesntn,  you    most  huinhle  Bervanls. 

Hy  order  ol   the  (•(mimitlee. 

AnitAriAM   Yatkh,  .In.   Clunnnan. 


The  snchemn  nn.l  warriors  of  (he  Six  Nation*  heing  assen.hle.i.  the  Commissioner.,  attended 
hy  the  committee  and  principal  gentlemen  of  the  city  of  Alhauy.  met  them,  and  addressed 
them  as  follows. 

Brethren  of  the  Six  Nations. 

We.  the  deputies  appointed  hy  the  Twelve  I  ;nited  (Colonies,  the  .ieseendants  of  (iuedar.  and 

he  gentleuHM.  of  the  city  of  Alhany.  cougralulale  you  on  your  arrival   here.     They  are  glad 

to  see  you  well,  at.d  thank  the  great  liud  that  he  suffers  us  to  meet  in  love  an.l  frien.lship.     Wo 

now  u.vte  you  (o  take  „  .jrink.  an<l  smoke  a  pipe  with  us;  an.l  we  propose,  if  you  are  ready. 

to  procee.i  to  husinexfl  tht  day  after  to-morrow.  ^  String. 

'I'o  which  Kauaglup/uesik  replied: 

That  they  were  glad  t us  ;  that  ih.y  (hanked  (Jod  that  we  n.et  in  love  and  friendship; 

and  that  they  woul.l  cheerfully  take  u  drink,  and  smoke  a  pipe  with  us.  and  would  he  ready 
to  proceed  to  husiness  on  the  day  which  we  were  pleased  to  a,.poinl  h.r  that  p.irpose. 

Thursday  Kvening,  AugUHl  '2\,  1775. 
A  deputation  of  Sachems  from  the   Six    Nations  having   desired    a   conference    with    the 
.oni..:,Hs.on.-rs.   they   were   lucordingly  met  at  CartwrighCs   Tavru    hy  (ieneral    Schuyler, 
(-oh.nel  Francis.  Colonel  Wolcott,  and  Mr.  Douw. 

When  Senghnagenral.  a,,  Ouei.la  Sarhei .formed  the  Commissioners  that  th.7  had  heen 

'•" •'""'"  '"  ''"«  •""••'"'«.  I'y  invitation  from  tho  Committee  at  Alhany,  previous  to  tha 

appointment  of  Commissioners  hy  the  ho uahle  Ciutinenlal  Congress;  they  thought  they 

ought,  in  good   manners,   lirnl  ad.lre.s  th.-niselves  to  the  Committee  of  Aihaiiy,  nn.l  giv-   t».* 
answers  to  the  .,ueslion«  put  hy  them  to  tluit  hody  ;  hut  as  this  woul.l  take  up  very  little  time. 
Vol..   VIII.  <j^  "^        ' 


!^    V 


l' 


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NEW- YORK  COI-ONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


thoy  desired  tliey  might  proceed  to  iiusiness  with  the  Commissioners  immedintely  after  they 
had  spoke  to  the  Committee  at  Albany. 

To  this  the  Commissioners  replied,  that  they  were  pleased  with  what  had  been  communicated 
to  them,  and  that  it  was  perfectly  agreeable  to  them  that  the  Committee  of  Albany  should  be 
spoke  to,  previous  to  entering  upon  the  great  business  upon  which  they  were  met. 

The  Commissioners  desired  they  would  appoint  one  of  their  Sachems  as  a  speaker,  to 
communicate  to  the  Six  Nations  what  they  the  Commissioners  should  lay  before  them ;  but 
the  Indians  leaving  the  choice  to  the  Commii.sioners,  they  fixed  upon  Abraham,  a  Mohawk 
Sachem,  for  that  purpose,  which  the  Indians  said  was  agreeable  to  them. 

The  Commissioners  informed  the  Sachems,  that  if  they  had  no  objections,  they  would 
provide  a  guard  to  encircle  the  place  of  meeting,  to  keep  the  people  from  pressing  in  upon  the 
Council,  and  to  preserve  silence  and  good  order.  This  the  Sachems  thought  right,  and  to 
which  they  had  no  objection. 

Tiahogwando  concluded  the  conference  by  saying  that  many  of  iheir  kettles,  axes  and  hoes, 
were  out  of  order,  and  wanted  mending,  and  that  they  hoped  the  Commissioners  would  give 
orders  to  have  them  repaired,  as  had  always  been  the  case  heretofore. 

The  Commissioners  informed  them  that  every  thing  of  that  kind  should  be  complied  with, 
Bnd  appointed  Mr.  Gerardus  Lansing  and  Mr.  Bleecker  to  see  it  done. 


» 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Commissioners  for  transacting  Indian  aflTairs  for  the  northern  department, 
held  at  the  city  of  Albany,  on  Friday,  SS"-  of  August,  1775. 


Phesknt ■ 


C>en.  Schuyler, 
Col.  Wolcott, 


Col.  Francis, 
Mr.  Douw. 


The  following  message  was  sent  to  the  committee  of  the  city  of  Albany. 

Albany,  25'»  August,  1775. 
Gentlemen, 

The  Commissioners  of  Indian  affairs  are  to  open  the  treaty  with  the  Six  Na.'ions  this 
morning,  about  eleven,  at  the  Dutch  church.  They  request  the  favor  of  your  attendance,  and 
that  of  the  principal  gentlemen  of  the  town,  and  would  wish,  previous  to  the  meeting,  to  he 
honored  with  your  company  at  (^irtwrighl's. 

To  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Esq.  Chairman  of  the  committee  of  Albany. 

The  chairman  and  committee  attended  agreeable  to  invitation. 

Albany  Committee  Chamber,  August  26,  1775. 

The  Committee,  about  half  an  hour  after  ten,  received  a  note  from  the  Commissione.-s  of 
Indian  Affairs,  which  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

The  Commissioners  of  Indian  Affairs  are  to  open  a  treaty  with  the  Six  Nations  this  morning, 
about  eleven  o'clock,  at  the  Dutch  Church.  They  request  the  favor  of  your  attendance,  and 
that  of  the  principal  gentlemen  of  the  Town,  and  would  wish,  previous  to  the  meeting,  to  be 
honored  with  your  company  at  Cartwrighl's.     By  order  of  the  Commissioners. 

Tench  Tiluhman- 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV, 


611 


The  Committee  accordingly  immediately  repaired  to  Curtwright's,  when  the  Commissioners 
informed  them  that  the  Indians  said  they  came  down  here  in  consequence  of  an  invitation 
from  this  Committee,  and  that  they  chose  to  speak  with  the  Committee  before  they  talked 
with  the  Commissioners.     The  Committee  told  the  Commissioners  that  this  was  a  surprise  to 
them,  as  they  had  not  received  the  least  intimation  of  such  their  design,  before  that  juncture, 
either  from  the  Indians  or  any  other  person  or  persons  whatsoever ;  however,  not  to  retard  the 
publick  business,  and  after  consultation  witli  the  Commissioners,  (who  desired  the  Committee 
to  gratify  the  Indians  and  the  representatives  of  Queder,)  tliis  Cummittee  resolved  immediately 
to  hear  what  the  Indians  had  to  say;  and  that  it  might  he  th.-  more  publick,  the  Conunittee 
gave  them  notice  that  they  would  be  ready  instantly,  and  would  meet  them  in  V^onker's  .Street, 
back  of  the  Dutch  '-.urch ;   appointed  a  committee  to  inform  the  Commissioners  of  this, 
requesting  their  presence  at  the  meeting,  and  sent  the  bell-man  round  the  city,  inviting  the 
inhabitants  that  thought  proper  to  attend;  and  also  a  committee,  viz:  Waller    I.ivingston, 
Jeremiah  Van  llensselaer,  and  Samuel  Stringer,  to  inquir.i  of  the  Commissioners  whether,  iii 
case  the  Indians'  talk  with  the  Committee  was  of  such  a    ature  as  to  require  an  answer,  they 
would  supply  them  with  proper  presents  for  the  Indians.     The  Committee  reported  that  the 
Commissioners  answered,  that  they  must  first  see  how  the  Indians  behaved  in  their  co.iference 
and  speeches.     And  then  the  following  speech  or  answer  to  the  invitation  was  delivered  by 
the  Indians,  in  presence  of  the  Comniisssioners  and  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  City. 
Senghnagenrat,  one  of  the  Oneida  chiefs,  in  behalf  of  the  Six  Nations,  speaker: 
Brothers  of  Albany:  We  beg  you  will  ac(|uaint  us  when  your  body  is  complete. 
Brothers  of  Albany:  The  day  is  now  come  that  we  have  arrived  in  consequence  of  your 
invitation.     When  you  saw  four  of  the  Oneida  Nation,  you  said  you  was  ^lad  to  see  them  at 
your  council  chamber.     We  are  now  here  in  consequence  Ihereol.     You  told  us  you  would  be 
glad  to  see  us  again,  that  ymi  rejoiced  to  see  them,  and  that  you  would  open  the  ashes  and 
rekindle  the  old  council-fire  at  Albany.     We  are  glad  to  see  th.t  some  sparks  of  that  old 
council-lire  yet  remain.     We  rejoice  even  to  excess  to  find  it  so. 

Brothers,  attend:  I  have  one  addition  to  make  to  what  passed  between  four  of  the  Oneida 
Nation  and  you,  when  last  at  your  council  chamber.  When  you  found,  from  our  conference 
with  your  brothers  at  the  CJerman  Flats,  that  our  sentiments  of  publick  adairs  so  much 
cmncided  with  yours,  you  further  told  us  that  all  the  Covernments  of  America,  on  the  sea- 
coasts,  were  anxious  to  know  whether  we  were  .lisposed  to  peace;  and  that  you,  the  Twelve 
United  Colonies,  were  resolved  to  support  yourcivil  constitution  and  liberties,  and  you  rejoiced 
to  find  that  we  all  so  firmly  resolved  to  maintain  peace. 

Brothers  of  Albany  :  You  further  observed,  in  the  intercourse  you  had  with  four  of  the 
Oneida  nation,  that  yon  greatly  rejoi.ed  at  the  conference  you  had  at  the  German  Flats.  You 
further  said 'hat  you  were  surprised  about  a  letter  (Juy  .Johnson  had  received  from  the  chief 
warriour.  (Jeneral  (Jage.  about  ren.oving  the  ministers  from  amon^-  us;  that  you  rejoiced  that 
the  Indians  were  instructed  in  tl,.-  Chrmti.ui  religion,  ami  tl,at  the  ministers  that  were  among 
us  might  continue.  ° 

Brothers  of  Albany,  attend  :  We  have  wmething  further  yet  to  relate  of  your  speech.  You 
desired,  at  ih,-  intercourse  yo.i  had  with  the  four  messengers,  that  wc  should  ac.|uaiMt  the  Six 
Nations  with  your  spc-ch,  and  that  thereafter  three  or  four  of  each  nation  should  come  down 
You  further  said  that  you  would  ,iave  been  glad  to  have  allended  at  the  council-lire  at  (iuy 
Johnson's,  to  hear  what  he  should  say  to  the  Iiulians,  and  see  if  his  sentiments  and  yours 


■!:•■ 


.1 


612 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


P 

m 

m 


i 


should  coincide;  but  you  then  soon  heard  that  he  had  removed  from  there  to  Fort  Stanwix, 
from  there  to  Oswego,  that  you  despaired  of  hearing  any  thing  from  him,  and  therefore  desired 
us  that  we  would  let  you  know  what  was  done  at  that  fire. 

Brothers,  attend  :  You  made  another  proposal  at  the  intercourse  you  had  with  four  of  our 
nation,  which  was  this:  that  you  had  heard  that  there  was  to  be  a  council  of  the  whole  of 
our  nation  at  the  German  Flats.  Vou  desired  our  people  that  they  would  let  you  know  what 
passed  between  us  and  them.  Our  Delegates,  in  our  names,  then  told  you  th,.i  it  would  be 
more  agreeable  that  two  or  more  of  your  members  should  attend,  and  hear  themselves  what 
passed  there.  This,  brethren,  is  the  substance  of  what  passed  between  you  and  the  four  of 
the  Oneida  Nation. 

Brothers  of  Albany,  attend:  We  are  now,  upon  this  day,  going  through  with  what  passed 
between  some  of  your  members  and  us,  when  the  conference  ended  at  the  Gemini  Flats. 
You  said,  brothers,  let  us  both  endeavour  to  keep  peace,  that  we  may  continue  tu  enjoy  ita 
blessings.  We  desire  not  that  you  should  trouble  yourselves  in  the  least  with  these  disputes 
between  us  and  those  over  the  great  waters;  onlyexer;  .ourselves  in  maintaining  the  covenant 
that  was  made  between  your  and  our  forefathers  at  this  place  of  our  council-fire.  'our 
Delegates  told  us  at  the  German  Flats,  that  although  you  should  be  drove  back  from  ihe 
sea-coasts  by  your  enemies,  yet  you  would  not  ask  our  aid. 

Brothers  of  Albany,  further  attend  :  Two  things  more  you  delivered  at  the  German  Flats; 
the  first  was  this:  that  we,  the  Oneida  Nation,  should  give  a  kind  ear  to  your  speech.  You 
there  proJuced  two  ancient  belts  of  wampum,  one  of  twenty  rows,  which  was  the  old  covenant 
between  the  whole  Oneida  Nation  and  Queder  Oorah  ;  another  that  wiis  given  by  the  Six 
Nations,  by  the  Indian  called  Kayinguaraghtoh,  of  the  Seneca  Nation.  You  also  said  that 
these  belts  should  again  be  produced,  for  the  inspection  of  the  whole  Six  Nations,  at  the 
intended  council-fire  to  be  rekindled  at  Albany. 

Brothers  of  Albany  :  We  have  now  finished  the  principal  subjects  that  passed  between  you 
and  us;  The  Oneida  Nation,  and  we,  all  of  us,  the  Six  Nations,  are  here  now  present  to  hear 
what  has  passed,  and  to  prevent  any  false  reports  that  may  be  propagated  by  news-carriers. 

Brothers  of  Albany,  now  attend  :  You,  also,  the  Commissioners  who  are  here  present,  lend 
your  ears  and  hear  our  voices  : 
You,  our  brothers  of  Albany,  have  desired  the  sentiments  of  the  Six  Nations.  We,  the  Six 
Nations,  and  our  allies,  which  extend  to  Detroit,  Ohio,  and  Caughnawaga,  upon  our  first  hearing 
the  bad  news  that  circulated  along  the  eastern  shore  of  this  island,  assembled  and  resolved 
upon  a  union  amongst  us  Indians,  and  to  maintain  peace;  and  we  rejoice  that  nothing  more 
has  been  asked  of  -is.  There  is  nothing  difierent  in  our  minds  than  what  we  have  now  told. 
We  shan't  take  notice  of  any  hostile  propositions  that  may  be  made  to  us,  for  we  bear  an 
equal  proportion  ot  love  to  you,  and  the  others  over  the  great  waters,  in  the  present  dispute; 
and  we  shall  remain  at  peace  and  smoke  our  pipes,  and  the  Six  Nations  will  always  keep  the 
path  open ;  and  we  call  God  to  witness  to  the  truth  of  what  we  now  say,  and  it  proceeds  from 
our  hearts.  A  belt  of  eight  rows. 

Brothers  of  Albany  now  attend,  and  incline  your  ears  to  what  we  have  now  to  say. 

We,  the  Six  Nations,  have  heard  the  voice  of  a  bird  called  Tskleleli,  a  news-carrier,  that 
came  among  us.  It  has  told  us  that  the  p.ith  at  the  western  communication,  by  Fort  Stanwix, 
would  be  shut  up  either  by  the  one  party  or  the  other.     Brothers,  let  it  not  be,  and  let  the 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV. 


liia 


communication  be  open,  for  passing  and  repassing,  and  let  not  our  country  be  stained  with 
blood  ;  and  be  always  compassionate  to  the  old  women,  and  let  the  young  ones  grow  up  and 
enjoy  the  blessings  of  peace.  Brothers,  let  not  that  passage  be  shut  up  by  you,  but  confine 
yourselves  to  the  dispute  to  the  eastward,  for  this  western  communication  lies  near  our  council- 
fire,  and  the  consequences  might  be  fatal.  Indeed,  brothers,  your  language  and  Colonel  Guy 
Johnson's  coincides,  in  some  things,  with  one  another,  and  the  party  that  applies  to  us  to  shut 
up  that  passage  we  will  look  upon  as  deceivers  and  transgressors ;  and  we  despise  a  double 
dealer  from  our  hearts,  and  whom  we  look  upon  God  Almighty  will  hereafter  punish  as  such. 
And  we  hope  that  when  you  give  your  answer,  you  will  speak  from  the  integrity  of  your 
hearts,  as  we  now  have  done.  A  belt  of  fifteen  rows. 

Brothers  of  Albany,  attend  :  The  Five  Nations  just  now  said  they  would  open  their  minds 
in  full  to  you ;  they  would  tell  you  every  thing  they  brought  with  them.  This  belt  respects 
the  letter  Guy  Johnson  re(  ■  ived  from  Gen.  Gage,  concerning  the  removal  of  the  ministers  from 
among  us.  Our  father,  the  minister  who  stands  here,  we  love ;  we  love  him  exceedingly. 
Perhaps,  in  a  little  time,  he  may  be  wrested  from  us,  carried  olf  like  a  prisoner.  Our  hearts 
tremble  for  him ;  we  tremble  greatly,  lie  has  been  threatened,  and  should  he  be  taken,  it 
might  <  erthrow  the  whole  Five  Nations.  Our  brothers,  the  white  people,  would  perhaps  say 
that  the  Oneida  Nation  had  delivered  up  their  minister,  and  that  the  Six  Nations  did  not  regard 
their  missionaries.  But  truly  w.  regard  our  father  the  minister,  and  missionaries;  therefore 
we  propose  to  your  consideration  whether  it  be  not  wise  that  the  missionaries  retire  for  a  little 
while,  particularly  our  father  the  minister,  Mr.  Kirkland,  should  reside  a  short  space  with  his 
family,  as  we  hope  this  ([uarrel  cannot  subsist  long,  because  you  are  brothers,  both  of  one 
nation  and  blood,  and  we  hope  it  will  soon  be  settled  ;  and  when  a  reconciliation  takes  place, 
let  our  missionaries  immediately  return  to  us.  Tliis,  however,  we  refer  to  your  consideration, 
and  leave  at  your  pleasure.  Now,  brethren,  we  have  unburdened  our  minds  and  opened  our 
bosoms,  and  delivered  what  we  had  to  say. 

To  which,  at  the  request  and  by  the  approbation  of  the  Commissioners,  we  made  the 
following  reply : 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations :  We  thank  you  for  your  speech.  The  Commissioners  appointed 
by  the  Twelve  United  Colonies,  and  with  our  consent,  will  first  transact  business  with  you  ; 
after  they  have  done,  we  will  answer  your  speech. 


At  a  treaty  began  and  held  with  the  Indians  of  the  Six  United  Nations  at  the  city  of  Albany, 
on  Friday,  the  25""  of  August,  1775. 

Present —         Gen.  Schuyler,  \ 

Col.  tHiver  Wolcott,  ',. 
Cc 
Col.  Turbot  Francis, 

Volkert  P.  Douw,      ./ 

The  chairman  and  committee  and  principal  inhabitants  of  the  city 

of  Albany. 

Senghnagenrat,  an  Oneida  sachem,  opened  the  treaty  with  the  following  speech. 


/ommissioners. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Sciences 
Corporation 


33  WISV  MAIN  STRtIT 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14580 

(716)  B73-4S03 


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'A    4 


& 


614 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


If  .'■ 


Brothers, 

We  waited  upon  you  yesterday  evening,  and  acquainted  you  that  we  should  first  speak  to 
our  brethren,  the  committee  of  Albany.  We  have  done  so,  and  have  opened  our  whole  minds 
to  them. 

Brothers, 

When  we  met  two  of  your  body  at  the  German  Flats,  they  presented  these  strings  to  us, 
and  invited  us  to  come  down  to  Albany,  and  kindle  up  a  great  council-fire  of  peace  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies.  Now  as  these  strings  have  never  been  changed,  vte 
return  them  to  you  again,  and  desire  that  the  great  council-fire  of  peace  may  be  kindled  up. 

Brothers, 

By  this  belt  you  desired  us  to  shut  our  ears  and  foriify  our  minds  against  any  evil  reports 
that  we  might  hear  on  our  way  down,  and  to  pay  no  regard  to  what  any  liars  and  ill-disposed 
persons  might  say  to  us;  as  they  would  only  mean  to  sow  dissension  between  us  and  our 
brothers  of  the  Tvrelve  United  Colonies.  Brothers,  our  minds  are  proof  againdt  the  attempts 
of  such  wicked  persons.  Now,  brothers,  let  us  give  you  advice  on  our  parts.  There  are  liars 
and  mischief-makers  among  the  Indians,  as  well  as  amongst  the  white  people.  Therefore  pay 
no  regard  to  this  or  that,  that  any  single  Indian  may  say,  but  attend  to  what  you  may  hear 
from  the  mouth  of  the  great  council ;  for  that  will  be  the  truth,  and  the  sense  of  all  the  Six 
United  Nations. 

The  Commissioners  then  addressed  themselves  in  the  following  manner. 

Brothers,  sachems,  and  warriors  of  the  Six  Nations, 

We  return  thanks  to  the  great  God  that  has  suffered  us  to  meet  together  this  day  in  love, 
peace  and  friendship.  In  token  of  which  we  will  now  sit  down  and  smoke  the  pipe  of 
peace  together. 

(Here  the  great  pipe  was  lighted  up  and  went  round;  after  which  the  Commissioners 
proceeded.) 

Brothers,  &c.. 

We,  the  deputies  appointed  by  and  in  the  name  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies,  assisted  by 
the  descendants  of  your  ancient  friend  Quedar,  and  your  Albany  brethren,  embrace  this 
opportunity  to  rekindle  the  ancient  council-fire,  which  formerly  burnt  as  bright  as  the  sun  in 
this  place,  and  to  heap  on  it  so  much  fuel  that  it  may  never  be  extinguished:  and  also  to  renew 
the  ancient  covenant  chain  with  you,  which  you  know  has  always  been  kept  bright  and  clean, 
without  any  stain  or  rust;  and  which  by  this  belt  we  now  strengthen,  that  forever  hereafter 
you  and  we  may  have  but  one  heart,  one  head,  one  eye,  and  one  hand.  A  Belt. 

Brethren. 

Our  business  with  you,  besides  rekindling  the  ancient  council-fire,  and  renewing  the  covenant, 
and  brightening  up  every  link  of  the  chain,  is,  in  the  first  place,  to  inform  you  of  the  advice 
that  was  given  about  thirty  years  ago,  by  your  wise  forefathers,  in  a  great  council  which  they 
held  at  Lancaster,  in  Pennsylvania,  when  Cannassateego  spoke  to  us,  the  white  people,  in 
these  very  words. 

"  Brethren,  we,  the  Six  Nations,  heartily  recommend  union  and  a  good  ngrsement  between 
you,  our  brethren.     Never   disagree,    but  preserve  a  strict  friendship  for  one  another ;  and 


ir  !' 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV, 


615 


thereby  you  as  well  as  we  will  become  the  stronger.  Our  wise  forefathers  established  union 
and  amity  between  the  Five  Nations.  This  has  made  us  formidable ;  this  has  given  us  great 
weight  and  authority  with  our  neighboring  nations.  We  are  a  powerful  confederacy ;  and  if 
you  observe  the  same  methods  our  wise  forefathers  have  taken,  you  will  acquire  fresh  strength 
and  power.  Therefora,  whatever  befalls  you,  never  fall  out  with  one  another." 
These  were  the  words  of  Cannassateego. 

Brothers, 

Our  forefathers  rejoiced  to  hear  Cannassateego  speak  these  words.  They  sunk  deep  into 
their  hearts.  The  advice  was  good;  it  was  kind.  They  sP.d  to  one  another.  "The  Six 
Nations  are  a  wise  people.  Let  us  hearken  to  them,  and  take  their  counsel,  and  teach  our 
children  to  fo  low  it.  Our  old  men  have  done  so.  They  have  frequently  taken  a  single  arrow, 
and  said,  Children,  see  how  easy  it  is  broken.  Then  they  have  taken  and  tied  twelve  arrows 
together  with  a  strong  string  or  cord,  and  our  strongest  men  couW  not  break  them.  See,  said 
they,  this  18  what  the  Six  Nations  mean.  Divided,  a  single  man  may  destroy  you ;  united,  you 
are  a  match  for  the  whole  world."  We  thank  the  great  God  that  we  are  all  united  ;  that  we 
have  a  strong  confederacy,  composed  of  twelve  provinces.  New  Hampshire,  &c  These 
provinces  have  lighted  a  great  council-fir.  at  Philadelphia,  and  have  sent  sixty-five  counsellors 
to  speak  and  act  in  the  name  of  the  whole,  and  consult  for  the  common  good  of  the  people 
and  of  you,  our  brethren  of  the  Six  Nations,  and  your  allies;  and  the  talk  of  this  great 
Council  we  shall  deliver  to  you  to-morrow.  A  B  It 

Pkksbnt-  this  day.  ^""*"^'  ^^''''^^^'  ^^"'  ^"«"'">  !"«• 

Gen.  Schuyler. 

Coi.  Francis. 

Col.  Wolcott. 

Mr.  Douw. 

The  chairman  and  committee  of  the  city  of  Albany. 

The  Indians  having  informed  the  Commissioners  they  were  ready  to  proceed  to  business 
the  treaty  was  opened  in  the  following  manner.  ' 

Brothers,  sachems,  and  warriors, 

Let  this  string  open  your  ears  to  hear,  and  incline  your  hearts  to  accept  the  talk  of  your 
brethren  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies,  which  they  have  sent  to  you  by  their  denuties 
They  speak  as  follows.  f       •>• 

Brothers,  sachems,  and  warriors  of  the  Six  United  Nations, 

We  the  delegates  from  the  Twelve  United  I'rovince,  now  sitting  in  General  Congress  at 
Philadelphia,  send  this  talk  to  you.  our  brothers.  We  are  sixty-five  in  number,  appointed  bv 
the  people  throughout  all  these  Provinces  and  Colonies,  to  meet  and  sit  together  in  one  great 
Council,  to  consult  together  for  the  common  good  of  this  land,  and  to  spenk  and  act  for  them. 
Brothers, 

In  our  consultation  we  have  judged  it  proper  and  necessary  to  send  you  this  talk,  as  we  are 
upon  the  sama  .sinnd,  that  you  may  be  informed  of  the  reason  of  this  great  Council,  the 
..tuntion  of  our  evil  con.titulion,  and  our  disposition  toward,  you.  our  Indian  brother,  of 
the  Six  Nations,  and  their  allies.  '"»«b"  oi 


Commissioners. 


i  'i  I 


II 


.  u, 


616 


NEW.YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


!/■   d 


Brothers  and  friends,  now  attend. 

When  our  fathers  crossed  the  great  water,  and  came  over  to  this  land,  the  King  of  England 
gave  them  a  talk  ;  assuring  thera  that  they  and  their  children  should  be  his  children,  and  that  if 
they  would  leave  their  native  country,  and  make  settlements,  and  live  here,  and  buy  and  sell  and 
trade  with  their  brethren  beyond  the  water,  they  should  still  keep  hold  of  the  same  covenant 
chain,  and  enjoy  peace;  and  it  was  covenanted  that  the  fields,  houses,  goods  and  possessions 
which  our  fathers  should  acquire,  should  remain  to  them  as  their  own,  and  be  their  children's 
forever,  and  at  their  sole  disposal.  Trusting  that  this  covenant  should  never  be  broken, 
our  fathers  came  a  great  distance  beyond  the  great  water,  and  laid  out  their  money  here, 
built  houses,  cleared  fields,  raised  crops,  and  through  their  own  labor  and  industry  grew  tall 
and  strong. 

They  have  bought,  sold  and  traded  with  England,  according  to  agreement,  sending  to  them 
such  things  as  they  wanted,  and  taking  in  exchange  such  things  as  were  wanted  here.  The 
King  of  England  and  his  people  kept  the  way  open  for  more  than  one  hundred  years,  and  by 
our  trade  became  richer,  and  by  union  with  us  greater  and  stronger  than  the  other  kings  and 
people  who  live  beyond  the  water.  All  this  time  they  lived  in  great  friendship  with  us,  and  we 
with  them,  for  we  are  brothers,  one  blood. 

Whenever  they  were  struck,  we  instantly  felt  as  if  the  blow  had  been  given  to  us.  Their 
enemies  were  our  enemies. 

Whenever  they  went  to  war  we  sent  out  men  to  stand  by  their  side  and  fight  for  them,  and 
our  money  to  help  them  and  make  them  strong.  That  we  have  done  this,  brothers,  you  have 
been  all  witnesses  to  in  the  last  war.  You  know  we  assisted  them  in  taking  Niagara, 
Cataroqui,  Ticonderoga,  Crown  Point,  and  Canada  i  und  lastly,  when  they  had  no  more 
enemies  upon  this  island,  we  went  to  fight  and  helped  them  to  take  many  large  islands  that  lay 
in  the  hot  countries,  where  they  got  more  than  thirty  cart-loads  of  silver.  They  thanked  us 
for  our  love,  and  sent  us  good  talks,  and  renewed  their  promise  to  be  one  people  forever ;  and 
when  the  war  was  over,  they  3aid,  Children,  we  thank  you  that  you  have  helped  to  make  us 
great.  We  know  that  it  has  cjst  you  a  great  deal  of  money  ;  and  therefore,  Children,  we  give 
you  a  present  that  you  may  maintain  your  warriors.  A  Belt. 

Brothers  and  friends,  open  a  kind  ear. 

We  will  now  tfll  you  of  the  quarrel  between  the  counsellors  of  King  George  and  the 
inhabitants  and  Colonies  of  America.  Many  of  his  counsellors  are  proud  and  wicked  men. 
They  persuade  the  King  to  break  the  covenant  chain,  and  not  send  u»  any  more  good  talks. 
A  considerable  number  have  prevailed  upon  him  to  enter  into  a  new  covenant  against  us,  and 
have  torn  asunder  and  cast  behind  their  banks  the  good  old  covenant  wh.ch  their  ancestors 
and  ours  entered  into  and  took  strong  hold  of.  They  now  tell  us  they  will  slip  their  hand  into 
our  pockets  without  asking,  as  if  it  were  their  own,  and  nt  their  pleasure  they  will  take  from 
us  our  charters,  or  written  civil  constitutions,  which  we  love  as  our  lives;  also  our  plantations, 
our  houses  and  goods,  whenever  they  please,  without  asking  our  leave;  that  our  vessels  may 
go  to  this  island  in  the  sea,  but  to  this  or  that  particular  island  we  shall  not  trade  any  more; 
and  in  case  of  non-compliance  with  these  new  orders,  they  sliut  up  our  harbors. 

Brothers, 

This  is  our  present  situation.  Thus  have  many  of  the  King's  counsellors  and  servants  dealt 
with  us.     If  we  submit,  or  comply  with  their  demands,  you  can  easily  perceive  to  what  state 


( 


Cominissioners; 


Members  of  the  Continental  Congress; 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV 

017 

.he  .kin..  inh.y  l,„il,|  I.^J^t^'TJ'  """"»•"  "■!'»  ■"»"  1«...  the  ,„en,  or  h.v. 
■heir  wlv„  ,„,!  chlld„„.  T  y  iLT  »  '"7, """J"  ".«J  "-yU  ro.md  ,l,e  fir.  wUh 
.nd  „.„,  .„.  r™,,.  0,  ,he,r  oZ  iZ:,.':  "14"^''  ""'  """"  "'  ^"^'"f  "•,"■■  ■""i-k, 

The  Commissioners  then  informed  the  Indians    thnf  „»  .^     ■     •  ,  "'''*• 

very  importm.t.  und  as  .hey  knew  they  ,  a  wis.L  .  ""''.  '''^^  ""^  "P°"  ^"'' 
thing  with  great  deliberatL,  they  would  ot  Ths/."  'T'''""'' ^''''''''  ^^^^^ 
™e.ories  with  too  m..h.  and  therire  w^JdJLrZy'hr  ;h:t::;S;;"  ^i: 

The  treaty  was  again  renewed.  Albany,  Monday,  SS'"  August,  1775. 

PiiESENT  — Col.  Francis, 
Col.  Woicott, 
Mr.  Douw, 

Mr.  Lynch,  of  South  Carolina, 

Mr.  Duane,  of  New- York, 

Mr.  Robert  Livingston, 

The  chairman  and  committee  of  the  city  of  Albany. 
.     The  Commissioners  pro...  ded  with  the  speech  of  Congress. 
Brothers  and  friends,  attend. 

l.old  of  the  old  covenant  chti   .  w  ich       U        n  7"r".V  """  ?'  "'"""'  ^"^  *''"  ^  '-- 
brighten  this  chain,  and  keep  the  w.v  oln  I  f        T  ""''  "'"" '  ^''•■»'  ^^'^  ^""'-^  '« 

them  as  brothers,  labor,  trade  t  aveT  Lo'  d  el  T\  ""f  ""  '"'  '  ''''  ""  """'  '«  ''^  ^'^^ 
to  love  us  and    live  i     .uch  S;    "  wUh  T^  We  have  often  asked  them 

them  again  that  we  judged  we  we     1  1^      1  'T /"'''"'  ''"    "'"'   """•     ^^  »«>d 

tnke  away  our  propeVandthHce's^^^^^^^^  I'"'  ''^^  ""«'"  ''««'•'"  '^'"  "«•  ■»« 

What  has  become  of  our  repel       id      s^^^^  ^  '"'"  "'"'  "''^  '""^  '-"'  -  '^us. 

ears  of  the  King  to  the  c^rs  of    ,:      Z        ;:« [r/'T  ^°  ^"^ '     ^"°  ^"''^  ''^'  ''^ 
from  beyond  the  water  has  yet  reached  our  ears.  "      """"''''  "°  '''"''""^  ^'^''^^ 

Brothers, 

Thus  stands  the  matters  hi'twirf  r»i,j  i'.,™!      i       •  . 
are  proportioned  in  a  ^Zy^Z^2t^  ""I  M  ■""'"•  .  ^°"  '""'""'  '"'^^  ""^  ^'^'"g" 
EnglandweregardastheL  .r      hi,      .  "1  '"" '  "'"  '=''"''  '^«"''"'  "  ""'«  P«ek. 

numerous  ^n,i^.  hot"!:,!:        ^      ;':;;;  ^Z,"  ^^r""^^""  ''^  '°-     '"'^  '^^"^^  ^^  » 
to  assist  him  in  the  government  of  hii  Z^  Jet  of';;:"  rom^'rr'"  "''^"^""'" 

proud  and  ill-natured.     They  were  disnleas.Ml  to  l^H  T  T  ""  ""'""""'  «'""^ 

with  his  pack.     They   tell  fhe  f  ther    „r.  .     '      •'  '"  "'"''  ""''  ^""^  ""  '"  "''"'''y 

prevail.amlthepa.-k  is    1    :.f '';;,;;''::;  '7  '°  -."-««  ^"«  '^"i'-i'^  P-k.     They 
the  father's  pleasure-speaks   h      f.J  "I">Rmn-„s   he  thought  it  might  be 

father.     Those  prold  a  .1  wick  ""^  '     '""  ""^  """'"  '  '''  '""  ^'^  '"'"  '"  >'"-'«  the 

V...,.  VIlT  '  "''"'  """""'«• ''"'""g  they  had  prevailed,  laughed  to  see  the  boy 


i: 


4 


>  't*-! 


.■| 


n- 


M 


gjg  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

.went  and  stagger  under  his  increased  load.  By  and  by  they  apply  to  the  father  to  double  the 
child's  pack,  because  they  heard  him  complain,  and  that  without  any  reason,  say  they.  He  is 
a  cross  child;  correct  him,  if  he  complains  any  more.  The  boy  entreats  the  father  and 
addresses  the  great  servants  in  a  decent  manner,  that  the  pack  may  be  lightened  ;  he  could  not 
go  any  farther.     He  huir.bly  asks  if  the  old  fathers,  in  any  of  their  records,  had  de.  -ribed  such 

a  pack  for  the  child.  ,    ,      „,  .     .     j 

After  nil  the  tears  and  entreaties  of  the  child,  the  pack  is  redoubled.  The  c.uld  stands  a 
little  while,  staggering  under  the  weight,  ready  to  fall  every  moment.  However,  he  entrea  s 
the  father  once  more,  though  so  faint,  he  could  only  lisp  his  last  humble  supphcat.on  ;  wa.ts 
awhile;  no  voice  returns.  The  child  concludes  the  father  could  not  hear.  Those  proud 
servants  had  entirely  intercepted  his  supplication,  or  stopped  the  ears  of  the  father.  He 
therefore  gives  one  struggle,  and  throws  off  the  pack,  and  says  he  cannot  take  it  up  agam; 
such  a  weight  will  crush  him  down  and  kill  him;  and  he  can  but  die.  if  he  refuses.  Upon 
this  those  servants  are  very  wroth,  and  tell  the  father  many  false  stories  concern.ng  the  child. 
They  bring  a  great  cudgel  to  the  father,  asking  him  to  take  it  in  his  hand  and  strike  the 
child. -This  may  serve  to  illustrate  the  present  condition  of  the  King's  American  subjects 

or  children.  ,         ,  •      r 

Amidst  those  oppressions,  we  now  and  then  heard  a  mollifying  and  reviving  ^oice  from 
some  of  the  King's  wise  counsellors,  who  are  our  friends,  and  feel  for  our  distresses.  When 
they  heard  our  complaints  and  our  cries,  they  applied  to  the  King;  also  told  those  wicked 
servants  that  this  child  in  America  was  not  a  cross  boy  ;  it  had  sufficient  reason  for  crying  ; 
and  if  the  cause  of  its  complaint  was  neglected,  it  would  soon  assume  the  voice  of  a  man, 
plead  for  justice  like  a  man,  and  defend  its  rights,  and  support  the  old  covenant  chain  of 
the  fathers. 

Brothers,  listen. 

Notwithstanding  all  our  entreaties,  we  have  but  little  hope  the  King  will  send  us  any  more 
good  talks,  by  reason  of  his  evil  counsellors.  They  have  persuaded  him  to  send  an  army  of 
soldiers  and  many  ships  of  war.  to  rob  and  destroy  us.  They  have  shut  ^  many  of  our 
harbors,  seized  ai.d  taken  into  possession  many  of  our  vessels.  The  soldiers  have  struck  the 
blow,  killed  some  of  our  people.  The  blood  now  runs  of  the  King's  American  children.  They 
have  also  burned  our  houses  and  towns,  and  taken  much  of  our  goods.      A  Black  Belt. 

Brothers. 

We  are  now  necessitated  to  rise,  and  forced  to  fight,  or  give  up  our  civil  constitution,  run 
away,  and  leave  our  farms  and  houses  behind  us.  This  must  not  be.  Since  the  King's  wicked 
counsellors  will  not  open  their  ears,  and  consider  our  just  complaints,  and  the  cause  of  our 
weeping,  and  have  given  the  blow,  we  are  determined  to  drive  away  the  King's  soldiers,  and 
to  kill  and  destroy  all  those  wicked  men  we  find  in  arms  against  the  ponce  of  the  Twelve 
United  Colonies  upon  this  island. 

We  think  our  cause  is  just;  there.bre  hope  C!od  will  be  on  our  side.  We  do  not  take  up 
the  hatchet  and  struggle  for  honor  or  conquest,  but  to  maintain  our  civil  constitution  and 
reliKious  privileges;  the  very  same  for  which  our  forefathers  left  their  native  land  and  came 

.       .....  A  Black  Belt 

into  this  country. 


'fi^-\*^_^ 


*  LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV.  gjg 

Brothers  and  friends, 

We  desire  you  will  hear  and  receive  what  we  have  now  told  you.  and  that  you  will  open  a 
good  ear  and  l.sten  to  what  we  are  going  to  say.  This  is  a  family  quarrel  between  us  and  Old 
fjlin^t   l°"   .        "'  "''  ""*  '""'"""'^  *"  •'•     ^^«  '^°"''  ^'^l^  y°"  to  take  up  the  hatchet 

tou  to  love  n  T         ''■•      "  '''  """'  ''"''  '^'^^'f  "'■  «"  °"^  P^^P'*^'  ^«  -k  and  desire 

r„r,l       Tt '      '"""''"°  "'  '"^  *°  '°^^  ""^  sympathise  with  us  in  our  troubles  ;  that 
the  path  may  be  kept  open  with  all  our  people  and  yours,  to  pass  and  repass  without  molestation. 

Brothers, 

alrl  11'' -."T"  ""'  T"  r""''  ""^^  y°"-     '^^^  ^"""^  '«'""'' '«  °"'-  '^°'"'"°n  birth-place.     We 

reartTeskies"''^     '''"''  flourishing  branches  shall  extend  to  the  setting  sun,  and 

Brothers,  observe  well. 

dilrhV'/T  '^''"^^/''^^   °f>«»*     Nothing  but  peace,   notwithstanding  our  present 
disturbed  situation  ;  and  if  application  should  be  made  to  you  by  any  of  the  King's  unwise  and 
wicked  ministers  to  join  on  their  side,  we  only  advise  you  to  Llib'erate  with  grea    eaurn 
and  ,n  your  wisdom  look  forward  to  the  consequences  of  a  compliance.     For  if  the  King- 
troops  take  away  our  property,  and  destroy  us,  who  are  of  the  same  blood  with  themselves 
what  can  you,  who  are  Indians,  expect  from  them  afterwards  ?  A  White  Belt. 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations, 

When  we  perceived  this  island  began  to  shake  and  tremble  along  the  eastern  shore,  and  the 

counul-hrent  Ih.ladelph.a;  and  we  sat  around   it  until  it   burnt  clear,  and  so  hi/h  that  it 

and  rengthened  our  ancestors,  and  which  was  near  slipping  out  of  our  hands,  before  we  had 
kindled  this  great  councl-fire  at  Philadelphia.  We  have  now  taken  fast  hold,  nor  will  we  let 
it  go  until  a  mighty  struggle,  even  unto  death. 

Brothers, 

B  others,  this  is  our  Ln.on  Belt.  By  this  belt  we,  the  Twelve  United  Colonies,  renew  the 
old  covenant  chain  by  which  our  forefathers,  in  their  great  wisdom,  thought  proper  to  bind  us 
an  you  our  rothers  of  the  Six  Nations,  together,  when  they  first  landed  at  t Ms  pte  and 
If  any  of  the  links  of  thu  great  chain  should  have  received  any  rust,  we  now  brighten  it 
and  make  it  shine  like  silver.  As  God  has  put  it  into  our  hearts'to  lo;e  the  Six  NaUons  a.id 
their  all  es,  we  now  make  the  chain  of  friendship  so  strong,  that  nothing  but  an  evil  spirit  can 
or  w.  1  at  empt  to  break  it.  But  we  hope,  through  the  favor  and  mercy  of  the  good  Spirit. 
that  It  will  remain  strong  and  bright  while  the  sun  shines  and  the  water  runs. 
Brothers.  Delivered  the  Union  Belt. 

It  is  necessary  in  order  for  the  preservation  of  friendship  between"  us  and  our  brothers  of 
tlieS.x  Nations  and  their  allies,  that  a  free  and  mutual  intercourse  be  kept  up  betwixt  us. 
Therefore  the  'Iwelve  United  Colonies,  by  this  belt,  remove  every  difficulty  that  may  lay  in 


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the  great  road  that  runs  through  the  middle  of  our  country ;  and  we  will  also  clear  up  and 
open  all  tlie  small  roads  that  lead  into  the  great  one.  We  will  take  out  every  thorn,  briar 
and  stone,  so  that  when  any  of  our  brothers  of  the  Six  Nations  or  their  allies  have  an 
inclination  to  see  and  talk  with  any  of  their  brethren  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies,  they 
may  pass  safely  without  being  scratched  or  bruised.  Brothers,  the  road  is  now  open  for  our 
brethren  of  the  Six  Nations  and  their  allies,  and  they  may  now  pass  and  repass  as  safely  and 
freely  as  the  people  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies  themselves;  and  we  are  further  determined, 
by  the  assistance  of  God,  to  keep  our  roads  open  and  free  for  the  Six  Nations  and  their  allies, 
as  long  as  this  earth  remains.  Path  Belt. 

Brothers, 

We  have  said  we  wish  you  Indians  may  continue  in  peace  with  one  another,  and  with  us, 
the  white  people.  Let  us  both  be  cautious  in  our  behavior  towards  each  other  at  this  critical 
state  of  affairs.  This  island  now  trembles;  the  wind  whistles  from  almost  every  quarter. 
Let  us  fortify  our  minds,  and  shut  our  ears  against  false  rumors.  Let  us  be  cautious  what  we 
receive  for  truth,  unless  spoken  by  wise  and  good  men.  If  any  thing  disagreeable  should  ever 
fall  out  between  us,  the  Twelve  United  Colonies,  and  you,  the  Six  Nations,  to  wound  our 
peace,  let  us  immediately  seek  measures  for  healing  the  breach.  From  the  present  situation 
of  affairs  we  judge  it  wise  and  expedient  to  kindle  up  the  council-fire  at  Albany,  where  we 
may  hear  each  other's  voices  and  disclose  our  minds  more  fully  to  one  another. 

The  Pipe  of  Peace  with  Six  Small  Strings. 
Brothers, 

You  now  know  our  disposition  towards  you,  the  Six  Nations  and  their  allies.  Therefore  we 
say.  Brothers,  take  care,  hold  fast  to  your  covenant  chain.  We  depend  on  you  to  send  and 
acquaint  your  allies  to  the  northward,  the  Seven  Tribes  on  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  that  you 
have  had  this  talk  with  us  at  our  council-fire  at  Albany. 

Brothers, 

Let  this  our  good  talk  remain  at  Onondago,  your  central  council-house,  that  you  may  hand 
down  to  the  latest  posterity  these  testimonials  of  the  brotherly  sentiments  of  the  Twelve 
United  Colonies  towards  their  brethren  of  the  Six  Nations  and  their  allies. 

To  which  Kannghquaesa  replied. 

Brothers, 

We  have  sat  round  and  smoked  our  pipes  at  this  our  ancient  place  of  kindling  up  our 
council-fire.  We  have  heard  all  you  have  said,  and  have  heard  nothing  but  what  is  pleasant 
and  good.  As  you  have  communicated  matters  of  great  importance  to  us,  we  will  sit  down 
to-morrow  and  deliberate  coolly  upon  them  ;  and  the  day  following  will  give  you  answers  to 
every  thing  you  have  laid  before  us. 


m.\ 


At  a  treaty  continued  with  the  Indians  of  the  Six  Naiious  at  Albany,  on  Thursday,  the  31" 
day  of  August,  1775. 


Pkesent — 


)1.  Francis,  ] 
il  Wolcott,  > 
r.  Douw,         ) 


Col.  Francis, 

Col 

Mr, 

Mr.  Duane  of  New  York. 


Commissioners; 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 
Brjjher,,  great  „e„  depu.ej  by  Ih.  T„.I,e  D„1W  Col.nle.,  „,e„d. 

you  have  taken  no  off-e,I     We  were     ot"n"r  "'  Tf"  t"  "'^'^  ^^^  "''  "f"'"^^-     ^«  '-?« 
Brothers,  you  informed  u    that  Z  '^    ''"'"     r^  "'"'  *'•"''  ''"''  ^''"^  ^"«  ""^  ^««»°n- 

To  which  .1  Sx  Lion  r  IS  "'  r^"?'-""  ''"^  "'^"  "-er  he  extinguished. 
Philadelphia.  We  a^e  glad  to  hear  h  ne^^  7  "'  "'  "'"  °'  '''  ^^^"^  ^--'l  -^^ 
joy  through  all  the  Six  Nations.  ''  "^""^  ""^  ''^^^'«'  ''"'^ ''  «'-«  ^--'^-K 

Brothers, 

As  you  desired  your  belts  might  not  he  returned,  but  be  deposited  at  our  r.ntr  I 

Lancaucr  respecting  the  „eee..it,  „f  a  „„i„„  „,„„  ^  ,ael,™    .^1,1 

^-rns:!-=';;:i:rj:i^^ 

inculcated  this  doctrine  into  thefr  children.     You  said  tZt  as  tIT      T  «""''^""'^"  '-'^ 
planted  at  this  place,  you  desired  that  the  Six  ^at  o  's  nilht  col  l"       'T  "".  '""'"'^ 
water  its  roots,  til.  the  branches  should  flouHsh    „     r '^^  :;!  7  Vbit  ^ 
say  shall  be  done.     Brothers,  we  need  only  remind  you  of  a  few  of  1  .1  ^^'^'y"^'°"« 

and  your  brethren  over  the  waL  bot.f  became  TJr  «:;'.      aflL  J  I  "     """^  ^°" 

counsellors,  you  are  much  oppressed,  and  had  lu..v'ierpa  upon    ouuin^vou  col  b" 

that  you  have  frequently  applied  to  be  eased  of  your  burth-n    but  could  „I  ,' 

that  finding  this  the  case,  you  had  thrown  oH' your  pa  ^  The  si^ln"^'^^^^^  "I  '''^"""''^ 
acquainting  them  with  your  grievances  and  metLds 'taken  t  obt!  ^^^  Tu  ifk""  '" 
...formed  them  of  what  resolutions  you  hud  formed  in  consequence  ^  th'se Itters^  '" 

Brothers, 

After  stating  your  grievances,  and  telling  us  you  had  not  been  able  to  obtain  redress    von 

Jol,„..n,  did  the  ™,.  t g  at  ,..„ego,  he  de.ited   JiZ  Mkew      "  Vo„'"lk:> 

de,„ed  a.  that  if  apph„ati„„  .h„„,d  ha  ,„ad.  ■„  a.  by  aay  ,r.he  kL^':Z;..  .."wd Tot 


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■A   H  5 


"t-t 


join  them.  Now  therefore  attend,  and  apply  your  ears  closely.  We  have  fully  considered  this 
matter.  Tlie  resolutions  of  the  Six  Nations  nre  not  to  be  broken  or  altered.  When  they 
resolve,  the  matter  is  fixed.  This  then  is  the  determination  of  the  Six  Nations,  not  to  take 
any  part,  but  as  it  is  a  family  affair,  to  sit  still  and  see  you  fight  it  out.  Wo  beg  you  will 
receive  this  as  infallible,  it  being  our  full  resolution ;  for  we  bear  as  much  affection  for  the 
King  of  England's  subjects  on  the  other  side  the  water,  as  we  do  for  you,  born  upon  this 
island.  One  thing  more  we  request,  which  is,  that  you  represent  this  in  a  true  light  to  the 
delegates  from  all  the  Colonies,  and  not  vary,  and  that  you  observe  the  same  regard  lor  truth 
when  you  write  to  the  King  about  those  matters ;  for  we  have  ears,  and  shall  hear,  if  you 
represent  any  thing  in  a  wrong  point  of  light.  We  likewise  desire  you  would  inform  our 
brothers  at  Boston  of  our  determination. 

Brothers, 

It  is  a  long  time  since  we  came  to  this  resolution.  U  is  the  result  of  mature  deliberation. 
It  was  our  declaration  to  Col.  Johnson.  We  told  him  we  should  take  no  part  in  the  quarrel, 
and  hoped  neither  side  would  desire  it.  Whoever  applies  first,  we  shall  think  in  the  wrong. 
The  resolutions  of  the  Six  Nations  are  not  to  be  broken.  Of  the  truth  of  this  you  have  a  late 
instance.  You  know  what  the  Shawanese  have  lately  been  engaged  in.  Tliey  applied  to  us 
for  assistance,  but  we  refused  them.  Our  love  for  you  has  induced  us  not  to  meddle.  If  we 
loved  you  less,  we  should  have  been  less  resolute. 

Brothers, 

You  likewise  informed  us,  that  when  you  perceived  this  island  began  to  tremble,  and 
black  clouds  to  arise  beyond  the  great  water,  you  k'ndled  up  a  great  fire  at  Philadelphia,  a  fire 
which  shone  high  and  clear  to  your  utmost  settlements ;  that  you  sat  round  that  fire, 
deliberating  what  measures  to  pursue  for  the  common  good;  that  while  sitting  round  it,  you 
recollected  an  ancient  covenant  made  between  your  fathers  and  ours  when  they  first  crossed  the 
great  water  and  settled  here,  ■'•hich  covenant  they  first  likened  to  a  chain  of  iron.  Hut  when 
they  considered  that  iron  would  rust,  they  made  a  silver  chain,  which  they  were  always  to  rub 
and  keep  bright  and  clean  of  spots.  This  they  made  so  strong,  that  an  evil  spirit  could  not 
break  it.  This  friendship  chain  you  have  now  renewed.  This  covenant  is  to  continue  to 
future  generations.  We  are  glad  you  have  thought  -roper  to  renew  this  covenant,  and  the 
vhole  Six  Nations  now  thank  you.  This  covenant  belt  you  desire  us  to  deposit  at  our  central 
council-house,  that  future  generations  may  cull  to  mind  the  covenant  now  made  between  us. 
You  may  depend  we  shall  send  and  inform  all  our  neighboring  council-fires  of  the  matters  now 
.  transacted.  We  close  with  the  whole  Six  Nations  repeating  their  thanks  that  you  have 
renewed  the  covenant  made  between  their  forefathers  and  yours, 

Brothers,  attend. 

As  you  had  renewed  the  ancient  covenant,  you  thought  proper  to  open  the  path,  and  have  a 
free  communication  with  this  place.  As  the  fire  had  for  some  tinu  been  put  out,  the  path  had 
got  stopped  up.  You  removed  all  obstructions  out  of  the  great  roads  and  paths,  all 
stones  and  briars,  so  that  if  any  of  us  choose  to  travel  the  road,  we  should  neither 
meet  with  any  obstruction  or  hurt  ourselves.  Brothers,  we  thank  you  for  opening  the  road. 
You  likewise  informed  us  you  were  determined  to  drive  away,  destroy  and  kill  all  who 
appeared  in  arms  against  the  peace  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies.     Brotliers,  attend.     We 


L'il 


LONDON  DOCUMKNTS:    XI.V. 


(i£8 


()u     , .  h  "''  1"""^  '""'"'  "'•  *'"«'""'«"'K"».  wlu.  aro  (.LmhIh  t,.   tlu,  King. 

Our  path  o(  p.......  roaches  <,,„le  th.-r.,.     We  lu-g  all  that  .li^.a......  ,„ay  not  1...  .iHil-.i  witl.  l.l„od 

A«  or  your  <,unrrelH  to  tho  eaHlwar.l.  along  tho  seacouHtH,   do  an  yo„  pl.-a-...     Hut  it  wo 

the    on  of  S.r  W,  ham  John»o„.     He  is  horn  among  n»,  un.l   is  of  Dulrh  oxtrnction  by  hiH 
.other.     He  muxln  h.n  own  aHairs.  and  doe,  not  interme.l.ilo  i„  pnhlie  di.pn.eH.     W     wm  d 

by  the  K.ng      He  doen  not  meddle  in  civil  alVair^.  but  instrno.«  them  in  the  way  to  heaven 

Ihey  b  g  he  may  contmne  in  peace  among  them.     The  MohawkHare  (rcMnenlly  alarmed  with 
reports   ha    t  e.r  m.n.ter  Ih  to  be  torn  away  from  then..     It  wouM  occanion  great  din.nr bam 
was  he  to  be  taken  away.     The  King  sent  him  to  them,  and  they  wonid  look  upon  it  as ,     ing 
away  one  of  the.r  own  body.     Therefore  they  again  re.p.ent  tInU  ho  nmy  continue  to    i        3 
peace  among  them. 

Brothera, 

After  having  informed  u,  of  the  situation  of  affairs,  and  having  finished  your  bus ss.  you 

advised  us  to  shut  our  ears  against  false  reports,  an.l  that  we  should  not  atten.l  to  living  stories 
but  to  what  w.se  and  good  men  should  say  ;  for  which  reason  you  had  kindled  up  a  council^ 
fM-e  at  th>s  place  tlu.t  we  n.ight  always  converse  together,  and  know  the  truti  of  things. 
Brothers  of  the  H,x  Nations  say.  >'  Let  it  be  so;  it  shall  be  as  you  desire."  They  thank  you 
for  this  advK.,.  and  desire  you  would  use  the  snn.e  precautions ;  that  you  would  shut  your  ears 
to  flymg  stories,  but  keep  your  eye  upon  the  chief  council,  such  as  you  see  now  convened. 
1  he  Six  Nations  desire  you  would  always  inform  then,  fully  of  what  respects  them.  We  have 
for  this  purpose  opened  our  ears  an.l  purilied  our  min.ls.  that  we  may  always  hear  and  receive 
what  you  have  to  say  with  good  and  clean  minds;  an.l  whenever  wc  receive  any  important 
iutelligonce.  wo  shall  always  bring  it  to  this  council-fire. 

Brothers, 

You  delivered  us  this  pipe;  on  one  side  the  tree  of  pence,  on  the  other  a  council-fire;  wn 
Indians  sitting  on  one  side  of  the  lire,  and  the  representatives  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies 
upon  the  other  You  have  desire.!  that  this  pipe  may  be  lell  at  our ,  entral  council-house,  ami 
that  the  tree  of  pea.;e  may  be  plante.l.  and  that  the  branches  may  be  so  high  as  to  be  visible 
to  all  our  allies.  Brothers,  we  thank  you,  and  sh;;!!  .ake  care  to  deposit  this  «  here  you  desire, 
and  when  we  meet  to  deliberate  upon  business,  shall  always  use  this  as  our  council-pipe. 
Brothers,  attend. 

In  the  course  of  your  speech  y.,u  observed,  we  of  the  Six  Nations  were  a  wise  people,  and 
aaw  a  great  way  before  us;  an.l  you  asked  us.  if  you  upon  this  island  were  conouere.l.  what 
would  become  of  the  In.iians.  You  say  you  are  uncertain  of  holding  your  possessions,  and 
that  you  do  not  know  who  may  enjoy  the  pro.luct  of  your  labor.  Now  therefore,  brothers, 
attend;  you,  particularly,  our  brothers  of  Albany;  we  a.idress  ourselves  particularly  to  you. 
Our  brothers  of  Albany  have  taken  two  pieces  of  land  from  us.  without  any  reward,  not  so 
much  a.  a  single  pipe.     We  therefore  desire  you  will  restore  them,  and  put  us  into  peaceable 


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'i  i\ 


possession  again.  If  you  refuse  to  do  this,  we  shall  look  upon  the  prospect  to  be  bad;  for  if 
you  conquer,  you  will  take  us  by  the  arm,  and  pull  us  all  off.  Now  therefore,  as  the  Twelve 
United  Colonies  have  renewed  this  covenant  of  peace,  we  beg  that  there  may  be  no  obstruction 
upon  your  part,  but  that  you  would  restore  our  lands  to  us;  for  which,  as  we  said  before,  you 
never  paid  us  even  a  single  pipe. 

Brothers, 

You  have  now  finished  your  business,  and  we  have  made  short  replies.  You  have  kindled 
up  a  council-fire  of  peace,  and  have  planted  a  tree  of  peace,  according  to  ancient  custom.  We 
find  that  you  have  omitted  tne  thing,  which  is  this.  According  to  our  ancient  custom, 
whenever  a  council-fire  was  kindled  up,  and  a  tree  of  peace  planted,  there  was  some  person 
appointed  to  watch  it.  Now  as  there  is  no  person  appointed  to  watch  this  tree,  we  of  the  Six 
Nations  take  it  upon  us  to  appoint  one.  Let  it  be  the  descendant  of  our  ancient  friend  Quedar. 
He  has  to  consider  whether  he  will  take  the  charge  of  it,  and  communicate  to  us  whatever 
may  respect  it.  He  that  watches  this  council-fire,  is  to  be  provided  with  a  wing,  that  he  may 
brush  off  all  insects  that  come  near  it,  and  keep  it  clear.  That  is  the  custom  at  our  central 
council-house.     We  have  one  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

Brothers, 

As  you  have  this  day  renewed  the  ancient  covenant  of  friendship,  and  have  again  brightened 
the  ancient  chain,  renew  likewise  another  ancient  custom  respecting  the  regulation  of  trade. 
Let  us  have  a  trade  at  this  place,  and  likewise  at  Schenectady,  as  it  was  in  former  times,  when 
we  had  hold  of  the  old  covenant.  For  then,  brothers,  if  our  people  came  down  with  only  a 
few  musquash  skins,  we  went  home  with  glad  hearts.  Brc  .hers,  let  it  be  so  again.  Let  the 
Twelve  United  Colonies  take  this  into  consideration.     A  Belt  of  ten  rows  of  Wampum. 

Tiahogwando,  an  Oneida  sachem,  then  spoke. 

Brothers, 

This  is  all  the  Six  Nations  have  to  say  at  present.  They  would  just  mention  one  thing 
more  before  they  break  up.  Tlie  Six  Nations  look  upon  this  as  a  very  ^ood  time  to  speak  their 
minds,  as  here  are  the  representatives  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies.  The  dispute  between 
the  people  of  New  England  and  Fenn  seems  to  us  to  become  a  serious  affair,  and  therefore  the 
Six  Nations  take  upon  them  to  speak  their  minds  freely,  as  they  address  the  inhabitants  of  the 
whole  continent.  Many  years  ago,  at  a  council  held  in  Pennsylvania,  when  Cannassateego, 
that  has  been  before  mentioned,  was  present,  Penn  desired  the  Six  Nations  would  sell  him  that 
piece  of  land  known  by  the  name  of  Scanandanani  or  Susquehanna.  The  Indians  of  the  Six 
Nations  refused  to  sell  it,  saying  the  great  God  would  not  permit  them.  Therefore  they  made 
him  a  present  of  that  land,  known  by  the  name  of  Scanandanani.  Penn  received  it,  and 
made  them  valuable  presents.  After  this.  Col.  Lydius,  a  gentleman  employed  by  the  people 
of  Boston,  treated  with  so^ne  of  the  Indians  to  get  that  land  from  them.  But  he  never  kindled 
up  a  council-fire  upon  the  occasion.  He  spoke  to  them  whenever  he  met  them;  never  with 
more  than  ten.  From  these  he  pretended  to  make  a  purchase  of  that  tract.  Gov.  Penn  also, 
at  the  great  treaty  at  Fort  Stanwix,  in  the  year  1768,  desired  that  the  land  might  be  his,  and 
distributed  among  the  Six  Nations,  Shawanese  and  Caghnawagas,  ten  thousand  dollars,  for 
which   they  gave   him    a  writing.     This  is   an   affair  with  which  all   the   Six   Nations  are 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV. 


625 


acquainted,  nnd  any  one  would  lie  who  8aid  they  knew  nothing  about  it.     We  have  taken  an 
opportun-ty  to  speak  of  this  matter  now.  as  ,he  mind  of  the  whole  continent  is  Z  W 


A^o»,     .     U1J    ,.     ,  Friday,  September  I,  1775. 

At  a  treaty  held  th>s  day  w.th  the  Indians  of  the  Six  .Vatiuns.  at  the  City  of  Albany, 

Present—  Colonel  Francis,      ) 

Colonel  Wolcott,      >  n„.^^:.  i 

..    ,  '      (  <■  ommissinnerg. 

M'  Douw,  ) 


The  Commissioners  gave  the  following  answer  to  the  speed 
yesterday :  '^ 


delivered  by  the  Indians 


Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations,  attend. 

retrnIllTs:;;;ri:tr    '''''"^Vr  """"'^  theTwelve-Umted  Colonies,  and  we 
return  thanks  to  the  great  Governor  of  the  un  verse,  that  he  has  inclined  vn..r  l,..n,i    . 

Un  ted  Co       e?    T^is  b^ti"  """"'"i"  "'"  T'"''  ^""^^  ""'  '""-""^'''P  ^^''  "-  '^'-'va 
united  Oolonies.     1  h,s.  brothers,  you  have  said,  and  we  sincerely  believe  you.     Brothers  w« 

requested  of  yo..  Indians  of  the  Six  Nations,  not  to  interfere  in  o'ur  quarrels      We  .^e    Jt T„ 

the  least  doubtful  of  success,  as  our  cause  is  just.     We  will  live  or  die  like  In      VV 

ra.se  an  army  of  three  hundred  thousand  fighting  men,  who  are  bra,      d     e  de  ermi  Id  n^t 

te'si  n' ;  : r " "' ""«"" p"^"^«^^-  '''^'^'^^^ - "- -p-^ to y'  b? hi; 

J^r  '      ,"  ^""'  '"''  "'^'^  ^""""S  '■'•i*'"''«'"P  )'""  h'^ve  now  made  with  the  Twelve 

Un.ted  Colon.es.     Let  that  be  your  care,  and  that  only.     Peace  is  what  we  wisl  to  establish! 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations, 

Vou  yesterday  told  us.  that  as  the  roads  in  your  country  were  opened  for  you  and  your 
brothers  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies  to  pass  and  repass,  you  desired  at  the  sine  tin.e  tha 

.7spl.7   oo"d?'"'"  ^'  ""'  "■"'  ""'"'•     ^^'^'"•^"'  ''  -'^'''  -  --  -  intentila     re    n 
th  Zl    r?      ^""\  '""""■^'  ""•'  ^'  '^"P"  ■'  ''''''  "'^y  ""PF-"  '•  «"''  '■'  n-er  can.  provided 
tho^  w.cked  men  who  are  come  so  far  from  hon.e  in  order  to' disturb  the  peace  of  t  c'tw  I 
Unued  Colon.es.  do  not  appear  in  your  country.     But  as  we  are  determined  to  be  free  oTdie 
we  must  pursue  thom  until  we  drive  them  from  off  this  island,  or  until  they  confirm  our  an.i.nt 
prmleges.     Therefore,    brother.,   rest  assured,   whatever  may  happen  be  wet  us  and  ou 
e„em.es.  we  never  will  injure  or  disturb  the  peace  of  the  Six  Nations    but  pre      ve  „v  riab 
the  fr.endsh.p  that  is  now  e8tablished._even  unto  death.  "ivariable 

Brothers. 

You  also  desired  yesterday  that  some  of  your  friends  of  our  blood  shoHd  remain  in  peace 

of  th.s  world,  but  was  earnestly  engaged  in  conducting  you  to  happiness,  and  instructing  vo, 
.n   he  reverence  due  the  great  God  who  governs  the  universe.     Brothers  s  m  ^  we'love 

and  we  are  des.rous  of  his  remaini..g  quiet  an.;  happy  with  you.     We  are  also  desirous  th^t' 
all  the  cHher  missionaries,  who  have  been  engaged  ^'L  sami  good  causeway  safll^To^tin^ 

78 


h. 


(M.- 


>«»  ■",",/ 


■I 


Ifi 


.■m. 


^" 


62G 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


among  jon,  nnd  instruct  you  in  the  Gospel,  which  will  be  the  means  of  your  happiness  in  this 
world  and  the  one  to  come. 

Brothers, 

As  we  always  looked  upon  you,  brothers  of  the  Six  Nations,  to  be  a  wise  and  capable 
people  in  conducting  business  of  every  kind,  we  were  a  little  surprised  to  hear  you  sfty  that  no 
one  was  appointed  by  the  Twc!/e  United  Colonies  to  attend  and  watch  the  fire  Hiat  they  have 
kindled  up  at  this  place;  when  we  have  repeatedly  tolii  you  that  they  had  appointed  five 
persons,  whose  business  it  is  to  attend  and  preserve  it  bright  and  clear,  and  that  two  of  those 
five  live  iti  this  town,  who  would  take  particular  care,  and  wiio  had  full  authority  from  the 
T«'elve  T'nited  Colonies,  to  keep  the  Hanre  bright  and  clear.  Brothers,  lor  fear  you  should  not 
have  understood  us  fully,  we  again  acquaint  you  that  the  Twelve  United  Colonies  have 
authorize;!  Gen.  Schuyler  and  Mr.  Douw,  both  of  this  town,  to  keep  the  fire  burning,  that  it 
may  illuminate  thu  whole  country  of  the  Six  iNntions,  who  may  alw.iys  see  the  way  down  to 
it,  and  sit  in  peane  round  it. 

Brothers, 

You  yesterday  desired  that  the  trade  may  be  opened  at  this  place  and  at  Schenectady.  Wo 
also  wish  it,  and  it  will  be  done,  so  that  you  may  trade  as  you  formerly  did,  and  be  able  to 
return  home  with  your  goods  to  your  entire  satisfaction. 

Brothers, 

You  yesterday  mentioned  some  matters  concerning  land  claimed  by  the  people  of  Albany, 
and  also  the  land  in  dispute  between  Connecticut  and  Governor  Penn.  We  now  inform  you 
that  we  aie  not  authorized  to  transact  any  businesfa  of  that  kind  at  present,  but  wii'  represent 
the  mattcv  to  the  Grand  Congress  a*  Philadelphia. 

Brothers; 

We  have  now  hnished,  and  let  you  know  the  present  that  we  have  uom  the  Twelve  United 
Colonies  is  preparing  for  you,  "nd  when  it  is  ready,  will  acquaint  you.  Wagon*  shall  be 
provided  for  you,  whenever  you  are  ready  to  set  off  for  Schenectady. 

Six  strings  of  wr.mpum. 

After  which,    ach  of  the  difterent  Nations  gave  the  yoehaas. 

Captni"  Solomon,  th?  Chief  of  thd  Stockbridge  Indian*,  then  addressed  the  Commissioners 
af  followii 

Brothers  appointed  by  the  Twelve  United  Colonies  : 

We  thank  you  for  taking  care  of  us  and  supplying  us  with  provisions  since  we  have  been 
at  Albany.  Depend  upon  it,  we  are  true  to  you,  and  mean  to  join  you.  Wherever  you  go, 
we  wiii  be  by  yoir  nides.  Our  hones  shall  lie  with  yrurs  We  are  determined  never  to  be  at 
pence  with  the  red  coite,  while  they  nre  iit  variance  with  you.  We  have  one  favour  to  beg. 
We  shouhi  be  glad  if  you  would  help  us  to  establish  a  Minister  among  us,  that  when  our  men 
are  gone  to  war,  our  wom»»o  and  children  may  have  tiie  atlvantage  of  being  instructed  by  him. 
if  we  nre  conquered,  our  lands  go  with  yours ;  but  if  we  aro  victorious,  we  hope  you  will  help 
us  to  recover  our  junt  rights.  A  belt. 

To  which  the  Commissioners  replicvl : 

Srotliers  of  Stockbridge:  \Vc  have  heard  what  you  have  laid,  and  thank  you.  It  if  not  in 
our  power  U>  aniwer  the  iwu  quegiioni  you  have  put  ic  ui — the  first  respeciing  b  Minister,  tliw 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


627 


second  concerning  your  lands.  We  say  it  is  not  in  our  power  to  give  you  nn  answer  just  now ; 
but  we  will  represent  your  case  to  the  Continental  Congress,  and  we  dare  say  they  will 
re-establish  you  in  all  your  just  rights, 

Albany,  September  1,  1775. 
We,  the  subscribers,  appointed  by  the  honourable  the  Continental  Congress  as  Commissioners 
for  Tnd.aa  Affairs  for  the  Northern  Department,  do  certify  that  the  foregoing  is  a  true  copy  of 
all  matteis  and  proceedings  relative  to  a  Treaty  began  with  the  Indians  of  the  Six  Nation! 
and  their  allies,  ai  the  German  Flats,  on  Tuesday,  the  fifteenth  day  of  August,  1775  and 
finishecj  at  the  city  of  Albany,  on  Friday,  this  first  day  of  September,  1775. 

TuRBUTT  Francis, 
Oliver  Wolcott, 

T-».  ,..    »-  VOLKERT    p.    DOUW. 

IBNOH     IILGHMAN, 

Secretary  to  Commissioners  for  Northern  Dep't. 

Albany,  Friday,  September  1,  1775. 
This  day  finished  our  Treaty  with  the  Indians  of  the  Six  Nations,  and  informed  them  that 
to-morrow  morning  th-  Presents  from  the  Twelve  United  Colonies  would    be  ready  to  be 
delivered  to  them,  and  that  wagons  should  be  prepared  to  carry  them  to  Schenectady,  whenever 
they  pleased  to  move  homewards. 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  to  the  Honorable  the  Continental  Congress  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Kirklaud  and  Mr.  Dean,  for  their  service  in  this  present  Treaty. 

Resolved,  That  whereas  it  has  been  customary  to  keep  two  Smiths  in  the  Indian  country, 
for  the  purpose  of  mending  their  Arms  and  Utensils,  that  we  recommend  it  to  the  Continental 
Congress  to  appoint  two  proper  persons,  with  adequate  salaries. 

Ti'RBUTT  Francis, 
Oliver  Wolcott, 

m  „,  VOLKBRT    P.    DoUW. 

TkNCH    llLGHMAN, 

Secretary  to  Commissioners  for  Northt-rn  Dep't. 

Alhany  Cominiitee  Chamber,  September  S>,  1775. 

Resolved,  That  nn  invitation  be  immediately  sent  to  the  Commissioners  of  Indian  Affairs, 
desiring  their  ..ttendance  at  the  Presbyterian  Meeting-House  this  morning,  at  eleven  o'clock, 
as  this  Board  wiil  then  answer  the  Speech  of  the  Indians. 

The  Committee,  at  the  lime  appointed,  repaired  to  the  Meeling-House,  and  there  delivered, 
in  the  presence  and  with  the  consent  and  approbation  of  the  Commissioners,  the  following 
Answer: 

Brothers  of  tho  Six  Nations:  We  beg  you  will  acquaint  us  when  you  ore  complete. 

Brothers:  We  suppose  it  will  not  be  iiisistod  upon  to  repeat  th>  whole  of  your  speech,  at 
we  conceive  it  iinnecesnary,  and  therefore  shall  only  take  notice  of  the  material  parts. 

Brothers  :  You  said  that  you  were  glad  to  see  iir  at  this  place  on  the  25"  August,  in 
consequence  of  our  invitation,  and  that  you  were  glad  to  see  gome  sparks  of  the  old  council- 
fire  yet  remained,  pnd  that  you  rejoiced  even  to  excess  to  find  it  so. 


628 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


,  Brothers :  We  thank  you  for  your  kind  congratulationa  and  salutations  at  meeting  us  here, 
and  rejoice  in  the  opportunity  you  have  given  us  at  this  time  of  meeting  one  another  in 
friendship  and  peace,  to  talk  of  old  times  and  renew  our  ancient  treaty. 

Brothers  :  V\'e  are  happy  to  find  that  you  so  readily  accepted  our  request  to  come  and  see 
us,  and  that  you  have  had  so  much  patience  and  behaved  so  orderly  during  your  short  stay 
among  us. 

Brothers:  At  the  conference  of  our  Deputies  with  you  at  the  German  Flats,  they  showed 
you  some  old  belts  of  wampum  which  yoi^  expressed  a  desire  to  see.  Here  are  those  belts 
and  we  hope  even  time  will  not  wear  them  out.  This  is  the  belt  given  by  the  Uneida  Nation, 
and  is  the  old  covenant  between  the  whole  Oneida  Nation  and  Gorah  Queder.  This  is  the 
belt  that  was  given  by  the  Indian  called  Kayinguaraghloh,  in  behalf  of  the  Six  Nations. 

Brothers,  attend :  In  your  speech  you  further  observed  that  you  had  long  since  taken  a 
resolution  to  take  no  active  part  in  the  present  contest  for  liberty.  We  do  not  ofler  to  censure 
you  for  your  conduct,  but  admire  your  wisdom,  praise  your  pacifick  disposition,  and  hope  you 
will  have  fortitude  to  maintain  and  persevere  in  it.  A  belt. 

Brothers:  You  further  said  that  the  road  to  the  westward  you  heard  by  the  bird  was  to  be 
stopped  up.  This  matter  is  beyond  our  limits.  The  Commissioners  of  the  Twelve  United 
Colonies  having  spoken  to  you  at  large  about  the  roads,  that  they  shall  be  left  open  ;  we 
entirely  agree  with  them  in  this,  and  therefore  shall  add  nothing  on  this  point,  and  return 
the  belt. 

Brothers:  Vou  said,  further,  and  delivered  us  this  belt,  that  you  were  anxious  about  and 
concerned  for  your  Minister,  Mr.  Kirkland,  and  asked  our  advice  about  his  remaining  among 
you,  who  we  do  not  see  that  you  should  be  deprived  ot  without  your  consent,  any  more  thai  the 
Mohawk  Tribe  should  be  deprived  of  their  Missionary.  We  highly  approve  of  your  concern 
for  the  Ministers  of  the  gospel,  and  your  isttachnient  for  the  pure  precepts  and  doctrine  of 
Christianity.  But  if  your  Minister  is  removed,  we  should  fear  the  consecjuence,  it  would 
certaitily  give  occasion  of  jealousy  to  your  brethren,  the  white  people,  thai  you  Indians  were 
not  well  disposed.  Therefore  it  is  our  ardent  wisli  that  they  may  all  remain  among  you,  as 
your  teachers  and  instructors  in  virtue,  piety,  and  true  religion ;  and  we  hope  you  may  benefit 
and  profit  by  their  instruction.  A  belt. 

Brothers:  Before  any  Commissioners  were  appointed  by  the  Twelve  I  nited  Colonies,  from 
the  disagreeable  condition  of  our  country  and  the  ancient  friendship  and  alliance  subjisting 
between  us,  commenced  in  the  days  of  your  ancestors  and  our  toreluthers,  we  took  upon  us,  as 
the  representatives  of  the  people  of  the  City  ond  County  of  Albany,  to  give  you  an  invitation 
to  pay  us  a  friendly  visit,  that  we  might  have  an  opportunity  of  seeing  you  here,  at  the  place 
where  the  lirst  tire  was  kindled,  that  we  might  rake  up  the  old  UMJies,  ntid  not  sutler  it  to 
extinguisli,  but  renew  the  old  cuvenunt  chain,  and  make  it  shine  with  brighter  lustre. 

Brothers:  V  ,■  are  happy  to  tinil  from  your  speech  that  you  still  retain  that  affection  for  ua 
which  a  well  founded  friendship  will  naturally  produce,  and  which  we  hope,  from  our  conduct 
towards  you,  is  not  unmerited ;  and  we  rejoice  to  find  that  you  feel  fur  our  distresses,  and 
lament  the  unnatural  quarrel  of  brethren,  which  you  express  so  warmly  by  a  desire  of  an 
amicable  seitlement. 

Brothers:  Time  will  not  permit  us  at  present  to  mention  to  you  how  and  on  what  occasion 
the  first  covenant  was  made  between  your  and  our  forefathers.  They  have  never  deserted  you, 
but  kept  their  covenants  and  agreements  with  you  ;  nor  do  we  mean  to  act  otherwise  on  our  part. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS-    XLV. 


629 


Brothers  :  This  covenant,  afterwards  improved  upon,  was  confirmed  between  you  and  us  in 
the  year  IG65.  one  year  after  this  Country  went  over  to  the  Crown  of  England.  Since  this 
you  have  from  tune  to  time,  admitted  into  your  chain  the  Tuscaroras.  and  most,  if  not  all.  the 
Iwelve  United  Colonies. 

Brothers:  There  are  five  gentlemen.  Commissioners,  appointed  by  the  Twelve  United 
Colon.es.  at  the  Grand  Council  at  Philadelphia;  the  management  of  the  publick  business  in 
the  Indian  Department  now  belongs  to  them.  These  gentlemen  have  informed  you  of  the 
nature  of  the  dispute  between  Great  Britain  and  this  Co>intry.  and  testified  their  desire  of 
keeping  up  the  council-fire  between  us. 

Brothers:  VVe  kr.ow  it  is  customary,  at  the  renewal  of  any  covenants  between  us,  that  a 
present  should  follow.  We  now  make  it  known  to  you  that  the  goods  you  will  receive  of 
the  Commissioners  of  the  Twelve  United  Colonies  are  partly  ours.  We  pay  our  proportionable 
part  towards  them  ;  so  that  what  you  receive  from  them  is  from  us  also.  We  are  the  same- 
there  is  no  distinction. 

Brothers :  If  our  memory  does  not  fail,  we  think  that  when  we  invited  two  or  three  of 
each  of  our  brethren,  the  Six  Nations,  to  come  down  here,  we  also  desired  that  you  would 
acquaint  us  what  had  passed  in  the  Congress  held  at  Oswego,  which  as  yet  we  know  nothing 
of.  You  say,  indeed,  that  you  are  glad  we  are  peaceably  inclined,  as  well  as  Colonel  Johnson  ; 
but  you  have  t^ld  us  nothing  else  that  v.ae  transacted  there,  which  we  had  expected,  and  do 
wish  that  our  brothers  conceal  nothing  from  us,  especially  as  you  called  God  to  witness  for  the 
truth  of  what  you  said. 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations,  and  you  the  Mohawks  in  particular:  We  apprehend  the  bird 
Tskleleli  has  been  busy  again  ;  he  seems  to  be  a  mischievous  bird,  and  ought  not  to  be  nourished 
or  entertained.  In  your  answers  to  the  Commissioners  you  addressed  yourselves  to  the 
inhabitants  o  Albany,  complaining  that  they  had  taken  from  you  two  pieces  of  land,  without 
giving  the  value  of  a  pipe  of  tobacco  for  them,  and  that  you  desired  they  would  restore  you  to 
the  peaceable  possession  of  them  ;  and  that  the  Commissioners  would  look  into  this  matter, 
and  artord  you  relief.     The  land  you  speak  of  we  suppose  to  be  Ticonderoga  •■ 

Brothers :  This  is  a  matter  foreign  to  the  business  we  met  upon,  and  w.  are  not  authorized  or 
quahhed  to  enter  upon  the  subject;  it  is  a  business  that  belongs  to  the  Corporation  of  Albany; 
yet,  as  we  may  be  considered  the  representatives  of  the  people  at  large,  our  entire  silence 
may  be  construed  into  guilt  of  the  heavy  charge  (ixed  upon  us.  For  your  satisfaction,  as  well 
as  ol  the  •••■^<li-"<'«,  we  will  endeavour  to  show  that  the  accusation  is  groundless,  by  a  few 
remarks.  Ihe  lands  allu.led  to  are  granted  by  the  Charier  of  Albany  ;  we  never  heard  that 
any  of  your  nation  have  been  dispossessed  or  driven  ofT  those  lands,  but  you  hitherto  have  and 
still  enjoy  those  lands,  without  the  least  interruption. 

Brothers:  As  we  observed  before,  the  matter  cannot  properly  come  before  us.  but  belongs 
to  another  bo.ly,  and  iherefi.re  the  application  to  us  is  improper.  However,  give  us  leave  to 
say,  that  instead  of  complaining,  we  think  the  Mohawks,  i(  they  considered  their  own  interest 
and  that  ol  lh.,,r  posterity,  and  would  he  candid,  must  acknowledge  the  truth  of  the  fact,  and 
rejoice  at  till,  day  that  they  have  had  such  faithful  guardians  and  trustees ;  lo,  if  it  had  not 
been  so,  who  would  have  enjoyed  these  lands  nowy     Tliere  have  been  .■ompiaints  concerning 

■  m,,r,ri  i.  ih.  M.,l,««l.  „.,u«  fur  Uie  TomtiU  Bruya,.     The  «or.l  i,.  tl„  Unl  i.  in  th.  Ou.i.U  Ji.lect 
'  ;Suw,  turt  lluulcr. —  Kp, 


630 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Mi 


Sir  I' 


this  matter  before,  and  inquiries  into  it  before  proper  tribunals;  and  for  your  information,  and 
that  of  the  curious,  we  refer  to  the  proceedings  of  the  House  of  Assembly  of  this  Colony, 
and  also  to  the  minutes  taken  on  a  conference  between  the  Corporation  of  this  City  and 
yourselves,  at  which  Sir  William  Johnson  was  present ;  and  therefore  return  you  the  belt. 
To  which  they  returned  the  following  Answer,  by  Abraham,  Chief  of  the  Mohawks,  speaker : 
Brothers  of  Albany:  We  return  you  thanks  for  your  speech,  and  that  you  have  informed  us 
that  the  Twelve  United  Colonies,  by  their  Commissioners,  have  opened  all  the  roads;  and  we 
now  take  for  granted  that  the  communication  at  Fort  Stanwix  is  not  to  be  shut  up,  and  that 
the  New  England  people  never  will  do  it.  This,  brethren,  has  been  the  occasion  of  some 
anxiety  in  the  minds  of  the  Six  Nations. 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations,  attend ;  you,  also,  the  People  of  Albany  ;  and  you  the  Twelve 
United  Colonies,  by  your  Commissioners  : 

Last  spring  Colonel  Johnson  informed  us  that  the  New  England  people  were  near  him,  to 
take  him  prisoner;  upon  which  we,  like  people  intoxicated,  took  up  our  guns  and  ran  to  assist 
him,  as  he  was  our  Superintendent.  But,  brethren,  as  it  happened  in  the  manner 
beforementioned,  we  hope  you  will  look  upon  it  in  that  light.  We,  the  Six  Nations,  have  now 
made  and  renewed  our  ancient  covenants.  The  proceedings  just  now  mentioned  have  brought 
me  down.  I  have  made  a  proper  acknowledgment  to  the  Six  Nations,  and  now  do  the  same 
to  you  ;  and  I  hope  you  will  raise  me  up  again.  The  news  I  was  just  speaking  of  came  not 
from  a  bird,  but  from  your  own  people. 

Brothers  of  Albany,  further  attend :  I  shall  only  make  a  short  reply  to  your  speech  relating 
to  the  lands;  many  agree  >le  things  are  therein.  You  further  say  that  you  never  heard  that 
any  of  us  were  drove  off  those  lands.  There  wes  one  thing  which  was  not  so  agreeable;  it  is 
the  Tskleleli.  You,  brothers,  know  hov/  that  matter  is;  and  in  case  I  was  to  answer  that  part 
of  your  speech,  it  might,  perhaps,  draw  us  into  an  argument;  and  as  you  are  not,  as  you  say, 
the  proper  body  to  which  we  ought  to  have  applied,  and  as  you  have  referred  us  to  former 
proceedings,  we  shall  close. 

Brothers  of  Albany :  We,  the  Six  Nations,  now  tell  you  that  it  is  at  your  pleasure  to  call  on 
us,  and  we  will  inform  you  of  what  passed  in  the  Coifgress  at  Oswego. 

Abraham  Yates,  Jun.,  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  replied  : 

Brothers  of  the  Six  Nations:  We  are  now  ready  to  hear  it,  and  should  be  glad  you  would 
inform  us. 

Abraham,  the  Mohawk  Chief,  then  proceeded: 

Brothers  of  Albany ;  You  senl  for  us  to  inform  you  of  what  passed  at  Oswego,  but  you  have 
not,  since  we  have  been  down,  desired  it  ;  we  have  always  been  ready  ;  and  as  you  have  not 
asked  us,  we  will  now  tell  you,  and  think  it  our  duty,  as  we  look  upon  it  that  God  will  punish 
us,  if  we  conceal  any  thing  from  you. 

Brothers:  The  transactions  of  that  treaty  were  very  public;  the  Shawanese  were  there, 
and  some  from  Detroit.  Mr.  Johnson  told  us  that  the  (ire  kindled  there  was  a  fire  of  peace; 
that  all  the  white  people  v^era  the  King's  subjects;  and  that  it  seemed  they  were  intoxicated. 
Mr.  JohiHon  also  told  us,  that  the  white  people  were  all  got  drunk,  and  that  God's  judgment 
hung  over  them  ;  but  did  not  know  on  which  i?  de  it  would  fall.  Mr.  Johnson  further  told  us 
that  the  council-fire  was  kindled,  on  account  of  the  present  dispute,  and  desired  us  not  to 
interfere,  as  we  were  brothers,  and  begged  of  us  to  sit  still  and  maintain  peace ;  this  is  what 


H 
1 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


631 


Colonel  Johnson  told  us  at  that  council-fire.  He  also  snid  he  had  his  eye  on  Mr.  Kirklnnd- 
that  he  was  gone  to  Philadelphia,  and  along  the  sea-coast ;  that  he  was  become  a  great  soldier 
and  a  leader.     Is  this  a  Minister?  says  he;  do  you  think  your  Minister  minds  your  soul?    No. 

beM'  rlTf  VT.T  '"/'^"^^^'P'^''^  ^'  ^"'  b«  a  great  warriour.  and  when  he  returns  he  will 
be  the  Chief  of  all  the  Five  Nations. 

Brothers:  There  were  present  five  people  of  Detroit,  five  from  Caughnawnga.  and  two  of 

lll7""",l\.  '.°'"""  '"''  ''''''  '''' ""'  ''''  '""«  »'«  -'-"^'^  '--  Canada  they 

should  have  ail  the.r  men  there,  and  he  would  then  kindle  a  council-fire ;  and  desired  them 

in  ,  u?,  ,r  r'  '"  •  ''  '''"P"'"'  ""  ''  ^''  "  ''"""«'  '^«t^««»  •'^"thers.  Mr.  Johnson 
also  told  them  hat  Ih.s  council-fire  was  kindled  upon  peace;  and  that  it  seemed,  by  reason  of 
the  wh.te  people  s  mtox.cation,  that  God's  judgment  hung  over  them.  He  also  told  us  that 
wnHH?r^-.?  ,  ^°^rr"'  "f  C""'^'3a.  who  was  of  a  different  opinion  from  him.  but 
would  talk  w.n,  hun ;  and  further  said  that  he  would  tell  the  Caughnawaga  Indians  the  ;ame 
he  told  us;  and  for  that  purpose  desired  that  two  of  each  nation  might  go  along  and  hear  it. 
He  likewise  desired  us  to  consider  which  way  we  would  have  our  trade- whether  up  this 
nver.  or  from  Canada.  He  at  the  same  time  assured  us  that  we  should  not  suffer  for  want  of 
goods,  as  we  were  not  concerned  nor  had  any  hand  in  the  present  dispute.  He  also  mentioned 
something  about  the  council-fires -he  said  there  are  two  fires  which  you  will  keep  your 
eyes  upon ;  and  if  they  call  you  down  to  Albany,  don't  you  go ;  fcr  they  will  deceive  you  and 

lo  wdl"  I  feT  """"^        '"°""''     ^''''  "''  '"^  ^''"^  "'"'  ^°"'  ''"^""S'  ""'^  ^°'''"'^'  *'°^"^°»''' 

Abraham  Yates.  Jun..  Chairman. 


Oovernor  Tryon  to  the  Rirl  of  Dartmouth. 

t  N»w.Tork  Ptptn  (8.  P.  O.)  CLXVII.,  No  «.  ] 

My  Lord,  ^"^  ^""'^  ^"'  ^^P^'  I'^S 

A.  I  was  on  Long  Island  at  the  tin.e  of  the  disturbances  in  this  city  occasioned  by  the 
citizens  removing  in  the  night  of  the  23'-  of  last  month  Twenty  one  peices  of  Ordnance,  nine 

H,  »r.  ll".'."l  ^ITZ:  \'"*';T':.''"'  "'"•'"'■"y  '"""B  "'•  NowYork  Indiana  w.,  bom  .t  Norwich.  Conn.,  in  1742. 
ofThol   iti,  .„ T,    T^,'^,        '•  r,n,«,„,.U„,on.  t   .  Onn.U^  .n,l  in  ,788  .Mi.to.i  .,  tl.e  great  Indian  council  for  Ih.  extinction 

a  r :  r ' "-     ?:  "f •"  ^ '""  >'"""'  ""■"  "^  •^'^'"''"•'-  •'"^•-  •-  "-^'-"'^  --" •  '- 

u^.iV«        7^  ""''^'    "'"    ""'"•    "f  "•■""'""  ^-""'Ke.     Af.cr   «   life   of  M.uob  puMio 

l.b.r.l.t7  '»  proBioling  Ih.  mUr-U  of  r.ligioo  .»U  l,.rBing.  IKW/,W  A;.r/.  //../.«,  ./  L.,-  ,.   o.  _  i-.. 


632 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ri  ^i 


-14 


pounders,  that  were  mounted  on  the  Bnttery  under  Fort  George  I  transmit  to  your  Lordship 
copies  of  the  correspondence  that  passed  between  the  Mayor  of  the  Jity  and  Capf  Vandeput 
of  his  Majesty's  ship  Asia  on  tiie  occasion  as  the  best  evidence  I  can  collect  of  that  affair. 

On  my  receiving  intelligence  the  twenty  fourth  in  the  evening  of  what  had  passed,  that  a 
mob  had  searched  my  house  the  same  evening  though  they  said  for  Capl"  Foy,'  and  that 
a  party  of  Provincials  had  been  on  Long  Island  in  quest  both  of  Captain  Foy  &  myself.  I 
nevertheless  the  i.oxt  morning  came  into  Town  and  got  together  (not  in  Council)  as  many  of 
the  Gentlemen  of  the  Council  as  were  on  the  spot,  and  proposed  to  them  to  meet  the  principal 
inhabitants  of  the  city  and  country  that  were  in  Town  in  the  Council  Room  at  the  City  Hall, 
Including  the  corporation,  Provincial  officers,  Committees  and  Provincial  Congress,  in  order 
to  persuade  them  to  desist  from  carrying  things  to  farther  extremities.  This  measure 
considering  the  high  fermept  of  peoples  minds,  my  friends  approved  of  and  I  met  the 
Gentlemen  the  next  morning  accordingly.  When  alter  lamenting  the  present  unhappy 
controversy,  and  alarming  situation  to  which  the  public  affairs  of  the  Country  was  reduced  I 
recommended  to  them  lor  the  present  public  safely,  that  the  Guns  taken  from  the  battery 
might  remain  on  the  Common  That  no  further  attempt  should  be  made  on  the  Kings  Stores 
as  I  was  confident  a  fresh  attempt  would  produce  fresh  disturbances  &  endanger  the  city  as 
Captain  Va-ideput  had  those  stores  under  his  protection  and  musl  do  his  Duty.  That  the 
town  should  furnish  the  Kings  ship  with  fresh  provisions,  but  to  prevent  disorder  the  Boats 
from  the  city  might  carry  the  provision  on  Board.  1  urged  how  important  it  was  to  their  own 
Interest  to  preserve  a  temperate  conduct,  and  not  wantonly  to  draw  down  calamity  upon 
themselves  but  wait  the  determination  of  Great  Britain,  as  some  further  plan  of  accommodation 
might  be  held  out  for  the  ground  of  a  reconciliation.  Since  I  knew  it  was  the  warmest  wish 
of  the  Uoyal  Breast  to  see  ua  again  a  happy  and  united  people.  This  was  nearly  the  substance 
of  what  I  said  to  them.  I  was  heard  with  Temper  and  attention.  The  city  has  remained 
quiet  since,  and  fresh  provisions  are  to  be  delivered  on  the  (iovernors  Island  for  tlin  Asia. 

I  sent  Capl"  Vandeput  a  letter  the  25""  a  copy  of  which  is  herewith  enclosed  to  inform  him 
of  my  intention  to  meet  the  principal  Inhabitants  of  the  Country  Since  which  there  has  been 
no  direct  Communication  between  the  Asia  and  the  Town.  A  Boat  which  carried  only  some 
milk  on  Board  was  burnt  on  her  return  to  shore  as  was  last  Sunday  a  country  Sloop  for  having 
put  some  provisions  on  Board  of  the  man  of  war.  Such  is  the  rage  of  the  present  animosity. 
For  further  particulars  of  our  Situation  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  Capt"  Foy,  who  from  the 
Frenzy  of  the  times  has  been  pursued  and  drove  from  this  distracted  Country. 

At  least  one  third  of  the  citizens  have  moved  with  their  effects  out  of  Town  and  many  of 
the  Inhabitants  will  shortly  eyperience  the  distresses  of  necessity  and  want. 
1  am,  with  ;Se  greatest  Respect 
My  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  Servant 

Earl  Dartmouth  W"  Trvon 


'  iSii^«,  p.  tas,  not*.  —  £s. 


%*?§ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:     XLV. 


Odd 


Guvernor  'Iryon  to  the  Kiui  of  Ihrtmovth. 

[NfW.York  I'upen  (».!'.  (I.)  CI.XVII.,  Nu.  r.] 

My  Lord  ^*'^'  ^'"fl^  '^"'  '^*'V^'  1775 

In  ll.e  present  stnge  of  the  Ameriean  controversy  ndvance.i  as  it  is  to  an  open  opposition  to 
measures  ol  Govermnent,  i  shall   not  troul,ie  yonr  Lonlship  wi.h  a  n.inu.e  .1    ail  of  t  " 

pullu.^  ocourrances  ,n  t.s  Country.     Kvery  day  produces  Cresh  proof  of  a  deteru.ined  Sp    i 

of  I  es,stance  ,n  the  confederate  Colonies     The  An.ericans  tron.  .'oliticiuns  are  now  heoon     . 

.Sold-ers  and  however  problen.atic.l  it  once  was  there  can  he,  now  no  doubt  of  their  i   to       n 
persevere  .n  t  e.r  detern,inations  to  great  e.xtren.i.y.  unless  they  are  called  hack  by 

liberal  &  conciliatory  assurances.  ^ 

Their  dread  of  being  taxed  by  I'arhan.ent  is  the  grand  sinew  of  the  League,  no  arguments 

0     ddress  can  persuade  them  ,hat  the  British  Nation  dees  not  m to  exercise  that  p'r    c    L 

n     deeply  .mpress.d  with  that  cousidenuion  they  look   upon  themselves  as  mere  t.nantst 
VVU  o    all  they  possess.     1  coul.i  wish  for  some  explicit  Declaration  from  (.'reat  JJri.ain    « 

efruin    rem  what  it  would  never  be  expedient  to  make  t gain  <eel.  because  I  llat.er  myse 

U  would  ower  the  present  alarming  irritation  nn.i  end  in  a  Ites.oration  oftlie  common  tranou  lity 
Would  U.  My  Lord,  put  anything  to  risk  to  .lisclain.  an  intention.  i(  never  meant  ,o  be  arriod 
..to  execufon-  Besides  I  find  on  the  spot  such  a  Temper  as  leads  me  to  beleivc  that  the  te  or 
0  emg  taxed  ..v.thout  their  own  cooperation,  once  removed,  an.l  the  acts  in  supnort  of  that 
puu^iple  which  alarm  them,  .lone  aw.y.  the  contest  would  either  cease  or  such  d  ssension  ll 
produced  among  themselves  as  would  reduce  the  opposition  now  so  inauspicious  t.  a  ve  ^ 
manageable  state,  when  seconded  by  the  powerful  -id  of  Covernment.  I  indu  ge  therefore  tl le 
hope  that  this  great  obstacle  will  be  removed 

I  must  next  remind  your  Lordship  of  several  particulars  which  though  of  subordinate 
.n  ortanc«  will  nevertheless  re.p.ire  immediate  attention  us  soon  as  the  languid  arm  of 
authority  beRins  again  to  he  raised  in  this  Country 

The  Colonies  have  outgrown  the  (Jovemment  anciently  set  over  them  which  oud.t  to  rise 
.n  strength  an.i  dignity  as  they  increase  in  wealth  and  population.  It  will  therefor.-  he  of  great 
Uti  ity  to  extend  the  conli.lence  of  the  ex.-cutive  authority  to  the  Gov"  of  tlie  I'rovinces  as  f.r 
as  his  Majesty  cm  safely  rely  upon  those  he  thinks  fit  to  honor  with  that  Trust.  'I'liey  want 
more  particu-arly  ampler  scope  for  the  exercise  of  that  liberality  whi.:h  is  of  the  greatest  use  in 
every  species  of  Government,  always  exp..cte.l  by  the  multi.u.ie.  an.i  absolutely  tiecessary  to 
place  the  power  of  the  Kings  representative  above  their  contempt  I  must  therefore  interc-eed 
with  your  Lordship  for  an  establishment  that  no  patent  in  future,  for  any  office  or  place  in  the 
Colony  issue  indepen.iant  of  the  Governor  an.l  also  for  a  s.ttlem'  respe.ling  Kaiik  an.i 
prece.  e„cy      That  the  (iovernor  in  His  I'mvince  take  the  pre-minence  of  all  others.  ex,-ept 

the  Uloc,.i  lt.,yal,  on  every  occasion,  no.  n r!y  military,  that  the  Ivings  Council  in  their  order 

follow  the  Comnnm.ler  in  Cheif  of  the  army  an.i  alter  them  the  Speaker  oftlie  Assembly 

I  he  state  of  the  waste  Lands  of  the  Crown  will  also  require  your  r.or.iships  .-onsideration 
not  only  to  prevent  in.piictu.le  &  Disor.ler.  but  to  se.-urr  His  Majestys  revenue  &  Ifights.  f  lefl 
sue!,  a  plan  with  your  Lor.lship  as  I  beleive  will  restore  IVace  to  the  District  formerly  claimed 
by  iNew  Hampshiro 

Vol,  vim.  ^q 


i 


P 
h 


634 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


As  to  the  Indian  Cessions  of  1772  your  Lordship  cannot  forget  the  anxiety  I  expressed  to 
perform  my  Engagement  to  those  who  laid  down  their  money  for  the  purchases,  relying  upon 
my  word  Their  expectations  being  just,  I  can  not  express  an  impatience  for  liberty  to  fulfill  my 
promises  under  the  Great  Seal  of  this  Province 

The  Crown  is  also  doubly  concerned  in  a  reconsideration  of  the  general  restraints  the 
Governor  lies  under  by  the  new  arrangement  which  prevents  the  further  granting  of  Lands 
under  that  arrangement.  It  is  impossible  my  Lord  in  a  Country,  lilie  this  where  population 
proceeds  with  such  large  and  rapid  strides  to  prevent  intrusion  upon  the  ungranted  territory 
on  the  inland  Frontiers,  and  when  these  are  multiplied  the  strength  of  the  occupants  will  deter 
others  from  suing  Patents  for  their  Possessions  who  themselves  are  generally  too  indolent  or 
confident  in  their  own  Force,  to  solicit  Grants  to  secure  their  settlement 

As  the  Hostile  preparations  and  appearances  that  surround  me  make  it  very  doubtful  if  I 
may  have  an  opportunity  of  sending  any  more  public  dispatches  to  your  Lordship  from  this 
Country,  I  think  it  my  duty  to  be  at  this  time  as  I  have  been  at  all  others,  very  explicit  in  my 
sentiments  on  the  public  affairs  of  this  Colony  which  are  with  all  possible  Duty  and  Fidelity 
most  humbly  submitted  to  His  Majestys  wisdom 

1  am,  with  the  most  perfect  respect  and  esteem 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  Servant 

William  Trtow 


^ 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  the  Oovernora  in  America. 

[  FltnUtloiu  OenenI  (9.  P.  O. )  CCLXt  ] 


Quebec 
Nova  Scotia 
New  Hanjpshire 
Massachusets  Bay 
New  York 
New  Jersey 


Virginia 
N*  Carolina 
S"  Carolina 
Georgia 
East  Florida 
West  Florida 


Whitehall.  6  Sept'  1776. 
As  it  is  of  great  consequence  to  His  Maj''"'  service  in  the  present  state  of  affairs  in  North 
America,  that  His  Maj'^'*  ships  of  war  stationed  there  should  not  be  employed  in  any  other 
services,  than  those  to  which  they  are  appointed  by  the  Admiral,  lam  commanded  by  the  King 
to  signify  to  you  His  Maj''"'  pleasure  that  you  do  not  take  upon  you  to  send  to  England  any 
such  ships  that  may  be  stationed  within  the  limits  of  your  Government  with  any  Dispatches, 
unless  such  dispatches  are  of  the  most  pressing  nature  and  no  vessel  can  be  otherwise  procured 
in  which  an  Officer  may  be  sent  home  with  them. 

I  am  ettc. 

Dartmouth. 


mi 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


685 


Secretary  Pownall  to  Governor  Tryon. 

[Naw-Tork  Ptp«n  (8.  P.  O.)  CLXVII.  J 

gjf  Wliitehall  6«*  Sept'  1776 

It  iB  my  duty  in  the  absence  of  Lord  Dartmouth  who  is  gone  into  Staffordshire  for  a  few 
days    to  transmit  to  you  His  Majestys  permission  to  you  to  return  to  England  if  you  think  fit 

This  p«rmi88ion  has  been  granted  in  consequence  of  your  letter  to  Lord  Dartmouth  of  the 
use  of  it  «'"»ranc««  yo"  give  in  that  letter  that  you  will  not  make  a  hasty  or  improper 

The  state  of  His  Majestys  Governm-  in  New  York  is  certainly  of  late  very  much  altered  for 
the  worse,  but  I  trust  that  its  authority  is  not  irrecoverable  and  that  instead  of  your  beinR 
('nven  to  the  necessity  of  choosing  either  of  the  disgraceful  alternatives  you  suggest  you  will 
soon  be  m  a  situation  publicly  to  avow  those  sentiments  and  openly  avow  those  measures  that 
shall  correspond  with  the  Kings  Resolution  to  exert  every  power  which  the  constitution  has 
placed  in  His  Hands  for  subduing  this  unnatural  Rebellion,  a  resolution  in  which  there  is  the 
fullest  assurance  that  his  Majesty  will  be  supported  by  his  faithful  subjects  in  this  Kingdom, 
who  will  I  am  persuaded  be  found  on  this  occasion  as  zealous  to  preserve  entire  the  sovereignty 
of  the  supreme  Legislature  over  all  the  British  Dominions  as  they  ever  have  been  to  maintain 
the  liberties  they  derive  from  our  most  excellent  constitution. 

To  Gov  Tryon.  I  am  &c» 

'  J  POWKALI. 


Secretary  PownaU  to  Oavernar  Tryon^  etc. 

[  PItnUUou  Oeaaral  (  B.  P.  O. )  CCXXI.  J 

Circular  to  Gov"  Tryon  &  Franklyn     Dep"  Gov"  Penn  and  Eden. 

gjf  Whitehall.  4.  October.  1775. 

It  having  been  thought  fit  to  discontinue  for  the  present  the  packet  Boats  for  N.  \merica  I 
am  directed  by  Lord  Dartmouth  to  desire  you  will  contrive  for  the  future  some  means  of  sendilig 
your  Letters  to  his  Lordship  thro'  the  channel  of  the  Admiral  who  is  instructed  to  give  all  p-oper 
facihty  by  means  of  the  small  vessels  under  his  command  to  the  conveyance  of  letters  and 
intelligence,  in  every  possible  channel  of  communication. 

I  am  ettc. 

J    POWNALI:.. 


(N»8) 


Cdond  Guy  Johnson  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[Plinlatloiu  Oraen]  (8.  P.  0.)  CCLXI.  ] 

Montreal.  12.  October  1776 


My  Lord. 

The  uncommon  trouble  and  various  difSculties  I  met  with  in  the  discharge  of  my  duties  the 
last  sumuier,  together  with  the  unceriaiuty  of  events  prevented  my  writing  to  your  Lord?  for 


686 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


%■!' 


some  time  past,  and  indeed  tliere  only  offered  a  single  opportunity  since  I  came  into  this 
province;  however,  I  could  not  let  the  Vessel  sail  at  this  time  without  doing  myself  the  honor 
of  giving  your  Lord^  a  hrief  sketch  of  my  past  transactions,  hoping  to  lay  the  whole  before  you 
more  fully  in  a  little  time. 

Finding  in  May  last,  that  all  necessaries  for  the  Indians  were  stopped  by  order  of  the 
Committees,  and  myself  theatned  with  an  attack  from  a  considerable  armed  force,  and  having 
then  received  secret  Instructions  &  dispatches  from  G— ernl  Gage  respecting  the  measures  I 
had  to  take,  I  left  home  the  last  of  that  Month,  and  by  the  help  of  a  body  of  white  Men 
and  Indians,  arrived  with  great  difficulty  at  Ontario,  where  (in  a  little  time)  I  assembled  1458 
Indians,  and  adjusted  matters  with  them  in  such  a  manner,  that  they  agreed  to  defend  the 
communication,  and  assist  his  Majesty's  Troops  ir  their  operations.  The  beginning  of  July  I 
sat  out  for  this  place,  with  a  chosen  body  of  them  and  Hangers  to  the  number  of  2S0 ;  not 
being  able  to  get  any  Craft,  or  even  provisions  for  more,  and  arrived  here  the  17""  of  that 
Month,  and  soon  after  convened  a  second  body  of  the  Northern  Confederacy  to  the  amount  of 
1700  &  upwards  who  entered  into  the  same  engagements,  notwithstanding  they  had  declined 
coming  in  some  time  before,  on  Gov'  Carleton's  requisition,  their  minds,  having  been  corrupted 
by  New  England  Emissaries  and  most  of  them  discouraged  by  the  backwardness  of  the 
Canadians.  These  ind"'  remained  encamped  for  a  considerable  time  waiting  the  Motion  of 
Troops,  and  I  detached  from  them  about  100  Indians  to  ^erve  as  Scouts  and  covering  parties 
to  the  Troops  at  S'  John's,  which  were  then  much  exposed.  These  Indians  had  several 
Skirmishes  with  the  New  Englanders,  in  one  of  which,  they  killed  Cap'  Baker  an  Out  Law  of 
New  York  and  a  very  daring  and  dangerous  Rebel,  who  was  returning  to  the  Enemy  with 
a  particular  State  of  the  force  ettc  at  S'  Johns. 

The  preparations  for  the  defence  of  this  Province  and  the  annoyance  of  the  Enemy  going  on 
very  slowly,  thro'  the  prejudices  of  the  Canadians,  and  the  want  of  Influence  among  the 
Noblesse,  and  Gov'  Carleton  not  judging  it  expedient  to  permit  the  Indians  to  pass  the  limits 
of  the  Colony,  the  latter  after  a  stay  far  beyond  what  is  usual  with  Ind"',  begun  to  return  to 
their  respective  Countries  giving  assurances  of  their  readiness  to  return  whenever  there  was  a 
prospect  of  Troops,  or  Military  operations,  leaving  with  me  however,  a  body  of  about  600  in 
three  camps. 

On  the  B""  of  September  the  Ilebel  army  advanced  in  view  of  S'  John's,  and  the  first  division 
consisting  of  about  700  Men,  under  a  General  Montgomery,  began  to  land  near  that  place  ;  on 
which,  the  Indians  there  marched  out,  and  tho  unsupported  by  anj  Troops  ettc  gave  them  so 
warm  a  reception,  that  after  being  twice  repulsed  they  retired  with  precipitation,  with  the 
loss  of  about  100  killed  and  wounded  ;  on  our  side,  one  of  my  Captains  was  shot  thro' 
the  thigh,  six  Indian  Warriors  killed  and  as  many  wounded.  The  number  of  Indians  in  that 
Action  was  under  90,  &  at  that  time  I  had  in  ditferent  encampments  408  of  the  several 
Nations, —  This,  My  Lord,  was  the  critical  time  for  striking  such  a  blow,  as  would  have  freed 
the  country  of  these  Invaders,  and  greatly  contributed  to  assist  General  Gage's  operations; 
but  such  was  the  infatuation  of  the  Canadians,  that  they  could  not  with  all  General  Carleton's 
endeavours,  he  prevailed  on,  even  to  dcfenil  their  Country,  and  the  Enemy  after  a  pause  of  some 
days  at  Isle  aux  nois,  returned,  invested  the  small  body  of  Regulars  at  S'  John's,  cut  off  all 
communication  with  it  and  Montreal,  &  scattered  their  pailies  thro  the  Country,  some  of 
whom  came  within  sight  of  that  City,  whilst  the  Ind"  disappointed  at  finding  none  to  cooperate 
with  them,  began  to  take  measures  for  their  own  security,  and  raaay  of  them  retired. — During 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV.  gg- 

c!!,ndia!iT„*  "'  ^.r'  '7'"^''  ''•"■■  "'°^'  '''"'"«  ^"«-"  -'»••  P'^^ties  to  draw  in  the 

Tins  small  affair  promised  great  consequences,  and  had  the  Gov'  bnen  „hu  Z  . 

de.f.n  or  rt      .  "'•?"""'"""  I""™  »»'  »•  7"  ~m.  i„,  m  suci,  number,  «,  to  .„.w.r  tl,. 

commands   &  fully  explain  the  several  matters  re<p.ired  of  me  in  your  las  Te«  r  a    we^as 
:.r  t:  tr'"  "f  "^^"""'  ""''°^'^"^"  ^  ^^'^•"^'"'^  «-^  '..mediate  reguiaorh 

As  the  nature  of  the  services  1  had  to  perforn,  in  pursuance  to  the  General's  instructions 
et  occasioned  an  expense  far  exceeding  the  ordinary  peace  establishment  of  the  Dep  r  .^ 
I  have  after  consu Itafon  with  Gov'  Carleton,  as  there  is  no  money  to  be  had  here  1^110' 
communication  with  Gen'  Gage  over  for  the  season,  found  it  necessary  to  sat  sfy  hose  wo 
ave  suppiyed  me  with  cash  and  goods,  by  giving  too  or  three  order's  on  tllos  ft 
Ireasury.  m  which  I  hope  to  be  justified  from  the  peculiar  situation  of  the  affrs  here  & 
circumstances  which  I  can  fully  explain,  and  your  Lord 'may  be  assurectlat  h  lUa  e  very 
::::sl:;Z?ce'^  '''"'-'''  ''-  i..terestsof  Govem-wlth  the  Indian  Nations  durlnrmj 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  utmost  respect  My  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  &  most  faithful  humble  servant. 

G.  Johnson. 

anf "b^dJof"  Tr"'"'  T'°  "''  ■'"•'"'  n--«hbourhood  of  this  City  have  assured  me  that  should, 
any  body  of  1  roops  advance  against  the  llebels  late  as  the  season  is,  they  will  join  them. 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

[Ntw-Tork  Pipcn  (B.  p.  0.)  OLXTII.] 

New  York  16*  October  1776 
My  Lord 

Since  the  taking  away  of  between  Thirty  and  Forty  Load  of  the  Barrick  Masters  and  Hospital 
Stores  in  the  night  of  ninth  Ins'  and  the  Inhabitants  replacing  them  the  next  day,  on  my 
requisition  to  the  Mayor,  the  City  has  been  in  continual  agitation  and  ferment  encreased  by  a 
recommenda"  and  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress,  that  this  provincial  congress,  should 
take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  siezing  or  securing  the  Crown  Officers  Upon  the 
first  receipt  of  this  Determination  I  communicated  it  to  the  officers  most  interested,  and  kept 
out  of  Town  all  Thursday  at  the  Governors  Island,  &  in  the  evening  the  asia's  boat  landed  me 
at  Long  Island,  and  lay  at  M'  Astells  at  Flatbush 

Hearing  that  the  congress  had  not  gone  upon  any  determination  upon  that  subject,  I  returned 
early  next  morning  to  the  City  and  wrote  the  Mayor  the  letter  A.  Yesterday  he  brought  mo 
the  answer  B.  which  conveying  no  pledged  security  to  my  person  I  sent  him  the  letter  C.  which 
will  be  under  deliberation  to-morrow,  as  many  of  the  principal  Inhabitants  are  expected  in 
Town  this  evening.  I  am  sensible  of  the  importance  of  my  keeping  my  ground,  and  feel  a 
reluctance  to  quit  it  while  prudence  will  justify  my  stay 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect.  My  Lord 

Your  Lordships  mo'  obedt.  humble  St. 

Earl  Dartmouth  W"  Tryon 


Enclosure  A. 


Governor  Tryon  to  Mayor  Hicht. 

i  N»w-Tork  P«p«i  ( 8.  P.  O. )  OLXVU.  ] 


New  York  10'"  Oct.  1775 


From  undoubted  authority  from  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  the  Continental  Congress  have 
recommended  it  to  the  Provincial  Congress  to  seize  or  take  up  the  officers  of  this  Government, 
and  particularly  myself  by  name,  I  am  therefore  to  desire  you  will  inform  the  Corporation  and 
Citizens  of  this  City,  that  I  place  my  security  here,  in  their  Protection,  that  when  that  confidence 
is  withdrawn  by  any  seizure  of  my  person,  The  Commander  of  his  Miijeslys  ships  of  War  in  the 
Harbour  will  demand  that  the  Inhabitants  deliver  me  on  Board  the  Fleet,  and  on  refusal 
enforce  the  Demand  with  their  whole  Power,  anxious  therefore  to  piL » :'iit,  ii"  possible,  so  great 
a  Calamity  to  this  City,  as  well  as  inconvenience  to  myself,  I  am  -.evly  s'.i  jvid  the  voice  ni'.'ae 
Citizens  be  unfavorable  to  my  staying  among  them,  immediately  ..^  cu.jark  on  Board  the  Asia, 
requesting  that  the  Citizens  will  defeat  every  attempt,  that  may  be  made  to  hinder  my  removal, 
with  my  Domesticks  and  effijcts  should  that  be  their  wish ;  Since  I  returned  to  this  Province  with 
every  ho'.orable  Intention  to  serve  them  consistent  with  my  bounden  duty  to  my  Sovereign 

I  am  Sir 

Your  obedient  Servant 

Whittlie-u;'  ?'"ck«  Ksq'»  Sign-*        William  Tryon 

Mayo"  ftl  iVi)  Ciiy  of  New  York. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV. 


639 


Enclfiire  B. 


Myor  Ilicha  to  Oovernor  Ih/on. 

I  Ntw-Tork  Vtptn  (  S.  P.  o. )  CLX VI  I.  ] 


Sir  New  York  14'*  Oct'  1775 

sentiments  m  writ  ns  under  th«  Dianntnro  „«•  .u  •    /-.i.  ■  .         ^  ®  '  """  '"^'^ 

consummation  of  wH^at  u  ;;::L"rrate  Xi^rrrc,:' ^haure  cir""""?  r " 

in  your  friendship  to  a  Colony  which  you  have  governed  wi  h  I  '  '"""'''"« 

desire  you  will  still  continue  your  resid^n  e  Zn'g  t  u;andT  1  tL^D    .  "^""''°"  ""'""^ 

of  the  People  at  large.  I  have  not  the  least  doTfr  you    en^yh^  the  r  s7       ?  ""'  '""'''' 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  highest  esteem  and'  r^pecf-  '  '""'''  P"'"''"" 

Your  Exceliencys 
His  Excellency  most  obed«  humble  SerV 

William  Tryon  Ksq"  Whitehead  Hicks 


Enclosure  C. 


Governor  D-yon  to  Mayor  Hicks. 

I  Ncw.Tork  Paptra  ( g.  p.  o. )  CLX  VII.  J 


Sir 


New  York  U  Oct.  1776 


rmov.  „„  Board  th.  King.  Ship,  Bu.  „  ,h„  h.™  ™  ° ".T^  !  h        *       ,"■/'  '""'''''  '° 

I  am  Sir 

Whitehead  Hicks  Esq"  ^°"  ™°'"  °^^'^'  S«"«"' 

Mayor  of  the  City  of  New  York  ^'*"''        ^^  ^"'o" 


^^■'  •' 


.,^--^' 


It 


i 


mk 


640  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Mayor  Ilicks  to  Gove)"ru)r  Tryon. 

[  New- York  Pipera  (8.  1'.  O. )  CL.iVl!.  j 

New  York  Wednesday  IS"-  Oct  1775 
Sir 

When  your  Excellencys  letter  of  Saturday  cnme  to  hand,  the  day  was  so  far  spent,  that  I 
had  no  prospect  of  an  opportunity  to  take  the  sense  of  liie  citizens  upon  it,  till  nionday,  and 
then  unfortunately,  the  Cnairman  and  Deputy  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  I  mentioned  in  my 
last  letter,  and  many  of  the  memhers  were  out  of  town 

On  Tuesday  morning  they  met,  and  deiiheraled  i.pon  it,  and  had  a  second  convention  for 
that  purpose  in  the  evening;  and  the  result  cf  tiieir  councils  appear  in  Uio  written  answer 
they  se.it  me,  and  which  \  now  have  the  honor  to  transmit  to  your  Excellency 

Permit  me  to  add.  Sir  tiiat  the  friendly  and  respectlul  Terms  in  which  people  of  all  ranks 

express  themselves  concerning  your  Excellency,  on  this  occasion,  and  their  anxiety  at  the 

thought  of  your  retiring   from  the  capital   are  very  satisfactory  to  the  corporation  and  in 

particular  to  your  I'hxcellencys 

Most  obedt.  Humble  Servt. 

His  Excellency  Whitehead  Hicks 

William  Tryon  Esq" 


h'ew  •  York  Commitiee  to  Mayor  J  licks. 

I  N«w-Tork  r«p«r»  (S.  I*.  O.)  CLXVII.  ] 

Committee  Chamber  17'"  Oct  1776 
Sir 

His  Excellency  Governor  Tryons  second  letter  to  your  Worship  of  the  H""  Instant:  has 
been  laid  helbre  the  Committee  We  flattered  ourselves  that  the  Sentiments  o(  respect 
expressed  in  answer  to  His  Excellencys  first  letter  to  your  worship,  ond  the  assurances  that 
his  information  from  I'liiiadelphia  was  ill  grounded,  would  have  removed  every  suspicion  of 
Injury  intended  to  his  person  or  projierty. 

We  can  with  great  truth  assure  his  Excellency  that  we  are  not  apprehensive  of  the  least 
danger  to  his  person  or  I'roperly ;  and  that  he  may  rest  assured  of  all  thai  i'rotection  from  us 
and  our  fellow  citi/.ens,  which  will  be  consistent  with  the  great  principle  of  our  safety  and 
preservation,  declaring  at  the  same  time  (hat  we  have  the  utmost  confidence  in  his  Excellency! 
Disposition  to  serve  the  true  Interest  of  tliis  Colony,  and  that  lie  will  by  his  wise  and  prudent 
mediation,  use  his  best  oflices  to  restore  lliiit  hariiiony  between  (ireat  IJritaiii  and  the  (Colonies 
80  ardently  wished  for  by  us.  Tlie  (Committee  therefore  can  not  but  again  express  their  most 
ernest  desire,  that  his  excellency  would  continue  his  residence  among  a  people,  who  have  the 
most  grateful  sense  of  his  iifiright  and  disinterested  administration 

We  have  ihe  pleasure  to  acquaint  your  VVorship  that  the  above  letter  was  unanimously 
approved  of  in  a  full  Committee,  and  are  Sir, 

Your  very  humble  Servants 

His  Worshipful  lly  order  of  the  Committee 

Whitehead  Uickii  Esq''  Ibaau  Low,  Chuirniun. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV. 


641 


Governor  IVyon  to  Mayor  Hichs. 

[  Ncw-Tork  Papert  ( 8.  P.  o. )  CLXVII.  ] 


Sir  •'"  '^•''"'<'  '*!«  Halifax  Packet  19'"  October  1776. 

Finding  your  letter  of  yesterday  inHufllHent  for  that  security  I  requested  from  the  corporation 

L        :Tr.    r  JT""':''  '"  '"  '"'"'^  *"  ^^''^^  y°"  °^''"'-^  ''-  --e  of  t''-  inhabit... 
my  duty  d.rected  me  for  the  present  instant  to  remove  on  board  this  ship,  where  I  shall  be 

rea  y  to  do  such  busmess  of  the  Country  as  the  situation  of  the  times  will   permit.     The 

Ct.zens  as  well  as  the    inhabitants  of  the  Province  may  be   assured  of   my  Llin  tion  to 

embrace  every  means  in  my  power  to  restore  the  peace  good  order  and  authorit/of  GoverL melt 

I  am,  Sir, 

Whitehead  Hicks  Esq"  ^°"'  '"'"  °''''^''"'  t"' 

Mayor  of  the  City  of  New  York.  ^V"  TnroN 

The  within  is  a  true  Copy  of  a  letter  I  rfPoivi>rl  fr^m  u:.  v      u  r^  ,« 

Qjjj  j^^,  *^^  "^"^"^  ^  received  irom  His  Excellency  Governor  Tryon  IS" 

Whitehe/ti  IIicks 


•   n    »    ■■   » 


State  of  Ordnance  hehnging  to  Fort  George. 

[  New-Tork  rii>«ra(H.  P.  o.  )CI.XVII.  ] 

State  and  Remain  of  Iron  Ordnance  &c  belonging  to  Fort  George  and  the  Lower 
Buttery  of  New  Vork  as"'  Sept'  1776 

Iron  OanxANXR 
Dismounted 


^''''                                                                 Serviceable 
3!i  Pounders 4c, 

SI  


I'nierTt'bl* 


18 

It 

0 

e 


2 

12 
7 
7 

a 


Mounted  on  Garrison  Carriages  with  Fron  Trucks  compleat 


Serviceable 

18  Pounders 10 

18  .... 

N  B 

For  the  serviceablf  Guim  hI 


0 

19 

9 


('neervibl* 


1] 


.  ,r.        .  ,        ,  ,  '"'""   ""'""<""•''   '•*l"'r«  are   AV.r   Canv,ir„  i„    Store,  with  > 

.uiBcient  number  of  Iron  Truck.,  but  a,  neither  Gun.  or  Truck,  have  bten  flu«d  jT      ' 


Vol.  VI  n. 


bl 


thsst  the 


64S 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


must  of  course  be  incomplete,  and  the  twenty  one  Guns  mounted  as  above  specified  were  taken 

off  the  lower  Battery,  by  the  inhabitants  on  the  night  of  the  23''  of  August,  and  carried  from 

thence  to  the  common,  where  they  at  present  remain 

Christ'  BuiNDELt, 

Store  Keeper 


<    H    »    11    » 


jEarZ  <^  Dartmouth  to  the  Governors  in  America,  except  MassO'Chusetts  and  N.  GiroUna. 

[ri>nl«lloi»0«neral(8.  P.  O.)  COI^I.] 

Whitehall  28  October  1776 
Inclosed  I  send  you  by  His  Maj"''  command,  printed  copies  of  Ilis  Maj"'*  most  gracioui 
speech  to  His  Parliament  it  the  opening  of  the  Session  on  Thursday  last,  and  of  the  addresses 
in  answer  thereto,  which  1  trust  will  have  the  effect  to  convince  the  Rebellious  inhabitants  of 
the  Colonies,  of  the  firm  resolution  of  every  branch  of  the  Legislature  to  maintain  the  Dignity 
&;  authority  of  Parliament,  as  well  as  their  desire  to  receive,  with  all  proper  indulgence,  the 
submission  of  any  Colony  that  shall  be  inclined  to  return  to  its  duty  and  allegiance,  and  to 
make  such  arrangements  as  may  restore  harmony  &  confidence,  and  remove  all  just  ground  of 
uneasiness  and  apprehension  in  the  minds  of  those  who  are  really  disposed  to  a  reconciliation 
with  the  Mother  Country. 


I  am  ettc 


Dartmouth. 


Earl  of  Dartmouth  to  tlie  Oovernors  in  America. 


[  riMUUoni  Otntnl  (B.  r.  0. )  CCLXI. ] 


New  Hampshire 
Massachusets  Bay 
New  York. 
New  Jersey 
Virginia 


N»  Carolina 
S»  Carolina 
Georgia 
Pennsylvania 
Maryland 

Whitehall  8  Nov'  1776 

There  being  great  reason  to  apprehend  from  accounts  lately  received  thro'  different  channels, 
that  the  insults  which  have  been  offered  to  the  King's  Officers  and  servants  in  the  Colonies  may 
be  followed  by  more  open  violence;  I  am  commanded  by  his  Majesty  to  signify  to  you  His 
Majesty's  pleasure,  that  you  do  inform  all  such  Officers  within  your  (Jovern*,  that 
His  Majesty  does  not  expect  that  they  should  continue  in  their  present  stations  nt  the  hazard 
of  their  lives  &  property,  and  therelbrp  that  they  are  at  liberty  to  withdraw  themselves  from 
the  ColoDj  whenever  their  personal  safety  shall  make  it  necassary  for  them  so  to  do. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV.  543 

Kvery  protection  tlint  those  intriuted  witli  the  coininand  of  the  King's  Army  and  Nnvy  oan 
give,  will  be  nHorded,  mid  it  ims  been  nirendy  siKiiiliud  to  the  Lords  o(  tlie  Admirnlty,  that  the 
Commanders  of  his  Miij'»'  ships  in  their  dillerei.t  Stations,  should  rocoivo  on  Board  such  of 
the  King's  servants  ns  may  be  compelled  by  tlie  violence  of  the  Times  to  seek  such  an  Asylum. 

It  is  impossible  without  the  greatest  conci-rn  to  rellect  upon  the  calamities  which  the  present 
disorders  of  the  times  have  brought  upon  the  King's  dervants  in  the  (Colonies;  but  under  nil 
their  suflerings  they  may  rest  assured  of  every  possible  utte^ition  lo  their  present  unfortunate 
circumstances. 

1  am  ettc 

Dartmouth. 


Oovernor  Tryon  to  the  Kirl  of  Dartmouth. 

IMw.Tork  Papcn  (H.  P.O.)  CLXVII.,  Nii.  I«.l 

On  Board  the  Hliip  Dutchess  of 

(jordon  New  York  Harbour 
My  Lord  Nov  II.  1775 

Since  the  30"'  of  last  month  I  have  been  on  Board  of  the  ship  Dutchess  of  (Jordon  under  the 
protection  of  the  Asia  Man  of  War,  with  M'  Kempn  Attorney  (Jeneral  and  M'  Barrow  Deputy 
Pay  Master  lo  Mis  Mnjestys  Forces.     This  mt  asure  thougii  expensive  was  necpHsary  us  I  could 
not  have  kept  up  any  communication  with  the  Country  had  I  gone  on  Board  the  Asia  Man  of 
War,  Whereas  in  my  present  situation  the  Friends  of  Covernmcnt  freely  come  to  me,  mid  I 
beleive  my  removal  has  brought  ninny  to  a  deeper  relleclion  of  their  dayly  and  increasing  distress 
than  while  i  remained  among  ihcm,  when  the  consider""  me  as  a  pledge  for  the  Itedemptinn  of 
any  principal  llebel  that  may  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Kings  Forces  — II  is  certain  that  within 
this  (brtnight  the  Spirit  of  Rebellion  in  this  I'roviiico,  enpecially  in  the  city,  has  greatly  abated 
and  we  wait  now  only  for  five  thousand  Regulars  to  open  our  Commerce  and  restore  our 
valuable  constitution.— The  Counties  Westchester,  Dutchess,  King,  (iueeii  and  llichmond,  had 
the  bulk  of  their  Inhabitants  well  allected  to  (Jovernnient  and  some  friends  in  all  the  oiher 
Counties.     They  call  for  protection  as  the  enemies  t«  (Jovernment  are  daily  insulting  and 
disarming  them;  and  succours  from  Connecticut  have  very  lately  made  new  incursions  into 
West  (Jliester  for  that  wicked  purpose.     If  we  have  no  aid  for  the  friends  of  (Jo-ernmenl  to 
associate  under  this  winter.  1  dread  the  impending  conseijuence  to  those  who  are  friendly 
to  Oovernmont  and  remain  unprotected.     The  .Sword,  My  Lord,  is  drawn  and  it  is  that  must 
now  establish  a  i;onstitulion.     Yet  could  it>e  compatible  with  the  dignity  and  justice  of  the 
British  Sovereignty  to  give  explicit  satisfaction  lo  America  that  the  principle  of  internal  Taxation 
In  America  should  not  be  exercised  by  the  British  Stale  until  n  IMan  was  agreed  upon  for  the 
Representation  of  America  or  other  accommodalion,  the  (ieneral  confederacy  would  in  my 
opinion  speedily  if  not  immediatelv,  unravel;  and  Bodies  even  of  the  eneiuies  to  (Jovcnuii.-iil 
■land  forth  with  its  present  friends  to  suppress  those  who  should  then  continue  in  llebellion. 
I  am  coiilident  one  thousand  Regulars  here  with  such  an  olive  Branch  would  be  ei|uiil  to  five 
Id  the  present  state  of  the  contest.     Not  but  that  I  have  expectations  of  the  (ieneral  Cungrssi 


644 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


■ettling  before  the  spring  a  Quota  for  each  Province,  with  Instructions  to  the  Delegates  of  the 
respective  Provinces  to  communicate  the  said  Quota  to  the  (General  Asseniblys  of  their 
Provinces,  that  the  offer  of  support  for  the  General  purposes  of  the  Stale  may  be  made 
constitutionally  to  Great  Britain  through  the  General  Assemblies.  This  doctrine  I  have 
inculcated  and  every  other  that  I  thought  could  promote  the  restoration  of  the  Authority  of  his 
Miijestys  Government. 

I  am  with  the  most  perfect  Respect 

My  Lord,  Your  Lordships 

most  obedient  Servant 
Earl  of  Dartmouth  W»  Tryon 


Governor  Tnj07i  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

i  M«w.Tork  Papcn  (  B.  P.  O.  )  CLX  VII.  ] 

On  Board  the  Dutchess  of 

Gordon  New  York  11""  Nov  1775 
My  Lord 

The  inclosures  herewith  transmitted  will  abundantly  testify  the  Anarchy  of  this  Province 
and  the  Malignant  Spirit  that  is  spread  through  the  Country. 

The  Paper  marked  A  was  received  from  the  Fountain  head,  and  was  the  ground  of  my 
subsequent  conduct  in  removing  on  Board  the  Packet. 

Fort  Chamblee  fell  into  the  Hands  of  the  Rebels  the  IS'^  of  last  month,  but  as  St  Johns  by 
letter  from  Ticonderoga  of  the  31"  of  October  wc.s  si  ill  beseiged  it  is  hoped  the  attempts  of  the 
enemy  on  that  Fort  will  be  defeated  through  the  Bravery  of  the  (jarrison,  favored  by 
the  severity  of  the  season  or  releived  by  General  Carleton  who  it  is  confidently  asserted  has 
levied  a  Body  of  Highlanders  and  Caiiudians  for  that  purpose 

The  enemy  have  two  objects  in  view  in  constructing  the  Fort  at  the  highlands,  on  Hudsons 
River;  The  one  to  preserve  the  communication  open  above  those  Heights  between  the  Western 
and  Eastern  Colonies,  which  will  be  important  to  them  when  the  Kings  Ships  next  Summer 
command  Hudsons  River  as  far  up  as  the  F^ort :  The  other  object  is  to  prevent  the  Junction  by 
water  of  any  Forces  that  may  march  from  this  city  and  Canada  to  retake  the  Forts  on  the  Lakes. 
This  Fort  however  when  the  Friends  of  Government  can  associate  in  conjunction  with  tb'. 
Regulars,  will  probably  soon  be  dismantled  by  the  Country  people  or  taken  by  the  Kings  Forces. 
1  have  detained  the  I'ucket  considering  at  this  Crisis  Government  would  be  anxious  to  know 
the  issue  of  the  Canada  Invasion,  however  as  tl)e  mercury  Packet  is  arrived  I  shall  dispatch  the 
Halifax  in  two  or  three  days,  tho'  no  fresher  intelligence  should  arrive 

I  am  with  all  possible  Respect 
My  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

most  obedt.  Servant 
Earl  Dartmouth  W  Tkyon 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLV. 


645 


Enclosure  A. 

(Now-Vork  P«|)cr«  (8.  P.O.)  CLXVII.] 

The  letter  produced  to  the  continental  Congress  and  the  Copy  sent  to  this,  in  New  York 
has  the  fallowing  words. 

"Tryon  with  nil  his  malignity  of  heart  is  ohliged  to  lay  still  as  the  four  Regiments  are  gone 

■'  to  Boston ;  he  is  high  in  esteem  with  administration  for  his  hehaviour  at  N.  Carolina!  hip 

'  plan  that  he  laid  for  enslaving  this  country,  when  in  England  is  not  laid  aside,  it  will  be  a 

".capital  stroke  to  secure  Gov'  Tryons  person  ;"  it  goes  on  to  point  it  out  by  "your  acting  in 

"conjunction  with  Gov  Carleton."  ^  * 

Hancocks  letter  to  the  Congress  "  I  also  enclose  you  a  resolve  of  the  continental  congress 

respecting  those  who  in  your  opinion  are  ^.ngerous  by  going  at  large  which  I  also  refer;" 

Tins  resolve  1  can  t  get  sight  of  1  beleive  it  i.  dotroyed.     150  men  working  at  the  Forts,  Soo 

weight  of  Powder  there.     IJeacons  to  be  erected  HO  miles  thin  side  of  the  Forts  all  the  way 

up  at  proper  places  to  give  the  alarm.     A  plan  is  laid  to  build  two  more  batteries  this  side 

the  Forts,  an  application  to  Congress  for  25  men  to  keep  wat.h  at  night,  at  the  Fort  building 

up  the  north  River.     A  Plan  to  sink  Blocks  to  stop  up  some  narrow  places  going  up  to  the 

Forts.  ,n  order  to  prevent  large  vessels  going  up.     Two  sloops  sailed  last  sunday  fortnight 

with  money  for  powder,  I  beleive  to  the  French  Islands. 

A  wounded  joldier  left  St  Johns  M-  of  October  examined  before  Congress.  St  Johns  close 
bese.ged.  stand  half  leg  died  in  mud  and  water,  a  new  baterie  to  be  opened  the  day  after  he 
came  away,  next  day  heard  heavy  firing.  They  said  in  the  camp  if  they  did  not  take  it  in 
three  or  lour  days  they  never  should.  A  rumor  in  the  Camp  four  or  five  thousand  Canadians 
were  coming  to  the  releif  of  St  Johns-Stop'd  and  dismissed  by  the  I'resident.  This  man 
told  before  he  came  to  Congress  he  wa.  sure  not  a  provincial  was  at  St  Johns  by  this  time 
A  motion  made  in  Congress  by  M'  Isaac  Low,  to  lay  all  the  ulliurs  before  Gov'  Tryon  relating 
to  him  ns  above     objected  to  ** 


'Mem.  IleC*  from  N  York:  the  best  authority  Nov  2  1776 


W  T. 


-♦■»«  » II » 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  hktrl  of  Dartmonth. 

/».,  „2>  INtw-York  ■■■p«n  (Ri.t*  i-.pFr  OIBm)  CLXVIII.,  No.  Vt.  ] 

On  Board  the  Ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon 
j^y  j^ord,  '^'"^  ^"'"'^  Harbour,  C"  Dec'  1776 

Since  my  Dispatches  sent  by  the  November  Pa.k.a  this  province  has  exp..rieneed  a  fresh 
outroge  from  the  Connecticut  people.     Near  one  hundr-d  of  their  horsem.-n  will,  Isaac  Sears, 

'  J.m«  Hr»UU.  who  1,.,1  f„r,n«rl,  liv.i  with  Oov.rn rry„„,  w,..  „l  .l,i.  , „.rv„,.t  t„  J„,n.,  I.»„„«,  ,  ,„„„,,,„  „f 

*^?"''"";  "'"'"' •"";"  '"•  *•"  '"  ''"•  ''"'"'  "f  l"i""i"i»K.  .M.  1 »«t..r  r..ti,i„K  to  l...,l,  .„,!  a(.,r»., „,li„„  i,„.„,  .„., 

!    !1.^        "    '['.       •,';"":""' j'^""'     ''"   *"'"«  J'«»"""'   '>"  •I'.coud.d.  .ud  • ,t  t.,  l.;„Kl.„d  l,y  hi.  .nudovr. 


646 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Sam'  Broom,  and  other  turbulent  fellows  at  their  head  came  into  the  City  of  New  York  and 
going  up  to  M'  Rivington's  house,  part  of  them  dismounted,  went  into  his  printing  office 
and  took  avr-y  all  his  Types  with  other  articles  out  of  the  Shop,  and  then,  to  tlie  disgrace  of 
the  City,  were  suffered  unmolested  to  leave  the  Town.  But  before  they  quitted  the  Province 
they  ill  treated  &  took  prisoners  some  inhabitants  of  West  Chester  County ;  particularly  The 
Reverend  M'  Seabury,  and  burnt  one  Sloop  belonging  to  persons  friendly  to  government. 
M'  Rivington  injured  almost  to  ruin  throws  himself  on  the  benevolent  consideration  of  the 
British  State.  The  freedom  of  M'  Rivington's  publications,  &  especially  in  his  last  paper 
herewith  transmitted,  drew  this  lawless  Violence  upon  him. 

Isaac  Sears  is  evidently  a  tool  of  the  Continental  Army,  publickly  declaring  he  acts 
regardless  of  Congresses  and  Committees ;  and  I  am  told  by  good  Authority  he  shewed  a  letter 
he  received  from  General  Lee,  recommending  the  seizure  of  my  person,  and  that  he  should  do 
it  at  all  events,  and  that  the  Continental  Army  would  bear  him  out.  K  probably  will  not  be 
long  before  the  assumed  powers  of  the  general  congress  will  be  transferred  to  their  Army. 

Reports  prevail  that  all  the  Plate  on  the  Continent  is  to  be  secured,  &  continental  Paper 
Money  given  in  exchange.  This  Robbery  is  to  insure  the  circulation  of  that  fraudulent 
currency  as  well  as  to  furnish  Resources  for  future  occasions. 

The  intimation  of  Isaac  Sears'  design  speedily  to  revisit  this  Province  with  a  more  numerous 
body  of  the  Connecticut  Rioters,  and  to  take  away  the  Recorda  of  the  Province  induced  me  to 
order  such  publick  Records  as  were  most  interesting  to  the  Crown  to  be  brought  on  board 
to  me,  which  measure  has  been  since  approved  by  the  unanimous  advice  of  Council. 

The  peacable  demeanor  &  loyalty  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Queen's  County,  with  a  firm 
Resolution  to  defend  their  families  &  property  from  insult  has  drawn  on  them  the  threatened 
Violence  of  Sears  and  his  adherents.  But  unawed  by  these  threats,  it  is  beleived  they  will  be 
firm  united  &  spirited  in  their  resistance  to  such  a  lawless  &  wicked  attack.  Lieu^  Governor 
Colden  &  his  Family  have  much  merit  in  promoting  this  laudable  spirit  of  opposition  to  the 
Measures  of  Committees  and  Congresses  in  Queen's  County. 

The  rage  of  the  populace  in  this  province  for  Committees  &  Congresses  seems  to  have 
greatly  abated.  Several  Counties  have  refused  to  send  Delegates  to  the  provincial  Congress, 
and  they  have  not  been  able  to  make  a  house,  as  they  call  it,  since  the  late  Dissolution.  And 
was  it  not  from  the  awe  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  neighboring  Colonies  and  the  controuling 
influence  of  the  Continental  Congress  I  am  persuaded  there  would  be  an  immediate  End  to  all 
Committees  and  Congresses.  But  unassisted  &  unprotected  as  the  well  disposed  and  loyal 
Part  of  the  Inhabitants  are  I  can  determine  nothing  with  certainty  as  to  what  may,  or  may 
not  be,  the  state  of  publick  Affairs  in  this  Province.  I  can  only  say  that  my  best  and 
unremitted  endeavors  have  been  constantly  exerted  for  the  Service  of  my  Sovereign,  and  the 
Dignity  of  his  Majesty's  Government. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  respect  and  esteem, 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  Servant 

W"  Thyon. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLV.  547 

Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

(  N"  24  )  K«»-Tork  F>pen  ( Btata  P«p«r  Offliw )  OLXYIII.,  No.  M.  ] 

On  Board  the  Ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon 
My  Lord,  ^^^  ^"'■'^  Harbour  8""  Dec'  1776. 

I  have  engaged  John  Wood.,  Thomas  Allen,  &  William  Tunx.  three  skilful  Gunsmiths  to 
qui  workmg  at  the^r  trade  ,n  forwarding  the  execution  of  purpose,  contrary  to  the  feelings  of 
their  natures,  as  Lngl.shmer..  .n  the  present  unnatural  Rebellion.  There  is  only  one  Workman 
now  renrammg  ,n  America  that  is  capable  of  the  business  of  Gun  welting,  as  I  am  informed. 
n„  ^  T     n  !     "^"'""^'"^  "'■  Encouragement  and  meriting  protection.     I  have  therefore 

paid  th.riyOumeas  for  their  passage  to  England  in  the  packet,  and  advanced  them  twenty 
Guineas  more  to  support  them  up  to  London.  I  have  made  it  the  express  condition  of  their 
leaving  America  that  they  shall  be  employed  in  the  Tower,  or  other  the  King's  Armory.  The 
fulfilling  this  positive  engagement.  My  Lord,  I  rest  to  your  Lordship's  particular  care,  as  an 
Encouragement  due  to  men,  voluntarily,  and  at  the  hazard  of  their  lives  &  property,  fleeing 

Sisll^lTo  !r"-'  ^'^^""'««r « '°  ''-'^  P-«^"^  '"'--t.  though  obnoxious  to  tLir  SenUments! 
disloyal  to  their  Sovereign.  &  injurious  to  the  measures  of  his  Majesty's  Government. 
1  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  most  perfect  respect  and  esteem.  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  Servant. 

W""  Tryon. 


Sir 


Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon. 

[  NewTork  Papen  ( 8.  P.  0. )  CLXVII.,  No.  1.  ] 

Whitehall  Dec  2Z*  1776 

Your  dispatches  by  the  Halifax  Packet  have  been  received  and  laid  before  the  King,  and  the 
intelligence  they  enclose,  of  the  loss  of  Chambles  and  St  Johns,  which  has  been  confirmed  bv 
advices  received  to  day  from  Quebec,  clouds  the  fair  prospect  we  had  of  the  advantage  which 
a  disappointment  to  the  Rebels  in  their  design  upon  Canada  would  have  given  us.  yet  this 
ground  of  advantage  is  not  irrecoverable,  and  I  trust  and  beleive,  that  if  the  measures  His 
Majesty  has  thought  fit  to  adopt,  for  a  vigorous  exertion  of  his  Forces  in  the  Spring  turn  out  as 
we  have  good  reason  to  expect,  we  shall  soon  see  a  different  prospect  of  affairs 

In  the  mean  time  it  will  be  your  duty  to  encourage  by  every  means  in  your  power,  any 
expectation  in  the  Kings  well  disposed  subjects  in  New  York  of  every  assistance  &  protection 
the  state  of  this  Kingdom  will  enable  His  Majesty  to  afford  them,  and  to  cherish  every 
appearance  of  a  disposition  on  their  part  to  withstand  the  Tyranny  and  misrule,  which 
accompany  the  acts  of  those,  who  have  but  too  well  succeeded  in  the  total  subversion  of 
legal  Oovernnient. 


!•*;£  Ji 


648 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


It  is  painful  to  His  Mnjesty  to  see  the  distress  and  dillicultys  to  which  His  faithful  servants 
in  the  Colonies  are  exposed,  yet  His  Majesty  commends  the  resolution  you  have  taken  that 
nothing  but  the  most  unsurmountuble  ditlicultys  shall  induce  you  in  the  present  state  of 
Insurrection  &  Revolt  to  avail  yourself  of  that  permission  His  Majesty  has  been  graciously 

pleased  to  give  you  to  return  to  England 

I  am  &c 
Governor  Tryon.  Geo  Gkhmain' 


Lord  George  Oermnin  to  the  Governors  in  America,  excfpt  of  Connecticut  and 

lihode  Island. 


[Flanliliont  GfDcral  (9,  P.  0.)  OCLXI.] 


Whitehall.  23.  Dec'  1776 


The  King  being  determined,  in  concurrence  with  his  Parliament,  to  pursue  the  most  vigorous 
measures  for  reducing  his  Rebellious  subjects  in  North  America  to  obedience,  &  for  restoring 
legal  Govern',  has  given  the  Royal  assent  to  the  inclosed  Act,  which  I  am  commanded  by  His 
Maj'"  to  transmit  to  you,  and  at  the  same  time  to  signify  to  you  His  Mnj'>''  pleasure,  that  you 
do  exhort  all  persons,  upon  whom  the  execution  of  this  Law  shall  depend,  to  pay  a  due 
attention  thereto,  &  to  use  their  best  endeavours  for  carrying  the  provisions  of  it  into  efl'ect ; 
and  I  trust  when  His  Maj""'  deluded  subjects  in  the  associated  Colonies  are  better  apprized  of 
the  latal  conseqi'ence  of  the  conduct  they  have  adopted,  &  see  the  determined  spirit  of  the 
Nation  to  maintain  its  constitutional  Rights,  they  will  avail  themselves  of  the  means,  which 

'GiotoK  Sackviu.1:,  youngest  ton  of  Lionel,  l«l  Puke  of  Dorset,  w««  born  26  .lanimry,  1717.  Having  entere'l  tlio 
arniv,  lie  served  nniler  tlie  Diike  of  Cunilierliuui,  nnd  wns  wo(in<led  in  the  breast  at  tlie  fsmons  bottle  of  Fontenoy,  11  May, 
174fi.  On  the  Ist.Iuno  following,  he  was  ap|iointoil  Colonel  in  the  Army,  and  Hth  April,  174(1,  Oolonel  of  the  20;h  Regiment 
c-:  I'oot  On  the  Ut  Novemlior,  174Si,  he  lieeaine  Colonel  of  the  IJth  Uoyal  Dragoons;  and  on  the  IHth  .Iitniiory,  1760,  of 
the  3d  Horse  or  Carabiniers;  on  the  2'2d  Febrnory,  1755,  lie  was  jiromoled  to  be  Msjor  Oeneral ;  on  the  ,'Hh  April,  1767_ 
was  appointed  Colonel  of  the  2d  or  Queen's  Dragoon  Ouards;  on  the  SOth  November  following,  I.ieutenant-OenornI  of  th« 
Ordnance;  and  on  2(ilh  .lannary.  IT.'iS,  beeanie  l.ientenanl-tieneral  in  the  Army  and  I'rivy  Couiieillor.  In  the  expedition  to 
Germany,  this  Isst  year,  in  ni.l'of  the  King  of  I'mssia,  I-ord  lieorge  Saekville  was  appointed  seeond  in  eommand  of  the 
Knelish  fo^ee^  under  the  Duke  of  Marlborough.  On  the  death  of  the  latter,  on  2flth  t)etober,  ITftS,  the  command-inenicf 
of  those  forees  devolved  on  IA)^1  George.  H«  held  that  olHee  until  the  niemoral)le  battle  of  Mindon,  Ist  Avigust,  176t),  when, 
in  consequence  of  some  misunderstanding  between  him  and  i'rince  Ferdinand,  ho  rolurne<l  to  Kngland  in  disgrace.  Tho 
King,  with  his  own  hand,  erased  his  name  from  the  list  of  Privy  Councillors,  and  daprived  him  of  all  his  appointmenU.  He 
was  next  tried,  at  his  own  request,  by  a  court  martial,  found  guilty  of  disobedience  of  orders,  diimissed  the  service  and 


deoUreil  foreve 
suppose  him. 


sver  incapable  of  serving  iu  a  military  eapnoity.  As  his  Lordship  was  pntroniied  by  the  I'rince  of  \Vnle^  some 
,  in  this  instance,  t  >  have  been  severely  dealt  with  in  eonsoquenee.  He  represented  Dover  in  the  lllh  Parlia- 
ment and  in  17fiO  was  returned  for  the  port  of  Hylhe.  After  the  accession  of  George  IIL,  be  was  again  received  at  Court, 
and  the  remainder  of  his  life  was  devoted  to  civil  affairs.  Lady  Retty  Gernmin,  at  her  death  in  17fi»,  left  her  property  by 
will  to  Lord  George  Saekville,  on  condition  of  his  assuming  her  surname,  which  he  did  accordingly.  In  Decemlier,  1770,  he 
fought  a  duel  with  Mr.  Johnstone,  governor  of  West  Florida,  in  which  neither  was  hurt,  H.iviiig  joined  Lord  liorlh's  party, 
he  was  10  November,  1775,  appointed  Secretary  of  .State  for  the  Colonies.  (  Hobert  Thompson  of  Woburn,  Mass.,  afterwards 
Count  Rumford,  was  his  Lordship's  Undersecretary.)  He  retired  from  oflTice  in  February,  178'i,  when  ho  was  raised  to  tho 
peerage  by  the  title  IJsron  P.olebrooke  and  Viscount  Saekville,  and  died  at  his  sent,  Stoneham  Lodge,  Sussex,  on  the  2«lh 
August,  17S5,  in  the  fiSth  year  of  his  age.  ^miy  /.ii/«;  AnricAn  //ii/ory  of  tin  War,  HI.,  7»,  179;  IV.,  pai$lm ;  Chatham 
Corrttpondtnct :  OrtnviU*  J'apern ;  OtntltmaH'i  ilagatim,  LV.,  067  ;  LVL,  i.,  208.  —  El>. 


•     LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI.  ^.g 

Jo'th!  K- "  f  benevolence  of  ,he  Supremo  Legislature  hnve  held  out  to  them,  of  being  re.tor.d 

Eire    e^    r.^r  "I'h  ''"";  ""'  '•'"'  "  ""•'•'y  ""-^  '-•'"«  reconciliation  and  u    o'nwm  he 
l!.llected;  and  I  have  thesntisfnclion  to  ncounintvmi   fl„.»    !„      i      .  """  ""'"n  win  ne 

.fl-.cling  a  restoration  of  the  public  tranquility  "''  '""'        ""''""""^  '"' 

I  am  ettc. 

Gbo:  Germain. 


LLit  of  British  RegimentM  in  America  in  1776,  6. 

[  From  Ktmy  Uii  of  Janutrjr,  1774.  ] 


16'* 

17'* 

4'* 

6"" 

6'* 
71k 

8'* 
10"" 
14"" 
Ifi'k 
16* 
17* 

2a< 


or  Queen's  Light  Dragoons.  23''  regiment, 
regiment  Light  Dragoons.      LW         •« 


or  King's  own  Foot, 
regiment  of  Foot. 


or  King's  Foot, 
regiment  of  Foot. 
•<  •( 

X  II 

"  '« 

<•  11 

•I  II 


.  87""  or  iMiniskilleni. 
28""  regiment. 
33'' 

av*       " 

SS'* 

40'* 

42-'  Highlanders. 

43''  regiment. 

441k         II 


46'*  regiment. 
40'*        •• 
47i>>         11 

49'*  II 

62*  " 

64'*  <• 

65'*  '• 

67'*  " 

03''  << 

64'*  «« 

06'*  <• 

Uoyal  lArtill-ry,  4**  Battalion. 


N"  26. 


Governor  Tryon  to  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth. 

(  Kaw.Tork  r»|i«n  ( auie  P>p«t  Offlm )  CI.XTIIl.,  No.  H.  J 


On  Board  the  Ship  Dutchess  of  (Gordon 
My  Lord,  '^^^  X"*""*  ""''hour,  3"  Jnn"  1776. 

Kngland   g.ves   me  an  opportunity  of  writing  to  Your    Lordship    which  I  gh,dly  embrace 

no  w„h.,t„n d.ng  my  present  impaired  State  of  health,  and  the  excruciating'pains  of  a    t  of 

h    (.out  w,  h  winch  1  have  been  nlliicted  for  son.e  .lays  past.     It  is  not  however.  My  Lord 

vL'vm        "^^■"""'■^"^'"'  ''"''•  "•^•'"-•"'  «'"-  -y  '-'  P^l-li-    Dispatches,  materially  to 

82 


I* 

8i*  ' 


g50  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANU3CRIPTS. 

alter  or  change  the  face  of  things  in  America,  that  I  trouble  You  at  this  time,  but  to  impresi 

upon  Your  Lordship  the  idea  I  have  of  the  progressive  State  of  the  astonishing  extravagancies 

to  wliich  the  American  views  &  claims  are  extending,  and  the  increasing  expediency  ( permit 

me.  My  Lord,  to  use  a  stronger  expression  and  say.  Necessity)  there  is  of  raising  Regiments 

out  of,  and  giving  Imployment  and    Protection  to  the  well  affected  part  of  his  Majesty's 

American  Subjects.     The  case  of  these  distressed  individuals,  which,  beleive  me.  My  Lord,  are 

not  a  fow  in  this  Colony,  is  every  day  becoming  more  trying,  and  distressing.     They  suffer  from 

Committees,  Congresses,  &  Minute  men,  in  their  persons  and  property,  a  species  of  Tyranny 

and  Despotism  scarcely  to  be  equalled  in  History.     Oppressed  beyond  all  measure  and  without 

arms  or  ammunition  even  for  the  harmless  purposes  of  self  Defence.     They  incessantly  wait 

upon  me  with  the  strongest  assurances  that  they  look  up  to  their  King  for  protection,  and 

most  ardently  wish  for  a  speedy  restoration  of  the  Powers  of  his  Majesty's  Government  and  the 

peaceful  blessings  of  their  former  constitution.     The  cause  of  those  unhappy  people,  My  Lord, 

is  the  cause  of  humanity.     But  if  left  without  a  hand  to  aid  or  a  power  to  succour,  urged  by 

want  and  compelled  by  persecution  they  may  through  despair  be  drove  to  abandon  their 

allegiance,  and  become  soldiers  of  necessity,  at  once  against  their  principles  and  their  lawful 

Sovereign.     The  investing,  My  Lord,  at  this  momentous  season,  some  great  and  distinguished 

person  with  similar  powers  of  a  Vice  Hoy  both  in  the  civil  and  Military  Departments  in  each 

Province,  I  apprehend  to  be  of  the  greatest  importance  to  the  British  State.     Might  he  not  be 

authorized  to  raise  Regiments  of  Americans,  and  be  supplied  with  arms,  ammunition  and 

cloathing,  to  6t  them  for  immediate  service,  with  unlimited  credit  upon  the  Treasury  for  the 

ample  support  of  the   service  ?     And  to  prevent  the  ill  effects   arising  from  the  despair  of 

pardon,  to  be  fully  authorized  (with  such  exceptions  as  may  be  judged  necessary)  to  grant  his 

Mnjesty's  most  gracious  pardon  to  the  deluded  and  reclaimed.     Under  such  circumstances  I 

am  confident  the  Royal  standard,  guarded  at  first  with  some  -egiments  of  Regulars,  might  be 

erected  with  the  greatest  success.     To  facilitate  such  a  Measure,  &  to  accomplish  a  purpose 

80  important  to  the  British  Empire,  I  could  most  willingly  consent  to  make  way  for  such  a 

Personage  in  the  Government  of  this  Province,  where  with  my  present  limited  and  restricted 

powers  &  situation,  I  am  without  authority  to  support  the  Dignity  of  my  station,  or  enforce 

the  delegated  powers  of  my  gracious  Sovereign.     My  letter  to  General  Howe  of  the  13'"  of 

December  which  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit,  will  give  Your  Lordship  an  Idea  how  far  I 

could  probably  co-operate  with  his  Majesty's  Regular  Forces. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  deference  and  respect. 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  Servant 

Earl  Dartmouth.  W"  Tryon. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI.  ggj 

Governor  Tryon  to  the   Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

{  N"  "8  ^  '  Now-Vork  Piper.  ( 8.  p.  o. )  CLX VIII.,  No.  88.  ] 

On  Board  the  Ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon 
My  Lord,  ^'^'^^^'  ^"'"'^  Harbour  S"-  Jan'^  1776. 

The  Gentleman  who  delivered  me  the  enclosed  letter  from  Sir  John  Johnson  assured  me 
that  by  Government  s  complying  with  its  contents  Sir  John  could  muster  five  hundred  Indians 

LTJ'u  i  ^^'^^V.^^r'T'"*'  ^  "^''  '^'''  ^''^''  ""  ^""^y  °^  ^"S"'^"  '"igl't  re-take  the 
Fort  If  S.r  John  had  the  t.tle  of  Superintendant  of  Indian  Affairs  it  would  give  the  greatest 
«-e.ght  to  his  Majesty's  Indian  Aff-airs.  The  Indians  having  the  greatest  affection  for  fhe  Son 
of  th.,r  ate  generous  Benefactor.  I  wish  your  Lordship  may  think  as  favourably  of  Sir  John's 
proposes  as  I  do.  and  that  he  may  have  the  powers  &  necessaries  as  early  as  possible  to  carry 
them  into  execution.  ■'       r  ^.mijr 

I  transmit  Your  Lordship  the  many  lists  of  Friends  &  Foes  that  have  been  left  with  me  by 
the  Country  People,  and  am  with  the  greatest  respect,  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordships  most  obedient  Servant 

VV"  Tryon. 


Sir  John  Johnson  to  Governor  Tryon. 

C  New-York  Ptpori  (  9.  P.  O. )  CLXVIII.  ] 

Sir. 

I  hope  the  occasion  and  intention  of  this  letter  will  plead  my  excuse  for  the  liberty  I  take 
in  mtroducing  to  your  Excellency  the  bearer  hereof  Captain  Allen  M^Donell  who  will  inform 
\ou  of  many  particulars  that  can  not  at  this  time  with  safety  he  committed  to  writing     The 
distracted  &  convulsed  State  that  this  unhappy  country  is  now  worked  up  to,  and  the  situation 
that  I  am  in  here,  together  witii  the  many  Obligations  our  family  owe  to  the  best  of  Sovereigns 
induces  me  to  fall  upon  a  plan  that  may  I  hope  be  of  service  to  my  country,  the  propriety  of 
which  I  entirely  submit  to  Your  E.xcellency's  better  judgement,  depending  on  that  friendship 
which  you  have  been  pleased  to  honour  me  with  for  Your  advice  on  and  Representation  to  his 
Majesty  of  what  we  propose.     Having  consulted  with  all  my  friends  in  this  quarter,  among 
whom  are  many  old  and  good  Officers.  I  have  come  to  the  resolution  of  forming  a  Battalion, 
and  have  named  all  the  Officers,  most  of  whom  have  a  good  deal  of  interest  in  their  respective 
neighbourhoods,  and  have  now  a  great  number  of  men  ready  to  compleat  the  plan— We  must 
however  not  think  of  stirring  till  we  have  a  support,  &  supply  of  money,  necessaries  to  enable 
us  to  carry  our  design  into  execution,  all  which  M'  M'Donell  will  inform  Your  Excellency  of. 
I  make  not  the  least  doubt  of  the  success  of  this  plan,  should  we  be  supported  in  time.     As 
i.c  news  I  must  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  M^  M'Donell  who  will  inform  you  of  everything  that 
has  been  done  in  Canada  that  has  come  to  our  knowledge.     As  I  find  by  the  papers  you  are 


658 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Boon  to  sail  for  England  1  despair  of  having  the  pleasure  to  pay  my  respects  to  you  but  most 
sincerely  wish  you  an  Agreeable  Voyage  and  a  happy  sight  of  Your  family  &  friends.     I  am, 

Your  Excellency's  most  obedient 

humble  Servant 

John  Johnson. 


Certificate  of  the  Pitl^fidd  Committee. 

[N«w-Tork  Puperi  (B.  P.  O.)  CLXVIII.] 

Pitts  Field.  Dec'  IS""  1776. 

Albany  County. 

This  Certifies  that  it  is  the  Opinion  of  this  Coi.imittee  and  of  the  County  Congress,  & 
People  in  general  in  this  County,  that  all  law,  for  the  collecting  of  private  Debt,  ought  by  all 
means  to  cease  for  the  present,  in  New  York  Government  as  well  as  this,  till  a  new  Constitution 
is  provided  for  all  the  Colonies,  by  the  Continental  Congress.  We  think  it  exceeding 
hazardous  to  our  common  cause  &  tending  to  disunite  us,  and  fling  money  into  the  pockets  of 
our  Internal  Enemies,  which  ought  finally  to  go  into  the  Continental  Treasury,  to  allow  of  the 
Collecting  private  debts  by  a  course  of  law. 

Provided  nevertheless  if  any  Person  give  reason  to  suspect  that  he  is  about  to  run  away  ho 
ought  to  be  obliged  to  give  reasonable  security  to  his  said  Creditors. 

As  to  what  M'  Van  Olstine  has  done  in  suing  M'  Moray  when  he  made  him  the  fairest  Offers 
it  if  ou.-  opinion  he  ought  to  lose  the  cost  himself  and  that  the  bail  M'  Moray  was  constrained 
to  give  is  unreasonable,  &  that  the  said  Moray  ought  to  he  assisted  by  the  good  People  in  this 
County,  against  the  unreasonable  demands  of  the  said  Van  Olstine.  And  further,  as  M'  Peter 
Van   Schaick'   has    brought   up  some   account  from  New  York   against  certain    persons   in 

'  Pmii  Van  Scuaack  was  born  at  Kinderhook,  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y..  in  March,  1747,  and  wo«  graduated  at  King'.  (  now 
Columbia)  College,  about  17G6.  Ue  studied  law  in  the  office  of  William  Smith,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1769  and  took 
up  bis  residence  in  the  city  of  New-York.  In  1773,  when  only  26  years  of  age,  he  was  appointed  to  the  responsible  office  of 
collecting  and  revising  the  Statute  Laws  of  the  Colony.  Tliis,  which  was  known  as  the  Van  Schaack  edition,  wns  published 
by  Hugh  Gaine  of  New-YorU  in  1774,  in  1  vol.,  fol..  pp.  835.  In  the  beginning  of  the  difficulties  with  England,  Mr.  Van 
Schaack  was  friendly  to  the  measures  of  non-importation  and  non-consumption,  and  was  in  favor  of  peaceful  opposition,  and 
in  May,  1776,  removed  his  residence  to  Kinderhook,  where  he  employed  a  considerable  portion  of  his  time  in  Vattel, 
Puffendorf,  Orolius  and  other  such  writers,  in  llie  hope  of  finding  prceedenta  to  support  American  resistance.  Having  made 
up  his  mind  tj  remnin  neutral,  he  declined  signing  the  association  to  take  up  arms  in  1776,  and  in  1777  refused  to  take  the 
oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Slate  of  New-York,  whereupon  he  was  ordered  to  Koston.  In  April  following  he  was  allowed  to 
return  to  Kinderhook  on  parol.  In  June,  the  Legislature  passed  a  law  appointing  commissioners  of  conspiracies,  to  call  such 
persouM  before  them  as  thry  might  think  fit,  and  administer  to  Ihem  an  oath  acknowledging  the  independence  of  the  State  of 
New-York.  Mr.  Van  Sdia:ick,  on  being  .summoned,  refused  to  take  the  prescribed  oath ;  the  penalty  was  jierpctual  banish- 
ment Accordingly  he  sailed  in  October,  1778,  for  England,  where  he  remained  until  Uie  10th  of  Jnne,  1786.  lie  landed  at 
New-York  on  the  20th  July  and  in  January,  1786,  a  law  was  passed  restoring  him  to  the  rights  of  citizenship.  He  resumed 
the  practice  of  his  profession  in  his  native  villngc.  In  1788  a  law  work  wns  published  at  New-York,  entitl.-d,  "Conductor 
Generalia,  or  The  duty  and  authority  of  Justices  of  the  IV-ace,  Uiijh  Sheriffs,  Under  Sheriffs,  Coroners,  Constables,  Gaolers, 
Jurymen  and  Overseers  of  the  Poor,"  A  .,  which  Mr.  Van  >chaack  revised  and  adapted  to  the  United  States  of  Ameiica. 
After  many  years  of  successful  practice,  he  at  length  departed  this  life  27th  September,  1S32,  in  the  S6th  year  of  his  age,  and 
was  inUrred  in  the  village  churchyard  at  Kinderhook.  A  Lifa  of  Mr.  Van  Schaack  has  been  published  by  his  son,  1  vol., 
8vo.,  New-York,  1842,  from  which  the  above  particulara  are  borrowed.  — Ed. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:  XLVL  ggg 

be  obliged  to  desist  from  any  such  measure.     The  People  in  this  County  stand  ready  to  aid 

ati.:::  t  e        r;  :'  ''""'?  t  '"^"'^^  ""'  ''-''  ^°""'^  '«  Kinderhoolf  and ti  ;«  Oi    rS 

n  W  tnes   "^f'^^'T  "^'^  ''°"^'''  '"  ^'«'^-«'"g  ^"^^  '""""'^^  "^  their  Countfy  by  Law 
In  Witness  whereof  we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands. 

(Sign'd.)         Thomas  Allen 
John  Strono 
JosiAH  Wright 
Committee  of  Correspondence  for  the  Town  of  Pitts  field. 
The  Original  was  served  on  me  the  26  Dec'  1775 

(Signed)        P.  V.  Schack. 


Sir. 


Mi\  WUliam  Smith  to  Governor  Tryon, 

tNe«r-Tork  Pipcn  (Stata  Paper  Offlce)  CLXVIIJ.  ] 

New  York.  17  Dec'  1775 


I  confers  that  I  flattered  myself  with  hopes  that  this  Province  might  have  been  induced  by 

Your  advce  to  set  an  example  to  the  rest,  for  a  return  from  their  wanderings  in  that  wide  fielJ 

of  discontent  opened    by  the  Continental  Congress  in  1774.     My  Brothfr   assured"  e    h  t 

severa  o    t  e  Delegates  were  favorably  disposed,  and  I  consented  to  fall  in  at  a  Tavern  we 

he  collected  a   number   of  them,    to   give    me  an  opportunity   to   open   a   plan   towards   a 

R  conciliation,  under  the  form  of  Instructions  to  the  Delegates  for  this  Province  at  Philadella! 

The   prospect   was   fair   until   a   Triumvirate   discerned   a  spirit   of  moderation  wouli   be 

inauspicious  to  their  private  aims,  of  gaining  seats  in  the  new  Assembly,  and  by  working 

upon  the  genera   jealousies  of  the  main  Body,  and  the  ambition  of  some  r;embers  who     a! 

nds  similar  to  their  own,  they  procured  after  several  Days  debate,  the  Rejection  ofTsMt  of 

Resolves  which  my  Brother-  had  incautiously  framed,  as  introductory  to  the  Instruction      hit 

V.OU      have  succe  ed     est  without  any  Herald  or  Trumpet;  and  then  on  his  witrdZing  n 

sgust.tey  went  further  than  they  at  first  intended  and  carried  not  only  a  Resignation  of 

the  r  deliberative  Powers  to  the  Continental  Congress,  but  established  their  own  Dominion 

Z^TJt"' \' TTT^  "  ''""'"'"•'*'  °'  '-'"'•^^y-  '"  "'"'^^^  °"'y  ^'--  "f-^l  Delegates 
for  tl  ,s  Cty,  and  about  a  dozen  for  the  whole  Province,  are  to  have  Voices.     These  Events 

and    the   recen     restraint   upon   the  Assembly  of  New   Jersey,  in   slopping   their  intended 

application  to  the  throne,  shew  a  Design  on  their  High  Mightinesses  at  PhUadelphia  to  evdu  f 

all  the  Provincials  Congresses  from  a  Share   in  their  Councils,  and  to  reduce  them  to  meer 

executive  instruments ;  and  therefore  the  Torrent  sets  too  strong  for  any  resistance  on  this  side 

01    1116   VV  tlt6r* 


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\m 


I  cannot  sufficiently  express  the  anxiety  I  feel  in  being  obliged  in  candor  to  make  a  Confession 
so  repugnant,  to  my  desires  and  unfriendly  to  my  Country.  If  it  may  be  expected,  and  I 
should  be  miserable  without  the  expectation,  that  we  may  be  yet  saved,  by  the  magnanimity 
of  Great  Britain,  who  can  with  your  ease  smooth  down  the  rough  brow  of  suspicion,  at  that 
critical  moment,  when  the  news  of  the  liberality  of  Parliament  arrives.  1  tremble,  Sir,  at  the 
thought  of  Your  absence  at  such  a  junctuie,  and  yet  I  dare  not  say  another  word  to  perswade 
Your  excellency  to  continue  i'our  Sacrifices,  for  a  Province  that  has  so  illy  requited  them,  if 
the  Act  of  a  Congress,  in  wiiich  several  Counties  are  not  represented,  &  upon  which  many 
members  have  turned  their  backs,  can  be  imputed  to  the  Body  of  the  people,  as  I  think  it 

ought  not. 

But  if  we  must  be  abandoned  to  the  Genius  of  Discord,  ought  not  the  Assembly  to  be 
dissolved,  and  Your  intention  of  sailing  concealed,  till  the  P^lections  are  over.  The  Dissolution 
will  enable  men  of  temper,  to  testify  their  Disapprobation  of  the  present  Violence,  under  a 
popular  and  safe  cloke  form  a  Confederacy  to  correct  and  undermine  the  Tyranny  erected 
over  the  Colony,  turn  the  eyes  of  the  multitude  to  a  power  that  is  constitutional,  and  favor 
future  overtures  for  the  restoration  of  harmony;  and  if  you  leave  the  Province  before  the 
new  house  is  i'ormed,  many  who  would  otherwise  be  active  will  resign  themselves  to  that 
Torpor,  ever  attending  a  state  of  Despair.  It  is  with  reluctance  I  obtrude  these  confidential 
Hints,  and  from  a  perfect  affiance  in  the  rectitude  of  Your  intentions,  and  my  veneration  for 
Your  judgement,  I  shall  give  my  Opinion  to  the  winds,  the  moment  it  meets  with  Your 
disapprobation,  having  the  honor  to  be,  Sir,  very  afleclionately  and  sincerely  Your  most 
obed'  Serv' 

W"    S.MITH. 


%. 


Culond  Guy  Johnson  to  Lord  Gtorge  Germain. 

t  riaBlaUou  Otneral  ( 8.  V.  0.  )  CCLXII.  ] 

Brewer  Street  Golden  Square 

Jan-T  2G.  1770. 
My  Lord. 

In  obedience  to  your  Lordships  commanils  I  have  now  (as  soon  as  my  health  allowed, 
committed  to  writing  such  matters  as  appeared  necessary  for  liii  Majesty's  information) 
respecting  the  state  of  Indian  afl'.iirs,  accompanied  with  the  heads  of  my  proceedings  last  year, 
and  as  I  have  expn  .  myself  with  candour  and  truth,  I  can  with  l)etter  confidence  rely  on 
your  I^nrdships  indulgence  and  favorable  reception  of  this  letter,  which  I  shall  begin  by 
consiilering  the  state  of  things  from  tiic  late  war  to  the  present  times;  pointing  out  as 
briefly  as  possible  those  matters  that  appear  to  require  redress,  with  the  consequences  to  bo 
derived  therefrom. 

Alter  the  reduction  of  Canada  the  Indians  received  (by  order  of  (iovcrnment )  every  possible 
assurance  that  their  iili'.iirs  and  interests  Khoiild  continue  to  he  strictly  attended  to  under  the 
same  happy  system  or  plan  of  Super-lntendency,  which  from  its  institution  had  proved  lo 
advantagioui   to    tho    Crown    and   so   satisfactory    to   them :   and   those  of    Canada   having 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XL VI. 

655 

expected  from  them      t  t        r  "'  '"  •'"''S'^^"  ']  «''  «'''"'  may  i„  future  be 

with  his  Majesty's  approhation.  but'it  wa    Lver  irrie.    nt„  eJ^   ,"    ,    "  "   ■'"  ""^  '""""'* 

.xnZ         ?i  ''"''""'  ^*'S"lating  these  matters,  they  would  be  at  no  trouble  or 

xpence  on  he  occas.on.  ar,d  with  regard  to  lud.an  Lands,  the  thirst  after  them  was  be  me 
00  general  to  be  prevented  .>y  any  ordinary  means  in  the  power  either  of  Suner-h.Un     nt  o 

a  (.0  ernor;    and  the  l.ke  might   be  said  of   many   other  oircun.tances  of  Vrau      a        ove 

:  t/i^r;': :';"" '"''' "";  "-r^ """  ''^■' """ '-'-'  --'-« "-'""'•- 

I  either  had  the  laws  made  provision    (or   the   peculiar  .(ate   of  these  people;   so  thai  th« 
clearest  evidence  of  Indians,  even  of  those  who  were  christianized  had    o  w    gh     n      Co 

vTolenlo.;;;:!;;:."'"  """  ""-   "'"••  ^""  •""'^"'^>'  "— •"    '--   committing  ihe  most 

The  fears  of  a  French  power  in  America  bring  remoVd,  many  persons  travelled  into  the 

ack  countries,  wo  generally  assumed  ,„  then.selves  some  knowiedge  of  Indi.n  Afl'   r     a  d 

fleeted  to  decry  their  power,  g us.  &•  thereby  endeavouring  to  p  event  any  e  w  .  iy  il 

Who    lived    within  their  power,  disgusted  then,  so  soon  as  these    Indians  were  by  treatiei 

mor.    su.siblu    ol    the    value  ot    their    lands,    as    they  diminished    in   nuantily;    every  new 
-pphction  to  them  on  that  .core  a-armed  their  jealousy  „„d  produced  J !  .l..;.!.  L.l! 


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ill 


»T 


them ;  which  would  have  often  ended  in  war,  but  for  S'  William  Johnson's  vigilance  and 
address.  Some  unjust  dormant  claims  began  to  be  revived,  which  sensibly  affected  the 
Mohocks  and  spread  thro'  all  the  Nations,  and  some  New  England  Agents  at  the  treaty  at 
Fort  Stanwix  in  176S  endeavored  under  religious  pretences  to  obtain  a  large  tract  in  the 
midst  of  the  Indian  country  ;  defeated  in  this,  they  erected  a  seminary  far  up  on  Connecticut 
River,  to  which  their  emissaries  drew  some  young  Indians  from  Canada  and  by  that 
communication  endeavored  to  alienate  the  Canadians  and  Indians  from  government,  which 
they  in  some  measure  effected  during  last  winter. 

Under  all  these  circumstances  so  disadvantageous  to  government,  the  grievances  of  which 
the  foregoing  are  but  a  part,  t'le  jealousies  and  doubts  thereby  produced  of  the  intentions  «f  the 
Crown,  the  fidelity  of  the  Indians  has  not  only  been  preserved,  but  from  an  impartial  review 
of  their  conduct  last  summer,  tho'  unhappily  unsupported,  they  demonstrated  an  attachment 
to  the  Crown,  equal  at  least  to  what  they  had  ever  shewn  under  the  most  favorable 
circumstances  and  the  most  powerfull  aids ;  and  if  it  was  not  in  their  power  to  save,  they,  by 
their  bravery  &  perseverance  protracted  the  fate  of  Canada.  In  these  points,  my  Lord,  J 
really  do  them  but  justice,  tho'  the  affection  they  have  shewn  for  me  intitles  them  to  my 
warmest  gratitude  ;  an  attachment  to  a  person  who  was  dear  to  Sir  W"  Johnson,  and  for 
many  years  particularly  conversant  in  their  affairs,  was  natural  enough,  &  it  was  my  ambition 
to  render  this  subservient  to  His  Majesty's  interests,  whilst  I  believe  they  were  encouraged  to 
persevere  in  the  hope  of  recommending  their  suit  to  the  King,  respecting  the  powers  of  the 
Super-Intendency  and  the  redress  of  (irievances;  and  1  am  fully  persuaded  that  an  attention 
to  their  interests,  with  a  proper  management  of  their  concerns,  will  always  secure  their 
fideliiy  to  the  Crown. 

To  preserve  the  Indians  dependance  on,  &  their  attachment  to  the  Crown,  was  one  of  the 
objects  in  establishing  the  Sup.T-Intendency.  Had  the  Indians  been  without  an  Officer  on 
the  part  of  His  Majesty  dispos'd  to  exert  his  utmost  influence,  and  sacrifice  every  consideration 
to  the  service  of  the  King,  there  is  the  strongest  reason  to  believe  that  the  Indians  would 
have  been  deluded  by  those  arguments  which  led  the  common  people  of  America  into  rebellion, 
and  it's  easy  to  conceive  what  they  might  have  done  with  proper  support,  when  a  part  of 
them  have  acted  with  so  much  spirit  and  perseverance  under  the  most  discouraging 
circumstances.  Convinced  therefore  (as  I  am)  that  these  people  may  be  secured  to  the  Crown 
and  rendered  serviceable  now,  or  on  any  future  emergency,  I  shall  with  all  due  submission 
deliver  the  heads  of  those  matters  which  they  have  requested  me  to  lay  before  His  Majesty. 

The  first  I  shall  mention  is  the  case  of  the  Mohocks  which  8'  Will-"  Johnson  had 
represented  to  have  been  long  considered  as  a  grievance  by  the  whole  Confederacy,  the  redress 
of  which  would  afford  them  the  highest  idea  of  our  jusii.e.  Tliis  regards  a  power  given  by 
the  very  strange  old  Charter  of  Albany  to  lake  up  one  thousand  .icres  of  their  lands,  which 
lately  that  Corporation  have  attempted  to  lay  on  the  very  lands  they  cultivate  and  live  upon. 
The  rectifying  an  error  in  the  Boundary  Line  of  HOS.  then  occasioned  thro'  the  want  of  a 
proper  survey,  by  which  the  dwelling  places  of  some  of  the  Indians  have  been  taken  in  near 
the  River  Susquehanna,  contrary  to  the  express  intentions  of  the  parties  at  that  time.— The 
giving  some  confirmation  or  assurance  to  the  Canajoharies  of  the  lands  on  which  they  live, 
which  had  also  been  claimed  and  afterwards  released  by  all  the  claimants  but  one  person,  whose 
obstinate  refusal  has  given  infinite  disquiet.  The  tuk  iig  some  etlcctual  measures  for  preventing 
encroucl.menu  on  the  Boundary  Line,  &  securing  to  them  certain  portions  reserved  by  the 
Fort  Htanwix  Treaty,  which  was  ratlileti  by  His  Majesty. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI. 


657 


rhtrl'''7/°f  r  '''"'^  ""^  ^"''   "■"P'^'^'^'y  "PP"^'^   ^^g"^«   R«"gi°"-     That  of  the 

^  .tor.  w  h*  "  T  "^^  '"/":^""'^  """"«  ^^^"^ '  •'"'  '■"^  "-*  "'^  "^  -ffi--t  f""d  there 
.s  at  present  but  one  Missionary,  of  the  Church  throughout  the  whole  Confederacy,  which  has 

oHncIn?  ""  .^PPr'"""!:.  '''  '"'"'^"•^'"«   ^«-  J^"^'""''    MiBsionnries,  who  diffus     their  evi 
prmcp  es  w,,h  the.r  rehg.on  ;  and  I  must  observe  that  the  only  part  of  the  Six  Nations  with 

resided.  The  Indians  therefore  humbly  request  that  some  provision  be  made  for  enlaroioK 
their  religious  establishment,  which  will  be  gratefully  acknowledged  and  strengthen  t^dr 
attachment  to  government.     The  modes  of  eHecting  this  can  be  mofe  at  large  expfai     d. 

The  next  point  which  they  request  concerns  the  Super-lntendency,  that  its  powers  and 
extent  may  be  so  far  ascertained  as  to  afford  them  all  the  protection  that  can  be  expect  "from 
such  an  Oftcer.     On  this  subject  they  said  much  more  to  me  than  1  incline  to    epea         t  may 

reoerd  1  ''°''\  '"  T'"'"  ''""^  '^"'""P  ''"'  "'^  '^"'"  •^°'^--'«  favorable  opinion  Z 
repeated  advice  induced  me  to  apply  a  series  of  years  in  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  Indian 
Affairs,  well  judging  t  at  a  stranger  must  want  both  influence  and  capacity  to  serve  hT. 
Ma  es  y  therein  and  that  as  1  enter'd  on  the  office  with  a  view  of  being  usefull  so  You 
L  r  sh^  may  be  assured  i  should  never  hold  any  post  in  which  I  could  not  promote  the 
interests  of  government ;  as  this  is  my  ambition,  it  is  also  my  duty  to  mention  that  a  proper 
commission  A.  instructions  from  His  Majesty,  with  some  local  or  other  rank  when  in  the  field, 
are  necessary  for  tho  effectual  discharge  of  the  duties  of  that  olfice.  Without  a  nrope 
authority  the  Super-Iutendant  can  be  expected  to  do  very  little,  and  without  some  rank  he 
cannot  properly  manage  or  preserve  order  among  his  own  oflicers.  To  this  1  might  dd  t  I 
fixing  limits  to  the  Department  conformable  to  those  of  the  Confederacy,  witl'n  i  .  or  „ 
such  manner  as  to  be  clearly  ascertained;  and  this  is  the  more  necessary  a,  after  Major 
Campbell's  arrival,  I  could  have  no  real  authority  in  Canada,  altho'  I  remained  there  wMI, 
h  re  was  any  prospect,  or  the  season  would  permit  the  Indians  to  stay ;  after  which,  agreable 
10  their  own  wishes  (and  after  posting  my  officers  in  the  best  manner  I  could)  I  ame  over  to 
receive  Hi,  Majesty's  commands  on  all  the  foregoing  matters,  that  I  might  return  n  a  oapa  itj 
to  render  him  good  &  faithfull  service.  <apaciiy 

infi^u'r„.e  i.Mh'^i''''""  t"  "T'"'"'"''*^  ""•  ^''^  ''''  <=«""P""-o".  -e  persons  of  character  and 
If  hi  V  r.  r'r  7/  '  :'■'  '""  """''  "'  ="»«  "^'"^  °"  ""y  '"«'^-  "'at  may  be  required 
Iv  ?•■        ,  '  °""  ''"^  '""^"'"^  "'  '"''  ''^"'^^  "f  '"e  Indians  and  from  a  thorough 

onvic  ion  that  an  attention  thereto  will  produce  solid  advantage  to  the  Crown.  &  altho'  ,h- 
.everal  subjects  of  this  letter  have  drawn  it  to  an  immoderate  length,  yet  1  am  sensible  some 
part,  will  require  a  more  full  explanation,  which  I  shall  take  the  hbert'y  of  offering  whenevTr 
I  am  honor  d  with  the  opportunity,  that  I  may  be  the  more  effectually  enabled  to  execute  Hi. 
Majesty  a  commands. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  My  Lord 

Your  Lordship,  most  obedient 

and  mod  humble  servant 

O.  Johnson 


Vol.  Vill. 


'  R«r  JoliD  Siutrl.  —  Eo. 

M 


058 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Journal  of  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  frotn  May  to  Xovemher^  1775. 

Extracts  from  tlic  Records  of  fiKlian  trnnsactions  under  the  Siiper-Intendency 
of  Col.  CJuy  Johnson  during  tlw  Yenr  177  j. 

Col.  Johnson  having  early  perceived  that  the  different  Colonies  were  about  to  follow  the 
example  of  the  Massachusets  Ray,  and  finding  thnt  various  measures  were  taken  by  IVew 
England  Missionaries  and  others,  to  alienate  the  affections  of  the  Indians  &  spirit  them  up  to 
bad  purposes,  he  communicated  the  same  to  Lord  Dartmouth  in  March,  and  soon  after  sent 
messengers  to  call  the  Six  Nations  &'  to  a  General  Congress.  The  14"  of  May  he  received 
by  express  an  account  that  a  party  of  New  Knglanders  were  on  their  way  to  make  him  prisoner, 
on  which  he  fortified  his  house  and  kept  a  large  guard  at  a  considerable  expense.  A  few  days 
after  he  found  that  his  expresses  to  tlis  Indians  had  been  stopped,  and  the  purport  of  his 
messages  altered,  and  that  the  provisions  &'  his  agent  had  provided  at  New  York  were  seiied, 
together  with  the  Ammunition  and  goods  he  was  providing  for  the  intended  Congress.  Finding 
this  &  that  his  communication  with  the  Indians  would  soon  be  totally  obstructed,  he  resolved 
to  proceed  to  the  Westward  (with  such  presents  &'  as  he  then  had)  and  meet  them  in  their 
own  country,  while  it  remained  practicable:  and  during  his  preparation  for  this  he  secretly 
received  a  dispatch  from  Cen'  (?age,  containing  instructions.  He  then  with  such  of  the 
Mohocks  as  were  at  home,  and  a  body  of  armed  white  men,  making  together  about  250 
marched  to  the  Upper  Settlements  under  every  circumstance  of  ditViculty,  and  leaving  all  his 
property  at  the  discretion  of  the  misguided  populace,  from  thence  he  proceeded  to  Fort 
Stanwir,  where  he  met  860  Dneidas  and  Oughquagas  with  whom  he  held  a  conference,  but 
was  obliged  to  take  leave  of  them  for  want  of  provisions,  the  whole  country  being  then  in 
arms  behind  him,  anJ  no  possibility  of  obtaining  supplies  from  thence.  He  accordingly  wrote 
to  the  Commanding  Officer  at  Niagara  and  Oswegatchy  lor  vessclls  and  provisions,  and  on  the 
l?""  of  June  he  arrived  at  Ontario,"  to  which  place  he  had  directed  them  to  be  sent,  and  where 
one  small  sloop  shortly  after  arrived  with  90  barrels,  which  tho'  all  that  could  be  spared  from 
Niagara  was  very  unequal  to  supplying  the  Indians  who  assembled  there  in  a  few  days  to  the 
number  of  145S.  with  about  100  white  men,  including  the  officers  of  the  Department.  From 
the  state  of  the  country  and  the  vilninous  stories  propagated  it  required  some  time  with  great 
skill  and  influence  to  remove  false  reports  and  fix  the  Indians  heartily  in  the  interests  of  tho 
Crown.  He  however  had  the  good  fortune  at  length  to  bring  them  to  resolve  to  co-opernte 
with  His  Majesty's  troops  in  the  defence  of  the  communication  ami  waters  emptying  into  tho 
River  8*  i^awrence,  and  in  the  annoyance  of  the  enemy,  and  also  to  send  their  band  of 
Warriors  present  with  him,  to  Montreal,  to  inspire  their  dependants  there  with  tho  same 
reiolulions.  He  also  procured  the  like  engagements  from  the  Huron  Chiefs  of  Detroit,  who 
attended  the  Congress;  which  they  very  faithfully  observed  &  thert-by  prevented  the  design 
of  the  Virginians  against  that  country,  as  the  papers  in  his  hands  will  shew.  After  which  he 
delivered  them  n  handsome  present,  and  a  parcel  of  New  arms  &■■  and  his  provisions  being 
nearly  exhausted  prepared  to  proceed  for  Montreal,  but  the  Indians  having  few  Cannes  and 
those  unfit  lor  crossing  the  Lake  he  was  oblidged  to  set  out  July  1 1"*  with  the  sloop  and  four 


*  At  Ontariu  Col.  Julinaon  r«o«ivtil  Ittttrt  fruDi  tlia  CoDgri 
Indiint  in  IIU  MaJMty'i  inUrnl. 


I  ortiiring  kiai  to  ilcutt  from  aujr  ttUmiiU  to  M«ur(  lh« 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI.  (jgg 

or  five  «m„ll  l,„„t8  carrying  togetl.er  1.-0  white  m..„  nn.i   huliunn.  the  remoinder  of  the  In.ter 
be.nK   nece.,.,a  e.l  to  return  home  for  wnnt  of  craft  to   transport  them,  After  givin/    n 
«  surances  o    the.r  ren.l,nes«  ,o  follow  when  cnlh..l  upon,     vl  Johnnon  on   hi«  Inndhgn 
Montreal  Juy   .7'^  with  ..0   Indians  fron.  Ontario,   he   had   inunediately  an   interview  with 
.enernl  Carleton.  to  whom   he  comn.unicated   his  iuHtructions  and  design   to  naaembl  the 
ndtans  ,n  t  atConntry.  to  join  those  that  had  a.-on^pa-.i.-d  hin.;  he  aUo  '.uaint:  w    h 

the  cconnts  he  had  rece.ved  of  ..e  preparations  making  by  the  New  Englander,  at 
1  .eonderoga,  and  that  they  considered  Canada  as  an  essentia!  ohjit.  adding  that  U  won.  be 
extremely    necessary    to    put    the    In.lians   as    soon    an    possible'    in    motion.  ^er  were 

unaccs  o„.e.l  to  ren.an.  long  idle.  The  (General  observed  that  he  ha.l  bnt  a  slender Lre  of' 
regular  troops,  that  the  Province  of  g..ebeo  n.ust  depend  on  the  Canadian  Militi         at  a" 

Z  .    ""■", '"  "  .  """  "'  """"''•^'  '  «'""'  ''"-'y  "'■  •'"■•"  """  ''-'  "-  """-  -  t  -n      e 

tTle    thl      "T"   ;  ;'"  ''•«^•— ^  ^'"'^  -"<'  •-  ^-<'.  -  ••«  .lld  not  thmk  i,  pr,  d 

Id  sed  to  r.  l7  ;  '■'  ''"''  "'■  ''"=  "^  "'"^  ^'"^  '''"^""=«  ''■"•■•  *'"'•  J""'-"  h'"l 
which  they  must  be  exposed  at  ^rontrea•.  and  the  In.lians  were  so  sensible  of  this,  that  they 
were  preva.led  on  with  dillicnlty  to  come  into  town  to  oblidge  (ieneral  Carleton  who  wanted 
to  see  them  there.  On  the  .x;-^  of  July  the  Indians  all  assembled  pursuant  to  Col.  Johnson', 
ummons  and  hn,s  ed  their  business  on  the  last  of  that  n.onth  when  their  nun.ber  amounted 
to  i(  (.4  who  read.ly  agree.!  ,o  the  san.e  n.easures  engaged  by  the  Six  Nations,  after  receiving 
n  valuable  present,  were  disposed  of  in  dilferent  camps  on  the  Island  of  Montreal.     An  Indian 

11.  er  and  t Inr  y  n,en  were  also  sen,  to  S-  Jolms  to  ren,ai„ re  at  the  desire  of  (ien-  Carleir 

On  the  rv     o    August   the   Indian  Ollicer  at  S-  Johns  informed   Col.  Johnson   .d"  his  „g 

chscovered  a  large  body  of  the  enen.y  near  1'.  Auler  (above  S-  Johnson  Lake  Chan.plain)  wo 
fired  on  h;s  party,  and  ol   the  eagerness  n, fested  by  the  In.lians  to  (orm  a  large  Imdy  „!uZ 

oST'e  '7!'  ^'.  T"  '"""""""^"'>  <=~"i-'e.i  llM«  to  I.rig.  I'rescott^'  who  conunan.led 
on  Genera   Carleton  s  departure  for  (iuebe.-.     He  al.o  loi.l  (ien-  I'resctl  that  the  Warriors  of 

they  appeared  very  spinte.l  an.i  in  consequence  of  the  rebells  approach  would  gladlv  go  and 
dispossess  then.  o.  any  posts  they  ha.l  taken  on  Lake  Chan.plain,  a...l  that  he  sl.ould  be  gl  d 
to  bave  IMS  ser,l.ments  np..„  it.  The  (Jeneral  answere.l  that  if  any  par.vs  were  sen"  out  o 
ga.n  .ntell.gence  and  see  what  the  enen.y  were  .loing  it  might  be  w. ',.  but  a.  present  he  did 

'  Sif. 

- " '.  • '.. " I  i. , :r:  ;.',:■;;:,:;;  r::"  ,t  "■•  7'-;"- •- 

U-ul...:~/A:--".  V   ..    .?:  7::^  '"  '^-J  V-''.  '—"K  l..«  ....a.  .VI^ur..J.„.r.l  „„  0.„  ..u.l.  Aug...,  ,777;  1..  ro-  U.  h, 
i_.js= 'tf,  liSi,  and  dnil  ID  ItSJ.  —  ti>. 


660 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


ki 


m-. 


rjmmmsigM. 


not  intend  acting  out  of  the  line  of  the  Province.  On  Col.  Johnson  remarking  that  Indians 
could  not  be  managed  as  other  people,  it  being  necessary  at  times  to  keep  up  their  spirit  and 
encourage  them,  and  therefore  he  should  be  glad  to  know  what  to  say  for  their  satisfaction  on 
that  subject.  The  General  replyed  that  arguments  were  needless  on  this  occasion,  his  orders 
being  such  as  not  to  act  out  of  the  Line  of  the  Province.  Col.  Johnson  observed  that  this  did 
not  appear  to  correspond  with  his  instructions  from  General  Gage,  and  that  it  would  be  a  very 
difficult  matter  to  manage  Indians  under  such  circumstances  and  limitutions ;  on  which  the 
General  concluded  with  saying  that  all  in  the  Province  must  be  sul)ject  to  General  Carleton's 
orders  and  that  Col.  Johnson  must  act  in  th«>  ',<  -♦  'na'-.ne.-  I>j  could  without  going  out  of  the 
Colony.  However  the  Indians  being  assen  i c  ■  ,  Johnson  delivered  each  Nation  a  War 
Belt  to  be  held  ready  for  service;  which  the  '  .  .a  chean'ully  accepted,  but  said  they  were 
afraid  the  Axe  would  cut  them  if  they  kept  it  long  without  using  it.  Several  of  the  Six  Natiopj, 
Oughquissasnies  &'  having  waited  till  the  12"*  of  August  in  hopes  of  some  operations,  returned 
with  their  War  Belt  to  Onondaga,  after  assuring  Col.  Johnson  that  they  would  be  ready  to 
return  whenever  there  was  a  prospect  of  vigorous  measures.  Col.  Johnson  continued  to  releave 
the  party  at  S'  Johns  by  detachments  from  the  different  Indian  Encampments  &  endeavoured 
all  in  his  power  to  render  them  contented  with  their  situation.  The  party  at  S'  Johns 
continued  to  scout  on  Lake  Champlain  (within  the  limits  prescribed)  and  on  the  22''  of  August 
4  Indians  detached  from  a  larger  party  seized  a  new  barge  with  which  the  rebels  were 
reconnoitring,  whioh  brought  on  a  skirmish,  wherein  Capt.  Baker  a  noted  rebell  was  killed ; 
whose  head,  together  with  his  instructions,  plans,  &'  they  brought  into  S'  Johns.  In  this ' 
affair  three  Indians  were  wounded.  For  some  time  past,  notwithstanding  all  the  cares  to 
prevent  it,  some  of  the  Inhabitants  &'  continued  to  sell  liquor  to  the  Indians  and  to  strip  them 
of  their  cloalhing,  propagating  also  many  dangerous  reports  among  them,  and  telling  them  that 
they  approved  of  the  rebells  coming,  as  it  was  for  the  interest  of  the  Colony.  The  Indians 
complained  much  of  all  this,  and  as  they  had  already  waited  inactive,  far  beyond  what  they 
had  ever  done  before.  Col.  Johnson  wrote  to  Gen'  Carleton  representing  their  urgency  to  go 
against  the  rebells  or  attack  their  commiiiiications;  with  his  opinion  that  it  would  answer 
great  purposes,  whilst  restraining  men  unaccustomed  to  inactivity  would  abate  their  ardour  and 
might  occasion  their  defection.  To  which  the  General  answered  that  no  one  thing  had  yet 
happened  to  make  him  alter  his  opinion  in  regard  to  tlu'  keeping  the  Savages  within  the  line. 
Col.  Johnson  therefore  took  all  possible  pains  to  amus  them  and  satisfie  them  on  that  head. 
On  the  y  of  September  in  coiiSH(|uence  of  reports  hi  ght  by  the  Indians  that  the  enemy 
were  advancing.  Col.  Johnson  augmented  the  party  at  S'  Johns  to  4  ollieers  and  lUl  Indians, 
and  on  the  afternoon  of  the  l""  General  Prescott  desired  him  to  slop  sending  any  more  parlys, 
but  keep  thorn  about  the  town,  least  the  rebells  might  make  an  attempt  on  the  City  of 
Montreal,  by  crossing  the  country.  The  next  day  an  express  arrived  from  one  of  Col. 
Johnson's  ollieers  at  S'  Johns,  informing  that  a  scouting  party  of  Indians  had  discovered  the 
rebell  army  on  Isle  au  Noix  (16  miles  from  S' Johns)  and  that  n  second  Scout  had  fallen  in 
with  some  of  them  &  exchanged  a  few  shots,  by  one  of  which  an  Indian  was  wounded.  The 
General  immediately  ordered  the  walls  of  Montreal  to  be  >-epaire<l,  and  summoned  the 
inhabitants  to  appear  armed  on  the  parade  that  evening,  and  Col.  Johnson  sent  off  an  officer 
and  party  of  Indians,  to  cover  the  King's  Magazines  near  La  Chine,  a  body  of  sc,  I'anasadagas 
Warriors  also  came  in  &  joyned  Col.  Johnson,  who  told  them  the  General  requested  that  they 
■hould  remain  in  readiness  to  march  when  their  service  was  most  wanted.    The  next  day  the 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI.  gg, 

Rebell  army  came  before  S-  John.  „„d  on  the  7-  „t  day  light  two  Indians  arrived  with  letters 
g^v  „g  an  account  that  the  day  before  the  first  division  being  about  1000  men  undeT?o  ne",' 

when    he  Ind.ana  sal  .ed  out  &  engaged  them  with  so  much  success  that  they  oblidged  Im 

n    V         A  "'"'"'  '""'"'•'''"g  to  the  best  accounts  was  one  Field  Officer  o 

Capt^ns  2  L.euf  and  about  30  men  killed,  and  .he  wounded  were  sil  found  to  be  d  Jbl! 

t  Sh""c?;Dan:;:;'  HmT ,'''r  ^'"'  °^""'-  ^°'^-"'«  <>'«-- was  shot  tlou  l 
thigh  Cap  Daniel  a  (aithlul  Mohack  one  Conijoharre,  with  8  Caughnawacas' killed  and 
several  wounded,  of  which  3  dyed  soon  after.  The  Indians  complains!  Z^  hat  terL  wa. 
no  troops   o  support  them,  and  in  the  evening  a  detachment  of  I'c  of  the  ^G.^egiLemJ^th 

ina.ans.     Un  the   lO"-  o(  bepf  on  a  report  that  some  Canadians  had  assured  the 

rZlr  "T""  r^  ?""  ""  "'"'  ''^'^'^ '  ''  ^''«'"  ^he  Indians  compla  Led  thaUl  ey  hZ 
lately  been  much  traduced  by  some  of  .he  French  gentlemen,  who  we'e  too  apt  to  t  hu  J 
about  them  and  resented  that  the  Indians  would  not  attend  to  .hem.  observi.T.  nt  J  hi 
re  uct,on  o,  Canada  they  had  been  assured  that  such  persons  should  n'o  loTge     L^     re  w   h 

Major  Campbell  arrived,  being  appointed  Ag.-nt  of  Indian  AHairs  lo    the   I'rovince  .^^ 

ene:,r:;T. :.!""'  °'  """""  ^•'^"'""'"""^  ^^^^  ''^'  ^^  'y  •^  considerable  VX';  re- 
enemy  and  lerthuus  an  interpreter,  with  an  Indian,  surprised  &  killed  at  a  house  on  I  ake 
Champlam      On  the  1-  Col.  Johnson  held  a  con.erence  with  the  Caughuawal    o  I  no  e 

tTr::r;:!r::7  *";'  *'"  "^  ^"^  -"""^  ^"^  '-"^ '"  p^— »'  c/ene^airriin , 

thlm  '7'V"""^  ',"  rr'^'''''''  "'■  '"""'"«-"'■«  Riven  Col  Johnson  by  the  Six  Nat  on 
that  the  rehe  s    ad  employ  d  Ag.-n.s  .o  negociate  a  neutrality  with  the  Caugl,awls      T  . 
day  Ceneral  Carleton  gave  his  thanks  to  the  Indians  in  general  orders  in  the  word,  foltowing : 

The  General  gives  his  thanks  to  the  Indian  Chiefs  and  Warriors  who  behaved  so 
gallantly  .a  the  action  of  the  C-  Instant  near  8-  Johns  and  desires  that  .he  sam  may 
be  communicated  to  them  and  their  Nations  by  Col.  Johnson  their  Superin.endant. 

Montreal  Sept.  13.  1776.  *'"'''''  ''"^  ^^'^'^^''^ 

Mnj'  Brigade 

Col.  Johnson  continued  his  endeavour,  notwithstanding  the  general  .liscouragement  amon« 
the  Indians,  that  they  might  he  in  re..diness  in  case  .he  (Jeneral  could  raise  any  foe  to  "! 
against      e  enemy      On  the  .C^  one  of  Col.  Johnsons  O.licers  with  his  party  oflnd  were 

oblidged  to  retire  .rom  the  Prairie,  as  did  the  Indian,  from  S-  Johns,  wliic  .  was  now        plea  ; 


662 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


V 


invested,  and  accounts  received  that  a  certain  Livingston'  witli  tlie  inhabitants  of  Sorelle 

had  joined  the  rebeils,  on  which  ihe  Generals  &.'  put  their  papers  and  bnggnge  on  board  of 
vessells  in  the  River.  The  Ilebells  had  now  over  ran  all  the  country,  and  were  in  many  places 
joyned  by  the  perfidious  Canadians.  The  Indians  thus  without  prospect  of  aid,  began  to  provide 
for  their  own  security,  after  complaining  bitterly  of  the  disapointment  of  their  hopes  of  succours, 
and  on  the  aS""  Col.  Ethan  Allan  cross'd  to  the  Island  of  Montreal  and  with  a  party  of  about 
140  partly  Canadians,  began  his  march  for  that  city,  when  he  was  opposed  by  a  small  [party] 
of  the  ao""  regiment,  some  voluntiers  and  thirty  Officers  Rangers  and  Indians  of  the  Indian 
Department ;  the  latter  of  whom  fortunately  falling  on  the  flank  were  Allan  was,  he  delivered 
up  his  sword  and  surrendered  to  one  of  Col.  Johnson's  Officers,  who  with  his  party  took  the 
most  of  those  made  prisoners.  On  the  a?"-  Col.  Johnson  renewed  his  application  to  General 
Carleton  for  marching  a  'body  of  men,  in  which  case  he  could  still  get  many  of  the 
neighbouring  Indians  to  cooperate;  to  which  the  General  answered  verbally  (by  the  Secretary 
of  Indian  Affairs)  that  he  hoped  affairs  were  taking  a  more  favourable  turn,  and  that  he  should 
very  soon  be  able  to  form  a  better  judgment.  From  this  time  to  October  12'"  every  art  and 
means  was  used  to  assemble  the  Canadians  and  several  came  in,  were  cloathed  and  armed, 
and  afterwards  joyned  the  enemy.  Finding  therefore  the  season  so  far  advanced,  the  Indians 
allmost  all  withdrew  discontented,  unwilling  to  credit  any  farther  promises  of  aid;  that  those 
that  remained  earnestly  sollicited  for  troops  to  be  sent  out  and  that  Col.  Johnson  should 
procure  them  the  redress  of  sundry  greivances  they  had  often  represented,  and  also  having  at 
the  same  time  received  Dispatches  from  the  Secretary  of  State  directing  that  their  several 
grievances  should  be  immediately  laid  before  the  King;  finding  likewise  that  Mojor  Campbells 
powers  as  Agent  for  Cinada  must  occasion  some  difficultys  that  would  effectually  obstruct  the 
service.  Col.  Johnson  signified  his  intentions  to  go  to  England,  get  these  points  in  some  measure 
adjusted  before  the  Indians  from  th?ir  respective  Nations  could  take  the  field  next  year.  In 
which^esolution  he  was  confirmed  by  the  Indians,  who  deputed  a  falthfull  young  Chief  to 
accompany  him.  and  having  posted  his  officers  as  such  places  as  they  might  be  most  usefull 
to  preserve  the  fidelity  of  the  Indians,  with  proper  instructions,  he  proceeded  for  Quebee,  from 
whence  he  sailed  for  England  the  11'"  oi  November. 

The  foregoing  is  a  brief  Abstract  from  the  minutes  of  Indian  Affairs,  and  may  serve  to  give 
a  general  sketch  of  his  conduct  and  success  the  last  campain,  tho"  labouring  under  every 
circumstance  of  disadvantage;  but  the  points  necessary  to  i)e  inquired  into  and  regulated,  on 
which  the  future  good  conduct  of  those  hitherto  faithfull  people  must  depend,  and  the 
reasonableness  and  propriety  of  Col.  Johnson's  proceedings,  will  appear  from  the  annexed 
state,  which  is  honestly  and  impartially  submitted. 

A  true  Copy  of  Extracts  from  the  Indian  Records 

London  Jan'  2G"  177G.  Joseph  Chi;\v,  Sec:  of  Ind»  Affairs. 

'  Colonel  jAuni  Livingston  waB  the  non  of  John  L.  and  Cathnrine  Ten  Broeck  of  Montreal,  where  J»tne»  married  MiM 
Eliialwth  Simpson.  TosseKiinK  some  influcnc  among  the  Cnim.lians,  he  raised  the  sliu.dard  of  the  Ameiionn  Congress  in 
Cinada,  and  with  a  hod)-  of  those  men  .cij.>d  Kort  Chanil.ly,  its  entire  giirrison  and  stores,  and  afierwards  aeiompanied 
Montgomery  to  Quehec.  On  the  failure  of  the  expedition  Cd.  Livingston  returneil  to  NcwYork,  and  in  1776  his  men  wer. 
incorporated  hy  Congress  into  a  regi.i.ent  called  the  Canadian  Daltulion.  He  was  at  tl.e  battle  of  Stillwater  in  1778;  m 
1780  was  quartered  iu  the  Highlands,  and  in  January,  1781,  his  regiment  was  reduced.  —  I'.k. 


i 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XL VI.  ggg 

Governor  Tryon  to  tU  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 
N'  29.  Duplicate.  t^.w-Tork  p.p.r.  (s.  r.  o.)  clxvih.,  no. »». ] 

Ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon 
My  Lord,  OflT  New  York.  7""  Feb"  1776. 

The  loyal  Inhabitants  of  this  Province  have  experienced  a  varietv  of  ininrio.  „  ^  •       ,. 
.nee         despatch  of  the  .^  of  Jan"  (N^  .S).     Th^  latter  'nd\7;:7:         Z.velurnd:  d 
men  from  New  Jersey,  under  the  command  of  Col-  Hard  went  over  to  Long  Island   and  after 
ten  days  maraud.ng  disarmed  upwards  of  six  hundred  inhabitants  of  QuLn 's  C  u„tv    aid 

Trdrirde^Jhla.^  ^""''^'  '-'^^  ^^"-^  ^^  '^^  -^^^  ^^^ 

.r1!'l  'T  '"^""'"vre  has  been  practiced  by  Gen'  Schuyler  at  the  end  of  near  four  thousand 

nlr  s"  h^  :  r"'"'r  ''^'"""  "'^"  ^'^'^  ^'*'^  °'"'^«'  --"^'  -here  S'  John  had  musTr 
near  S,x  hundred  men.  from  his  Tenants  and  neighbours,  the  majority  highlanders  after 
d,sarm.ng  them  and  taking  four  pieces  of  artillery,  ammunition  and  many  Prisoners  wh  360 
Gumeas  from  S  Jo Ws  Desk,  they  compelled  him  to  enter  into  a  Bond  in' 600  p„m^  S  ,ing 
not  to  a,d  the  Kmg's  Service,  or  to  remove  within  a  limited  district  from  his  house  Sch' 
My  Lord.  ,s  the  degrading  situation  of  His  Majesty's  faithfull  Subjects  in  th  s  Co  ny.  T  e' 
Rebel  have  been  active  i„  dis.r.i„g  ^.her  parts  of  the  Colony,  and  this  plan  was  gf;unded 
upon  a  Recommendafon  of  the  Provincial  Congress  here  to  the  Continent,' Congresf.to  send 
Troops  rom  other  parts  to  the  Delinquents  of  this  Country,  as  will  be  seen  bythecopvof 
their  letter  among  the  enclosures.  ■  ""  "cen  oy  ine  copy  ot 

I  am  with  great  respect, 

Earl  Dartmouth.  ^      "^^^ '^°'-^' ^""^  ^'"■•'I'hip's  most  obed' SerV 

W"  Tryon. 


Governor  Ti-yon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 
N«  30.  Duplicate.  '  ""■'""'  ''"'"•<''•  •"■  "*• '  cwvm,N..8o.i 

Ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon 

off  New  York  S'"  Feb)-  177G. 
I  am  happy  to  have  an  opportunity  to  communicate  to  Your  Lordship  the  victory  obtained 
by  General  Carlton  over  the  rebel  forces  before  Quebec  the  31"  Dec'  last,  in  wJch  ac  io„ 
their  Commander  General  Montgomery  was  slain 

General  Wooster's  letter  from  Montreal  to  Warner  and  an  account  Major  Skene  sent  me  are 
the  best  accounts  received  of  that  fortunate  event,  wherein  ,  am  informed  i.ut  t  e  m  „  f 
Arno  d  s  party  (cons.st.hg  of  Eight  Hundred)  escaped,  being  either  killed  or  taken  p  isoners 

Get  al  r  r"  Tr'  '"'"'"^  '^"^  ''«""'^"  ('  '='^"''  '--  'he  date)  which  men'  ion  tha" 
General  Carlton  had  sent  out  partys  into  the  Country,   and  taken  many  of  the  CaTad  an 


664 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Rebels  who  had  been  tried  and  convicted,  and  Twenty  two  hanged.  It  is  generally  beleived 
the  Provincials  have  entirely  evacuated  Canada;  some  detachments  however  have  left 
Philadelphia,  New  England,  and  the  Green  Mountain  Boys  to  reinforce  the  Debris  of  the 
Provincial  Army  in  that  Country. 

By  late  Secret  Intelligence  from  the  Northward  and  as  far  Westward  .iS  Detroit,  I  have 
the  agreeable  information  that  the  Indians  are  firmly  attached  to  the  King's  interest.  The 
Indians  have  chosen  Peter  Johnson,  the  natural  son  of  S"  W"'  Johnson  (by  an  Indian  Woman) 
to  be  their  Chief.  He  is  intrepid  and  active,  and  took  with  his  own  hand  Eathan  Allen  in  a 
barn,  after  his  detachment  was  routed  near  Montreal. 

The  Indian  Department  demands  all  possible  attention  and  a  Commission  of  General  to 
Peter  would  be  politic.  To  fix  and  retain  the  Indians,  by  very  liberal  presents  feencor-agement 
will  be  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  King's  service  at  this  Crisis.  Presents  sent  to  them 
by  way  of  Quebec  will  be  the  most  certain  channel,  and  an  Assortment  sent  to  this  Port  will 
also  be  very  expedient  to  be  sent  up  »o  Albany,  as  soon  as  the  Troops  arrive  in  this  Colony. 

I  am  assured  the  Indian  Nations  will  make  a  powerfull  diversion  on  the  Borders  of  the  Lake 
very  early  this  Spring,  cut  off  all  Parties  going  to  reinforce  the  enemy,  and  probably  seize  all 
the  Vessels,  Battaus,  and  Row  Gallys  before  they  are  liberated  from  the  ice,  and  then  join 
General  Carlton  in  Canada,  or  come  down  to  Albany  as  occasion  may  require. 

This,  My  Lord,  is  the  Plan  of  Operations  for  the  Indians  and  I  expect  it  will  be  executed 
and  succeed.  The  enclosures  relative  to  Canada  transactions  herewith  transTiited  will 
farther  explain  to  Your  Lordship  the  happy  restoration  of  his  Majesty's  affairs  in  that 
Government. 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect  and  esteem.  My  Lord,  Your  Lordship's  most  ob* 

hum*"'"  Servant, 

Earl  Dartmouth.  W">  Tryon. 


BrigadUr-Geneial  Wooster  to  Colonel  Warner. 

[  rr>w-Tork  rip«i»  (  s.  p.  O.  )  CLXYUI.  ] 

Montreal  G""  Jan'^  1776 
Dear  Sir. 

With  the  greatest  distress  of  mind,  I  now  sit  down  to  inform  you  of  the  event  of  an 
unfortunate  attack  made  upon  Quebec,  between  the  hours  of  4  &  G  of  »he  morning  of  the  31" 
Decemb'  last.  Unfortunate  indeed  for  in  it  fe'l  our  brave  General  Montgomery,  his  Aid  de 
Camp  M'Pherson,  t.  %pta"in  Cheeseman,  Capt"  Ilendrick  of  the  Rifle  Men,  &  two  or  three 
Subaltern  Officers,  jc  oetween  sixty  and  a  hundred  Privates,  the  number  not  certainly  known, 
&  about  three  hundred  Officers  and  Soldiers  maue  prisoners.  Amongst  which  is  Lieut.  Col" 
Green,  Major  Bigelow,  Major  Miggs,  &  a  number  of  Captains  and  iuferior  Officers. 

Col.  Arnold  was  wounded  in  the  leg  in  the  beginning  of  the  action,  as  was  Major  Ogden  in 
the  shoulder,  and  brought  off  to  the  general  hospital.  I  have  not  time  to  give  you  all  the 
particulars,  but  this  much  will  shew  you  that  in  consequence  of  this  defeat  our  present  prospect 
in  this  Country  is  rendered  very  dubious,  &  unless  we  can  be  quickly  reinforced,  perhaps  they 


LONDON  DOCUMENTti:    XL VI 

665 

I  have  sent  an  express  to  Gen'  Schuyler,  Gen'  Washiimtn,,  ^-  ti,«  n 

I  am  sensibb  tnere  was  some  disagreement  between  Gen^rnl  Mn„.  ■      j 

Done,.,.  I.Uad;  .eivc,  ,.i,  .,.u.U„„  .,  Ji"      ^  I,  'd„:,^:^^^^^^^^^^ 

Foot.  05  the  nut  Aug,,,.,  175C.  .n,l  h.ndrj  «t  lUlifnx  with  m'  *  '  !         ,  "^  "  ^'""8"  '"  '""  ""'  "g™«"»  «' 

■erved  u„d„  Wolfe  at  th^  .U,.  of  U. Iw  !,         I  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^  =="  "'  """^  ""'     '"  '" ^  ^-''-i-S  year  h. 

10  J.ly.  .70S.     Af.«r  the  fall  of  ,hat  place  th     ml.  r  Z    ,  f  '  T  T  ■■"■"eJiately  pro,„„Ud  to  a  Lieutenancy, 

the  F.  eueh  fon,  on  Lake  Cha,„„,.,i„,  J]^^j;':l'Z-:^^ln'  ""'  '""'"■  '" ""  ""'""  '"  -""- 

year  it  fur,„ed  part  of  the  amy  that  a.W.need  f  ofn  I Z  of  '    ?  "''^:"""'  °"  ""  ''"'  °'  «•-">■•   l'«^^  "'  "hioh 

Ilavilaud.  He  Lrved  in  the  W.t  .n„i  ,  '  l'  ^^'TZTI T''"'\  '""''  '"^  """'"''''  ""  ^"'"-' 
After  rH,,r„iug  to  New.York  he  wont  hack  to  1,1  !,d,nr7r"?'^.,"'  ''"'"•  "■"  •""""""'  '°  '"'  ^"l"-"- 
returned  to  A.nerica  in  January    KTS  •  i„  Julv  tl  1  '  „1  '  "P^"  "  >'on.«o..,ery   rct.rcd  fron.  ,i,e  .ervieo   in    1772,  and 

.92,)  and..ttled.tUhin...beck,  ,  ,:  .„  ^-  yZ^  7  "'""';•  f:""-',;'""'"-:-"'^- "^ ''-tioe  Livi„,„on  ( .„p,„.  p. 
...elected  one  of  thedele.at;..„™h:;:;„:^^;rr;;r:^^  /"  ^^f  -'  '^ 

appointed  Brig.dicrtieneral  by  the  .'untinental  Cungr.,.     He  at  once  "  oh!    "  ,l.e  w  H  „f  f""    1        "^  ""' 

to  e'.«o,e  between  liberty  and  .lavcry  •'  and  .et  out  nl  >l,-> ..     \    )  .  oppre^ed  people,  compelled 

a.a,n.,ly  and  Montreal,  he  effcct.uiunctfo  .  J      Ir  b  f        .T  "'f 'T  '"l^""  ''"""'"•     ■'""'  ''^'"""^  ^'-  "'"'"••• 

of  hi.  men  on  the  3,.t  December,  n,V    .        I     .  v     r  'f  ."  "        .  ""'  T'"""  '"•'  "^'"'""'^  ''"  "'  "'«  ""'"' 

hi.  head.     In  per.on,  Genera.  Mout.mer;  w«  W    "I  /,';'"'    .Tf   ^Z        '  "'°"""  "'■'"  ''"  ""'■"■"  """  ">-«='" 

.e-ed  the  vohfutary  lovo  and  e dene'or     e  iho  e      n       '(        e  "llr  '     ,  T     '  '''TT'"'  '"""'-■  "'"""•  ""^  P"'" 

monument  to  hi,  memory,  and  in  I8.S  hi,  rem  1,.^  r    tT  ''  T'^'^'"''  "'  ''''  '•-"''■•   C««.;re«  To.ed  a 

with  the  highest  honor,  if  S,    I'a  ll   ■  ,      .,  /  ,"      Z"  "'"  "'"    r"""'  '"  ''""'''"'■''•  "''^'^«  ^'"y  --«  d'P<>»i'«d 

Mo.t  writer',  who  have      .  i  e        L    i  thl     n'r  man    r'''""'       '^^  "V:"'7""^  '"  ^^'"*-'  ^  "-""•  ^"^"W  '• 

r::r:r^;;:-2:r:o^^^^^^^ 

I  t  e'r  r  '■'""'''  '"  '"'■'•  '•'  ''"'  "^""' '•'•"  '"  •'"tu.'.cment  Anglain  envovc  pour  brOler  St  Joachim  ""t. 

Intler  wa»  Ihesntne  MontL'omerv  who  wn,  «,  iviii,,  ;„  f  .t.^-,.,  U'  If .  .-  ,  ui"."iiii.  ini* 

detachment  sent  to  bur;.,,  Luu,7 TU    uH^Zt^ fl '  "' Tl'"  •:";^      '"  ""'   "  """"""'"  "'""^  '"«"'" 

-.,,,.,     ,  "^^ '""■       ""  '"J"'"^""'  '■'"»';l'i"-K<>  will  be, cmaiked  at  imcc  wi.ont  if  known:   lit  that 

r..cd^ard  Mo,.,«,.mery  wa,  not  a  Capta.n  in  ,7.V. ;  ...lly.  That  he  w„,  not  at  Cinel.ee  in  Welfc',  time.  Manu,cnj.t  in  ,A.  i  irl 


Vol.  V!ir, 


84 


egg  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRirTS. 

about  disagreement  to  you.     1  know  private  resentment  cannot  prevent  your  exerting  every 
faculty  to  vindicate  the  rights  and  priviledges  for  which  we  are  so  nobly  contending. 

Therefore  let  me  beg  of  you  to  collect  as  many  men  as  you  can.  Five,  or  Six,  or  Seven 
hundred  if  it  can  be  done,  and  some  how  or  other  get  into  this  country,  &  stay  with  us  till 
we  can  have  relief  from  the  Colonies. 

You  are  sensible  we  have  provisions  here  in  abundance  and  the  weather  in  this  Country  I 
assure  you,  is  far,  very  far,  from  being  so  frightfull  as  many  have  imagined.  You'l  see  that 
proper  Officers  are  appointed  under  3  ou  &  both  Officers  and  soldiers  shall  be  paid  as  other 
Continental  Troops  are.  It  will  be  well  for  Your  men  to  set  out  as  soon  as  they  can  be 
collected.  It  is  not  so  much  matter  whether  together  or  not,  but  let  them  be  sent  by  Tens, 
Twentys,  Thirtys,  Fortys,  or  Fifty's  as  they  can  be  collected,  for  it  must  have  a  good  effect 
on  the  minds  of  the  Canadians,  to  see  Succours  coming  on. 

You  will  be  good  enough  to  send  copies  of  this  letter,  or  such  part  of  it  as  you  think  proper, 
to  the  people  below  you  ;  I  can't  but  think  our  Friends  will  push  for  this  Country.  I  am 
confident  you  will  not  disappoint  my  most  fervent  wish  and  expectation  of  seeing  you  here 
with  your  men,  in  a  very  short  time. 

Now  is  the  time  to  distinguish  Yourselves,  &  obtain  the  united  applauses  of  your  very 
gratefull  countrymen,  &  of  Your  distressed  Friends  in  Canada,  &  of  Your  sincere  friend 

&  most  h""  Serv' 
To,  Col.   Warner,   or   in   his   absence  to   the  David  Wooster.' 

principal  gentlemen   in   Cumberland   and 

Charlotte  Counties. 

(A  Copy.) 


^  n    »   ■■   » 


■>te' 


Governor  I'ryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmmiih. 

Naw-Yort  P«p«T«  ( S.  P.  O)  CI.XV1II. ) 

N"  31  Duplicate.  „.  .    t.      .  r  r.    3 

Ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon 

off  New  York  S'"  Feb)-  1776 

My  Lord, 

General  Clinton  arrived  in  this  Harbour  in  the  Mercury  the  fourth  Ins'  with  much  satisfaction 
I  communicated  to  him  every  circumstance  of  a  public  nature  that  has  come  to  my  knowledge, 

'  MajorOeneral  David  Woostkb  was  born  in  Stratford,  Conn.,  in  1711.  an.l  graH.iatcJ  at  Yale  College  in  1738.  On  the 
breaking  out  of  the  Spanish  war  in  1739.  ha  wa<  appointed  Captain  of  an  armed  vessel  fitted  out  by  the  Colony  for  tha 
protection  of  lh«  coast,  and  in  174ii  served  as  Captain  in  Col.  Burr's  regiment  at  the  siege  of  LouisUurg,  on  which  occasion 
he  was  taken  prisoner  and  sent  to  France.  When  released,  he  passed  over  to  England  and  was  rewarded  with  a  commission 
of  Capuin  in  the  51st  or  Sir  Wm.  Pepperell's  regiment,  and  wont  on  half  pay  in  1748,  wlien  that  regiment  was  broke.  On 
the  renewal  of  the  war  with  Franco  in  175.5,  lie  was  appointed  Colonel  of  a  IVovincint  regiment,  in  which  capacity  he  served 
under  Amherst  in  1769,  60,  and  whon  peace  wns  concluJcd.  returned  to  private  life.  He  receivcii  half  pay  as  l^optain  in 
Pepperell's  regiment  until  1774,  when  his  name  was  stricken  off  the  roll.  In  the  fallowing  year  he  was  elected  Brigadier- 
General  in  the  Continental  service,  and  served  in  C.inada  in  the  unfortunate  campaign  of  1776,  0.  He  soon  after  resigned  his 
commission  and  was  appointed  fiut  Major  Qcncral  of  the  Connecticut  Militia,  when  he  directed  his  attention  to  securing  that 
State  against  the  enemy.  Whilst  opposing  a  detachment  of  British  troops  sent  to  destroy  the  public  stores  at  Uanbury,  he 
was  mortally  wounded  on  the  27th  April,  and  expired  on  the  2d  May.  1777,  aged  66  years,  leaving  behind  him  the  character 
of  ft  bravo  and  good  oflfioer,  an  ardent  patriot,  and  an  hon«*t,  benevolent  and  virtuous  oitiien.  Sarl,tr$  ConnttticiU  BiUorital 
ColUttioiu,  407.  —  Ed. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI. 


667 


and  furnished  him  with  such  information  of  (he  Southward  Colonies  as  I  am  hopeful!  may  be 
of  some  service.  "^  ' 

Gen'  Lee  came  into  this  Town  Inst  Sunday,  escorted  by  a  company  of  Rifle  men.  his  body 
guard,  and  a  Regiment  of  Connecticut  men.  commanded  by  Col-  Walerbury 

The  day  before  Yesterday  Lord  Sterling  at  the  head  of  four  Companies  of  Jersey  troop, 
also  arrived  here,  and  more  are  expected.     This  City  is  in  Terror  and  confusion  :  One  half  of 

Iheirtmu's  "'''  ''""■  '^'"'"''  '""'"'"  ^"''°"*  ^''«  '"«°"''  '«  «"PP°'t 

It  is  said  preparations  are  making  that  indicate  hostilities  against  the  King's  Ships.  The 
Asm  and  [>  a.n.x  have  been  obliged  to  draw  very  near  the  Wharfs,  having  been  much  distressed 
by  the  floating  cakes  of  Ice,  but  as  the  weather  is  abated.  I  trust  the  severity  of  the  Season 
IB  pnsL* 

The  Secretary  of  the  Province  came  Yesterday  to  inform  me  he  had  orders  from  the 
Committee  to  remove  the  Records,  he  declared  he  could  not  without  theOrder  of  Government 
Then,  said  they,  go  to  the  Governor.  The  inclosed  offer  made  to  the  public  through  the 
Mayor  I  prepared  accordingly.  I  have  had  such  Records  as  immediately  concern  the  Crown 
some  time  on  board  the  Dutchess  of  Gordon. 

My  family  of  Servants  have  been  insulted  in  my  house,  one  taken  out  of  it  and  confined 
twenty  four  hours  in  the  Barracks. 

res%%TyT;i5!"°"  ^^'^  "''  '^°''  '  ""  '"'"^  '"  '°  ^'  '"°^^'^-    ^  "™  ^'"^  ''"  ^''''^^'> 

_,    ,  ^  Your  Lordship's  most  obed'  Serv' 

Earl  Dartmouth.  .,.„  „ 


(Copy.). 


Governor  Tryon  to  Mayor  Ilickt. 


The  Governor  thinks  the  town  in  perfect  safely,  unless  an  attempt  is  made  to  annoy,  the 
King's  Ships,  or  remove  his  Majesty's  Artillery,  and  if  there  is  that  design,  he  is  willing  to 
charter  a  vessel  to  put  the  records  on  board,  and  to  lay  in  this  harbour,  and  will  pledge  his 
honour  that  no  injury  shall  come  to  the  Records  from  any  of  the  King's  Forces,  but  that  they 
shall  be  kept  in  security  for  the  public,  but  he  will  not  assent  to  the  removal  of  them  to  any 
other  place  on  shore,  as  he  thinks  they  cannot  be  there  in  any  place  of  greater  safety  than 
Ihey  are  at  present. 

Ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon  ^"  '^^^°^- 

off  New  York  7""  Feb^  1776 

Original  to  W.  Hicks  Esq' 
Mayor  of  the  City  of  New  York. 


i 


X, 


X 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 
Zo?v/.y  of  Trade  to  the  King. 

[  rinnUllom  nrneral  Enltln.  XI.VI.  ( N. )  P-  <S7.  ] 

To  tho  Ki\as  most  Excellext  Majesty 

May  it  please  Your  Majesty 

In  obedience  to  Your  Majesty's  Conimnnda,  signified  to  us  l)y  Lord  George  Germain,  we 
have  prepared  and  lierewith  humbly  beg  leave  to  liiy  before  Your  Majesty  the  Draught  of  an 
nddilionni  Instruction  to  the  Governors  and  Commanders  of  certain  of  Your  Majesty's  Colonies 
and  Plantations  in  America,  requiring  them  to  carry  into  strict  Kxecution  an  Act  passed  in  the 
present  Session  of  Parliament  (or  the  prohibition  of  all  Trade  and  intercourse  wiih  several 
of  Your  Majesty's  Colonies  therein  mentioned 

Which  is  most  humbly  submitted 

.SoAME  Jenvns 

C.    F.    GliKVILLB 

Whitehall  W.  Jolliffe 

Feb:  13,  177G.  Wiutshed  Kkenb 

Additioval  Instruction  to  Our  Trusty  and  Welbeloved  Guy  Carleton  Ksquire, 
Our  Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  in,  and  over  Our  Province  of 
Quebec  in  America  and  of  all  Our  Territories  dependent  thereupon.    Given 

Wiiereas  an  Act  hath  been  passed  in  the  present  Session  of  Parliament,  intituled  "An 
"  Act  to  prohibit  all  Trade  and  intercourse  with  the  Colonies  of  New  Hampshire,  Massachusets 
"  Bay,  Ilhode  Island,  Connecticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylv.inia,  the  three  Lower 
"Counties  on  Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  and  Georgia, 
"during  tlie  continuance  of  the  present  Kehellion  within  the  said  Colonies  respectively;  for 
"repealing  an  Act  made  in  the  fourteenlli  year  of  the  Ifeign  of  Mis  present  Majesty  to 
<•  discontinue  the  laniling  and  discharging  lading  or  shiping  o(  (Joods  Wares  and  Mercliandi/e, 
"  at  the  Town  and  within  the  IIarl)our  o(  Uoston  in  the  Province  of  MiissachusetH  Hiiy  ;  And 
"  also  two  Ads  made  in  the  liisl  Session  of  I'arliamenl  (or  restraining  the  Trade  and  Commerce 
"  of  the  Colonies  in  the  said  Act  respectively  mentioned  ;  and  to  enable  any  person  or  persona 
"  appointed  &,  authorized  by  His  Majesty  to  (Jranl  I'ardons  to  issue  Proclamations  in  the  ('asei 
"  and  for  the  purposes  therein  menliimed,"  It  is  Our  Uoyal  Will  and  Pleasure,  and  you  are 
liereby  instructed  and  required  to  have  especial  care  that  the  said  Act  be  duely  observed  by 
all  persons  within  Your  (iovernment,  and  it  will  be  your  particular  duty  in  (iranting  Licences 
in  writing  under  your  hand  and  Seal  to  Ships  and  Vessels  for  going  to  any  Port  or  I'lace  in 
the  aforementioned  Colonies  to  see  that  the  tiaid  Licencea  be  granted  to  sue  ii  Ships  and  Vessels 
only  as  are  specified  and  described  in  the  said  Act,  and  that  the  Form  or  Forms  observed  by 
you  in  granting  the  said  Licences,  be  strictly  agreable  to  what  is  therein  prescribed  and  laid 
down;  (or  your  better  Coverninent  and  Direction  wherein,  We  have  hereunto  annexed  tho 
Foin\  to  be  observed  liy  you  as  (ollows,  Vu' 

"To  all  Flag  Ollicers,  ("aptains.  Commanders  and  other  commissioned  OHlcers  in  His 
•'  Majesty's  pay,   And  also   to  all   others,   whom  these   presents  shall  or  may  concern.     In 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI. 


669 


"  rrirr  if  t"  !""'  T"^  '"   ""   '''''''   ^^*"""°"    ''  I '-''"'"^nt.    intituled  An  Act  to 
^^  .nent.nned   I  do  hereby  Auli,or,zo  nnd  permit  Mmler  of  the  Ship 

ot    he  burthen  [to  proceed  with  the  said  Ship  nnd  Cargo,  consisting  of  the 

pnrt.cui„r.  spec.hed  u,  the  Schedule  annexed  from  the  Port  of  to  the  Port  of 

"  Shin  to'"'  '°  ""'"".1  •"";'  '''""'■  ""  '"'''  ^"'■'^'''  ""'^  ^°  ^-'"^"  '■^«"'  ""■"'^«  «ith  hiB  said 
..  'unln  her  return  as  afotJd-j"'''  '"  ^'"""  ""'  ""  '"  ^°^^^  ^^°"'  "'^  ^^-^  ''^  ''^^  '^'^  ^--^• 

o„fiu!'r  T.  °';'';'""'"f°^^''  •""n'^y-'  >"  <»"•  S-ice.  ,he  words  between  Hooks  shall  be 

on   tied  ad  .he  follow.ng  ones  shall  be  adopted,  Vi..  [.-being  a  Transport  employed  in  Z 

M,,-ty's  serv.ce  .o  proceed  in  Ills  said  Ship  to  some  Port  or  Ports  in  North  AmerL  Ind  to 

•  return  from  thence  with  his  said  Ship  to  This  Licence  to  subnisl  and  le   .^r  ^ 

"  from  the  day  of  the  date  hereof  until  the  d.v  of  nr  fnl  o    i  . 


Zfln/*  of  Ti-ade  to  lU  Committee  of  Privy  Council 

t  Kew-Vork  KnlrlM,  I.XIX.,  p.  M.  J 

My  l4or(l8 

Pursuant   to   your    Lordships   Order  of  the   Q,    ,{    p,,^    ,„,^  ^y^  , 
Cons.derat.on    the    Matters   therein  contained   respecting  the  Case  of  Micheel    Charter  de 
Lo,b,n.ere  st.hng  h.msell  S.-igneur  d'Allainville  and  de  Hoc.uart  and  the  reasonal  I        .    f 
nak.ng   son.e    adequate   cou.pens.-.tion  to  h,„.   for  his    pretensions  to  the   said  L      L   '     o 
A  a,„v, He  and  Iloc.uart  by  recon.n.en.iing  Inn,  to  his  Mnjes.y  for  a  (irant  of  Land  mo 

one  of  Ins  .Nr.j.-stys  An.eru.„n   Province,  in  consideration  of  his  said  pretensions  as  w  of 

e  losses  and  expen.cs  .n  which   he  has  been  involved  by  the  proceedings  of  H.  ^   •    '.' 
(.overnorso    .N«w  \ork   .n  Crauting  away   Lands  within  the  aforementioned   ...r.l sL  In 

That    before  we    stale    Our   opinion  of  what    „,ay  be  a  reasonable    (^nnpensation  to  M' 
Loth  n.ere  ,„  the  matter  referred  We  must  observe  that  although  his  clain.    extend   oLh 

*'"•  ''-«'«'';i-;<- Ah ille  and  Hocc,uart  ye,  upon  a  review  of'our  proc     Ing  i 

we  cannot    ,r  the  reasons  s...  forth  u.  Our  r-port  to  your  Lordship,  ./he  .rv*    f  M„y     , u" 
nny   .uch    foundat.on    in    his  pretensions  to   Alaiuv.lle    has   J  warrant    the      Iv  'i  g   .'  v 

compensatu,„  whatever  to  be  , i..  ,o  hiu,  for  hi ere.t  i„  that  Lordship  so  .In     wlL  7r 

,7'  ^7  """•""•■"f  ^^'"  '-  «-""'-'  -l-'y  «"  '.i.  .-laim  to  the   Lords!.   .  of  Hoc,  „„. 


670 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


The  Lordship  of  IFocqunrt  is  described  ns  lying  on  the  East  side  of  Lnke  Champiain 
extending  four  leagues  in  front  and  live  leagues  in  Depth  and  may  be  computed  to  contain 
about  115,000  Acres  of  Land. 

By  the  proceedings  of  the  Council  of  New  York  on  the  S*"  day  of  Sept'  1771  it  appears  that 
almost  the  whole  of  this  Lordship  was  granted  away  under  the  Seal  of  New  York  principally 
to  Officers  and  Soldiers  according  to  His  Majestys  proclamation  of  the  7"'  of  Oct'  1773. 
.  As  the  greatest  part  therefore  and  probably  the  best  in  quality  of  those  Lands  has  been 
thus  granted  away  we  think  that  the  most  equitable  way  of  making  Compensation  to  M' 
Lotbiniere  will  for  his  Majesty  to  direct  the  Governor  of  Quebec  to  make  a  now  Grant  to 
M'  Lotbiniere  of  other  Lands  within  that  Colony  equivalent  ns  nearly  as  may  be  in  point  of 
extent  and  in  the  advantages  of  Soil  &  Situation  to  that  of  Hocquart  to  be  held  upon  the  like 
terms  and  Considerations  as  Lands  are  now  held  by  His  ^Fnje8tys  other  Canadian  Subjects; 
provided  that  upon  his  being  put  in  possession  of  this  Grant  ho  shall  cause  a  full  and  ample 
surrender  to  be  made  of  all  his  right  and  title  to  the  aforesaid  Lordship  of  Hocquart  so  that 
the  present  occupants  who  chielly  consist  of  Oflicers  and  Soldiers  disbanded  at  the  conclusion 
of  the  last  War  may  be  quieted  and  secured  in  their  possessions. 

At  the  same  time  that  we  state  this  as  what  we  think  will  be  a  liberal  compensation  to  M' 
Lotbiniere  we  should  have  been  glad  to  have  informed  your  Lordships  that  he  had  acquiesced 
in  the  same  sentiments  but  as  he  has  declined  giving  his  attendance  at  Our  Board  though 
invited  thereto  we  submit  the  whole  to  your  Lordship  with  this  observation  that  if  M' 
Lotbiniere  shall  not  think  proper  to  accept  the  proposed  compensation  it  will  then  remain  for 
him  to  pursue  his  Claim  or  Claims  by  due  Course  of  Law  in  such  manner  as  he  shall 
be  advised. 

We  are  My  Lords 

Your  Lordships  most  obedient  and 

most  humble  Servants 

SoAME  Jknvns 

W.    Jol.LlKFK 

Whitehall  Whitshed  Kernk 

Feb:  1:).  1770  C  V.  Gkevuxk 


M» 


Speech  of  Captain  lirant  to  Lord  Gtonje  Germain. 

[  nanuilim*  Ofnwil  ( B.  P.  )>. )  I'CI.XII.  ] 

The  Speech  of  Thayendenrgeh  a  Chief,   accompanied  by  Oteroughyanento  a 
Warrior,  both  of  the  Six  Nations.  14  March,  1770. 

To   the  night  Hon'"'*  Lord  (ieorge  Germainc  one  of  His  Mnjestys  Principal  Secreturyi 
of  Slate. 

Brother  Gorah. 

We  have  crois'd  the  great  liake  and  come  to  this  kingdom  with  our  Superintendant  Col. 
Johnson  from  our  Confedcrmy  the  Sis  .Nations  and  thcif  .Miles,  that  we  might  see  our  Father 


-*•-.—  ■'-•- 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XL VI. 


671 


the  Great  King,  and  joyn  in  informing  liim,  liis  Councillors  and  wise  m.Mi,  of  the  good 
intentions  of  the  Indians  our  bretheren,  and  of  their  nltnchmeut  to  His  Miijesty  and  his 
Government. 

Brother.  The  Disturbances  in  America  give  great  trouble  to  all  our  Nations,  as  many 
strange  stories  have  been  told  (o  us  by  the  people  in  that  country.  The  Six  Nations  who 
nlwayes  loved  the  king,  sent  a  number  of  their  Chiefs  and  Warriors  with  their  Superintendant 
to  Canada  last  summer,  where  they  engaged  their  allies  to  joyn  with  them  in  the  defence  of 
that  country,  and  when  it  was  invaded  by  the  New  Kngland  people,  they  alone  defeated  them. 
Brother.  In  that  engagement  we  had  several  of  our  best  Warriors  killed  and  wounded,  and 
the  Indians  think  it  very  hard  they  should  have  been  so  deceived  by  the  White  people  in  that 
country,  the  enemy  returning  in  great  numbers,  and  no  White  people  supporting  the  Indians 
they  wyre  oblidge.i  to  retire  to  their  vilages  and  sit  still.  We  now  Brother  hope  to  see  these 
bad  children  chastised,  and  that  we  may  be  enabled  to  tell  the  Indians,  who  have  always  been 
faithfull  and  ready  to  assist  the  King,  what  His  Majesty  intends. 

Brother.  The  Mohocks  our  particular  Nation,  have  on  all  occasions  shewn  their  zeal  and 
loyalty  to  the  Great  King;  yet  they  have  been  very  badly  treated  by  his  people  in  that 
country,  the  City  of  Albany  laying  an  unjust  claim  to  the  lands  on  which  our  Lower  Castle  is 
built,  as  one  Klock  and  others  do  to  those  of  Conijoharrie  our  Upper  Village.  We  have  been 
often  assured  by  our  late  great  friend  S'  William  Johnson  who  never  deceived  us,  and  we 
know  ho  was  told  so  that  the  King  and  wise  men  here  wouhl  do  ns  justice;  but  this 
notwithstanding  all  our  applications  has  never  been  done,  and  it  makes  us  very  uneasie.  We 
also  h^\  lor  the  .lisiress  in  which  our  Bretheren  on  the  Susquehanna  are  likely  to  be  involved 
hy  a  mistake  made  in  the  Boundary  we  setled  in  l7(iS.  This  also  our  Superintendant  has  laid 
Jefore  the  King,  an.l  we  beg  it  may  be  remembered.  And  also  concerning  Religion  and  the 
want  of  Ministers  of  the  Church  of  Kngland.  he  knows  the  designs  of  those  bad  people  and 
...f.rms  us  he  has  laid  the  same  before  the  King.  We  have  only  therefore  to  request  that  his 
Majesty  will  attend  to  this  matter:  it  troubles  our  Nation  &  they  cannot  sleep  easie  in  their 
beds.  Indeed  t  is  very  har.l  when  we  have  let  the  Kings  subjects  have  so  much  ol  our  lan.ls 
or  so  little  val  le.  they  should  want  to  cheat  us  in  this  manner  of  the  snu.ll  spots  we  have 
left  for  our  women  an.l  rhil.lren  to  live  on.  We  are  tired  out  in  making  complaints  &  getting 
no  redress.  We  therefore  hope  that  the  Assurances  now  given  us  by  the  Superinten.iant  may 
take  place,  and  that  he  may  have  it  in  his  power  to  procure  us  justice. 

Brother.     We  shall  truly  report  nil  that  we  hear  from  you.  to  the  Six  Nations  at  our  return 
We  are  well  informed  there  has  been  many  Indians  in  this  Country  who  came  without  any 
authority,  (rom  their  own.  and  gave  much  trouble.     We  desire  Brother  to  tell  you  this  is  not 
our  case.     We  are  warriors  known  to  nil  the  Nations,  and  are  now  here  by  approbation  of 
many  ol  them,  whose  sentiments  we  speak. 

Brother.  We  hope  these  things  will  be  considered  and  llial  the  King  or  his  great  men  will 
give  u.  such  nn  answer  as  will  make  our  hearts  light  an.l  gla.l  bef.,re  we  go,  and  .tr,.„gthen 
our  han.ls.  so  that  we  may  joyn  our  Superintendant  Col.  Johnson  in  giving  satisfaction  to 
all  our  Nations,  when  we  report  to  them,  on  our  return;  for  which  purpose  we  hope  soon 
to  be  nccomndnted  with  a  passage. 

Dictated  i»y  the  Indians  nod  taken  down  by 

Jo:  Chew.  Sec' 


I* 


Ki:^ 


672 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUeSCRIPTS. 


mt 


(N»2.) 
Governor  Tryon. 


ZorJ  George  Geiinain  to  Governor  Tryon. 

(  New-Tork  r>p<n  (B.  V.  O. )  CLXVUI.,  Nu  «.  ] 


Whitehall  SS'"  March  1770 


s:-. 

I  must  not  omit  the  opportunity  of  a  Packet,  which  I  nm  dispatching  to  Boston  with  letters 
for  General  Howe,  to  acquaint  you  that  Your  resolution  and  perseverance  in  the  exertion  o( 
every  commendable  effort  to  promote  his  Majesty's  service  in  a  situation  that  exposes  you  to 
so  much  distress  and  Inconvenience  is  highly  approved  by  the  King,  as  well  as  the  great 
attention  you  have  shewn  to  the  procuring  and  transmitting  to  me  the  very  important 
Intelligence  contained  in  the  Dispatches  I  have  received  from  you. 

The  severe  checl-  the  Uubels  met  with  on  the  31"  Dee'  before  the  walls  of  Quebec,  of  wliich 
fortunate  Kvent  \  received  the  first  authentic  intelligence  from  you,  has,  I  trust,  secured 
to  his  Majesty  the  possession  of  that  fortress,  and  I  hope  that  the  very  consideiable  Force  which 
his  Majesty  intends  to  employ  on  that  side  will  (ind  little  Obstruction  to  their  penetrating  into 
New  York  by  the  way  of  the  flakes,  and  giving  succour  to  those  operations  which  I  think 
cannot  fail  of  having  the  effect  to  re-establish  the  Constitutional  authority  of  Government  in 
that  Province. 

In  the  prosecution  of  these  operations  Your  advice  and  assistance  will  be  very  useful  and  it 
is  very  fortunate  for  his  Majesty's  Service  that  there  is  upon  the  spot,  where  those  operations 
are  to  be  carried  on,  a  person  upon  whose  judgement  his  Majesty's  Officers  may,  with  so  great 
confidence,  rely. 

His  Majesty's  Piirdon  has  been  obtained  for  the  three  convicts  mentioned  in  Your  letter  of 
the  &'*  of  Dec'  and  tiiey  have  been  admitted  to  employment  in  the  Ordnance  Department.  I 
have  also  taken  the  proper  Steps  for  a  due  compensation  being  made  to  M'  Rattle,  &  that 
Your  servant  should  not  go  unrewarded  for  his  care  in  bringing  over  Your  last  Dispatches. 


1 


N*  -'. 


Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  Gtonje  Germain. 

I  Ntw-Turk  rip«n(8Ut*  Faptr  OBIw)  CLXVIIl.  | 


81iip  Dutchess  of  Gordon, 

North  lliver.  New  York. 

C*  April  1776. 
My  Lord, 

Hy  the  Ssvallow  packet  I  had  the  honour  to  receive  the  lO""  of  last  month  Your  Lordship'i 
Dispatches  to  the  2;)''  of  December  with  their  Indosures.  The  late  Act  of  I'arliiunent 
restraining  the  Commerce  of  America  I  forwarded  to  ('aplain  Hyde  P.irker,  comniundiiig 
Naval  Olliccr  of  this  I'ort,  with  Your  Lordship's  Communicalioi)  of  His  Majesty'*  (Commands 
thereon. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI. 


673 


Several  of  the  numerous  and  Spirited  Addreases  contained  in  the  London  Gazettes  I  had 
copied  (as  I  could  not  Ret  them  puhlished)  and  circulated  them  througli  the  Province,  as  well 
as  every  other  puhlicatiou  that  could  tend  to  withdraw  the  people  from  the  madness  of  their 
Proceedings.  The  Pamphlet  entitled  "  The  Itiglits  of  Great  IJritain  asserted  against  the 
Claims  of  America"  has  heen  greedily  sought  after.'  I  should  have  heen  pleased  to  have 
had  one  thousand  of  them  to  distrihute  through  the  Country,  the  inhahitants  whereof  are 
kept  by  the  tyranny  and  misrule  of  their  leaders  in  the  blindest  ignorance  of  the  true  state 
of  their  Situation.  My  letter  of  Kxhortalion  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Colony  (which  they 
have  had  the  grace  to  put  in  the  publick  papers)  has  drawn  upon  me  the  ill  will  of  the  dregs 
of  the  City,  insomuch  that  they  puhlickly  exhibited  an  elligy  of  me,  attended  with  all  the 
parade  of  savage  malice  to  mark  their  Uesenlmentand  have  since  Ofl'ered  five  hundred  pounds 
for  the  capture  of  my  person. 

The  whole  North  Kront  of  Fort  George  is  dismantled  and  Merlons  erected  on  the  Faces 
of  the  Fort  that  look  to  the  North  and  Kast  Rivers.  Also  Merlons  are  constructed  on  the 
lower  battery.  I  nm  told  they  purpose  to  intrench  and  fortify  upon  the  Banks  of  the  Narrows, 
that  is  on  Staten  a.id  Long  island,  and  every  where  else  that  they  think  can  obstruct  the 
approach  of  the  King's  Fleets  and  Armies. 

Provisions  have  been  hitherto  Supplied  (some  very  short  capricious  Intervals  excepted) 
both  to  the  King's  Ships,  and  the  Dutchess  of  (lordon,  but  am  credibly  informed  no  more  will 
be  sent  after  this  week,  as  the  Eastern  army  now  in  the  City  is  determined  to  cut  us  oif  from 
every  supply  liom  (he  shore,  as  soon  as  their  plan  of  operations  (or  that  purpose  is  coinplealed. 
1  expect  I  have  provisions  in  the  Ship  (or  three  Months,  but  trust  I  shall  be  releived  by  the 
strength  of  His  Majesty's  Armament  before  I  am  quite  drove  out  of  my  Government  by  either 
force  or  famine. 

Permit  me,  My  Lord,  humbly  to  express  the  warmest  duty  and  gratitude  of  bis  Majesty's 
servants  in  this  Province  for  his  gracious  consideration  of  their  distressed  &  exposed  situation, 
and  the  consolation  I  receive  in  the  Hoyal  approbation  of  my  remaining  in  my  Government  in 
its  present  revolted  stale. 

1  am,  with  all  possible  Respect, 

Wy  Lord,  Your  Lordship's  nmst  obedient  humble  Servant 

Lord  George  Germain.  \V«  Thvo.v. 


NM. 


Governor  Tnjon  to  Lord  George  Germain. 

(R«w-Twk  Ptpm (Slain  l>*p«rOffi<ii))CLXVni.] 


Ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon,  North  Itiver 

..     .      .  New  York,  G""  April  1770. 

My  Lord, 

Since  my  last  publick  Dispatches  by  the  Hrig  three  Sisters,  to  N'.I.T  inclusive,  this  Province 

has  become  more  particularly  the  Object  of  attention  and  Military  Operations  by  the  enemy 

'  Tliit  paniphlm  wu  wrilton,  «rpnr.liiin  l"  ^^'r  •'»"ib«  Mminiuuli,  by  Hir  Julin  DalrympK    It  piirporUd  to  b*  an  tniwir  to 
th*  I^poUmtiun  of  Iii<li'|ivnd<'iii'«.  —  Kii. 

Vol.  Mil.  M 


674 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


4' 

1    i-s 


r 


n 


titan  formerly.  General  Clinton's  departure  from  Boston,  subsequent  arrival  here,  occasioned 
n  considerable  Body  of  their  Troops  to  be  assembled  at  litis  Metropolis,  and  being  assembled 
something  was  to  be  attempted.  The  iirst  Object  was  to  seize  oit  the  Kinj^'s  Artillery  and 
Military  stores  in  Fort  George,  and  on  the  lower  battery,  which  lliey  carried  oif  without 
opposition  on  the  ll"'o(  February  (the  same  day  that  General  Clinton  sailed  out  of  this  Fort) 
Cap'  Parker  finding  it  impossible  to  interrupt  this  outrage  otherwise  than  by  firing  on  the 
City.  The  ice  keeping  the  .Ships  of  war  so  near  within  shore  that  he  was  of  opinion  he  could 
not  bring  the  Ships  under  his  Command  to  lay  oft'  the  Fort  and  Battery,  where  the  Artillery 
and  Chief  Part  of  the  stores  were  deposited  without  great  risk  to  the  King's  Ships  from  the  ice 
at  that  severe  season.  The  destruction  therefore  of  the  City  where  there  were  so  ittaiiy  friends 
to  Government,  with  the  loss  of  all  their  property,  &  the  consideration  of  preserving  the  town 
for  the  King's  nritiy  was  thought  to  be  too  great  sacrilices  to  ntake  for  only  retarding  the 
removal  of  the  Artillery  and  Stores,  which  even  alter  such  sacrilices  could  have  been  carried  off 
by  the  Jersey  and  the  Connecticutt  Troops;  who  cante  into  town  with  full  expectations,  and 
the  declarative  purpose  of  sharing  in  the  plunder  of  the  etiects  of  the  Inhabitaitts  as  soon 
as  the  King's  Ships  should  tire  on  the  City. 

The  day  after  the  removal  of  the  Stores  &'  [  received  a  letter  from  Capt"  Parker'  signifying 
his  intentions  of  going  to  Sandy  Hook  with  His  Majesty's  Ships  under  his  contmand.  1  in 
answer  suggested  to  him  sonte  reasons  (or  wishing  he  itiight  continue  in  the  East  River. 
Copies  of  the  letters  that  passed  between  us  on  this  occasion  I  have  the  lionour  herewith  to 
transmit  to  Your  lordship.  Cap'  Parker  delayed  the  removal  of  the  Ships  until  the  17""  which 
gave  me  an  oppertunity  of  proroguing  the  General  Assembly  and  i  ant  salislied  from  what  tias 
since  happened  that  his  staying  longer  in  the  Fast  lUver  could  ttot  have  been  attended  with 
jfiiy  advantage  to  the  King's  Service.  Git  the  removal  of  the  Phd'nix  to  below  the  narrows 
Cap'  Vandeput  in  the  Asia  was  stationed  in  the  North  lliver,  under  whose  protection  I  have 
remained  since  the  1 7'''  of  February. 

It  would  be  impossible.  My  Lord,  from  tny  confuted  situation  to  give  you  a  particular  detail 
of  the  various  nianciMivres  of  the  Americans.  The  t!azettes  and  other  i'a(iers  herewith 
transntitted  will  afford  you  much  information  of  the  uitabated  vigor  and  desperate  excesses 
with  which  the  ettbrls  of  the  eitemy  are  cirried  oti  in  Oppositioit  to  His  Majesty's  Government 
in  most  Parts  ol  the  Continent.  The  ."Streets  mi  the  City  of  New  York  are  barricaded  with 
Breast  Works,  and  every  head  land  and  commamlitig  Spot  of  ground  in  its  Knvirons,  are 
fortified,  or  to  be  fortified,  with  Intrenchments,  Redoubts,  and  Batteries. 

*  sir  Uypk  r\HKKit,  Kilt.,  BtHMud  Moll  of  ttip  \'ioe-A<liniruI  of  tlu'  damt'  niiiitt',  wfiH  Koin  in  17:>1>;  ItccAiiip  l.ieuti'iiiint  in  the 
iiavv  *^.'i  .liinunry,  ITTiS.  mid  hus  piitinuU'il  to  Ua  i'ii)ilaiii  .Inly  IS,  ]'iu\{,  wlirii  hu  wiiit  [uit  iu  foniiiiuntl  of  tlio  fri^nto 
Ilonuioiu',  'JS,  llti  (.'oiiimiiiiiKMl  tlit.>  IMMfiiix,  4-1,  on  thf  Norlli  AiiieritNti,  utiitioii,  niiil  wiii*  attiulivd  tu  tiit*  tti-i'l  tu  t>ppofte 
(-'omit  il'Kktuiii);  in  177H,  On  tlio  27tli  Novi'inlivr  of  that  veiir,  I'uiuinodoro  i'liikcr  XHiliil  from  NiwYorli  in  luiiimiiiiil  of  thii 
conroy  uiiniiist  Savanniih  ;  mil  hnvin^'  I'liluool  Ihut  placi',  ismieil  A  |>roolaniiition  llh  Jaiumry,  177'.',  olfcrinK  fri-eihmi  tii  the 
•laves,  and  pardon  lo  dcAcrli'in,  and  )trac(>  to  all  who  shouhl  join  the  Uoyal  Standard.  Ai  a  riwaid  for  liia  ■erviccr,  he 
rcceivpd  the  honor  of  Kni.;lithood  on  liin  ri'Uirn  to  Kn^iluiid  in  17"'.i,  whun  hi'  »aa  altauhi'd  l<  tlii'  Hn'l  under  Admiral  Sir 
(^harlei  IInrd\'  that  was  tent  out  to  oppone  the  cointiined  iiuvieit  of  rrniiee  nnd  Spain,  then  Ihrenteiiin^  a  ili'seeiit  on  Kngland. 
In  January,  17H0,  liia  fri^'nle  forhieil  piirt  uf  the  c<invor  of  the  nu  rcliantnien  to  the  West  Indies;  and  on  the  7th  An)(uil, 
17x1,  ha  uoniinnnded  the  frigate  I.atonii,  ;>S.  in  the  en^ta^einenl,  wlieii  hii  falher  defeuled  the  Duteh  lUet  olf  the  |)o);^erlmiik. 
In  17H'i  he  was  prumule  I  to  the  (iolia'i,  74.  an  I  win  iitlaehed  tu  the  lleet  under  Urnr  Admiral  Kiiiipenfelt,  and  in  the 
f,ill  his  ship  funned  part  of  the  Heet  sent  under  Lord  llowu  to  the  relief  of  Ciilirnltar,  then  liei<ie}{ed  liy  the  Spaniiirds. 
He  di.d  Admiral  uf  the  While,  IG  Mareli,  1S<>7.  JiiiiiniiUm't  Urilitli  Almnnacn ;  /leattuii't  A'uva/  and  itiUlary  Mimvirt; 
JJurki'  liaronttagt.  —  Ku. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI. 


675 


T  wns  nn  eye  witness  to  the  b.trninR  of  the  liospitnl  on  He.Ilow's  [slndd  hy  four  hundred 
Rehel8  in  Seven  I'itinRunH  on  the  2"  Instant.  The  Asia  fired  two  Cannon  8hot  which  obliged 
them  to  precipitate  their  retreat.  They  hurnt  n  staci;  of  hay  and  killed  n  .luniber  of  poultry 
I  had  reserved,  (or  (ieneral  Howe's  expected  arrival.  Part  of  their  plan  was  to  have  .ei/ed 
nhontsuly  Countrymen  who  had  fled  from  persecution,  and  were  subsisted  by  me  on  that 
Island.  B„t  getting  intelligence  of  the  design  I  removed  nil  the  men  on  board  the  Ship  Lady 
Gage  a  few  hours  before  the  enemy  landed  on  the  Island,  which  Ship  was  taken  a  short  time 
before  by  the  men  of  War's  c.tters  from  a  Dock  on  Staten  Island,  and  which  I  have  taken  up 
for  the  reception  of  Recruits  and  distressed  Persons.  The  King's  Ships  have  also  taken  several 
other  prizes. 

The  removal  of  the  Fleet  and  Army  from  Boston  has  been  the  occasion  of  much  speculation 
as  to  Its  destination,  and  by  the  movements  of  the  enemy  it  is  generally  expected  in  here. 
General  Putnam  commands  in  New  York  about  seven  thousand  men,  and  it  is  said  will  soou 
he  joined  by  General  W/ishington  and  live  brigades. 

As  I  have  just  received  n  letter  from  Capt.  Parker  acquainting  me  of  the  arrival  of  the 
Savage  Sloop  of  War,  and  requests  that  I  would  come  down  in  the  Dutchess  of  Gordon  to 
the  Ihomix,  as  he  has  Intelligence  of  importance  to  communicate  I  shall  ch.se  this  Dispatch 
nnd  get  under  sail  as  soou  as  the  Tid-  will  serve,  only  mentioning  that  the  I'acket  has  been 
detained  here  until  certain  intelligence  might  he  obtained  of  the  destination  of  the  Fleet 
and  Army. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  perfect  respect  and  esteem,  My  Lord, 

T  „   .  r-  /-         .  Vour  Lordship's  most  ohed' Seiv' 

Lord  George  (.'ermain.  ii:„  m 

"  W"  TnvoN. 


N»6. 


Govtnxn-   Tfi/aii  to   Lord  Oeorge   Germaiu. 

[  Now-Tork  I'ipeni  (Slum  fipfr  Ofllcp)  CLXVIII.) 


Ship  DiitclicBs  of  Cordon 
j^j     J  ii|.i,  Delow  the  Narrows,  New  Vork  l/j'"  April  I77C. 

On  the  Seventh  Instant  [  fell  down  the  Kiver  to  the  I'h.rnix.  Hut  before  we  reached  the 
Ship  we  were  alarmed  hy  heavy  Platoon  Firings  from  the  Sinten  Island  Snore,  which  by 
the  help  of  a  Spy  g|,.s«  we  discovered  to  be  the  enemy  firing  upon  the  Seamen  that  were 
landed  for  wat.-r  at  the  watering  place  under  cover  of  the  Savage  Sloop  of  War.  A  very  short 
space  after  the  I'latoot.s  firing  the  Savage  began  a  cannonade  which  was  kept  up  (or  some 
hours  till  Cap-  Bromadge  was  called  ofi'  hy  a  signal  from  the  Phrrnix.  For  the  particulars  of 
this  afi.iir  I  beg  leave  to  r.-fer  Your  Lordship  to  the  within  account  received  from  Capt.  Parker. 

It  was  with  grief  and  horror  I  received  this  insult  to  the  King's  Flag.  A  trench-  ry  the 
more  ba,e  consi.iering  the  lenity  and  (orbearnnce  with  which  the  commanders  of  tie  King's 
Ships  had  uniformly  shewn  both  to  the  persons  &  properties  of  the  inhabitants,  that  came 
within  their  power.  And  the  more  perfidious  as  at  this  time  the  Ships  had  publicklv  fresh 
provisions  sent  them  from  New  York.     It  affects  me  m  fin.]  hnstiUti-'.  have  b«en  s.o  -!>-"-fal|v- 


676 


NEW-YOnK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


committed  ngninst  the  Parent  State  within  this  Province  which  if  left  to  itself  would  not  in 
the  present  cause  of  dispute  have  thus  plunged  itself  into  the  Calamities  of  a  Hebellion. 

Lord  Sterling,  I  am  told,  headed  five  hundred  men  on  this  attack  upon  eighteen  unarmed 
seamen.  The  mortification  I  experienced  on  this  treachery  was  encrea.sed  when  Capl.  Parker 
the  same  day  informed  me  that  his  dispatches  from  Admiral  Shouldam  hy  the  Savage  Sloop 
acquainted  him  that  the  Fleet  &  army  from  Boston  were  sailed  for  Halifax,  and  that  the 
sarcity  of  provisions  in  the  army  had  occasioned   Removal.     I  had  no  Dispatches  or  letters 

myself. 

This  movement  has  let  loose  the  Cambridge  Army  on  this  devoted  Colony.  My  Feelings 
on  this  occasion  are  not  to  he  expressed,  and  I  look  forward  with  increasing  anxietv  for  the 
Time  when  the  continental  army  shall  be  opposed  by  a  Body  of  the  King's  Forces  sutVicient 
to  give  them  an  entire  overthrow.  Until  which  Event  no  provisions-  or  asi^istance,  can  be 
depended  upon  for  his  Majesties  Fleets  and  armies  from  this  Country,  the  whole  continent 
being  at  this  time  so  absolutely  under  their  control. 

All  '^Communication  between  the  Ships  and  the  Shore,  is  now  cut  off.  Even  the  Element  of 
Water  is  denied  us,  which  cannot  probably  henceforth  be  procured  but  under  the  firo  of  hia 

Majesty's  Ships. 

The  Nautilus,  Cap*  Collins,  came  in  here  the  ll'*  Inst.  &  brings  an  account  from  Cap* 
Wallace's  Squadron  at  Rhode  Island  that  on  the  G"-  Inst,  an  engagement  happened  between 
the  Glascow,  and  the  live  ships  of  the  continental  Fleet.'  The  inclosed  account  of  the  Action 
I  procured  Trom  Capt.  Collins  who  beleives  if  another  King's  Sloop  had  been  present  they 
might  have  taken  the  greatest  part  of  the  Fleet. 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect,  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  Servant 

Lord  George  Germain.  "^V-  Trton. 


N»8. 


Governor  Tnjon  to   hml  (fiotujc  (urinoln, 

[  Ntw-Tork  Ptp«n  (  B.  P.  0. )  CI.XVIII.  ] 


Ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon. 

Sandy  Hook.  April  IS'"  1770 

My  Lord,  ... 

The  general  Assembly  of  this  Province  is  now  dissolved.  The  Council,  by  whose  advice  it 
was  prorogued  to  the  l?'"  Instant  not  having  been  permitted  to  wait  on  me  agreable  to  my 
Summons  in  Order  to  advise  concerning  the  further  prorogation  of  it.  A  strong  evidence  of 
the  little  attention  thai  is  now  paid  even  towards  preserving  the  Form  of  a  legal  and 
constitutional  Representation  of  the  people. 

'  Tlie  infiint  n«TT  of  lli«  UniU.l  SUIm  con.Utfi.!,  »t  «ii«  tlm^  of  ih<'  .liips  Mfrttl,  CapUin  nn.tlcT  Snlton.tnll;  Coh.mhu,, 
Cptaiii  Whipple  ;  'ht\f»  AnJrfit  Doria.  Onptnin  NioliolM  lUiMlr.;  Cabol,  Cuptniii  John  H.  Ilopkin.;  «n.l  iloopi  i'rondrnef. 
Fly  /'ornH  .nd  »a>p.  It  wm  comiimn.leJ  hy  Coinniodor.  KtccL.  Ilopkui.  of  North  IVoviilrncc,  R.  1.  The  firit  nnm.d  liv« 
•hip'r  m»Je  •>»  untucccMful  .tt.ck  on  U.  M.  .hip  O/.V"*.  2".  ^-''P'*'"  Tjrhir.gh.m  Ilowo.  off  Hloi-k  l.l.nd.  SlapM  Annal,  ./ 
Prsvidsntt  R.  L  ?*7  —  Ea 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI. 


G77 


1  havo  now  got  down  with  n.y  Ship  urwior  Iho  guns  of  tho  I'h.rnix  ni,ui  of  wnr,  which  i.. 
nnchor...!  within  the  Hay  oil"  San.iy  Hook.  This  wn«  nmvseary  in  ordor  to  ropltM.iHh  Iho 
hh\\)  a  waf«'r  which  was  consiihTuhly  expended. 

As  i  judge!  the  po.8e.Hion  of  the  Light  IIouh,,  might  prevent  thf  Senn.en  from  inxultH 
When  watering  at  the  well  near  the  Light  Ilon«e.  I  have  onlere.l  a  Serjeant  an.l  lt>  men,  from 
Cap'  Camphell'H  new  raised  Company,  for  a  night  guard.  Captain  I'arkrr  assuring  n.o  that 
in  case  ol  extremity  he  coidd  cover  their  retreat  hy  the  cannon  of  hh  Ships. 

The  Pilot's  house  adjoining  to  the  I^ight  house  is  hurnt  down  to  prevent  its  h.-ing  made  n 
lurking  place  to  the  enemy,  three  or  fo-ir  h.indred  of  which  nppeare.l  yester.h.y  near  tho 
IstmuH  of  the  I'cninsula  where  tho  [-ighi  houso  stands. 

I  nin  with  all  possihio  respect, 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obed'  Serv« 

W"   TUVON. 

I'.  S.  lO'"  April.  Ily  secret  express  thi»  morning  who  left  New  York  on  Wc.lnesday  I  hnvo 
the  satisfaction  to  accpiaint  Vour  Lordship  I  am  informed  that  (Jeneral  Lee  is  certainly  taken 
by  (Jeneral  Clinton,  with  his  Artillery,  in  Virginia.  The  enemy  confess  that  LeM  is  taken  l)ut 
charge  him  with  treachery.  It  is  said  n  secomi  attempt  has  been  made  n|;ainst  (Juehec 
but  without  success.  A  large  body  of  tho  Rebels  within  these  few  days  have  gone  up  the 
North  Itiver  under  the  command  of  (Jen'  Sullivan'  &  (Jen'  Thompson'  for 'Quebec.  This 
indicates  that  the  Lakes  are  open  for  the  Vessels,  yet  I  Hatter  myself  tiie  Iteinforcement  from 
England  will  be  at  (Quebec  to  receive  them. 


Lord  George  Germain. 


W-  Tkyon. 


'  M»Jor.Ocnrr«l  .Inim  SmuvAH  wm  tl.o  cl.lr.t  .on  ..f  an  Iri.l.  omiRrni.t  who  «(.ltlc,1  in  Mnmn.'l.uii.'ttii  nt>.>tit  lli«  your  17M 
U«  WM  lH.r.1  in  ll.c  yonr  1711.  nii.!  |.ri»eticc.l  Inw  in  Now  llnnipiliiri..  lis  w»i  mrniLer  of  ll>o  tlr»t  (N.hKroM  i„  yni  wM 
uppointcl  IlriK«.liQr  (Jon«r.l  in  1776,  iin.l  oomninn.lr.l  at  WinWr  Hill,  n.<.r  llo.t.m,  «ft.^r  tho  Imltio  »f  liu„k„r  Hill.  Ha 
.ii|.«r.Ki..J  Arn.,1.1  in  roniman.l  in  «'«nn<li,  in  June,  177(1,  nn.)  on  the  Knh  AiiKU«t  followi,,^,  n„.  proinol..,!  l„  il,..  rank  ,.f 
MnjorOcnrrnl.  He  morw.le.l  (ion.  (ir.-.Mi,.  in  th<.  conniinn.!  of  the  <li<riiiion  of  tho  Aineriotn  nr.ny  <,n  I.on,<  I.hmi),  nnri  wkh 
t.;  on  i.rinonor  in  Iho  hndle  of  tho  ^Ih  AuKUht  of  tho  .vno  your.  Ho  wna  oxolmngml  in  Novomhor  for  the  KnKli-h  (fonornl 
ProMott  In  Augn«l,  1777,  ho  oxocute.l  nn  flx(H..lition  iiKoinxl  St«t.-n  IkIkimI  ;  in  .Soptomhor  nn.l  Ootohrr  look  part  i.,  the 
hiitlloi  of  llmnily  wino  nn.l  (lorinnntown  ,  in  I77H  wiii.  .lotnoho,!  to  oomnmn,!  tho  tro.i|N,  at  Kho.lo  Llniol,  iin.l  in  I77l»  wm 
.enl  to\Vo«lern  NowVoik  to  oh«Hi«o  Iho  Si,  Nolioi,,  of  In.linns,  i>  .Inly  whioh  ho  .nooo„fu!ly  i,o,.om'|)li.h..l.  nn.l  then 
reniffno.!  hin  oominnn.l.  He  nnerwnnU  rosnmo.I  hio  praotioo  .t  lh«  I,nr ;  wiin  ono  of  tho  oonvonlion  th«l  fl.rnio.l  the 
St»to  t'onntitnlion  of  .Now  H»in|>iihire  ,  vrnn  ohunon  in  17H5  into  tho  fin.t  Conniil  nn.l  >Rt  in  (;onKro»^  aiiiI  ii,  I7H(1,  1787  unit 
178*  WW  I'rMhl.i.t  of  the  Ht«to.  In  Uolol.nr,  I78»,  ho  wai  AppolMt.'.!  |>i,tti.-t  Jn.l«o,  nn.l  .lio.l  ,t  hi.  .ont  at."  iJurhwii, 
J»nn«ry  2.1,  17»ft,  «t?o.l  f,l  yosr..   farmtr  and  Afmirt't  Niw  llinni>thir»  llisloricnl  I'nllieliimn,  M.,  2(i|  ;    Atltn.  —  V.t,. 

•  Itri,?n,lior(lon.T,il  Wn.l..««  Tiio»ir«..M  wa,  „  (V|pt,,i„  i„  tho  IVnn.ylrnnia  .orvi,.,.  .Inrinn  tho  |.>oLoh  war.  I'enn><,l,,ani<t 
ColoninI  ll,cm,l,,  VHI.,  1 1 1.  Ho  «ft.'rw«r.l»  Ijt.mI  at  l'itl«l.nrKh,  wh.ro  ho  wa.  j.>int  pnn-ha.or  of  tho  l.nil.lin^,  of  ohl  Korl 
I'itt.  r,un>;ihania  Arthhn,  X..  4n;1.  In  177ft.  fonnr...  »nlh..rir.o.l  a  l„.tt«lion  of  ritlonion  l«  ho  rai.o.l  in  I'.nn.jlvania. 
Captain  Th.iiop..in  wa.  app.,into,|  i;ol...,o|  of  i|,„  rogiin..nt,  whi.h  innr.'ho.l  t..  tho  oainp  at  ( •„.nl,ri.l^o.  near  Il„«l.,n,  nn.l  in 
N..veml,or  f.,ll..winK  hn.l  a  hrn»h  with  tho  Kn.(li,h  at  I  ■•.•hmoro  P.,i„l.  1I„  wa.  pr..mot,.,l  t..  (ho  rank  of  Ilri««,lior  (Jonoral 
l.t  Maroh,  1770,  an.l  «.mn  aflor  ,ii..ooo,|,.,l  (Jenoral  l.oo,  a.  ..ommaii.lor  .)f  tho  tr.>,.p.  in  Now  V..rk,  „i„l  in  April  wn.  ..nioro.l 
to  Cana.la,  to  roinforoe  <ion.  Sullivan,  hy  wh.i.o  or.lor.  h..  atla.'k.-.l  tho  rnoiny  at  Thr.«  Itiror.,  in  Inno,  wlion  ho  anil  lovoral 
other  oHl..or.  woro  takon  pri.onora.  Ho  rotnrn...l  t..  I'hila.lolphia  in  Au^n.!.  on  parolo,  but  wns  nut  oxohnn({...l  for  more  than 
two  year*     He  .lio.l  proriuu.  to  ITHft.   /'#n««y/i.iBm  Arrhiv,  ul  lupra. Ku. 


\l 


fuij*';?. 


PI 


G78  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

Answer  of  Cftpfai'n  Brant  to  Lord  Geor<j»'  Gerninin. 

[PlanOtloni  Gtn'^nl  (8.  P.  O.)  CCI.XII.] 

The  Answer  of  Thnyendanagea  a  Sachem,  and  of  Ohrnnte  a   warrio:'  of  the 
Mohocks  to  the  Right  Hon'"''  Lord  George  Germaine. 

Brother. 

When  we  delivered  our  speech  you  answered  us  in  few  words,  that  you  would  take  cnre 
and  have  the  grievances  of  the  Six  Nations  on  account  of  their  lands,  partictihirly  lliosi'  of  the 
Mohocks  and  Oughqungas,  removed;  and  all  those  matters  settled  to  our  satisfaction  whenever 
the  trouhles  in  America  were  ended,  aiid  that  you  hoped  the  Six  Nations  would  contiiuie  to 
behave  with  that  attachment  to  the  King  they  had  always  manifested;  in  which  case  they 
might  be  sure  of  his  Majesty's  favour  and  protection. 

Brother.  We  ret'irn  you  thanks  for  this  promise,  wliich  we  hope  will  be  pt  rformed,  and 
that  we  shall  t.ot  be  disapointed,  as  has  often  been  the  case,  notwithstanding  the  warm 
friendship  of  the  JMohocks  to  his  Majesty  and  his  government,  who  are  so  immediately 
concerned,  that  .lie  same  has  been  often  mentioned  by  the  Six  Nations  and  their  getting  no 
redress  a  matter  of'surprize  to  all  the  Indian  Nations. 

We  are  not  afraid  Brother,  or  have  we  the  least  doubt  but  our  brethren  the  Six  Nations 
will  continue  firm  to  their  engagements  with  the  King  their  father.  Our  Superintendant 
knows  that  in  order  to  keep  true  to  their  treaties  they  have  at  times  punished  their  friends 
and  Allies. 

Brother.  The  troubles  that  prevail  in  America  and  the  distance  we  are  from  our  country, 
allows  us  only  to  say  that  on  our  return  we  shall  inform  our  Chiefs  and  Warriors  whn*  •■  o 
have  seen  and  heard  and  join  with  them  in  the  most  prudent  mtfusures  for  assistin''  j  put  a 
stop  to  those  disturbances  notwithstanding  reports  of  their  generally  taking  tiie  'wrongest  side. 
Which  was  not  the  case  last  Summer  when  we  offered  to  prevent  the  inva"'  ,;.  of  Canada  and 
lost  several  of  our  people  in  defending  it.  The  only  reason  we  mentir-  ,^u  the  conduct  of  the 
Six  Nations  at  that  time  was,  that  they  might  have  credit  *"■'-  w'^t  ,hey  actually  did,  as  we 
have  heard  much  that  affair  has  been  attributed  to  'vti»-  N.ppissings  and  other  Indians 
of  Canada. 

Brother.  As  we  expect  soon  to  depart  for  our  own  Country  having  been  long  here,  we 
request  you,  and  the  preat  men  who  take  charge  of  the  affairs  of  government,  not  to  listen  to 
every  story  that  may  be  told  about  Jralinn:) ;  but  to  give  ear  only  to  such  things  as  come  from  our 
Chiefs  and  wise  men  in  Council ;  which  will  be  communicated  to  you  by  our  Superintendent. 

London  May  7""  1776. 

This  speech  is  wrote  down  as  the  same 

was  dictated  to  me  by  the  before  named  Chief. 

Jos.  Chew  Sec'  of  Indian  Affairs 


Governor  Tryoii. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI. 

Tm'(1  Geoii  '  Gemain  to  O'orernor  Tnjoii. 

tNcwY.irk  Pnperi  ( Slalo  I'.por  OBIce)  CLXVIll.  ] 


679 


Sir.  Wliitehall  l?"  May  1770 

Since  my  letter  to  you  of  the  SS'"  March  I  have  not  received  any  of  Your  dispatches  nor 
have  I  any  comn.ands  from  his  Majesty  to  signify  to  you.  hut  1  have  tl  St  on  to 
Hr's'an::  T  ""  ':"r'T'""^  -'"'^  Troops' d.,stined  for  the  rein.'  r^e:!  f     "  en' 

10^  iL.  1   we  .  "     '  T  "'  "  ''  ''"  ""^'""  "'"■''  '^'"'^^  "'■  ^"«  *^'-""«'  -  '"« 

Bodv  U  h  ,  ""^  «M'e.tat.on  of  th  •  arrival  at  Spithead  of  the  remainder  of  that 
Body,  wh.ch  has  heen  some  tune  on  Hoard  the  Transports  in  the  Weser.  So  larae  . 
1  emlorcement  will  I  trust  enahle  General  Howe  to  open  the  can.paign  with  ad v  ntle  3  t^ 

"ett::;!  raT''^''  t  r ''''' """  ^''^--^ '- "-  ^-^'^-^  °^  ^overnm::;  fnd  ;ii 

T  I'"  ?"'"I"'  °f  '^""  ^'"^  ^"'  '^•^^'"'"'^  ^"^  "  """"  °''J«'='  •"■'•'«  ««"«^»l'«  attention,  and  as 
°  te  o  h    '    ''  '"^'"''""-y  '^"^  "'«  '«  "-1""'"'  -V""  'urther  with  the  operations  which  are 

^  the.r  success,  a,  d  that  they  n,ay  in  their  issue  restore  the  blessings  of  peace  and  leeal 
Government  to  Hi.  Majesty's  faithlul  subjects.  ^         ^  ^ 

I  am  &c» 

Geo.  Germain. 


NM. 


/-(//■(/  (ituvtjc.    (nriiiiiiii   to   Govtrtiur  Tnjon. 

[N.w.Vork  roperj(flilii  rapir  onice)  ULXVIII.] 


Governor  Tryon. 


Sir. 


Whitehall  U"  June  177G. 


Your  several  Dispatches  by  the  Swallow  Packet,  number  from  1  to  1),  inclusive,  and  two 
private  letters  dated  the  17"  April,  were  received  at  n.y  Ollice  the  3-'  Instant  and  I  imn.ediately 
laid  them  before  the  King.  ' 

The  intelligence  contained  ,n  the  papers  you  transmit  with  these  Dispatches  is  of  the 
greatest  .mportance,  and  altho  you  do  not  say  what  degree  of  credit  ought  be  given  to  it  vet 
as  the  accounts  stated  to  have  been  received  at  New  York  of  the  Kebels  having  met  with  a' 
second  repulse  at  Quebec,  are  corroborated  by  many  circumstances.  &  particularly  by  the 
measures  they  have  taken  for  strengthening  their  po.ts  o„  the  frontiers,  we  flatter  ourselves 
that  the  first  vessel  wh.ch  arrives  from  (iuebcc  will  bring  a  confirn.ation  of  this  good  news. 


FT 


680 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


m 


I  will  not  however  anticipate  the  consequences  of  an  event  which  is  not  yet  confirmed  ;  but  if 
it  proves  to  be  only  in  part  as  favorable  as  Your  Intelligence  represents  1  shall  have  little  doubt 
that  our  operations  on  that  side  will  have  all  the  success  we  could  wish,  and  that  Crown  Point 
and  Ticonderogo  will  be  restored  to  His  Majesty's  possession  before  the  Campaign  is  ended. 

It  was  to  have  been  expected  that  the  departure  of  the  troops  from  Boston  would  turn  the 
attention  of  the  rebels  to  New  York ;  but  I  trust  General  Howe  has  ere  this,  fixed  his  head 
quarters  in  that  City,  and  that  he  will  soon  find  himself  in  sullicient  force  to  drive  the  Rebels 
out  of  the  Province,  and  give  effectual  protection  to  his  Majesty's  loyal  subjects,  and  I  will 
hope  that  not  only  those  who  have  adhered  to  their  duty,  but  even  many  who  have  been 
misled  into  a  concurrence  with  the  rebels  in  some  of  their  measures,  will  be  induced  to  take 
up  arms  and  join  the  King's  Standard,  from  a  just  sense  of  the  dreadful  consequences  which 
they  have  experienced,  and  which  must  ever  follow  a  departure  from  the  mode  of  government 
established  by  the  Constitution,  and  an  Opposition  to  lawful  Authority. 

Your  influence  &  advice  at  such  a  time  must  be  attended  with  the  happiest  effects  and  J 
am  commanded  by  the  King  to  repeat  to  you  his  Majesty's  great  satisfaction  in  your 
continuance  in  Your  Government  and  that  the  firm  and  prudent  conduct  you  have  persevered 
in,  notwithstanding  all  the  difficulties  you  have  encountered  and  the  hazards  to  which  you 
have  been  exposed,  is  very  much  approved  by  the  King. 

The  (iicilily  with  which  Lieutenants  Campbell  and  Grant  have  enlisted  men  at  New  York, 
is  a  very  p'easing  proof  of  the  good  disposition  of  the  people  to  return  to  their  duty,  if  they 
were  assured  they  might  do  it  with  safely  ;  and  1  doubt  not  General  Howe  will  reward  the 
diligence  of  those  Officers,  by  continuing  them  in  the  command  of  the  companies  lliey  have 
raised,  but  I  must  acquaint  you  that  iu  this  instance,  as  well  as  in  all  others  which  may  occur,  the 
Officers  who  are  appointed  to  command  corps  raised  in  America,  are  to  be  on  the  same  fooling 
in  respect  to  rank  as  the  provincial  troops  employed  in  the  last  war,  and  that  they  are  neither 
to  expect  Kank  in  the  army  alter  iheir  reduction,  in  consequence  of  such  Commissions,  or  to 
be  entitled  to  half  pay.  I  should  be  very  glad  to  shew  every  attention  to  your  recommendation, 
but,  from  what  I  have  told  you,  in  respect  to  the  Lieutenants  Campbell  and  Grant,  you  will 
readily  perceive  the  ditticulties  which  oppose  themselves  in  the  way  of  Cap'  Stevenson's  request- 
Two  hundred  Copies  of  the  pamphlet  you  mentioned  in  Your  letter  of  the  G""  April  will  be 
sent  to  you  with  this  Dispatch  by  the  Packet ;  and  I  shall  order  5000  more  to  be  put  on  board 

the  first  Ships  that  sail  from  hence  for  New  York. 

I  am  &c" 

Geo.  Germain. 

P.  S.  When  I  was  closing  my  letter  Major  Caldwell  arrived  express  from  Quebec  with  the 
account  of  the  raising  the  Siege  which  you  will  see  in  the  inclosed  (iazette  extraordinary  ;  and 
altho  it  shews  our  former  intelligence  to  have  had  no  foundation  it  happily  agrees  with  it  in 
the  event,  on  which  I  most  heartily  congratulate  you. 


tfj 


i.t 


(N"  11.) 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI. 
Governor  Tnjon  to  Lml  George  Germain. 


681 


Dutchess  of  Gordon,  ofTStnten  Island 
My  Lord,  S"-  July  1770. 

disembarked  the  troops  under  his  rnmn.nn  .«.  .  .  "'""'  """^  ^'''"  ^"'"•'r"'  ""we 

on  which  occasion  tl.e'  i  ta  ts  of    he  Lla^d     "      ,""'  ''^ '^  '"'""'  -"^-^  "PPO^itio". 

deliverers.  &  have  since  am-rde;  L  ar  „y    Z     ^JIZT  ^7"'^  '7  ""'^"'  "^  '"^"^ 

On  Saturday  last  I  received  the  Mili.i,  „fM      t,,      •'^'^''"""'""""  '"  H'eir  power, 
hundred  appeared,  who  "       f    !  ^r'n '^  '''""""  "'^""'^^  '^-"-  -'--  near  four 

fi.lelity   to'his   Majesty.     'C   ^iw    I    l^t?  '"''  ""  '^'^^"  "'  ^"'•«-'-  & 

Voluntiers  to  form  a  IVovinciaTc    OS  L  r  TT^""   '""'""   '""^  "'«  '"'i"^"'-"'  "f 

important  Quarter  to  hold        i^  7th    iL;'"^^^^^^  '^'^"^  "'  '.'^  «--"'  «""«  *^  "" 

the  Island,  of  I„y„I,y  ,«  his  Muestv   ;^  „.!  testimony  given  by  the  inhabitants  of 

general  through  th  V-  ce  I^n  n  t T  "k"'  '°  '"  «—-'.  I  flatter  myself  will  be 
between  thenf  and  ,h  se  wh  eh  w  1  leav  all  ,?  1  T  ''''  ""  ""'"  '°''^  «^  """  «^^''" 
King's  Friends  and  yield  a  pi  mfuT   e  ourl  !/         '      """"''^  "'''"  '"  '^^  '"'"""»•"'  °^"'« 

better  Situation  to  1  .,.1  Kebeii  ;:t:rw"er;:zr:,;:-  :z;j:;,r-  "■^"'  "•  - 
.bingin  n,  po^er^n  :;:i;".p:  •:;i;z:!;;:c;::;v:cr''  "--^-^- 

General  Howe  since  his  arrival,  as  tlty  LT/eT ll rK^oX  """^"'"^'""  '  ""^  '"'^  ^^^"^ 
1  am,  with  great  respect,  My  Lord,  . 

Lord  George  Germain.  ^'°"'"  ^''''^*'"P'«  -"ost  obed-  SerV 

W"  Trvon. 


(N'l) 


Colonel  Guy  Johnson  to  Lord  George  Germain. 

[  ritnUtloM  (Jeneril  (S.  P.  o. )  CCLXIII.  ) 


My  Lord.  Staten  Island  Aug.  9.  1776. 

I  have  the  honor  to  acquaint  Your  Lordship  that  I  arrived  here  the  29-^  ulto  after  a  long 

.nd  in  .769.  tl,o  P.nth.r,  «o,  on  Z.ZLZ  'i  ,' CV  "'"'"""'"'  "'"  "'"•"''''•  "''•  ""-  "'«  '■--•''  "'-'-  "«tion. 
..rv..i  in  th.  e,p„,iti„n  „,«i„„  M.rtinieo  „  ei  ■  ,  73,:"'"  ""T""' "[  "?  ""-'""'"''-•  "^^  "'  ""  '^'■•'  '"Ji-.  -d 
1770  comm.„,lo,I  the  Royal  Oak.  74,  in  the  dl„  ut.  w  tl  S,  '•      .      !  7'  .'■";'  ''"'■'■''  """'  ''''''•  "'"  ''""'-.V""*.  -"J  in 

in  .77..  previou.  to  co,„i„«  to  An  eriotnn     ^  I    '  ^  7^  '"':' '''""'''•     ""*""' ""^•' "-^  A.l.nlr.l 

.Sl.ul,il,.„,  on  the  peerage  of  Irelnn.i      U  ,,,1  T'  '"i'""'"'^    "»  •«■■■«  je.r  l,y  I.e.!  Howe,  when  h.  w«.  ere.tvd  B.ron 

VoL.VI!L  •  3, 


i 

Ij-: 


f^f^2  NFW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

pnssnge  and  much  moleslntion  from  the  rebel  V.-ssels  tor  the  li.st  n  w.<««k».  om  of  wlii.h 
attacked  us  near  Bermuaa*.  hut  was,  alter  a  pri-tiy  ciose  engagement  of  an  hour  and  a  hall, 
beat  oir  with  much  loss,  tho'  she  ilainage.l  our  masts  ami  rigging  so  much  that  we  coul.l  not 
pursue  her.  My  Surgeon  is  shot  thro'  the  leg.  and  5  others  slightly  woun.led  ;  a  trifle 
considering  her  great  superiority,  for  she  had  more  than  double  our  complinsent  of  men  and 
carried  U  six  pounders  and  swivells  against  our  1'.'  three  pounders.  My  OlVicers  and  the 
Indians  behaved  very  well  and  »  .re  very  usefull  at  small  arms 

The  General  had  been  arrived  here  some  time  with  the  troops  from  Halifax,  and  from  him 
your  Lordship  will  doubtless  receive  an  acco'  of  alVairs  here.     1  however  think  it  necessary  to 
inclose  your  Lordship  a  copy  of  the  best  and  latest  intelligence  I  could  procure,  respecting 
the  hack  country  and  the  Indians,  and  I  have  good  hopes  that  my  tUlicers  there  have  discharged 
their  duty  and  conducted  the  Indians  agreable  to  my  instructions  and  the  promises  of  the 
latter.     At  present  every  thing  waits  the  t;rand  Operation,  ami  on  its  issue  our  future  measures 
must  depend.     1  think  the  prospect  is  favorable  and  that  the  Declaration  for  an  Independency 
must  totally  silenc"  any  advocates  they  had  in  I'.ngland     At  all  events  I  Halter  myself  I  shall 
discharge  my  duties  as  far  as  time  and  circumstances  will  admit  \  in  gooil  hope  that  I  shall  soon 
bo  enabled  to  meet  our  friends  to  tiie   Northward,  when  1  shall   endeavour  to  merit  ills 
Majesty's  favor  and  your  Lordships  patronage  by  a  zealous  attention  to  the  trust  reposed  in 
me.     This  moment  an  inhabitant  of  the  Mohock  Hiver  has  found  means  to  reach  our  Camp, 
and  informs  that  he  had  heard  Sir  Jn"  .lohnson  had  reached  (ieneral   lUirgoyne,  that  a  t^ol. 
Dayton'  with  600  men  was  repairing  Fort  Stanwix  &  that  lu-neral  Schyler  had  open.d  a 
Congress  at  the  (5erman  Klr.ts,  but  that  only  some  of  the  Oneidas  and  Oughqimgys  attciuded 
it,  &  adds  that  the  rebels  had  carried  olT  my  negros  i'  and  demolished  every  thing  on  :..y 
estate.     The  Indians  that  attended  Schyler  have  been  long  under  the  influence  of  N.  Kngland 
Missionaries  and  I  found  some  diflicully  with  them  last  year. 

I  beg  to  be  honored  with  your   Lordships  commands  and  I  am  with  very  great  respect, 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordships  most  obedient 

The  High  Honorable  "<"•  "'""l  humble  Servant 

Lord  Geo.  Oermain  <=•  J""n«'>n- 


f*i 


(Copy) 


/hrhirtttioii  of'  I>ij>i(fy-('oiuiinis<irit   (iutmr.siill. 

Peolaration  of  M'  Thomas  Oumersall  Pep.  Assis'  to  thf   Commissi  (General  of 
Stores  and  Provisions,  born  at  Leeks  in  Yorkshire. 


That  he  left  the  Mohock  Ilivr  about  the  beginning  of  June  of  the  present  year.  &  had  been 
for  several  weeks  in  that  Country,   where  he  was  actpiainted.     That  S'  John  Johnson  thro' 

•  M»Ji>r  O'n^rnl  Kiui  I)«ito!i  «m  «  n«liTf  of  Ni-w  .Iprwy,  unci  oomminilo.!  dn*  of  »h»  r»nimf nU  r»lw«t  by  lli«l»Ule  «tlli« 
eomm.ne«m«n«  of  th«  wur  il«  p..iiim.n,lf,l  at  .lolimlown  Kii.l  K»rlS.<litiyl»r  in  \V,«.  •nl  (ifter  tfrfing  llirougli  tht  w»r, 
WH  »ppoiat«d  Urig«Ji«r  (If'njrul  in  IISS,  aiul  .li<>.l  at  l'lill»ilrl|>lii«  in  Ji.ly,  l»ii7,  ncnl  70  )««rfc  Alltn.-  Ku, 


LONDON  mM'UMKNTS:     XLVI, 


i«;«Mi«-i»  ho  liail  roi-'  purtly  by  in.«iui«  oC 


iiitcll 

&.  wiili.lciw  lo  Ciiiu.lii,  (()  vWWi  whirl,   | 

gui(lt<H    ihro  tho  wdiuIh.  & 


(}H8 


M'  (iiimormill.  round  it  ni>or««nry  to  Iciiv..  W\»  I 


o  promirtMl  ,'J  Imliiitia  IVoin  tlio  ml 


loinit 


iiihal)iiniitH  ol  tim  ooiinirv  iitliicluMJ 


1.  iV   wiiH  iiccitmpiini,.,!   I.y  iihoiil    i:i()   Hig|ili„i,||.iH  & 


to 


of  M'  M'Doninil  caiUul  Colhighy  „„  or  ubou 


Kovoriimont.  witli  wimiii   li.<  |iro.'.....liul  t 


jaconl  vllliiKii  tin 
iH'ar   I  I'd  otlicr 


mil  tliit  hoiud 


That  tliK  Raid  M'  ( 


fflw  niilcN  (iirlhor  on  I 


unmrHui!  who  wa«  iiiNtniniciilal  to  1 


I  th«    la-"  of  May  lam  (or  (>»w.«Kalrhy  in  l^inn.l 


in  rout  tV  then   look   hiii  I 


ini  (ui  thu  ofCHMion,  acr 


<'avi< ;  alli 


!oni|iaiii)'(l  hii 


■.•rottiuK  hin.H,.|(  &  n.arohing  hy  ni«l,t  ahout  A  w.-okH  I 


Maji'ily'M    troojiH    w«'r«)    on    lh«    I;!'"    ol    J 


neconiinodation  o(    John  Siniill    K 


ulv    iV 


r  whii-h  wilh  niurh  diili.ully  all 
«»  arrivi'd  al  Slalrii  iNJaud  (  wlii.ru  11 


in  n 


wan    hy    (ion*    Nowk'n    (livor,     tl 


oonsidoralion  ol  IiIh  HulliTiuKi  &  ■..rvi.-o.   haviuK  I 


r   Major  ol    Itrigach',  a|)|ioinli<d   lo   I 


«<r 

ii 


iro'    thtt 


braufli  ol  irad 


i<  in  which   lm  wan  iarni.j 


UK  lii'on  ohli^'d  lo  ahand 


in  lircmuit  oHitv.    in 
on  a  vi*ry  advanlaKlouH 


WUH  or.'dihly   inlorni.'.i    that  John    lluthT   I 


y  '■"'"•"'■ '      l^''  <i»i»M'n.all  lurlher  dm-laroi  ihat  I 


lm 


Hupprinlcnd'  of  Indian  AH 


iiji-Mty'H  iroopH  ihJN  HOMHon.  r.'c''  •rvoral   Ifllcri  I 


M 

dow 


in  oaHn  ho  rofniit«<l,  to  hr 


lirH,  with  olhor  i.lli 


r   Kh<i.  who  wa»  l..|l   at   Niagara    hy  Coll.    John.on 
laKO  Iho   IndiaiiN    lo    joyn    Hit 


•  '•MH,     III    (<|||'i 


n  ,V  |)ronlil^in^  hmi  inoh-ciioi,  \.'  |,„i  „,  ,|, 


roni   M'  Hi-Iiyh.r  a  ndi.d  (icn* 


inviliuK  l)i*i) 


'•K 


'I'hat  ahoni  .1  davH  allor  S'  Joliii'ii  d 


Kcalp,  (or  whii'li  ho  wiin  to  h 


•  Mii«  liinr^oaipioy.'d  Iho  ni««iiNi>nK)<r  (an  Imlian) 


addrcHNod  lo  Sir  .loh 


••parturo,  l.ady  JohnNon  r 


avoa  n-ward  o(  oii«  hiiiidrod  doll 


ai«. 


"••tpiniiiliiiK  liim  Ihal  ho  had, 


it'  a  li'llor  (roin  .lohn  llnllor,  !• 


nmirnihlod  a  conitidoralilo  hody  o(   Inii 


iiKriMihli.  lo  Coll:  Jo|i 


K.| 


UNonN  iuNtnii'lionii, 


ii.«WH  from  (;ol.  John.«n  or  ordor.  lo  pro<-e...l ;  and  M 


aim  ri'aily  to  g„  „„  Horvici.,   &   only   waiiod   lo  rm-oi 


v« 


tho  liidiunN  had  profoodod  aun-aldo  tl 


(•iiniorNall  holii'voN  and  ha*  hoard  that 


hi'Ip'il  Id  raiNo  il 
on  that  nn-aaion 


" who  a Miipaniod  S'  Jul 


n<r.<lo.  iV  Ihat  Lion'  t.'ray  hit««  of  Iho  4a^anil  MM 


in,  and   M'  (•'iiinoritall  advam-od  tl 


•  unioriall 
cm  niuiioy 


Signod  at  Slaton  iNJaiid  tho  11"' 
AiigUNt  177C.;  in  pn-nouco  of 


Tim'  (tuMKUN/ 


John   Dkanr 

<!ii.ii"  Thk 

JomciMi,  Indian  Chief. 


-t!  ' 


(Governor   Tryon  to   Lord  (,'t)or,j,i  (t'cnnoiii. 

I  Ka    11%   \  I  "•»•?.!»»  r«|»rt  (  «l«I.P«|»r  OHM)  OI.X  VIII  I 

8hip  Dnli'hoNi  of  (Jorilon. 
My  K  rd.  ""  ''^•"''■"  '"'"•"I-  H"  Aug'  I77tl. 

I  hav..  ho«n  hononrod  wilh  Your  l.ord,hip*«  .ovorat   l>i.„a(d...|,  hy  ih«  Sandwii  h    I.or.l 
Hydo.  Si  IhlKax,   I'ackot  Moat.,  to  N- .|  in.lnmvo.     I  am  hi  np-   to  loarn  my  ond-avour.  |,, 

[;;""""•'  ' ""■^'""  "'  ""•  ("•'•"'•"I  Kf<"'t  "">i" .•MUPo.   ha.  ho,.n  no  wHI  m-renlrd  hy  hit 

Majo.ly.  I  wiiih  tl renglh  of  my  con.tilnlion  rould  k.-rp  pa.-,,  with  my  in.-linalioni  to  .-rv. 


684 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


f 


w 


my  Prince:  broken  and  impaired  as  tiie  former  is  I  am  nevertiieless  not  without  the  hope  of 
having  a  share  in  the  restoration  of  the  publick  tranquility. 

The  confederate  Colonies  have  declared  themselves  independent  States:  Knclosed  ia  a 
printed  copy  of  their  Declaration  of  Independency,  which  was  published  through  the  streets 
of  New  York  the  middle  of  last  month,  where  the  King's  Statue  has  been  demolished,  as  well 
as  the  King's  Arms  in  the  City  Hall,  the  established  chuicltes  shut  up,  &  every  Vistage  of 
Royalty,  as  far  as  has  been  in  the  power  of  the  Rebels,  done  away.  The  persons  of  the 
Mayors  of  the  Cities  of  York  and  Albany,  Judges,  Counsellors,  Magistrates  and  principal 
gentlemen  of  the  Country  that  are  not  in  rebellion  seized  and  secured,  and  even  down  to  the 
meanest  planters  persecuted  and  tyrannized  over. 

The  whole  armament  destined  for  tliis  part  of  America,  except  the  last  division  of  the 
Hessians,  being  now  assembled  here,  1  expect,  by  the  courage  and  strength  of  this  noble  Army, 
tyranny  will  be  crushed  and  legal  government  restored. 

As  the  Military  and  Naval  operations  do  not  lye  within  my  department,  I  shall  leave  the 
relations  of  them  to  those  gentlemen  who  have  the  honor  to  guide  them. 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect,  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  Servant, 

Lord  George  Germain  W"  Trton. 

15'*  Aug'  1776. 
P.  S.     Y'esterday  evening  S'  Pet"r  Parker  brought  into  the  Hook  a  Fleet  of  Twenty  five 
Sail  from  the  Southward  ;  Lord  Dunmore'  and  Lord  \V'"  Campbell'  are  on  board  that  (Icet. 


( N«  G  ) 
Governor  Tryon. 


Lord  (,'eotye  (fcrmain  to  Governor  Tryon. 

I  Ntw-Vork  I'aprn  ^ttiu«  I'lprr  OOln )  CLXVIII.  ] 

Whitehall  sa*"  August.  1770. 


Sir, 

I  nm  very  glad  to  find  by  Your  letters  of  the  «'*  July,  which  I  received  by  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Blunt,'  that  Your  information  of  ilic  disposition  of  the  inhiihitunts  of  the  I'rovinco 
continues  to  give  you  ground  to  expect  that  when  the  pressure  of  the  Ueliel  Korce  is  removed, 
and  I'rotection  held  forth  by  the  King's  troops,  they  will  in  general  give  testimony  o(  their 
fidelity  to  his  Majesty  and  attachment  to  the  Constitution. 

•  Liiiil.  t'"l-  ll«ii«v  ItLUST  w»i  «|>polnt»i  I«l  Li»ut»n«iit  in  the  'i:i.l,  .ir  Uu\»l  Welili  FiiiiImm,  ilHth  AiiRUst,  I7H6;  C«pUin, 
Jgth  (Kti.Uer,  ITiH  ,  Major,  JHtli  Ai^'u.t,  17TI.  Tlif  aS.l  r..;{liiuiit  mrvf.l  »•  III*  (j«rri«Mii  ,if  Ki.rl  HI.  IMiilip  in  Xlinorc*  in 
U  J'l  wli*"  M^liicfil  I'y  rt|.«lii ;  wii>  |i»rl  uf  llio  eipclitiiiri  iiKaiiial  SI  M»li>.  in  17.18.  Iiul  ili'1  n"t  conn  lo  Ami'iii'ii  until  1778. 
whan  it  UmV  •  purl  i<i  thr  UtiU  <>f  llunk.T  llill.  Miyur  llluiit  b«o»m»  l.i.Mit.  ('..loiifl  ..r  lh«  tlli  ..r  Kin«'«  ('*",  'i'l  S.  |.l , 
1711.  unl  (•■•nhniiH.l  ti>  •.rro  in  Ain.ric*  iinlil  Jul),  t77«,  wlirn  nn  n<  count  of  hn  |.riv«l«  nlTitiri  lia  li*il  lcav»  to  rfturn  to 
En«Unil,  wlicru  li«  quit  llio  nrniy  in  1777.  Anny  l.in$.    Btatimi  A'atal  anJ  Uililarp  il*mw ;  t  Amtris»n  Anhim,  t. 

lue.— El>. 


^:P 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI. 
_,,  u85 

.  J.t:r:x :' ;;;:  rz':::,,r  - '"';;' """°'  "■ '°°  -'*  -"'-■""■■'•  -  ''-■" 

antisCaction  to  repeat  the  nsmir-,..,.  .a  i  i      '""^ '*'«"'""""•    '"    t''«   me.ui    time   I    have    the 

..r..v.r.„c.  i„  .1"  o  c  ri'z::;,,  r'r- """ r-,' '°  •"'•  ^ """  '»- 

mucl,  „|,,„„v,d  by  ,l,e  Ki,,g  '        "''""  '"''  '"'"'"I'l"  '"«"«"  i»  v«ry 

I  am  &c' 

Cuo.  Gehmai.v. 

answer  thereto.  v^ainpuell,  inclosed  I  send  you  a  Copy  of  the 


(.V  Ifi, ) 


0<wernor  Tnjon  to  Lord  Geotye  Gerrmin. 

I  NiwVork  I'tptrt  (Blal*  r«p«r01llc.)  Cl.XVIII. ) 

iVew  York,  SJ''  September  177G 


My  F.ord, 

wn^r«;.rjl.r::::;;r;/,,:;j;:;;::;:;;;\;::,,:;3 

five  months-  M'  H.ii,h  vv,.ii,  .     .    m,   i  .  '      '"  ""'  ''**''"  '"''"■<'  «'  t  '«'so 

Watts.  .L;\:!rr"t.M:'";:r;w!:.t:i:;::;;:7' ''--  -""  •"«  "-^'-  ^''^-" 

J..!ll  h"  '""'"  V"'''  '"•''"'"''  "'"  "'"""■^•'  ^  '"'^■•-'  '•"'  «^«  t:ouncellors  I  can  summons    and 
J      Ke  Horsen.anden rn.i.ies  will  prohal.ly  prevent  his  attendance  ,  therefore  VoT  L     ds    d 

;;"■"; '••^""•^••y  ■  •"•  ""••-  <"  "l.l."in.inK  other  Councel  ors  if  th     (  e„,  Im^    ,' 

M'  Thomas  Jones'  one  of  the  Ju.lges  of  the  Supren.e  Court,  and  M'  David  Matthews.  Mayor 

J."«' f  l.-«uu»nt  .i.v..r I  .  I..„.,„v  ....,  J.     "       ,         ,   '^7  '";*'""'"""""*'•  "•  '*•  "•*      "•  '""^"•''  ^""'• 

.1  ..,  .  ,..rly  ..1  A„„rJ, ...r.  ,„.   .     N  i  '      ""*""•"""■•  ^  '•  "'■     t" 2^"'  N"V-., r,  i77«,  h. 

,.r ,.y  w..  .„  ««.,.J   „„;  r  '  •  """    *^'>\ '  '•;"•  •'-"  "••  "•"-'  «•..  ■-'.."K-.l  r,..    ...,„.     Ju,l„..  J„„,.. 


ggg  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

of  the  City  of  New  York  with  many  other  gentlemen  of  the  Country,  are  in  the  hands  of  the 
Rebels.     1  am  with  all  possible  respect,  My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's 

most  obed'  Humble  berv' 

,        i  ^       f.  ■  W-   TUYON 

Lord  Geo  Germain. 


(N"  16) 


Governor  IVijon  to  Lord  George  Germain. 

I  Naw-Tork  Fipan  (8Ule  l'«i>«r  Offlwi)  CI.XVIII.  1 

New  York  24'*  September  1776 


My  Lord,  ,     .      ,  i     ,rii.  i    i 

At  the  same  time  that  I  have  the  happiness  to  acquaint  Your  Lordship  that  on  the  ir."  Ins 
General  Howe,  will,  the  forces  under  his  command,  by  admirable  skill,  spirit  and  conduct, 
made  himself  master  of  the  City  of  New  York,  and  one-half  o(  the  Island  ;  It  grieves  me  to 
inform  You  that  on  the  21",  about  two  in  the  Morning,  the  Western  part  ot  the  Town  was  set 
on  fir.J  by  a  number  of  Incendiaries,  and  which  raged  with  such  violence  as  destroyed,  it  is 
thought,  0  .  <  fourth  part  of  the  City,  before  the  (lames  could  be  extinguished.     Many  of  the 
incendiaries  are  now  in  prison,  and  two  or  three  were  killed  as  they  were  detected   in  tiie.r 
hellish  design.     Many  circumstances  lead  to  conjecture  that  M'  Wnsl.ington  was  privy  to  this 
villainous  Act.  as  he  sent  all  the  bells  of  the  churches  out  of  town,  under  pretence  ot  casting 
them  into  cannon,  whereas  it  is  much  more  probable  to  prevent  the  alarm  being  given  by 
ringing  of  the  Bells  before  the  tire  should  get  ahea.l  beyon.i  the  reach  of  Kngines  and  Buckets: 
besides  some  Olllcers  of  his  army  were  found  concealed  in  the  City,  supposed  fur  this  dev.llis h 
purpose.     The  town  was  thought  to  be  saved  more  by  a  sudden  change  in  the  wind  (which 
blew  strong),  and  pulling  down  intermediate  houses,  than  by  water.     It  is  aiH.cl.ng  to  view 
the  wretched  and  miserable  inhabitants  wlio  have  lost  their  all,  and  numbers  of  reputable  shop 
keeper,  that  are  reduced  to  beggary,  and  many  in  want  for  their  families  of  the  necessaries  of 
life      The  fire  broke  out  in  sun.iry  places  nearly  at  the  same  time,  but  was  first  discovered  ot 
White  Hall  Stairs,  and  has  burn't  the  whole  body  of  the  buildings  that  lyes  between  George 
Street  and  Broad  Street,  as  liigh  up  as  the  City  Hall,  and  all  the  building,  on  the  North  o» 
Fort  George,  lying  between  the  North  Hiver  and  Great  George  Street  a.  (ar  up  as  Kings 
College    excepting  a  few  houses  and  St.  Paul's  Church,  and  almost  all  the  houses  on  the 
Church  Kstote,  with  Trinity  Church,  is  totally  consumed ;  It  really  seems  .he  conlbigration 
was  directed  against  the  interest  of  the  Church.     The  Ship  Docks,  Warehouses,  and    the 
Commercial  part  of  the  City  is  as  yet  safe,  ami  every  measure  pursued  by  Cienernl  noberlson, 
Commanding  Orticer  in  New  York,  a.si.ted  by  myself,  to  establisli  such  regulations  and  police 
n,    may  ensure    'ts   future   security.     I  was    at    Klatl.ush    at    M'    Axtell's    (our    miles   (mm 
the  City  for  the  recovery  of  my  health  and  strength  when  this  dreadfull  event  belell  this 

devoted  City. 

As  this  (Country  is  in  the  present  period  too  much  convulsed  for  the  civil  Government  to  act 
with  any  good  etfeet.  It  is  the  opinion  ot  both  His  Majesty's  Commissioner,  (or  restoring 


LONDON  D(WUMENTS:     XLVI. 


087 


I  rovn.,..,  ,H  „,ore  hbonu,..!  from  ,he  ..„„,r„„|  of  ,lu,  R.-bela.  1  therefore  ha  kn^ 
the  oxecut.v..  powor^  o.  Civil  (;ov..rnn,..„t  dorn.ant.  l.avinK  ev.-ry  thins  .o  .he  .lire  '  „  oH  „ 
M   Unry    never  oeasM.«  however  to  throw  every  information  I  ean  procwe  ,o  the  .       e.       ,, 

;?:«r't;;r  ::j  :::;:;:;:• '""' '-  '"'"^^ "-"  —^ '- '  "^'  '"""^-"-  -^  ^^^ 

(;e,H,ral  Oliver  Ho  Lancey  under  (leneral  Howe's  order,  ia  endeavouring  to  raino  n  Hri.a.le 
■'•'••  '»"■  «'•»  Vo,k  Co,,,,,, ,  „„,|,.,  ,l„,  (•„p,„i,„  rnmpl,,.|l  „ :„,„  ,,„„  „,„„,,„.,, 

1:.:,  i,;;;;!;::s,'::;"" ""  '"•' •• »"  '•■"■'•  > ■•■ -  •" .-- 

Lord  Gtorgo  Gcrnuiin.  ^^^  'I'"von. 


N"2. 


CWond  (hiy  Jolinmn  to  hml  George  Germain. 

[  PlinUllniK  Ornoral  ( (1.  I',  o.  )  OCI.XII.  1 


My  Lord.  New  York  Nov'  25.  1770. 

The  laHt  letter  I  ha.l  the  honor  to  a.l.lress  to  your  Lord.hip  wan  of  the  n-^  of  Au«n,t  civin. 
n  aeeount  o.  n,y  arr.val  at  S.a.en  Inland  and  of  nueh  ,.arti.'ular«  a.  I  had  he  nt  ,        ij 

ee    n«  ru.han  Afla.r.     Sinee  whieh  I  have,  l.y  (...eral  Howe',  order,  waited      e    v 
m.ch  military  operat.ouH  as  nnght  enahle  me  to  proceed  to  the  I.idians  will.  «„....  . 

n>ark«  of  U.e  Kin«>    hounty   a,  are  ah.olu.el      neee.ary     t  :,:;:*  i^:;;;^ 'i;; 

ndvauee.1  ,ea«on  when  these  operation,  eomn.enced.  tho'  eon.luc.ed  w  ll  Tn'.e       ue  I 

rnp.d.ty.  haa  hitherto  prevented  that  wished  for  oppori      ^ty        lave  t  1  "' 

:;r;:  ''-•'"-"/"-  r-  • -  "-■«  '-in-Miy  ohaeri,  u..  ^L^z^  z;];;:: 

.,  .l.y..or.  ,.,,..,...,.,1  „r  ,„.  u„„k  „„„,      ,„„,  „.^„  ,„^,^ J      y    .,,,,.  1; 


688 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


[;aj 


M 


to 


the  Six  Nations,  and  from  their  activity  and  knowledge  of  the  way  I  have  hopes  of  their 
getting  thro'  undiscovered,  and  of  their  preparing  the  Indians  to  cooperate  with  our  military 
movements;  but  the  many  difficulties  which  retarded  the  Northern  Army,  disappointed  our 
hopes  of  a  junction  until  the  hunting  season  now  come  on,  when  the  Indians  must  necessarily 
provide  winter  stores  for  their  familys.  This  done,  I  think  I  can  answer  for  them,  from  my 
confidence  in  General  Howe's  enabling  me  to  get  what  is  necessary  for  the  Indians,  ns  I  hear 
that  the  articles  sent  out  last  year  are  much  damaged  and  d;-ficient ;  nor  should  1  mention  this 
matter,  but  that  is  an  essential  consideration  in  aftairs  with  Indians. 

The  Rebels  on  the  frontiers  of  this  Government  have  taken  uncommon  pains  to  prevent  the 
success  of  his  Majesty's  arms  from  coming  to  the  ear  of  the  Indians  and  have  destroy'd 
the  effects  of  all  the  loyal  party  there.  Mine  have  been  totally  plundered  and  my  negros 
carried  off;  but  I  am  sensible  iliat  this  must  be  the  fate  of  any  man  in  office,  particularly  in 
such  a  one  as  mine;  &  therefore  I  little  regret  it  so  long  as  I  preserve  your  Lordships  favor, 
and  am  enabled  to  serve  His  Majesty  with  a  zeal  and  loyalty  displeasing  to  his  enemys 

I  hope  to  be  honor'd  with  Your  Lordship's  commands  on  any  occurring  subject,  and  I  am 

with  great  resj;  ut  My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's  most  devoted  humble  servant 

G.  Johnson. 

P.  S.  A  Gentlemaa  of  my  acquaintance  who  made  his  escape  from  Schenectady  is  just 
arrived  and  informs  me  that  about  six  weeks  since  a  large  Belt  came  down  to  the  Oneidas  and 
Mohocks  from  Niagara,  from  the  Six  Nations  i.nd  others,  desiring  to  know  the  state  of  the 
latter  and  that  as  the  whole  Confederacy  had  acted  during  the  Campaign  agreable  to  their 
promises  to  me,  they  wished  to  strengthen  the  hands  of  the  Lower  Nations  &  desired  their 
attendance  at  a  General  Meeting  to  concert  farther  meusures;  and  that  if  they  found  themselves 
obstructed  by  the  rebells,  the  Upper  Nations  would  come  down  and  open  the  road  for  them. 

G.  J. 

The  Right  Hon"""'  Lord  Geo.  Germain 


'11 


O/ieufd  ChUf/t  to  General  Schuyhtr. 

tltinUllnnaOfneral  (S.r.O.)  CCLXII.] 

Copy  of  a  letter  intercepted  from  S.  Kirtland  a  New  Kngland  Missionary 
among  the  Oneidas  to  M'  Schuvler  a  rebell  General  and  Manager  of  their 
Affairs.     Oneida  May  22.  1770. 

To  the  Hon""'*  I'liilip  Schuyler  Esq.  Commissary  &,•  from  the  Oneida  Chiefs. 

Brother  Governor, 

We  the  Oneida  Chiefs  think  proper  to  acquaint  you  with  the  rpsult  of  the  meeting  at  Niagara 
H.  Col  nntfrriMh.  with  Coll.  Dutler.  This  we  do  at  our  own  option  vviihout  being  desired  by  the 
n,Z>I'i.'i»o.'..'.'.'u  other  parts  of  the  Confederacy,  Iho'  it  has  been  rr;i,rted  an^ong  them  that  General 
ihV'u,!L'ri"!f'ni.  "  Schuyler  ni^ht  to  be  inlormed.  We  seni  two  Oneidas  to  hear  wiiat  should  pass 
at  Niagara;  they  returne  1  the  night  before  last  and  brir^    he  following  account. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI. 


N.  Tho  nnnwfT  ns 

ri'lrili-.l  l.y  Ihi.OiH'l. 


The  Ilcpresoiitnt 


(589 


IVt'S  o 


f  tl 


*"M'Jl'Xra''w'I,m'  ^B  sup[)()se  you  liiive  beeti  mude 


«  Six  Na(io:is  (ielivcn-d  tlif  answer  to  Coll.  nut! 


ers 


lu-y  «|wiik  wril  of 
111.'    0    Nnllimii   n( 
taehrnrnt   to   G 


;.  thiu  ii 


le  Six 


Nat 


ipon   in  full  Council  at  Onon.iagn,  of  wiiicli 
iicqiiainti'd.     '["lie  purport  of  our  answer  was 


...v.. ..•■.-Ill      III      WOV-       I  ,  ,,  .  , 

rriMn.iiu  w,-  inii;  had  all   United  and 


ions  with  the  Cngnung;is  and  the  Seven  '1 


»Ji'"   »  InrifiT   iml- 
lu.lu  lu  IL 


resolved   to 


rilies  in  that  vie 


maintain 


ni 


Coll,  Butler  replies  — 


Hostonians,  and  receive  no  Ax  from  eiti 


peace,    hotli  with  the  King  and  tl 


ity, 


le 


er. 


Broth 


hers.     I  am  glad  to  hear  you  are  all  united  but  I 


maintaining  peace  with  tiie  Americans  and  at  tl 


am  s 


urprised  to  find  you  talk  of 


(Government.     HrotI 


jf 


lera,  Your  resolution 


lie  .'<ame  time  support  the  King's  peac 


men  to  he  compared  to  the   King?     As  for  ( 


s  are  very  surprising;  where  is  th 


■e  or 


whom  you  boast  so  much,  what  is  he?     H 
Biarled  up  out  of  the  ground,  and  to 


e  was 


will  not  he  the  space  of 


mo 


ieii'  Schuyler  (and  the  other  ( 
born  hut  yesterday;  just 


ere  any  one  or  body 


a  month  before  you  1 


rrow  will  return  into  tlie  earth  whence  I 


iimiiiunition  or  cloatliing,   and  should  he 


ear  him  cry.     He  has 


onimis")  of 

now,  as  it  were, 

It 


lie  came. 


winter  for  want  of 

Till-      Cncl „.., 

nn,  ill  iii.niliiiiu  on 

lllU  0  NilllollH. 


Iiinkets.     Hut  tli 


survive  the  sunmier  he  must  perish  bv  il 
ing  wants  neiiher    men    or 


,m,»KM  computing  his  numbers.     As  to  the  CaunuaL'ns  el 

«iiu  on    ,1      •       •       ■     ]•      .  ....  '"  f,  lo    .  1... 

their  jurisdiction,  it  is  false;  ihey  tell    a  lie;  the  C 


no  men,  guns,  cannon  and 

by  ibe  cold  next 

money;    there    is    no 


liming  Seven  Tribes  rs  iind 


[er 


(1.  J. 


ilone  and  they  are  become  IJostoi 


luni 


with  all  the  back  nations,   are  at   the   K 


ll.'IIIS. 


iigiis  are  by  themselves 


'III  the  other  Six  tribes  in  that 


Canada  they  are  all  (except  twelve  persons) 


Brothers.     You  had   better  recall 


iiigs  command  ami  will  take  I 
returned  to  the  Kings  side 


vicinity, 


lis  side.     And  as  (or 


am 


I  ihe  King  will  then  be  glad  to  hear  fr 


your  resolutions  and  dete 


when  the  King  attacks  all  tl 


■om  you.     What  a  wretched  sitiiati 


rniine  to  keep  the  Kings  pe 


ace. 


le  sea  ports  in   America  and 


Americans,  if  he  linds  you  supporting  the  .\ 


mericans. 


on  must  you  be  in 
conies  in  earnest  to  sweep  oft"  the 


To  tills  the  Sachems  made  an  immedi 


BrotI 


iUo  reply. 


lers. 


//'(-■  will  support  Ihe  K!ii^.i  Pi 


don't  think  it  proceeds  only  Irom  our  1 


'uicc  or  (loirnimnu  and  we  now  speak  (Von 


ps. 


I  our  very  inside,  and 


For  this  Coll.  Butler  returned  thanks  &  expressed 


of  Niagara'  (whom  the  Indians  call  Oguhaenjes)  addressed  ihe  Ind 


gre.it  joy.      Then  the  Commanding  0(1 


icer 


ians  as  follows. 


Itrotli 


The  King  of  Kngland  is  very  great  and  wise:  1 


both  France  niid  Spain.     I'ray  what  can  this  handlull 


le  was  never  y.-t  conquered.     He  has  subdued 


The  Ki 


ng  is  very  siibile,  he  lias  deceived  the  Bono 


o(  men  in  America  do  with  such  a  KiiiK? 


to  continue  at  Boston  till  the  Best 


nians  with  a  wilnt 


Philadelphia,    N.   York,   and 


onians  had  collected  all  tl 


ess.     He  ordered  his  (orcei 


even   froi 


e  cannon  that  could  be  found  ( 


rorn 


Bostonians  having  all  their  force  and  cannon  coll 


•giiiia,   and    brought    them    to   that  place.      Th 


the  K 


ng's  Ollicer  commanding  there  forbid  tl 
manner,  as  the  jiurpose  of  his  coming  there  w 


ectod,  were  about  to  destroy  the  town  ;  but 
em,  telling  them  lie  would  leave  it  i 


iis  now 


n  a  peaceable 
inswered.     And  now  Biother."  you  will 


'  l.ii'uU'iiutil  Culuiiil  Culdw.ll.  Si. 


Vol..  VIII. 


iyra,  |>  t<W.  Slom'i  life  „/  ljrm,t,  I,,  ;i.  ~  Id, 

87 


m 


ri'ti 


1 

if 

'rl 


690 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRirXS. 


» 

soon  hear  that  the  King's  Ships  have  hiid  waste  all  their  sea  ports,  as  they  can  mniie  no 
resistance,  liaving  sent  all  their  cannon  and  stores  to  Boston.     Virginia  has  had  n",  already 

Brothers.  I  shall  not  give  up  this  post  (Niagara)  to  the  Bostonians,  without  a  struggle. 
My  men  must  fall  first  hefore  the  Bostonians  shall  take  possession. 

After  this  Col.  Butler  proceeds,  addressing  himself  to  the  Sachems. 

Brothers 

I  propose  to  your  consideration  that  a  number  of  your  Warriors  should  go  in  quest  of  Coll. 
Johnson  ;  here  is  a  large  vessel  ready  for  sailing.  Let  them  embark  who  desire  a  speedy 
interview  with  Col.  Johnson  ;  he  must  at  this  time  be  at  Quebec  or  in  the  Rivers  and  upon  my 
hearing  of  his  actual  arrival,  1  shall  immediately  persue  and  will  certainly  see  him.  If  the 
Bostonians  should  be  betwixt  me  and  Coll.  .Tohnson,  I  will  turn  out  of  the  Road  and  pass  by 
them.  I  have  also  another  vessell  proposed  for  the  back  nations  as  soon  as  they  come.  The 
Sachems  reply  —  We  shall  not  consider  the  matter,  for  we  know  it  is  already  settled  and  they 
are  now  embarking.  Did  we  know  that  Col.  Johnson  vas  actually  arrived  at  any  particular 
place,  we  would  consider  the  airair. 


Brother  Gen'  Schuyler  — we  now  inform  that  Col.  Butler  prevailed,  and  upwards  of  fifty  of 

the  Six  Nations,  have  embarked  twelve  days  ago  in  quest  of  Col.  Johnson,  and  a  number 

of  the  Back  Nations,  the  whole  amounting  to  one  hundred.     Brother  we  dread  the  consequence ; 

we  this  day  send  ort'four  of  our  young  men  to  acquaint  you  &  then  proceed  to  Kaghnawaga  to 

inform  them.     The  one  from  Oriske  is  a  chief  man  and  one  of  the  two  sent  to  Niagara,  and 

will  give  you  particulars.     The  next  called  Kanagh  wiaiga  is  a  young  Sachem  of  great  influence 

in  tills  Nation.     The  tliird  Sewajis  is  chosen  to  a  Sachemship.     We  the  Sachems  of  Oneida 

end  our  love  to  you  and  wish  you  success. 

From  your  faithfull  Brothers 

SuailNAGEOKAT 
JiMMEY 
AOHSIIINHABE 
TlOAWI 

Tekeonho 

KAnilNEOHLOUTNES 


I 


Intercepted  by  S.  Kirkland  and  who  hopes  to  write  to  his  Honor  very  soon,  if  a  safe 
Conveyance  presents, 

New  York  SS'"  Novemb.  1776. 

A  true  Copy  from  the  Original,  Compared  by 
Jos.  Chew  Sec" 

of  Indian  Affairs. 


I 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI, 


691 


N"  17. 


Governor  Tnjon  to  Ijord  George  Germain. 

(  New. York  r>p«ra  (  B.  V.  o. )  CLXVIII.  ] 

New  York  SO"-  Nov'  177G. 

The 


My  Lord, 

I  have  been  honored  with  Your  Lordship's  Dispatches  N»  5  &  (i  with  their  enclosures 
Duplicates  were  delivered  by  M'  Kemble  to  all  whicii  I  shall  pay  due  regard. 

I  have  communicated  to  the  principal  inhabitants  of  Staten  Island,  by  an  Kxtract  from  Your 
Lordship's  Dispatch,  his  Majesty's  approbation  of  the  loyal  and  nflectionate  conduct  of  the 
people  of  that  Island,  and  his  most  gracious  assurances  of  paternal  regard  for,  and  constant 
protection  of,  them  :  Hut  as  that  Island  from  the  present  operations  of  the  war  is  not  in  a  state 
o(  absolute  security,  and  has  withinjthese  few  weeks  been  visited  by  some  parties  of  the  Rebels 
I  have  not  thought  it  prudent,  in  the  present  moment,  to  make  n  Public  Declaration  of  the 
"ioyal  Disposition  in  their  favor. 

Ah  the  Militia  Law  is  in  force  I  am  getting  proper  lists  of  OlTicers,  as  also  of  Magistrates. 
that  the  civil  Government  may  have  its  full  operation  as  soon  as  it  is  judged  proper  to 
reestablish  it  with  all  its  powers. 

M'  White-  one  of  his  Majesty's  Council  arrived  here  with  the  last  division  of  the  Hessians 
and  is  very  usefull  to  me  from  his  influence  among  the  Citizens,  in  such  regulations  of  I'olice 
as  are  left  me  in  my  restricted  sphere  of  executive  power,  arising  from  the  present  necessity 
of  the  times. 

The  Liberty  I'oll  erected  some  years  ago  in  this  City,  and  which  remained  as  a  monument 
of  insult  to  the  (;overnment,  and  of  licentiousness  to  the  people,  was  last  month  by  my 
recommendation  to  the  Inhabitants,  very  properly  and  very  quietly  taken  down  and  removed 
by  them. 

1  am  with  all  possible  respect 
My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient 

and  very  humble  Serv' 
Lord  George  t;ermain.  YV"-  Thyon 


(N-  18. 


[  New.Tork  Ptpwi  (State  Paper  ODIcp )  CI.XVIII.  ] 

New  York  a?""  Nov'  1770 


My  Lord, 

The  inclosed  Plan  of  Fort  George  with  the  Works  on  the  I-ower  Hattery,  and  the 
intermediate  buildings,  will  exhibit  a  I'lot  of  ground  which  I  esteem  upon  a  settlement  of 
the  present  war  would  bo  extremely  advisable  to  be  secured  as  Crown  Land. 


'  Supra,  note,  p.  \iv.  — Ei,. 


G92 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


.1 


I 


The  Fort  with  proper  buildings  niiglit  contain  the  King's  Arsenal  niul  Ainioiiry  and  wlicn  nil 
the  buildings  and  Barracks  now  slaiiding  are  Demolished,  a  pro|)er  esjilanade  might  l)e  marked 
out  for  the  Soldiery,  and  a  !>iinds(fnH'  range  of  barracks  constructed  for  as  many  men  as  might 
be  thought  proper  for  a  stiuiiiuii:;  (Wirnaon. 

The  Inhabitants  who  cis'.iin  Uie  property  in  the  houses  and  lots  in  Pearl  Street  and  buildings 
adjoining,  might  probably  be  satisfied  out  of  the  Rebel  Tenements  within  the  City,  upon 
Confiscation. 

By  this  arrangement  Y'our  Lordship  will  observe  the  soldier  would  be  kept  distinct  from 
the  Citizen  and  the  Commercial  Interest  of  the  Town  not  in  the  least  injured,  as  no  Docks  or 
wharfs  have  ever  been  built  where  the  lino  of  works  (.order  on  the  East  and  North  Itiver.  All 
ths  ground  within  the  dotted  black  line  from  Whitehall  to  the  North  River  is  proposed  to  be 
reserved  to  the  Crown  for  the  purposes  above  mentioned 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect, 
My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient 

and  very  humble  Servant 

Lord  George  Cermain  W"  Tryo.v 


N»  19 


Governor  Ti'ijoii  (o  Lord  (hor<j<    Germain. 

[  Ncw-Tork  riippr»(BUitornp(TOmco)('I.XVIIl.) 

New  York,  SS"  Nov'  1776. 


My  Lord, 

It  is  with  the  most  singular  Satisfaction  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  transmit  to  Your 
Lordship  Copies  of  the  Addresses  of  the  City  and  C"unty  of  Ne"'  York,  and  also  of  King's 
and  Queen's  County  to  the  King's  Commissioners,  teslilying  their  wishes  to  return  under  the 
King's  peace  and  (iovernment. 

The  Dissolution  of  the  (Committee  of  SiiU'olk  County  and  the  Committees  of  the  several 
Townships  in  the  same,  with  the  Revocation  of  all  their  proceedings  and  orders  under  the 
Congress  was  efTected  at  my  particular  recommendation  to  them  for  that  purpose  ;  Copies  of 
all  which  are  herewith  transmitted:  When  the  pressure  of  the  llebel  Army  is  removed  from 
this  I'rovince  I  have  the  strongest  expectations  that  a  like  spirit  will  be  adopted  through 
the  Colony. 

On  my  Reviewing  the  4"'  Inst,  while  with  the  Army  such  part  of  the  Militia  of  Westchester 
County  as  was  within  the  protection  of  the  King's  Army,  and  which  amounted  to  upwards  of 
five  hundred  men,  1  found  them  impressed  with  a  loyal  disposition  to  (iovernment:  Hut  from 
the  vicinity  of  the  Rebels  and  the  uncertainty  of  the  l{oyal  Army  giving  them  continued 
support  I  could  not  think  it  expedientat  that  time  to  invite  them  to  take  up  arms,  or  to  petition 
the  King's  Commissioners,  as  either  measure  at  that  p"riod  would  on  the  removal  of  the  troops 
bring  down  instant  destruction  to  their  Properties  and  Families;  Indeed  what  with  the 
Conflagrations  of  the  Rebels,  and  the  marauding  of  both  armies,  the  inhabitants  of  that  County 
are  reduced  to  great  distress. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI.  p,gg 

I  must  l...g  l..,iv..  to  ofTer  my  congratulations  to  your  Lonl«l,ip  on  the  n-peate,!  nn.l  honourable 
ateh.eveuumts  of  the  Hriti.h  an.i  He.sian  Troops;  anoti.er  Campaign  pressed  with  equal 
vigour,  1  trust  will  ronoro  tranquility  un.l  union  to  the  British  Empire. 

1  am  with  all  possible  respect, 

My  Lord,  Vour  Lordship's  m  st  obedient 

T       ,  ^  ,-,  "'"'  very  humble  Serv' 

Lord  Oeorge  Germain.  ,,,     ,„ 

W""  Trvon. 


(iorenior   Tnjon  to   L,,rtl  (icort/t:  (nrindiii. 

[  New- York  I'apcri  (»,  P.  O. )  CLXIX.  ] 


N»  2;j. 


My  Lord. 

On  the  lO-inst :  T  received  the  Militia  of  (Queen's  County  at  Hampstead.  when  eight  hundred 
and    twenty  Men  were  mustered,  and  on  Thursday  following    I  saw  the  HufU.lk  Militia  at 

of  (Ju,  ens  County.  I  had  u,  my  presence  an  oath  of  allegiance  and  li.ielity  a.in.inistered,  the 
form  of  which  is  herewith  transmitted. 

I  took  much  pains  in  explaining  to  the  people  (having  formed  them  into  circles)  the 
iniquitous  „r  s  ettc  that  had  been  practiced  on  their  credulity  to  seduce  and  mislead  t  le^  ad 
I  had  the  satisfaction  to  observe  among  them  a  general  return  of  confidence  in  (iovern'  A 
very  large  majority  of  the  Inhabitants  of  (iueen'.  County  have  indeed  steadfastly  maintained 

Royal  principles,  as     ave  small  districts  in  8uflblk  County.     Some  Men  from  South 
Lastl  impton   ownsbips,  who  attended  the  Review,  assured  me.  Rebel  parties  from  Counectiet 
we  e  then  on  the  Kastermost  part  of  the  Island,  and  which  prevented  in  general  the  se  tn 
that  quarter  from   aUending   my  summons,   but  that  they  are  very  .lesifous  to  lue 
peaceable  obedience  to  His  Maj'>'  authority. 

The  inelose.l  letter  from  their  Presbyterian  Minister-  will  nu.r-  fully  explain  their  s..nti,„ents 
T  iree  (.ompan.es  I  learned  had  been  rai.sed  out  of  Suffolk  Coun.y  f'or  the  Reb..|  Ar  i 
mos  of  whom  I  was  made  to  understand  would  quit  that  service,  if  they  could  get  home  ' 
1  have  the  pleasure  to  assure  3  nur  Lord^.  through  the  whole  of  this  Tour,  I  did  not  hear  the 
leas  Murmur  of  discontent,  but  a  general  satisfaction  expressed  a,  my  con.ing  amon'  t  .■«" 
ami  to  judge  from  the  temper  and  disposition  I  perceived  in  them  ;  there  ,h  not  the  le"  t' 
apprehension  of  any  further  commotions  from  the  Inhabitants  on  Long  Island  ;  all  are 
industrious  in  bringing  to  Market  what  provisions  the  Island  nllbrds 

The  late  success  of  His  Maj'V.  arms  in  the  Jersey's  and   Rhode  Island,  will  assuredly  open 
considerable  resources  of  Provisions  and  forage  lor  the  Army,  which  with  the  phmtiflllld 

lUrlinout...  roll,.g,.  i„  171U   «,„1  A\,.\  ,I„lv  ,„   .-ou   „'    ,  ,,     *  ,     ""  '^<""«1  t''-  J-'n'r..  of  Do.lor  of  Dui.iily  f,„„. 

■■"■-.  .he  L. ,..  wo.won..  (^^1  ::J;LX  i " ;» n. ::  rz:  HVT  ';r  i- •-  rtT-'  '^ "" 

of  the  H««.-,l  of  Kegel,  of  il,„  State  of  New  York.  -  K„.  Ho"lwo,tl.,  |-.«,j.,  1,1.  U,  .S.<..ot«ry 


f)94 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCKIPTS. 


abundant  supplies  from  the  Mother  Country  will  enable  this  high  spirited  and  victorious  nrmy 
to  take  the  field  early  next  spring. 

The  General  has  been  pleased  to  give  my  Secretary  Coll:  Fanning' a  warr'  to  raise  a 
Battalion  of  Provincials  of  Five  Hundred  Men,  they  arc  to  be  listed  for  the  American  service, 
and  for  the  term  of  two  years  or  during  the  war,  at  the  General's  option.  This  Corps,  I 
expect  will  be  compleated  so  as  to  be  ready  to  take  the  field  with  the  army. 

While  on  long  Island,  I  gave  certificates  to  near  three  hundred  Men  who  signed  the 
declaration  prescribed  by  the  King's  Commissioners  Proclamation  of  the  OO""  Nov'  last ;  large 
bodies  of  the  people  have  already  taken  the  benefit  of  the  Grace  therein  offered  them. 

I  am  with  perfect  Ksteem  and  respect 
My  Lord, 

Your  Lordi''8  most  obedient  and  very  humble  serv' 

24  Dec'  1776.  W'  Tuvo\. 


N-  24. 


(ronriior    Tnjon  fi>   Lor</  Gcnrtjc  (7(r)n<n'ii. 

[  NeiT-Tork  Vnfen  ( S.  r.  0.)  CLXIX.  ] 

New  York.  31  Decemb'  1770. 


My  Lord 

Last  Sunday  evening  M'  Wallace  &  M'  .launcey,  two  of  His  Mnj"""'  Council  of  this  province, 
with  several  other  Inhabitants  thereof,  came  to  Town  from  Connecticut,  having  bren 
discharged  by  Gov'  Trumbull  from  their  confinement  upon  the  express  obligation  of  not 
taking  up  arms  against  America,  and  to  return  to  their  captivity  if  required.  By  these 
Gentlemen  I  understand  the  temper  of  the  Warmest  I'atriotsin  Connecticut  is  much  softened, 
and  that  they  wish  for  peace;  they  also  tell  me,  from  the  intelligence  they  had  opportunities 
to  collect,  they  are  positive,  a  Majority  of  the  Inhabitants  West  of  Connecticut  River  are  firm 
friends  to  Govern".  This  report  I  can  give  the  more  credit  to,  from  the  number  of  Connecticut 
Men  that  inlist  in  the  Provincial  corps  now  raising. 

The  Rebels  carrying  ofl"  the  Hessian  Brigade  under  Coll :  Rail  at  Trenton,  has  given  me 
more  real  chagrin,  than  any  other  circumstance  tliis  war;  the  moment  was  critical,  and  I 
believe  the  Rebel  Chiefs  were  conscious,  if  some  stroke  was  not  struck  that  would  give  life  to 
their  sinking  cause,  they  should  not  raise  another  army.  Unlucky  as  was  this  loss,  I  have 
received  great  comfort  by  the  assurances  Ileister  and  (!en'  Kniphausen  have  given  me  (who 
are  most  sincerely  and  deeply  mortified  at  the  event)  that  the  Rebels  will  not  with  all  their 
arts  be  able  to  seduce  the  Hessian  Prisoners  from  their  allegiance  to  their  Prince  and  duty  to 
His  Maj"'.  I  trust,  this  tarnish  to  the  Campaign,  will  in  due  season  be  wiped  away  by  some 
brilliant  enterprize  of  the  King's  forces  who  entertain  the  keenest  sense  of  the  insult. 

1  am  with  all  possible  respect 
My  Lord, 

Your  fiOrdP's  most  obed'  and  very  humble  servant 

W""  Til  VON. 

'Supra,  note,  p.  284. 


Sir 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI. 

Im,;1  (ho,;je   (hrnutin    to  (iorornnr   Trijnn. 

(New-Tork  Papon  (  8.  p.  o.  >  OLXIX.  ] 


(595 


N»8. 


I  had  tlie  satisfaction  to  ruceivp  Iiv  Hmt"  r>„_i-        .1 

"'"f "'"  "•  -■  ■». » I  -  n!:j ';:  ,,2:r,::,:.';:„':;;,.i:::* "°""'  "■-  "'•"""" 

pl.-...i„g,o,l,„Ki„g,.n„inr,      ,     rL     „      '^      """"""  "'"''  <""'•■'■'■"■"'■  «'■"   very 

The  early  attention  yoii  have  siiuwn  tn  tl,u  <•  . 
...0  unremitted  Zea,  ^Attaeh^enrrt^  1^-.^::^"  ^^    IZ ,'-''  '«  ""  ^^  ^-> 
your  conduct,  would  have  led  us  to  expect-  and  nltlm'  O.'    V        •  "  '°  •=""«P''="0"3  in 

upon  the  consideration  of  what  measures  v^i'li  /       t.rne  is  not  yet  come  for  entering 

i"  their  duty.  yet.  I  „,ny  ventu  e  to  a"  ^  v  .f',"  "  "'T'"'  ''"  ""'^"""«  ^'^  C"'-'- 
New  York  will  be  a  principle  o  ject  ot  en  1  '";■"."•  '\''°"  '^°'""'  ''"'"  "'•^^  «--0'  of 
you  shouM  avail  yourielf  of  the  present  c"'  ""         "  "'"*"""  '''«'"^  ""—y.  "'••>' 

of  the  destroyed  Town.  „.  in  H^e'^  i:!!  :  r  " ;;;  ^ ^'iri  '"^  "'^  ^"^i"^  "^  ^^^  .-^ 
Citadel,  or  other  works,  as  well  to  comm-.n  I  'S'"^"^  """'  f"'"''^"''  ''"^  "«'''!"«  ^ 

I  have  communicated  to  the    .  rd;rti     T   '  "  "  '7  """  ''^''^■'"''  °''  "'«  ''-•'»-• 

recommend  the  su.ect  of  it  to  :;::? I^Lt  Irii^.^I^^^Ir  ""''  '"^^^  ""'  ^'"^^  ^" 

14.  Jan'M777.  1  am,  ettc. 

Gi;o  Gkrmaiiv. 


/^oni  (kov.je  Cnnain  U,  (ulond  (hnj  Johnson. 

^"  1.  t  riantatlom  Ooncral  ( 8.  P.  o. )  OULXIII. ) 

Sir  Whitehall  Jan.  14.  1777 

I  was  very  glad  to  find  by  your  letter  of  the  9-"  Auimst  tl, 

York  with  the  two  Indians  that  accompanied  von   ....  ^      ^^'^  ''"^'  ""'^'^^'^  "'  ^«^ 

bravery  in  the  engagement  the  p.l  k T  7^^  "a  ^^J^wT  I  T^'  "^''^'^  ^'"^'^  * 
tell  me  in  your  letter  of  the  25"'  Nov^  is  set  o  wi  .  .''"■;  ^  ''"'''  ''"'  ''"•^^  "'''«  :^°" 
succeed  in  his  purpose.  &  I  make  no  do  .h    rl^  ?  ''""  '^""«"  °'  getting  to  his  nation  will 


succeed  in  his  purpose.  &  I  make  no  doubt  fnZ  ma        ^^  ^"'       ^"*'^"'^'  '°  '''«  "'^t'""  vv 

to  .ecoiKi  any  operation,  wl.ich  Sir  Williun,  II„„e  „,a,  ,,ik  „    .1  J       .  .'"  ™''""'" 

tl..  Spring.     In  ll,i,  „pect.,ion  I  hav,  j„Jg„|  ,-,  „.Z,  v  „  or  1     "■""''  "'""'  '" 

.00.,  .„ita.o  ror  pr.en..  .  .,.  ,„.„„!  J,,,  Zl^Zl^t  :^'::,  :  ^-i^^ 


5Pf 


696 


NKW-YOUK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


hoard  tlie  Lord  Sluildhiiin  Transporl  (svliidi  is  ri'ttirned  to  Knjjrland  imvinglost  lior  passngo  t.< 

(iiiebee)  to  bo  sent  in  lier  to  New  Yori^  for  Sir  Wiliiani  Howe's  disposal.     Ami  1  liave  sonio 

reason  to  lliink  that  the  other  parts  of  this  supply,  wliic-h  were  on  hoard  the  (ieneral  (.'onway 

and  Union  Transports,  will  also  lie  brought  to  New  York,  as  neitiier  of  those  ships  Imvo  1  fear 

been  able  to  cet  up  to  (inebec. 

I  am  Sir  &5 

Colonel  Guy  Johnson.  <'>:^'-  <'k«main- 


(loi'ifiior    'Iriioii  fo   Lord  (lionii    (nj-iiiiini. 


N"  28. 


My  Lord, 


lNow-Y..rk  r«|io  »  (  S.  1'.  11.)  1 1, XIX.  ] 


New  Vork.  -JO.  Jan^''  1777. 


1   have  aohei;ed   (ieiiera!   Howe   to  give  nie  eiglit  luindred   stand  of  arms  for  the   Lo;al 
Inhabitants  in  (Queen's  County,  wliich  lie  was  pleased  to  grant,  and  accordingly  last  week  they 


were  sen 


t  to  Col  :  Ludlow'  Coll :  of  ]\Iilit',a  to  distribute  among  the  most  faithful  subjects. 


The  (Jeneral  this  day  signified  his  wis 


lies  that  I  would  choose  out  five  hundred  of  the  most 


trusty 


Cm '.ens  to  arm  lor 


the  defence  o(  the  Cilv  should  it  be  thought  ne.-e8.siry  to  March  out 


a  considerable  part  of  this  (Jarison  agains 


t  the   Rebels,  who  iire  assendiling  in  a  large  body 


una  s 


nri( 


I 


iim  engaging  al 


the  Citizens  to  lake  the  same  oath  of  allegiance  & 


lidclity  adniinist.'red  to  the  .Militia  on  Long  Island,  and  1  giv<-  to  each  the  ccrlilicate  as 
inclosed;  this  .My  Lord  will  give  contidence  to  the  I'ilizens  who  are  well  ellected  and 
distinguish  the  Friend  from  the  Knemy. 

The  Inhabitants  o(  King's  County  (thronyh  the  recommendation  of  M'  Axlel,-a  member 
of  the  Council,  and  Col:  of  the  Militia  of  that  County)  have  contriliuted  three  hundred 
pounds  currency  towards  the  raising  of  Col:  Kanning's  Hattaiion  of  Provincials,  this  laudable 
spirit  I  shall  encourage  and  have  already  recommended  to  the  .Society  o(  the  (Quakers  to 
distinguish  they  Loyalty  and  zeal  by  an  Act  of  liberality  in  furnishing  the  Provincial  Corps 
with  some  necessary's  of  clothing  of  wliicli  lliej  are  in  grt  al  want;  the  henelit  of  which 
m 


ensure  they  have  now  under  consideration 
1  am  with  all  possi'ile  respect 


.My  Lord 


Your  Lord''"s  most  ohcd'  \-  \ery  humble  serv' 


\V'»  'I'hvov. 


'r„),m.l  (;*IIKI«L  (i.  I.i  iiioM  .if  II,iii|kUi>.I,  I.  I.,  \va»  l.n.lli.r  uf  .lii.lj,'.-  I.,  (<"/ir,i,  y.  •J4S|f>Mil  .•oimiiiiml.'.l  lli.  ;i.|  H.l.nc.y 
Intlitllon  in  Ihi'  wur  of  llio  ii.rolulion.  Il«viii(f  birn  oiillnwcJ  in  1779.  lie  ntinil  to  Now  llniiuwiik  with  liin  iikhi  *I  Ilia 
|,.'nioi  »»»  M«.vnr  .if  SI,  .I..lii.'»  in  I'sn  nn.l  in  17li'J  .lu^f  ..f  Vi.-..  .\.lniiriilty  iin.l  mcmli.T  <if  llio  C.iuii.il.     ll.'  lillid  fur  tlm 

j.Hr«  111.'  otW'-c  "f  I'r.  »i.liMil  iif  111.'  Cinniil  nn.l  f nmi.l.r  in  L'lii«f  .'f  lliiil  I'rovin.n,  Ti« ,  fioui  OoU  0,  1808,  to  Oct.  4,  IHOH, 

wliiii  111'  ili'.l,  n(;.'il  iJ  Vf»r».  — f.u. 

'Supra,  null',  |i.  2119. 


LONDON  nOCUMKNTS:    XLVI. 


()1>; 


(r'oreniar   I'njoi,  Ui   hH'<l  (iconjo  (farmiin.. 

[^o  30  '  New-York  Papera  (  B.  p.  o. )  OLXIX.  ] 

My  i,„r,l,  '^•'w  ^"'■k.  U.  February  17?  . 

ThesucceMtha  „ccompm.ie.l  my  endeavour  to  unito  the  Inhabitant,  of  thiH  City  by  an  oath 
0.  alleg.unce  an.l  F  ..lel.ty  to  ilia  M.j.  „„,,  „,«  (;„,,,„.   ,,„,  „„.^  ,„y  ^,,^„,^,^^  ^5'^,^^      ,j.^^ 

thousand  n.ne  hun.Iro.i  and  ..v.-nty  ofth.  Iuhabi,an.«  baviuK,,uali(i..d  thereto  in  my  ,,r"ence. 
th  ,  Mayor  IN-c-onb-r  an.i  Aldormun  Wad.ll...  w.-r,.  ...nploj ,  adu.iniMering  the  oath. 

I  hav..  the  .atufaction  to  ...sure  your  I.or.l.shi,,  ««  th,.  invitation  lo  th,.  ,„.o,>l..  to  mv,-  thifl 
vohmtary  test.mony  of  thdr  Loyalty  to   Flis  Mnj.  &  hi.  (.•ov-rn'  wa«  ma.ie  ..von   «'thout  a 

8ha,iovv  of  compuUion,  it  gave  me  pe.-uliar  salisfaotion  to  «....  ti...  d rfuln-.^s.  with   whi.-h 

they  att,.nded  the  summons:  I  verily  h.-li-ve.  there  are  not  one  huudre.l  V,Wu.,m  who  have 
not  ava,h„l  themselves  of  Ih-  opportunity  of  thus  testifying  their  atta.rhment  to  Covernment! 
ri.e  Mayor  since  I  went  through  several  wards,  has  attest...!  fifty  n,ore  Men,  (an.l  is  .laily 
n,d,„gtothe  number)  which  mak..s  the  whole  sworn  in  the  City  Thr,.e  thousand  and  "-■■ 
vvh,ch  ad.i..,i  to  those  attested  on  Slaten  Island,  in  the  three  Coun.ien  on  Long  Islan.l.  and'  in 
\\es...h..ster  (ounly.  (all  which  amounted  to  npwards  of  two  thousand  six  hundred)  make, 
the  whole  amount  to  fiv.i  thousand  six  hun.Ireil  Men. 

Thus,  My  Lord,  I  have  use.l  my  best  endeavours  to  secure  the  (hielity  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
this  dovern',  within  those  districts,  thro'  which  the  King's  troops  have  mov.-d.  I  have  assured 
the  Ceneral.  that  sh-  he  remove  all  his  Troops  fron.  thi.  (^i.y.  there  wonl.l  not  be  the  least 
risk  of  a  Itevoltfrom  the  Inhabitants,  but  on  the  Contrary  was  confident,  large  numbers  w..uld 
take  a  share  in  the  defence  of  the  Town  against  the  |{..|)..!s. 

The  Loyal  Inhabitants  of  (Queen's  County  r..ceived  the  eight  hundred  stand  of  arms 
d.slribute.l  by  the  (Jeneral's  pern.ission,  with  .lemonstrations  of  Joy  and  with  a  prof.ssed 
resolutmn  to  use  them  in  .lefence  of  the  Island. 

I  am  anxious  that  some  (irace  fronKiovern-  may  speedily  be  extended  to  this  Lovi.l  Quarter 
of  the  Province. 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect 

My  Lord. 

Your  Lordship's  most  obed'  Sc  humble  servant 

W'"  Thv«>!*. 


N»  3:». 


(ror>rniir    TnjDii   to   l/trd  (nunj,    fr\rm<uit, 

[Ntv-Tork  l'ii|*r«(».  C.  o.)  «'1J»X.) 


.,     ,       ,  NY   l'.»  Feb"  1777 

My  Lord. 

Having  compleated  my  view  in  seruring  t!ie  altachment  of  the  King's  subjects  wiihii,  the 
limits  of  his  Troops  in  this  Province,  I  waited  on  (Jen'  Howe  last  week  to  oder  my  service  lo 

'  Wiuu«  W»6Pt,  «i.  AM»r,i,.i,  „(  th.  Ninth  W.rH  of  lh«  oil/  of  N.w.Vork  f^oin  UTS.   »V«(.»«'i  ittn>mi.-K,- 
Vot..  VI H.  gg 


-  •  y 


6:;8 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


command  the  Proviiiciiils  tlie  ensuing  campaign,  if  he  would  malte  the  proper  and  creditable 
nppointmenta  for  th.it  corps,  &  give  me  an  establishment,  suitable  to  the  situation  His  Maj" 
has  placed  me  in  here. 

Sir  W"  Howe  was  pleased  to  approve  the  proposition,  but  has  not  as  yet  appointed  the 
staff,  or  other  arrangement  for  that  Command. 

This  offer,  My  Lord,  flows  from  the  warmest  Zeal  to  promote  His  Maj''"'  service  in  the  line 
in  which  I  esteem  I  could  be  most  serviceable  in  the  present  war.  Should  this  measure  be 
honored  with  my  Sovereign's  approbation,  and  Your  Lordp's  countenance  it  will  afford  me  the 
highest  encouragement  and  satisfaction. 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordp's  most  obedient  Sc  very  humble  servant. 

W™    TUYON. 


(with  Enclosure) 
N"  34. 


Govei')ior  Tnjoti   to   Lord  <ri'or<je  (r'tniniin. 

(N«w-Tork   I'upert  (8.  P.  O.)  CLXIX.] 

New  York  15  Febr'  1777. 


My  Lord, 

Inclosed,  is  a  copy  of  the  instrument  now  carrying  about  the  several  Wariis  of  this  City 
and  County;  the  Inhabitants  tht-rehy  revoking  and  annulling  all  powers  and  authorities  of 
Congresses,  Committees  and  Conventions  over  them.  This  measure  I  recommended  as 
salutary  for  the  purpose  of  making  known  to  the  I'rovincc  and  other  Col  .lies  that  the  Delegates 
in  ("onlinental  and  Provincial  Congresses  for  the  (Jity  and  County  of  New  York,  were  no 
longer  acting  under  the  Colour  of  the,  even  unlawful,  authority  ;  and  should  these  Delegates 
presume  longer  to  Act  after  such  revocation  ;  their  doings  must  appear  still  more  fl.igrarit  and 
arbitrary  than  when  vei!t'ii  under  the  sanction  of  their  Constituents. 
1  am  with  all  possible  respect  and  esteem 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordr's  most  obedient  and 

very  humble  servant 

W"  Trton. 


N"  34. 


Inclosure  in  Governor  Tryon's  liCttcr  to  Lord  (Jeorgo  Oermain.     15.  Febr'  1777. 


Whkkeas  certain  persons  now  Members  of  What  is  called  the  I'roviticial  Congress  of  the 
Province  of  New  York,  do  claim  and  actually  exercise  the  power  of  representing  this  City  and 
County,  ntid  are  with  such  Congress  pursuing  measure!  totally  subversive,  as  well  of  Hii 
Maj"'  Govern',  as  of  our  liberty  mid  Happiness;  we  therefoie,  the  Freeholders  and 
Inhiibitanti  of  the  City  and  County  of  New  Vork,  whose  nuinei  a'»  hereunto  lubicribcd,  do 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI  ^n« 

power' incJ'Tirrh  "'"""  '"""T''  "^'^'°"'  ''""'""'^^  ^"'^  'l'^^'^'"'  «"^''  tf--  as-"'Ption  of 

inheritance  of  n  British  subject.  ^  '^""'''  ^""^I'l"'!"".  ""d  tl>e 

True  Copy. 
Test ; 

W°'  Tkyon. 


(.V3) 


Colonel  (hnj  Johnmn  to  Lard  Oeov.je  Gennain. 

t  PlanUtloni  General  (8.  P.  o.)  CCLXIII.  1 

Nfiw  York  Feb  15.  1777. 


My  Lord. 

I  lately  hy  desire,  laid  before  Sir  William  Howe    the  Si.t,.  <^{  .„„  n        . 
hints  „s  .  thought  best  for  the  service,  and  wh  c    I  ia   ^r  n  ;    1     brL^:':.  .^.m   '  "'!     "^■' 
-     .r  a.  ,.e  .ees  eligible;  hut  the  Indians,  tho' they  ^^^X^^::::^^ 
n.'detome.and  assembled  in  great  numbers  last  year  bolh  in  Canul .  -.n  1  U  N,  ^ 

httle  e„.ployed    and  by  the  orrangen.ent  of  India.^  A„:.irs  «:  ':       i,  1  ^    «:;:;„7;: 
Canada,  neuher  has  there  been  any  comn.unication  yet  formed  by  which  we  could  brin^   ho  ^ 
n d.answho  are  un.ier  my  Super  Intendenc-y  to  act  with  (ienen.l   HoweTar ^y   !  2  tl .  v 
could  be  very  serviceable.     This  consideration  moved  me  to  represent  that  if  ^ 

was  not  likely  to  be  eHVcted  this  way,  ,  .ould  willingly,  if  1  i:      '  w       'HHJ 

lu.  Lakes  or  otherwise  to  the  Northward,  accompany  them  and  do  what  seT  id  I  en  1   ^ 

;;:.:;;:;:  ::;::b!  ::;r;;^::r  t;  rv:^:":i ''-  '^  --'^  "^- "^-- 
t...nseives  of  the  hr.  oppor.unity'ii  ■  i;:  z  I  .irir.r'Z!^::  ^z:!;:  ::r 

my  thoughts  as  to  the  mode  of  elli-ctinir  such  a  iunrti,,.,    «,l,i  .1    •  ^         ^^    ' 

Par..i.lar  attention  tor  any  early  niove^eru^Cm'^lji;:;;:'     ::::;;;-^": 'r— 
gream  vantage  to  ,he  troops  &  promote  the  success  of  the  s,.bse,uent  miliUr;  op    at 

l.rminalon  of  tbe   Ifebelhon.  I  presume  on   your   Lordship's  indulgence  to   menti,.„   .1, 
matters  by  the  opportunity  which  (Jen-  Hobertson  affords  me;  hopmg  twi  e  .         ! 

of  more  importance,  for  I  wish  to  ren.ler  myself  acceptable  to  Ilis'.M.'esty   1    „,  ,„  ;  ';  ! 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  much  respect 

My  Lord 

,,,,     „.  .     .,  ^'ouf  Lord«hipg  most  oliediont 

Ihe  Hight  lIoRorublo  ,  ,,       ,  ,       ..    ^ 

Lord  Ueorge  Oermain  ^  '"""  ""^''^"^  ''"'"'''^  ^"^' 

G.  Johnson. 


700 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Sir. 


C'olond  Clans  to  Secretary  Knox. 

[  Planlttloni  General  (S.  P.  0. )  CCLXIII.  ] 

N-  1  Ryder  Street  I  March  77. 


Before  my  departure  for  America  I  take  the  liherty  of  inclosing  you  my  feeble  thoughta 
about  liie  management  of  the  Nortiiern  Indians  in  America,  but  am  afraid  I  have  not  been 
able  to  express  my  ideas  so  as  to  be  very  intelligible.  However  as  you  are  very  well  versed 
in  those  matters,  1  dare  say  you  will  guess  at  wh;it  I  mean.  They  are  my  sentiments  without 
partiality,  interest  or  view,  and  according  to  my  no'ion  of  carrying  Indian  AHairs,  will  after 
this  rebellion  in  particular,  prove  of  utility  to  government,  which  should  appropriate  Ind" 
matters  entirely  to  itself,  by  confining  ihem  to  His  Majesty's  guarrisons  on  the  Frontiers. 

I  must  entreat  you  Sir  not  to  leave  me  to  the  mercy  of  a  stranger  in  assigning  nie  a  vessel! 
at  Cork  for  a  passage  across  the  Atlantic.  As  to  myself,  I  never  made  myself  uneasy,  and 
always  leave  those  matters  to  chance;  but  when  women  and  children  (some  of  which  not 
being  my  own)  are  in  the  case,  one  would  willingly  use  as  much  precaution  as  possil)le,  to 
guard  ag"  blame  and  self  iiccusatioii  in  case  of  accidents,  I  understand  the  Alexander  is  a 
fine  vessell,  and  wish  I  could  go  in  her  or  such  like. 

I  likewise  humbly  conceive  that  a  hint  to  (Jen'  8'  W"'  Howe  with  regard  to  my  allowance, 
might  be  of  service.  Lord  (».  (iermaine  was  pleased  to  tell  me  a  short  time  ago,  that  anything 
you  could  suggest  to  him  with  consistency,  to  be  of  service  to  me,  he  would  with  pleasure 
agree  to. 

I  intend  setting  off  by  next  Monday's  Chester  Coach  ;  wishing  you  every  happiness  you  can 
desire,  and  am,  with  the  greatest  esteem  and  gratitude  for  your  many  kindnesses  and  good 
oflices  while  in  England 

Sir 

Your  most  obedient  and 

most  obliged  huniole  Servant 

To  William  Knox  Esq  Dan.  Claus. 


Colonel  Claus'  Remarks  on  the  Management  of  the  Northern  Indian  Nations. 

The  Indiana  in  North  America  in  general  and  timse  in  particular  that  live  any  distance  from 
the  European  settlements,  consider  themselves  a  free  and  independent  people,  liable  to  no 
■ubjection  or  suborditiatinn  and  consecjuently  must  be  managed  and  ruled,  either  by  persuasion 
or  iiitluence  or  some  kind  of  awe,  or  military  authority  &  parade. 

The  persons  therefore  who  are  to  have  the  care  and  superintendancy  of  their  ofTairs  under 
government  and  would  carry  on  business  with  them  by  persuasion  and  inlluerice.  ought  to  bo 
p.tRscgsed  of  an  even  temper,  great  patience  and  gooi'  nature,  being  well  acquainted  with 
their  customs  manners  and  language,  persons  of  autiiorit}  and  consequence,  ot  nn  rit  and 
character  in  pul)li<k  life,  and,  according  to  the  Indian  phrase,  hove  been  great  und  successlull 
Warriors  in  their  time. 

Any  one  who  has  had  a  moderate  acquaintance  with  the  late  S' W"  Johnson,  will  allow 
that  gentleman  to  have  been  possensed  of  the  above  quuliUcutiuuR,  ui  much  as  any  mortal 


t^ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI. 

to.  and  regard  for  him  •  ev  „    ho  1   I.  to  have  so  universal  and  firm  an  attachment 

tl.e  report  of  other       „d  re  '  i-l  •  "  ''"'        ''  '"'"  '"  "''^'''  ''"''  '''''""  '^"'" 

that    there    s  Zl     Z^::ttZ  tT"      m" "'   ■"'  "  '"'^^  "''"  ^°"«"'^"-  ''^  --'«^<^ 
without  some  of  the  m  St  esse  thlo    te'r  "'•'"  '"'  ''"''"''  '"   ^"^«"^^'   ^^^  ^^^ 

the  Crown  in  Indian  m  .ttor     n.  ■''^"""'''  "°  """^  '^""  *'«  «''  "'"<="  ^^^vice  to 

".i.an.s   hv,ng  pbout  the   Upper   Lakes   to   the  ..,t!e„u.„,s  „.    any  o.  th       «  ov       "i  "t"! 

;•;:;;;'"';'*''  ^  '''"^'S^* ';'^'  '°  "-••.  ''--l-  expensive  ,o  the  (iove'rn.      And    oil  n  i,      J 

I    h.  ant  n.ay  overset  the  proceedings  of  a  Congress  hv  a  rnalieious  ,V  .lisdlec.    i     i    ourse 
bo  .,,,,„„.      ,  .,.  ^„...,^„,  ,„,,,,,.^  ^,,,  ^,^^..,  ^^^^^^^^  ^.^^^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^  ,.:       i  uor   I 

lly    a     peop  e.  to  ,et  .heir  presents  or  other  neeessaries  from   them,  and  of  en  em 
h.n.e  to  ,he,r  (am.hes  atr.p'd  of  every  thing.  &  perhaps  br.i.ed  &  I.eut  in  the  bargain,  which 

'Sit.  Quf  iutluciHl,  —  Eb, 


702 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


must  create  ill  blood  &  disputes,  &  perhaps  affect  a  whole  nation.     All  which  may  be  easily 
prevented  at  a  post. 

Wherefore  the  whole  mnnngement  of  Indian  Matters,  as  well  as  'TrnJe,  ought  to  be  carried 
oil  under  the  direction  of  the  Commanding  Officers  of  the  posts  of  the  Ind"  Country,  their 
duty  easily  admitting  of  it ;  and  as  Niagara  is  the  head  Quarter  of  those  garrisons,  it  ought 
to  he  fixed  upon  the  principal  meeting  place  for  iiie  Indians  in  the  Northern  District  upon 
public  occasions  and  business  of  consequence. 

The  tfuperintendancy  of  the  Northern  District  in  general  ought  to  be  vested  in  the  Governor 
or  General  of  Quebec;  who  whenever  lie  thought  it  necessary  or  had  any  thing  of  importance 
to  propose  to  the  Indians  in  behalf  of  His  Majesty,  might  summons  the  whole  Confederacy  to 
Montreal  and  meet  them  himself,  which  would  give  his  proposals  the  more  weight;  some  of 
the  Officers  of  every  garrison  to  accompany  the  Indians  &  attend  the  Congress,  and  return 
with  tiie  Indians,  reminding  them  of  their  engagements  to  the  Governor,  &  prevent  any  insults 
from  the  inhabitants.  All  Indian  proceedings  at  ti  '  Posts  to  be  wrote  down  and  reported  to 
the  General  of  the  District  iii  order  to  be  recorded. 

It  is  A  mistaken  notion  to  pretend  dividing  the  grand  Confederacy  of  the  Northern  District 
and  having  it  .jperintended  by  persons  independent  of  each  other  ;  which  may  occasion  much 
confusion  in  Indian  Affairs.  That  there  were  two  Confederacies  of  Indians  in  the  Northern 
District  is  very  liue,  vi/.'  the  Iroquois  or  Six  Nations  who  claime  an  alliance  with  the  Hurons 
at  Detroit,  and  ail  the  Indians  to  the  West  and  South  West  of  them  to  the  Ilinois  including 
the  Ohio  ;  and  the  sev.-u  Nations  in  the  Province  of  (Quebec,  who  claim  an  alliance  with 
all  the  Indian  Nations  to  North  and  North  West  of  them.  These  two  Confederacies  however 
have  since  the  conquest  of  Canada  united  themselves,  and  act  in  concert  in  all  matters  of 
importance,  and  the  appointment  of  Officers  will  not  make  them  alter  their  plan.  It  was  it 
great  object  .vith  the  French  for  many  years  to  gain  over  the  Six  Nations  to  tlieir  interest,  and 
thereby  bring  about  this  grand  Confederacy  of  Indians,  in  order  to  facilitate  their  plan  of 
having  a  chain  of  Forts  from  Caiuida  to  Louisiana,  and  all  the  Indian  Nationa  in  their  interest ; 
which  they  very  near  ellected,  by  having  already  gained  over  the  Upper  Senecas,  a  numerous 
Nation,  and  others  living  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Niagara,  of  Cayouga  and  Onondago.  Those 
Senecas  are  a  people  of  conse(|Uence  with  the  Nations  to  the  Westard,  having  many  of  their 
|)eople  dispersed  among  them,  and  wiiile  well  used  by  us  may  prove  very  serviceable,  they 
being  at  present  well  attached  to  Government.  They  had  ho  much  intluence  at  the  breaking 
out  of  the  late  Indian  War  in  17C3  as  to  engage  all  those  Nations  in  their  iaterest,  who  cu»  off 
then  the  dillerent  garrisons  in  their  country.* 

NoTii*  Tlu«o  l|.|.pr  Si-necaB  nliui.  tl'u  TKiininios  hovu  b.oii  I'liiclly  in  the  Frencli  iiilerol,  eiiicc  the  Kreiicli  wero  in 
poM.'Miori  of  Niii(.'ani,  il  lieiii^  willi  tlioir  ccnisciil  and  pirniicNii)n  tli.-y  witc  ulluvvtil  tu  estuMisli  tlainsclvin  llitTp;  tlmt 
Nation  of  Initinni  clainiinK  i-Un  |.i(.|>»ily  of  llie  Soil.  In  eon«iil(T;ition  of  wliii^h  |irivile>tKO  tlicy  wtr(>  niiK  li  corfssul  niul 
'ndulticil  liy  the  Fremli,  Hml  lintl  the  lilicrty  to  nijoy  thn  eiimliiniinU  of  that  ('uiTyiii(?  I'lace,  vliioh  weri'  ko  lurrntive  di 
confiili-ralile  to  Ihat  Nation,  that  in  «  fhorl  lime  Ihey  enriclnMl  tiii'msclvei  lliircl)y,  an.l  had  bonido  »on»;  ollitr  advunUijet 
in  tinde  and  other  iisrrMaiies  of  life.  When  the  plan  for  utlialsini'  that  furtnun  was  laic  in  ITfiS,  U,  it  havini?  neen  8ineo 
the  attempt  liy  f;enl  Shirley  In  1785,  pnlirely  new  laid  out  A  oonntruetcd  hy  that  ahlc  KnRineer  Moinr  Honehoi,  tlie  late  Sir 
Win  J.dinBon  apirehende.l  the  jfrealput  nhntnele  on  th<<  nlde  of  the  ImlinnB,  who  were  *')  well  eonlonted  with  their  nei«hliours 
the  French  and  their  own  prosperous  and  happy  situation,  lie  therefore  had  no  sraall  point  to  gain,  In  olitaininn  the  consent 
and  ai"<i«tance  of  lho«e  Indiana  to  join  Ihe  ainjy  that  was  to  be»ief?e  it,  tt»  without  whieh,  iueeess  must  in  all  probability  b« 
doublfull;  but  he«urrii,.iiiite.l  Ihut  ditlieulty  l.y  that  ikvpri,e»8  iu  Indian  I'olities  so  peculiar  to  himself ;  and  an  expedition  wag 
««l  forward  in  June  17:v  sfuinst  u  I'ost  tlu-  niosf  re^'ular  Siiinhed  in  Canada,  lieini?  Ihe  iey  from  the  Westward,  the  Iroopa 
cuiisisling  of  the  44lh  4*iJi  i  coriipi  of  (iiith  K.gl  >uJ  Ihe  Now  \ork  rruvil  Ke({t  with  »  very  iwliirereul  train  of  Ailillery 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS-    XLVt 

703 

be  met  with  in  the  Northern  Diatric     3 '  L  ''    ''^  "'"■'  '''  ^'"^  °'  ^^'''^'y  '»"y  '^ 

appointed  to  the  managre,^        ti    i    ''''  "'f  '°  ^'l^  ^'^^'^^^  '«•  ''^^'  "°-  ^^  ^he  Officers 
is  very  inconvenient  an^dislee  t     i'^'l^r    "'".'  '"^  '■''^"  ''^"^"'''^^  "'  '^"'  -^ich 

encourage  parents  living  ab  ut    L  Inp  .         '     «°^^^"'"''"^  ^^^^^^  "oose  no  time  to 

neighboSri4  Indian  to.L    t:  c.ur  .  I'.^.l'l  ,'"'  ^'•""""  "^^  ^°""«  ^«  ''- 

became  perfect  in  the   pronunciron  .,7  ?T     u  '"""'"  ^""""^^  ^''^"^  """"  ^^ey 

which  to  give  them  a  grLm  r  e      "tion    t  '  ^  ""'  ''  "  '  "  *  ^""'^  ^""^'  '-"■'- 

for.  &  they  will  be  of  gr^r.  the  .  n/r.  >"  M  '"""  '"^  '"'  ^•""^°"  "^^^  "-«  -"'-^^'i 
their  ownlnguage  s^2:^  \f:^^i:i::Z'"'  ''"'  ^^^^  ""•^^"^'  ""'  ^^^""°" 

n,rr:::d't^'tj:rLr  :^x;r  ";""^'"^^^^^7 '°  ^«  ^-^  -^  -  ^"«  p-«.  - 

done  for  them  in  such  art  cles  o.^ht  to  h.  '  "T '  T'  "'**'  '''  ^^"^'^  ""'^-^  '^  »^« 
application  from  the  Chi  n  Lf  hfp.rty  h  t'hTs"  T  ''l  ^""'"'--^-g  ^"^-r  upon 
former  the  more  consequence  and  -^flue  I  and  be  7'  T  Jf  u  '"'  "'"''  "•"  ^'^^  "^« 
friendship  and  favor.  '     '     ^^  '=°"«"^«'-ed  by  the  latter  a  great  piece  of 

P^e.n.s  are  given  without  the  abor^^^ :l:r  ^;S::  ^rSZuJ:^  ^^ 

winch  GenI  rmWux  found  fault  with.     At  the  (nrno  tim.,  ti,.  i    .•  •    • 

«r.,i  in  .  ...nor,  gu.nU  to  that  e,,v,,„i.l         .      „,,™  i  :  rrT'^'-'f  "V?"''  "'  '"'°  "'''  "'*  P'""^  S"i.lcs. 
.ending  ,oout,  to  the  A/eMwanl  wherCVcn  a  reinforl  ';;,::;':  7'  "      "'"■  ''"'"^  "™^  ""'  '"^^"""''^''.  «-' 

Sr  Wi„n.  Johnson  «,i  the  intelligence  ho  eo„,,i  desire"  1^^^^^^^^  ";."''"\"'"  -f-'"'''  ■""'  '"  ^'"""'"'"'''  «- 

friendly;  ,„  ,|,at  ho  had  nothing  or  at  least  verv  little  t         7^^^^^^^  « hl.h  he  fonnd  wa, 

.ucoe.  „f  that  sie.e  was  i„  .  ,...at  n.easnre  ."  „,  e  v    i  i'd  T''^     '  ;' r"r"/'"  ""'  "'•"'"''^'-  ""'^  '"« 

gallant  action  a.  ..,wogo  in  dofe„tin«  a  party  of  Krone     and  In    .  T'  T       u    '  ''"''""''  ""^  ^■•'■'""'  "^l-ii'-ond, 

nun.her  to  hi™  and  hefore  he  had  .in.o'to  .  ake    i     •  ,      a  J     h:;  tl     K '      !  '"^■"  ";"  '""^'  "'  "  '""''  '"'-- 

our  proviso  wonld  have  be.n  ont  o.f,  and  .n  all  prohli    ,         "  .  7"    '  '""""'"  ""  '"""""'--"i""  with 

Ni«,«r«  at  ,1,0  same  ti,ne  wa«  the  u.ean,  of  th    m  '  t  e  t    ^  r"  "'•'      ''""  ^"-""'  *''"'"'"•"■''  "t'""''     The  conqnest  of 

...e  .ost  .nowng  people  in  Canada:!!:  llow  ;  t  r:;!  Jo:;::' <;  ''^r  "^  "^T-"  ^""  "^  -'••■"*^''  ^-'i^" 

Quebec,  .a  it  wa.  o,pe„ed  our  a,.„y  would  n  a^e  a  dl     t  t        Fa  IdoJ    ,7  "'."""■, l''^  "•"'"-''  "^  ^'""-i-"  «"nv  at 
Montreal,  and  General  i.evv  -.aa  in  con.e,,uenco  deta     e    wi  1    ,    1        T         T""''  "'"'  '""^  f'"'""'""  '" 

decent,  on  which  occ««io.   I.„  .uilt  Fort     ew  afte  war       W      \        \  '        '  '''""""'  '"  "^'^'^'^-^''^  '"  "PP""'  ""■• 

.l..,.iritedand  weakened  then..,.  .«f  re  he    t.ao  -       " d  V  1 ''  t^'".'         r         '""'  ''"'""'  *''""■*"'"  -"•"'>•  ^  --•' 
ranada.  the  ln,l,„Ha  in  genera,  we.e  disregard!.        C\  "V'T;''",""  "'"  "">"'''"'>'  '"  ""•     '^f'-  "'«  ™"q"-t  of 

..IvantaKes  taken  fron.  t^e.,  and  ll     ^     "nlv  1:~:^t     "     1  '"::"'"!''  "  ""'^"'  '"'""''  ""'  ""- 

-'->> -xe.'  .*  -tarving  condition,  i,t  i^:^ dz:ziiT::^:ij'z^T  t  "'1^  T'""'-  '""^ """"  "■"" 

..roe  of  game.     What  added  to  their  .ni.fortune  L.  that  in  t  e  ,.^  ,  n  ,'  ^  '-"« 

Indian  from  the  Ohio,  in  their  Country    and  fled  fori.-        ':',"''"*''"''='''"'''''"  trader  was  knied  by  a  vagrant 
from  them,  and  tl:e/no,  capal.  o        .i've  i    .  '•  f"  "'-■''  --^'"W  the  Commander  in  Chief  .lemanded  sati-faetion 

thev  ..w  th. elve  '  ec  .rred  J    a     ,  .;  W  Z";r  ■  ''"'""  :'"""^-  '"'^  •""'  ""  '""'  r— ^  then,.     ,„  this  situation 

i...tig..lo„  of  the  French      adl  .bo  ti:.;^  "  """"■  ""'"""T'  "',"  '"""»'  ""^"  "■•^-"'"-'  ^-^  "'■  "-'  'I- 

...es.-..  and  in  Spring ... ,, .  J  1:1:^  iz::!- r^  .I!:!:  ;:a:::r"t;:t:'  tt,  *"" 

happd.v  dneovere.1  before  exeeutod.  and  the  Tsinn.io'.  „„.  .-v  „  '  .       .     "     "''./"»««'"•  '""P'  l'*lroit ;  which  was 

th    .'  misfortune,  .nd  losto*  to.  In  retlectins  u..o„  iheir  ,„.„„  i  .  .        nari.oroa  ill  will  ag.inst  those  they  aaenhed 


7Q4  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

it  as  a  due,  or  some  interested  view  in  the  giver,  and  it  v?ii!  answer  very  little  purpose.  If  the 
Chiefs  and  principal  men  of  each  nation,  have  now  and  then  a  little  favour  shewn  them,  it  will 
influence  the  whole  &  keep  them  well  disposed,  and  a  little  refuse  provisions  given  to  those 
that  really  want  it  will  have  a  good  effect  upon  the  rest. 

Indian  Affairs  being  carried  on  agreable  to  the  above  hints,  may  in  all  probability  prove  for 
the  good  of  the  service  as  by  good  usage  and  fair  trade  the  Indians  will  become  familiarized 
and  attached  to  the  troops  and  garrisons  in  their  country,  and  consequently  be  solely  under  the 
direction  of  the  Crown  and  thereby  prevented  from  being  tampered  with  and  debauched  by 
the  Colonists,  and  the  posts  become  a  formidable  frontier ;  a  scheme  the  French  so  long 
wished  and  laboured  for  to  bring  about,  in  order  to  overawe  the  British  Colonies,  and  which, 
after  matter  are  brought  to  rights  with  the  Colonies,  may  be  serviceable  to  government  upon 
the  same  footing  the  French  intended  it,  in  case  of  future  disturbances,  for  which  the  Province 
of  Quebec  and  its  frontier  garrisons  are  extreamly  well  calculated.  As  the  rebels  attempted  to 
take  the  management  of  Indians  in  their  hands,  it  will  be  a  good  reason  to  give  to  the  Indians 

for  putting  the  above  plan  in  execution. 

Dan  :  Claus 
late  Superint'  of  the  Can"  Ind"' 

N.  B.  The  Indian  Nations  to  whom  the  above  plan  would  rather  be  inconvenient,  are  the 
domesticks  of  the  I'rcv"  of  New  York,  viz'  the  Mohawks,  some  Oneidas  &  Susquehanna 
Indians,  as  the  distance  is  too  great  for  them  to  go  to  Niagara  on  private  business  to  have  their 
armours  and  smiths  work  done;  and  as  they  have  always  been  indulged  in  that  particular  on 
account  of  their  antient  fidelity  to  the  Crown,  a  person  might  be  appointed  to  transact  their 
business  and  satisfy  them  in  that  respect,  under  the  direction  of  the  General  of  the  District, 
who  being  nearer  that  the  Superintendat  at  Niagara. 


lAinl  (rcoft/e   (rtiiiKiiii  to   (r'orenior   'Irijon, 


[  New-York  Ptpori  (  8.  P.  0. )  (.'I.XIX.  ] 


N"  9. 


Sir, 

By  His  Maj'»''  ship  Bristol,  I  received  your  dispatches  numbered  from  22  to  27,  and  this  day 
those  numbered  :.'8  and  29.  have  arrived  in  the  mail  of  the  New  York  packet. 

When  I  had  the  honor  to  lay  these  dispatches  before  the  King,  His  Majesty  observed  with 
great  satisfaction  the  effusions  of  Loyalty  and  affection  which  break  forth  in  the  addre&ses  of 
his  faithful  subjects  upon  their  deliverance  from  the  Tyrany  and  oppression  of  the  llehel 
Committees,  &  the  proof  given  by  the  Inhabitants  of  King's  County  of  their  zeal  for  the  success 
of  his  Maj"'  measures,  by  so  generously  contributing  towards  the  expence  of  raising  Col : 
Fanning's  Battalion,  was  highly  pleasing  to  the  King,  a. id  cannot  fail  of  recommending  them 
to  his  Maj''*  favour.  Should  iheir  example  be  followed  by  the  King's  other  loyal  subjects,  it 
must  be  productive  of  the  best  effects,  and  not  only  remove  that  reproach  of  lukewarmness  in 
the  cause  of  the  Constitution,  which   1  nm  sorry  to  say  is  but  too  generally  cast  upon  them. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI 

hi  rZV  ^''"'  ''"'?''  '°  '"''  '^'  ^'P''  ''  ^he  Rebels  by  convincing  them,  that  Govern' 

:;rrn:rri;;:,x:'trrSh^^^ 

pleased  to  authorize  you' o  give     «      T"  '";  «7^' °'^-«'-'   h- M.j.  is  graciously 
..»,=  R«„k  by  the  CLZ  of  nef        ""'■  "  ""'  «'""  "'  ""  "'''■'•  ^'°°P'  °f  ""' 

3  March  1777.  ^  """  ^"°- 

Geo:  Germain. 


No  35. 


Govermr  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germain. 

[  New-York  Pspcrt  (  a.  P.  O. )  CLXIX. ) 


My  Lord,  ^^ew  York.  2S  March  1777. 

^i.   .he    declaration  .  its  Lh^ -t^tf' :e::;i„c^  II^  ^  ^'^.^^.I^r  ::d 

acL:;;:;^rtH:;,r:ttZh:e:^:;t^i-.^- 

His  Wip  consideration.     Fro.  the  nature  of  the  serviceTli'irj.;?      d"  n  ris":  ry 
probable  I  may  not  have  opportunities  of  sending  any  Dispatches  to  your  LordPdu  i/le 
ampa.gn ;  should  therefore  esteem  it  very  expedient,  that  a  Lieut-  Gov' should  be  on    he  s 
to  communicate  to  your  LordP  the  Civil  transactions  of  the  Province  ^ 

1  t.e  happy  succea.  of  the  Detachment  under  Col :  Bird'  at  Pecks  Kill   l,n.  i,        • 
and  must  greatly  retard  the  operations  of  the  Rebels.  '  ''"  ""P"''""* 

I  am  with  the  greatest  respect 
My  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obed'  and  very  humble  serv« 

W-"  Tryon. 

•Lieutenant-Colonel  Jo«r,  B.rd  wa,  commi,.ione.l  Lieutenant  in  ll.e  lotl.  Foot  on  th.  Sth  Anril   t-«      .  ■  .        • 
-erred  ,n  .he  expedition  .g.ln.t  Uellei.Ie.  in  the  Bay  of  Il,.e,v    i„  1701      ndrjniv        T,  "'"'"*'" 

69 


706 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


NMO. 


Lirrd  George  Oermain  to  Oovenior  Thyon. 

I  Hew-Torlt  P»pen  ( 8.  P.  0. )  OLXIX.  ] 

Whitehall.  2.  April  1777. 


Sir. 


I  have  received  by  General  Robertson,'  triplicates  of  your  letters  numbered  ".2,  33,  and  34. 
and  laid  them  before  the  King ;  but  neither  the  originals  or  duplicates  of  Numbers  30  and 
31.  have  come  to  hand.  . 

The  success  which  has  attended  your  endeavours  to  unite  the  Inhabitants  of  New  York  m 
engagements  to  maintain  the  Constitution,  and  defend  themselves  against  any  attack  of  the 
Rebells,  is  at  once  a  proof  of  your  Ze  .1  for  the  King's  e.-rvice,  and  of  their  conviction  how 
entirely  their  happiness  and  security  is  connected  with  the  maintenance  of  His  Maj"''  just 
rights,  and  a  due  subordination  to  the  authority  of  the  Supreme  Legislature,  and  I  shall  be 
very  happy  to  find  their  disavowal  of  the  Acts  of  those,  vho  call  ihemselves  the  Representatives 
of  the  Province,  has  the  good  effect  you  hope  for,  in  awakening  the  influence  and  exciting 
opposition  to  the  arbitrary  proceedings  of  that  illegal  Body. 

It  was  a  great  pleasure  to  me  to  find  by  a  dispatch  I  received  from  General  Sir  Wili.am 
Howe,  at  the  same  time  with  your's,  that  he  intended  accepting  the  offer  you  made  of  your 
service  to  command  the  loyal  American  levies,  and  I  have  the  further  satisfaction  to  acquaint 
you,  that  I  have  had  the  honor  to  signify  to  the  Genp.ral  His  Majesty's  approbation  of 
that  intention.  j  ^^  ^^^^ 

Geo:  Germain. 

.  LieuU..nt.Gene™l  Jam«  Rodirtso;,  w..  appoinUd  M.jor  of  th.  Irt  battalion  of  the  «Otl.  or  Royal  American,  in 
December.  1755.  and  In  M«y.  1758,  wa,  appointed  by  General  Abercromby  Deputy  QuartorMaHer  Genera  of  he  army  m 
North  America.  Ue  accompanied  the  expedition  against  Lcisbourg  in  1758,  «  Quarter-Master  (ioneral  (/?e«/,on.  AoW 
«„</  Mililarv  Memoir..  III..  173;  Knox,  I.  162,  189),  and  wa.  promoted  to  be  Lieutenant-Colonel  .n  the  arm,  8th  July. 
1758.  In  1750  he  accompanied  Amherst  «p  Lakes  George  and  Champl.in.  in  charge  of  the  «»"f -"»;''/'  ''^f  "'•"'' 
and  on  the  29th  October  of  that  year,  waa  appointed  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  66th  regiment.  W^l.on.m.  Ord.rly  Book. 
In  February.  1760,  he  exchanged  into  the  15th,  which  regiment  formed  part  of  the  expedition  against  Martu.KO.  ,n  1.62, 
and  returned  to  England  in  1767.  and  in  the  following  year  Lieutenant-Colonel  Robertson  exchanged  into  the  inth,  wluch 
remained  in  America.  In  1772  he  became  Colonel  in  the  army.  In  July,  1776,  hew.,  stationed  at  Boston  {Jourr,^  of 
ye^.York  Provinaal  Congru,,  I..  119);  wa.  appointed  M.jor-General  in  An>«rica  1  January.  1776.  and  Colonel  commai.lmg 
60th  regiment  U  January  following;  when  the  army  avacuated  that  city  that  year.  "General  RoberUon  under  an  offical 
cover  seem,  to  have  been  a.  great  a  plunderer  a.  any,  and  to  have  connived  at  th.  rascally  conduct  o  smaller  villain,. 
He  might  possibly  answer  to  himself  for  the  part  he  was  acting,  by  viewing  what  he  secured  a,  an  equivalent  for  the  many 
thousand,  he  has  out  a.  interest  and  in  property  in  the  Colony  of  New-York  and  elsewhere,  should  the  '«"'«  '«  «.""'l-  ^ 
American  Anhive..  V.,  4.5.  Ue  accompanied  the  army  under  Howe  to  State..  Island,  and  commanded  the  6th  l.ngade  in 
,Ue  engagement  of  the  Ul  August,  and  afterwards  in  the  battle  of  Long  Island,  wlien  he  shortly  after  came  to  New-^iork 
oi.v.  11.  returned  to  Kngland  in  February.  1777  (  5  American  Archive,,  111..  KU7),  and  on  29  August  of  that  year  became 
MajorGeneral  in  the  army.  On  It  May,  1778,  he  wa,  appointed  Colonel  of  the  Ifith  regimenN  and  on  4.1.  May  1779. 
received,  commission  a.  Governor  of  New-York,  and  w..  .ccordingly  sworn  in  on  23d  March.  1780^  A.-Kor*  Co»,.r.J 
JfmuWi,  XXVL.  489.  473.  He  became  Lieutenant  General  20  November,  1782 ;  embarked  at  New  \  ork  for  England  on  the 
16th  April,  1783,  and  died  in  1788.  Army  Lilt:  —  Ed. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI. 


707 


Cohnel  Qvy  Johnmn  to  Lord  George  Germain. 

(■Ko  A\  t  Planlalloiu  aencnl  (  8.  P.  O. )  CCLXItl.  ] 

My  Lord.  New  York  7  April  1777 

Last  month  I  was  honor'd  with  Your  Lordships  dispatch  N"  1.  previous  to  the  receipt  of 
which  I  had  propos'd  to  prevent  farther  disappointment  or  least  this  communication  should 
not  be  opened  in  good  time,  to  go  to  Canada,  &  with  permission  of  the  General  there,  to ' 
assemble  my  own  Indians  and  march  them  as  the  service  shou'd  require;  but  after  considering  ' 
the  situation  of  things  here,  S'  W-  Howe  thinks  this  rout  most  expedient,  &  I  have  sent  ' 
messages  across  the  country  to  prepare  the  Indians  to  meet  our  army  on  their  first  movement 
to  the  Northward,  and  th.v  may  then  be  directed  East  or  West  as  there  shall  be  occasion. 

I  cannot  help  considering  the  possession  of  Hudson's  River  as  an  object  of  the  greatest . 
importance;  as  it  will  seperate  the  Eastern  from  the  Southern  Colonies,  open  a  door  to  a  large  * 
body  of  distressed  but  truly  loyal  subjects,  and  enable  this  army  to  have  the  assistance  of  the 
Indini:  m  all  their  future  operations;  and  1  am  encouraged  to  hope  as  well  from  Your 
Lordslup's  letter  as  from  the  destination  of  the  Indian  presents  that  this  rout  will  be  among 
the  first  objects,  when  from  the  attention  of  my  ofiicers  in  the  different  parts  of  the  Country,  the 
zeal  of  the  Indians,  and  the  measures  I  am  taking,  such  a  junction  will  be  formed,  as  will 
facilitate  the  ends  of  government ;  and  I  am  now  forming  some  good  woodsmen  (with  the 
General's  approbation)  out  of  sundry  persons  who  have  found  means  to  escape  to  me  from 
the  back  country,  and  who  u  ill  be  particularly  usefull  to  accompany  Indian  parties,  as  has 
been  Ilie  practise  in  this  Department.  I  beg  to  assure  Your  Lordship  that  I  shall  act  to  the 
best  of  my  judgment  and  the  utmost  of  my  power  for  His  Majesty's  service,  and  I  have 
the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordships  most  obedient 

and  most  faithfull  humble  Serv' 
The  Right  Honorable  <_..  j^^^^on 

Lord  Geo.  Germain. 


Governor  Trijoii  to  S^crdary  Knoi\ 

jj       „.  New  York,  21  April.  1777. 

I  thank  you  for  the  favour  of  your  letter  of  the  H"  of  January,  which  gave  me  much 
satisfaction,  in  the  assurance,  that  my  sentiments  respecting  the  present  Rebellion  correspond 
with  those  of  my  superiors.  I  am  exactly  of  opinion  with  Colonel  La  [Come]  S'  Luc,  who 
says;  II  faut  lacher  les  sauvages  centre  les  miserables  Rebels,  pour  imposer  de  terreur  sur  les 
frontiers;  II  dit  de  plus,  (mais  un  peu  trop  pour  moi)  "qu'il  faut  brutalizer  les  affaires," 
nssurement,  il  est  bien  enragtie  de  la  mauvais  traitement,  qu'il  a  res'u  de  les  avengles  peuples— 
but  not  to  blunder  longer  on  in  a  language  I  know  imperfectly,  I  shall  express  his  other 


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NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


sentiments  in  the  English  dialect.  He  assured  me  that  upon  the  opening  of  the  first  assembly 
with  the  Savages  in  Canada,  his  feelings  would  be  to  poignant  at  their  iirst  interview,  as  would 
impose  a  perfect  silence  upon  him,  while  tears  would  run  down  his  cheeks  ;  &  that  when  he 
should  be  able  to  expatiate  on  the  indignities  and  injuries  he  had  experienced,  they  would 
instantly  take  up  the  hatchet,  and  resent  his  affronts.  So  reciprocal  is  the  affection  between 
the  Father  and  his  Children,  for  such  they  style  each  other  respectively,  .and  by  whom  he  is 
as  much  cherished,  as  was  Sir  W™  Johnson  by  the  Indians  of  the  Six  Nations.  These 
anecdotes  you  may  esteem  worthy  to  communicate. 

His  Excell'^  Gen'  8'  W"  Howe,  has  been  pleased  to  appoint  me  to  command  the  Provincial 
Corps  within  this  Province  with  the  Rank  of  Major  Gen'  of  tlie  Provincial  Forces.  This  place 
me  behind  all  the  Mnjors  General  in  this  army,  though  lam  an  older  Colonel  than  any  of  them. 
However,  at  this  crisis  a  passe  droit,  does  not  weigh  so  much  with  me,  as  an  opportunity 
given  me  to  lend  a  hand  to  beat  down  this  Republican  Revolt.  The  inclosed  letter,  I  beg  you 
will  lay  before  Lord  George  (iermain  with  my  respectful  regards,  as  i  have  not  troubled  his 
LordP  with  a  Dispatch  this  Packet,  having  nothing  material  to  communicate  in  the  Civil  line. 
The  Judge  is  a  truly  honest  faithful  servant  to  the  Crown,  but  through  age  very  infirm,  and  as 
he  has  lost  his  wife,  his  carriage  and  two  horses  will  not  keep  him  long  alive. 

J  shall  bu'  silent  on  Military  prospects,  you  must  have  them  from  the  fountain  head. 

I  am  Dear  Sir 

Your  most  obedient  servant. 

Wm  Tryon. 


Chief  Justice  Hormiarnleu  to  Governor  Tryon. 

[  New-Tork  Piptn  (B.  F.  O.)  CLXIX.  ] 

New  York.  19.  April  1777. 
Honoured  Sir. 

,    ,  ,    „  Your  Excell''  well  remembers,  what  circumstances  you  found  me  in,  on  your 

Kn«''.r''lli.' Apri  aTival  to  this  Governm';  that  1  was  then  Chief  Justice  of  the  Province,  and  had 
"''■  been  so  for  eight  or  ten  years  (as  my  memory  serves  me)  and  had  no  other 

allowance  on  the  assembly  for  the  support  of  the  dignity  of  that  office,  than  the  miserable  pittance 
of  three  hundred  pounds  a  year  this  currency,  and  the  fees  of  the  office,  trilling  and  iiisigniticant, 
but  upon  your  Excel!'"  recommendation  home,  his  Miij"  was  pleased  to  allow  me  Five  hundred 
pounds  sterling  a  year,  which  I  was  to  receive  half  yearly  on  the  Commiss"  of  Trade 
at  Boston,  wli'''  I  did  to  the  (ime  of  their  removal  to  Halifax,  since  which,  has  incurred  one 
year  and  n  half  the  beginning  of  this  month  ;  but  I  am  much  at  a  loss  how  to  apply  for  it,  but 
OS  the  Commiss"  arc  now  in  London,  I  have  wrote  to  them  for  information. 

When  the  dutys  arisen  by  Trade  fell,  the  Commiss"  had  directions  from  the  Lords  of 
Treasury  to  give  drafts  upon  them  for  the  saiarys  of  the  Oflicers  of  Government,  of  which  I 
liave  had  two,  the  salary  being  payable  half  yearly. 

Your  Excell''' well  remembers,  that  three  or  four  years  ago  (I  think)  the  King's  special 
Commission  was  sent  over  by  Lord  Dartmouth,  then  Secretary  of  State,  empowering  the 
persons  therein  named,  (of  which  I  was  one)  to  enquire  into  the  affair  of  the  destruction  of 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI. 


709 


H>s  Ma.,  schooner  Gaspee  at  Rhode  Island.  YourExcell-  knew  the  State  of  health  I  was  ^a 
at  the  t,me  i  embarked  for  Newport,  much  enfeebled  by  the  Rheumatis.n.  the  time  of  year" 
in  December,  when  U  ,8  generally  expected  the  River  is  full  of  ice.  Myself  unable  to  walk 
wuhout  help,  and  at  a  time  of  life  drawing  near  to  fourscore;  but  as'  Lord  D  tmorh's 
directions,  was  to  proceed  immediately  to  that  place,  in  order  to  execute  that  CommiTsion  I 
d.d  not  hes.tate  to  undertake  it.  but  was  obliged  to  take  with  me  my  Wife,  carriage  and  two 

oLTlirtle  ::  th  •  '  ""l'  T  '^^"  °'  "°  "^^-     ''-^  P-^Z-veral  weZh    e.    L 

do.ng  I.ttle  to  the  purpose,  the  Commiss"  found  it  necessary  to  adjourn  over  to  the  next  year 
wh,ch  occasmned  a  second  voyage  under  the  like  circumstlnces  a'nd  at  leng  1  h  Con  m  ss" 
Tl^llTon  C  the  Commission  having  not  been  able  to  make  any  diLvery  to  an sw  r 
the  mtent  of  tne  Comm.ss.on :  upon  which  occasion  I  expended  upwards  of  two  hundred  pounds 
of  my  ownmoney.  wh.ch  rema.ns  out  of  pocket  this  day.  and  hitherto  my  trouble  for  nothing 
Upon  the  proceedings  of  the  Commiss'-  being  sent  home,  Lord  Dartmouth  directed  the 
Comm.ss'.  to  send  home  their  accounts  of  the  expenses  they  had  been  at.  It  was  imagined 
w.th  a  v.ew  0  compell  Rhode  Island  Govern-  to  discharge  them,  but  if  that  was  the  incenthe 
a  terafons  o  the  c.rcumstances  of  that  Govern-  in  these  times  of  Confusion,  that  expert  t  on 
IS  at  an  end.  and  m  the  anarchy  and  distraction,  which  now  surround  us.  and  the  great 
d.fhculty  in  gettmg  money  amongst  us  which  is  our  due,  Your  Excell'^  knows  how  needful  it 
fZ^^'IT  T  ''  ^'''■'  'V  '"'  '"  other  quarters.     I  must  humbly  entreat  Your 

^;„d        ^  7  '"^  T   '"  ^"'■'^  '''''^'  ''^™""'    '^°P'"8'   ^''^   his  clemency  and 

goodness  to  have  a  method  pointed  out.    by  which  1  may  ;>ave  satisfaction  made  in  the 
foregomg  particulars. 

1  am  with  the  greatest  respect 
Sir 

Your  Exceil''''  most  devoted, 

obedient,  humble  servant 
(  Referred  to  the  R.ght  Hou^"  Lord  Geo :  Germain  Dan  :  Horsmanden 

by  W"  Tryon. ) 


Governor   Iryon  to  Lord  George  Gerinaiii. 

[  N.w.Tork  Ptpen  (».  P.  0. )  CLXIX.  J 

My  Lord,  New  York.  a.  May  1777. 

The  bearer.  M'  Laight.  is  a  good  and  faithful  subject,  which  testimony  he  desired,  I  would 
g.ve  your  Lord^.  The  success  of  the  Enterprise  in  Connecticut  under  my  command,  1  must 
leave  to  General  S'  V™  Moore-  to  particularize.  I  shall  only  observe,  that  my  obligations  to 
S.r  W-  Krskine  are  beyond  the  measure  of  praise  on  the  occasion;  wi'J.out  him  I  should  have 
been  much  embarrassed  if  nothing  worse,  and  wi.h  his  aid  I  n.et  with  no  difficulties,  but  what 
the  sp.nt  and  activity  of  both  Ollicers  and  Sol.liers  honorably  surmounted-yubmilling  myself 
to  your  Lordi"8  patronage  I  am  very  respeclfully  Your  Lordi"8  obed'  humble  serv' 

W™  Tkyon. 

'  Sit.  Moor.  —  Et). 


Kir'' 

mA 

Kh 

K' ' 

H' 

^!      '. 

^R,  , 

m  ' ' " 

1? 

^ 

1 

^<V 

B^' 

Wtj 

W 

H    ' 

.h\! 


710 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Zord  George  Gei-main  to  Governor  Tryon. 


N-  11. 


[New-Tork  Psperi  (S.  T.  0.)  CLXIX.] 


Whitehall  19  May  1777 


Sir. 

Ills  IVfaj*''''  ship  Bristol  being  under  orders  to  return  to  North  America,  I  avail  myself  of  the 
opportunity  to  acquaint  you  that  I  have  received  your  Dispatches  numbered  31,  35,  36  and  37. 
together  with  three  private  letters  of  the  9""  of  April  by  the  Neve  York  Pacliet,  which  arrived 
the  day  after  the  last  mail  was  sent  from  hence. 

The  reasons  you  suggest  for  the  appointment  of  a  Lieut'  Gov'  of  the  Province  would  incline 
me  to  submit  to  the  King  the  expediency  of  mailing  that  appointm'  immediately,  if  I  knew  a 
proper  person  to  recommend  to  His  Mtij"'  for  the  Office.  You  must  be  sensible  that  there 
being  no  Salary  annexed  to  it,  and  the  chance  of  any  emoluments  arising  from  the  execution 
of  it  in  the  oresent  circumstances  so  small,  no  fit  person  here  could  be  expected  to  accept  it, 
and  I  am  not  sufficiently  informed  of  the  real  characters  of  those  in  New  York,  who  might 
desire  to  be  appointed,  to  vouch  for  their  fittness.  I  wish  therefore  to  receive  some  further 
information,  before  1  take  any  steps  in  this  business,  and  I  must  desire  the  favour  of  you  to 
acquaint  me  with  the  names  and  characters  of  such  Gentlemen  as  Sir  W™  Howe  and  yourself 
shall  judge  best  qualified,  for  this  important  Station. 

In  the  mean  time  as  Civil  Govern'  is  not  restored,  J  do  not  apprehend  any  material 
inconvenience  can  happen  from  the  Senior  Counsellor  being  intrusted  with  the  exercise  of  the 
small  share  of  authority  which  devolves  to  him  upon  your  departure  from  the  capital. 

I  beg  you  will  be  assured  that  I  should  find  a  particular  pleasure  in  forwarding  any 
proposition  of  your's  of  a  tendency  to  promote  your  happiness  or  advantage;  but  I  am  so 
sensible  of  the  important  services  you  have  done  to  the  public,  and  of  the  great  benefit  the 
Kings  afTairs  must  receive  from  your  continuing  in  the  Govern'  of  New  York,  until  peace  is 
restored,  &  the  Constitution  has  resumed  its  legal  form  and  authority,  that  I  cannot,  consistent 
with  my  duty  to  the  King,  or  regard  for  the  public,  recommend  to  His  Maj''  a  compliance  with 
the  request  you  make  in  one  of  your  private  letters,  and  therefore  I  have  not  judged  it  proper 
to  mention  it  to  His  Majesty. 

The  rapid  success  in  raising  a  Corps  of  Provincial  Loyalists,  which  has  followed  your 
appointment  to  the  Command  of  it,  is  a  striking  proof  of  your  influence  over  the  Inhabitants, 
and  of  the  zealous  endeavours  you  have  exerted  for  bringing  them  back  to  their  duty. 

The  King  commands  mc  to  express  to  you  His  Royal  approbation  of  your  unceasing 
attention  to  His  service ;  and  I  have  the  satisfaction  to  add  that  His  Maj'i'  has  the  greatest 
reliance  on  the  spirit  and  loyalty  of  His  faithful  American  subjects  under  your  command,  and 
entertains  very  high  expectations,  that  the  most  important  consequences  will  attend  their 
vigorous  efforts  under  a  Command  they  are  so  much  attached  to,  and  whoso  fortitude  and 
ability  aflbrd  the  fairest  hopes  of  success  in  all  his  undertakings. 

1  am  ettc. 

Gko.  Gbrmain. 


I 


wag. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI. 

Owernor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Germam. 

[  BTew-Tork  Pipe™  ( B.  P.  0. )  OLXIX.  ] 


711 


My  Lord.  New  York.  8  June  1777. 

\ccordin.,Iu  T  n„Ki;  V.  7  cli^tricts  of  the   Province   within   the   limits  of  the  Armv. 

alrea  y  J  r  buted     a^o^  h  f  "'  -->-'"g  their  contributions  &  thi,  City  has 

to  hI^  M^^:;;;""  °'  '^°'"'  '""^"^'  ^  '""  ^'^  P'^^^"^«  *°  ---  ^^-'^  -••  ^e  Plea.ing 

The  Court  of  Admiralty  has  not  yet  been  opened,  waiting  for  an  act  of  Parliament  to  give 

he  w        Tr       ''  'k  '''  """'  "'"'^"^^  '"^^  ^-^P^""  °^  P^--  have  been  great  sufferers  by 

have  bet      M  "T^^'""  ""^"'  ^"'  ''^'^'''  '"'''  '  -»  '^^-™«^.  '"-y  peris  able    Lea 

I  am  with  1;  "      u    '''  '  P""""'  ^"'  "'i"'^^  ^•^^  --"««  °f  P-li'^--t. 
1  am  with  all  possible  respect 

My  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obed'  &  very  humble  serv« 

W»  Tryon. 


•*••*»•  ^ 


Colonel  Guy  Johnmn  to  Lord  George  Germain. 

/J^ogV  tP'»»t««<"i»0ener»l(8.P.0.)CCLXIII.] 

My  T^ord.  Ne^  ^°^^  June  8'*  1777. 

In  my  letter  of  Apnl  Inst  (N-  4)  I  mentioned  briefly  the  state  of  matter,  at  that  time;  a  few 
onltltL'mT  '"'"°'"'  to  carry  messages  to  the  Indians  an  obtain  an  account 
the  ForrfroL  Ti  /  8°"'-"V«'"-''>. -'t^  a  full  state  of  the  strength  and  circumstances  of 
haracte  '["T.  J^'"'"°«''  '°  Albany  which  he  obtained  thro' hi,  address  under  an  assumea 
character.  &  ikewise  gave  a  particular  account  of  a  large  magazine  of  military  „ores  and 
provision,  collected  at  Danbury  in  Connecticut:  which  I  communicated  to  S'  VV-  Howe  who 

Icnli  rr"'  '  T      ?  u-  '""'"  "'"^''  '^''  ^"■"'^'"^"^  '''''^y^'  '^'  ^»^°'«'  «"  "«  has  douMles, 
acquainted  your  Lordship. 

The  last  of  April  a  person  had  the  good  fortune  to  arrive  from  Canada,  who  brought  me 
letter,  from  my  OflBcers.  with  an  acco-  of  the  Six  Nation,  having  called  in  and  assembled  all 


712 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


their  people,  in  order  to  make  a  diversion  on  the  frontiers  of  this  Province  &  Pensyivania, 
agreable  to  my  messages ;  since  which  they  have  made  several  attacks  along  the  back 
settlements  from  Fort  Stanwix  to  the  Ohio,  with  such  success  that  the  rebels  have  been  obliged 
to  detach  General  Hand '  with  some  troops  to  protect  the  frontiers  and  are  in  much 
consternation.  This  loyalty  of  the  Indians  is  a  great  obstruction  to  their  levies,  and  is  as 
much  as  can  be  expected  'till  we  open  the  natural  communication  by  Hudson's  River  to  them, 
for  they  are  very  badly  supplied  with  arms  and  ammunition,  and  as  they  never  lay  up  more 
provisions  than  become  absolutely  necessary  for  family  consumption,  they  can  only  carry  on 
thfl  war  in  flying  partys,  till  a  communication  is  effected  with  our  army,  when  they  may  be 
supplied  and  marched  in  large  bodies  as  the  service  may  require ;  and  event  for  which  I  am 
extremely  anxious,  as  I  conceive  it  would  much  facilitate  the  military  operations.  We  have 
indeed  for  some  time  expected  to  hear  of  the  approach  of  the  Northern  Army  and  the  favorable 
season  there,  with  the  readiness  in  which  they  were  represented  to  be,  in  the  letters  I  received, 
gave  the  strongest  grounds  for  it.  Sir  Will"  Howe's  first  movements  will  be  for  another 
quarter,  but  from  his  orders  to  me  I  have  reason  to  hope  that  a  push  will  be  soon  made  to 
the  Northward. 

The  vessel  with  Indian  presents,  mention'd  by  Your  Lordship,  arrived  some  time  past,  and 
its  contents  are  well  stored  'till  there  shall  be  occasion  for  them. 

M'  Chew  (my  Secretary)  having  been  lately  on  some  business  towards  the  East  end  of 
Long  Island,  was  made  prisoner  with  many  others  by  a  party  of  rebels,  and  as  some  think 
betray'd  by  the  disaffected  inhabitants  in  that  quarter.  But  however  general  the  infatuation 
of  the  multitude  may  be,  the  mistaken  fidelity  of  the  Indians  is  a  sensible  check  to  them,  &  I 
cannot  too  much  applaud  the  loyalty  of  the  Six  Nations,  under  the  many  disadvantages  they 
must  labour 'till  the  rout  is  opened,  which  will  enable  them  to  see  the  strength  of  His  Majesty's 
arms  and  to  receive  the  iiecessary  supplys  for  prosecuting  the  war  with  vigour. 

I  beg  to  be  honoured  with  your  Lordship's  commands  and  to  assure  you  that  nothing  shall 
be  wanting  on  my  part  for  promoting  the  true  ends  of  government,  and  meriting  the  confidence 
of  my  Royal  Master  thro'  your  Lordship's  favorable  opinion,  and  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
with  great  respect  &  esteem.  My  Lord, 

Yodr  Lordships  most  obedient 

and  most  humble  Servant 

To  the  Right  Honorable  Lord  George  Germain  &"  G.  Johnson. 

'  Brigixiier-Gcneral  Kdward  Uasd  was  born  ot  Clydiiff,  King's  county,  Irelund,  on  the  Slat  December,  174't.  cntersd 

the  British  army  on  27th  February,  1772,  as  Kiisign  of  the  18th  or  Uoynl  Irish  regiment  of  foot,  then  serving  in  A  -.erica.  He 
aervcd  about  two  years  with  this  regiment,  and  then  settled  in  Pennsylvania.  At  the  beginning  of  the  Revolution  h"  wii 
appointed  Lieutenant-Colonel ;  on  7th  March,  1776,  was  promoted  to  be  Colonel  of  a  regiment  of  Ritlemen  in  the  army  at 
Cambridge,  at  the  head  of  wliich  he  served  at  the  battle  uf  Iiong  Island  in  August  following  and  shared  in  the  retreat  from 
Brooklyn,  of  which  ho  has  left  n  graphic  aecounL  In  October  ful'owing  he  w.is  stationed  at  Delancey's  Mills,  Westchester 
county,  New-Tork,  and  was  in  the  battle  of  Trenton  at  the  close  of  the  same  year,  Ila  was  appointed  Brigadier-Oeneral  in 
April,  1777,  and  commanded  at  Pittsburgh  during  the  following  summer  and  fall.  In  October,  1778,  he  commanded  at 
Albany,  and  in  1780  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  one  of  the  Light  Infantry  brigades;  and  at  the  close  of  the  year, 
succeeded  Scammell  as  Adjutant-General,  which  post  he  held  until  tL  close  of  the  war.  General  Hand  died  at  Kookford, 
I.ancaster  county,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  Sd  September,  1802,  in  the  SSth  year  of  hia  «ge.  —Ed. 


E? 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI. 


713 


Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Oerrmin. 

[  New-Tork  Paper.  ^  8.  P.  o. )  CLXIX.  ] 

*^y/°/^-  New  Vork.  9.  June  1777. 

Brigadier  .„„  Q.ar.er  Ma.,.r  o.  „a     ,1 M  „  7°""°;  "•"'"  "•  ''''  '''"""''  -P'-')'.  »» 
His  M»j"  in  l,i,  bolmlf,  it  .houd  be    ha.?       .'.         """  '  ""™''"'  '»  '""I"  »  '^q»"  to 

I  am,  My  Lore',  most  respectfully 

Vour  obedient  servant. 

W™  Thyon  M  :  G  : 


'0, 


{N»G) 


Colonel  Gvy  Jokn,on  to  Lord  George  Germain. 

(  PlMtatton.  Oeowtl  (g.  p.  o.)  CCLXIII.] 

New  York  July  7""  1777. 


My  Lord. 

The  day  after  dispatching  my  last  lettPr  \  h.A  ,u  y 
of  the  Six  Nations  writte„\yi  ""^ L'^A  ^^  ---  °^--'-g  one  from  the  Chiefs 
May  agreahle  to  the  directions  I  l..d  g  ven.  wi  h  d  „lh  "r'"'/'"'  ""^  ''''  "«*""^'^^  '" 
tHey  were  all  i„  readiness  (the  Oneidas  e  c^,  e.H  .n       ,  .°  '""'  ^'  ''"  "°"^«  "'"'"^  •''« 

Ac,  a,  one  Af,n"  referring  me  to  the  be.rer  fl    n  'l,'"^«^"^ined  as  they  expressed  it  -v,, 

too  bulky.     This  information  was    hat    I  ev      J     .''a  "-."'•"'  "'^"'  '"''  ""^"«  "^->  I'-'let 
l-adsent  several  partys  to  the  ba'     /'pj^^^^^^^ 
and  had  cut  off  a  party,  with  50  head  of  c      rf  '  .f   'V  .^'■"''  ''"°' °^ '^'^  inhabitants. 

m..  ...1 1„.,„.  „,-„ .,  ,H.  ,,„  ,4,,,,  ,i:^":;.r„r,:  ml  ■:":";'  "■*  r"  -  """■■•  ■"■'-'■•  ""■  »"—. 
;^;.-  :r:,ssr,^sr:r  r;^r«r  r  ■'- ^^  ":  ^":  "::i 

■  90 


714  NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

which  would  be  much   encreased  so  soon  as  any  movement  was  made  to  the  Northward, 
adding  that  they  would  soon  strike  a  blow. 

This  intelligence  I  communicated  to  S'  W™  Howe,  who  expressed  his  sat.sfoct.on  of  the.r 
conduct,  and  advised  that  they  should  be  in  readiness  to  joyn  the  first  army  that  should  come 
to  the  Hudsons  River  communication ;  which  I  forwarded  by  the  person  who  brought  the.r 
letter,  with  such  farther  directions  as  occurred,  respecting  the  stroke  intended. 

Our   army,  having  evacuated  New  Jersey,  will   proceed  immediately  on  some  important 
expedition.     I  wish  it  was  for  some  quarter  favorable  to  a  junction  with  the  Indians,  whose 
patience  will  I  fear  be  exhausted  if  liiis  event  does  not  soon  happen,  as  they  are  not  calculate.l 
for  remaining  long  in  one  place.     I  have  just  heard  from  Capt.  Ch.us  that  thro'  your  Lordships 
favor  he  is  appointed  to  a  command  of  Indians  in  Canada,  a  circumstance  thac  w.(l   I  am 
persuaded  give  them  great  pleasure  there;  but  I  find  by  letters  from  thence  that  L  Col  S 
Leger'  is  gone  on  the  proposed  expedition  by  way  of  Ontario,  and  from  the  orders  I  have  given 
1  make  no  doubt  that  the  Six  Nations  will  joyn  him  or  the  main  army  under  General  Burgoyne 
(now  said  to  be  before  Tienderoga.)     If  there  is  no  favorable  movement  from  hence  before  he 
advances,  &  till  some  junction  is  formed,  they  cannot  be  expected  to  do  much,  for  the  Indian 
mode  of  carrying  on  war  by  themselves,  is  in  small  scattered  partys,  who  return  home  and 
feast  after  every  little  blow,  whereby  much  time  is  lost,  and  little  material  performed  beside 
alarming  the  peasantry  ;  which  in  the  present  war  is  not  alone  sufT.cient ;  but  when  they  have 
once  ioyned  the  army  and  can  be  armed  clothed  and  properly  attended  to,  I  can  then  march 
them  with  the  army  or  form  large  detachments  as  the  service  may  require,  and  both  cover  the 
troops  and  annoy  the  rebels  to  good  purpose.     This  was  successfully  practised  in  the  last  war 
bv  Sir  W-  Johnson,  and  I  expect  to  shew  it  in  the  present;  the  opportunity  only  is  wanting,  I 
hope  it  is  not  distant,  for  I  have  nothing  to  fear  but  delay,  the  Indians  having  treated  the 
ar,.lication8  of  the  rebels  with  the  greatest  contempt,  and  in  all  respects  equalled  my  most 

sanguine  expectations.  ,.,,,.  v 

I  have  had  an  interview  with  the  Montok  Indians  on  Long  Island  who  tho'  few  in  number 
and  surrounded  by  disafiected  people,  have  offered  their  services  whenever  the  General  siiall 
nlease  to  make  use  of  them,  and  1  hold  ..nyself  in  readiness  to  proceed  on  the  fi-st  movement 
that  can  favor  a  junction  to  the  Northward  when  the  General  tells  me  I  shall  receive  his 
further  orders.     1  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordships  most  obedient 

&  most  obliged  humble  serv' 

G.  Johnson. 

I  am  just  honor'd  with  copies  of  the  late  Act  of  Parliament,  transmitted  by  M'  Knox. 

The  Right  Honorable  Lord  Geo.  Germain 


f  y 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLVI. 


715 


Governor  Tryoii  to  Lord  George  Gennain. 

j\o  ^0.  lN«w-Yurk  Papeji  (S.  P.  0.)  CLXIX] 

My  Lord,  ^'"fi8  Bridge  Camp.  8  July  1777, 

daL":..e  °i°Ap h;',1:''^  ''-''''  °^  ^^^  °^'^'-^'  ^"^  *^"P'-^^  "^  .--  Lo-l^«  "ii^Patch  N-  10, 

CO  "evSTsCh  oh?"'  ^f  P''°'f  °"  "'■  '">'  "»-  '°  '"*^«  ^'-  <=o«'"'ar>d  of  the  Provincial  Forces. 

r  '  f  GTe    ,  1     ""?        "  ^'  r"  '^""'  "  '"^  ''''"''"'"« '°  •"«•    '"  -"sequence  of  thi 
offer,  the  General  has  put  me  ,n  orders  to  command  the  Provincials  raised  in  this  Colony  arid 

p  aced  after  al  Ihe  Major  Generals  in  America,  though  of  later  standing  in  the  army,  but  must 
also  be  under  all  such  as  may  hereafter  be  appointed  here,  or  come  out  under  the  King's  011""' 
As  your  LordPs  will  perceive  the  mortifications  that  cannot  but  attend  me  under  such  an 
r  .rangement.  you  w.ll  allow  me  to  hope,  that  the  propriety  of  some  attention  to  my  sen  ori " 

Mn  itv^RovIl"  "T  .""'"  "''  *'•  "'"  '"'"^^  ''""^  '^°'''  ''  ^"'''"'^  th«  -alter  to  His 
ftlajesty  s  Uoyal  consideration. 

Until  the  King's  army  penetrates  into  the  interior  part  of  the  Country,  or  until  a  junction  of 
the  two  arm.es  be  effected  (a  most  important  event  in  the  present  war)  the  ProvinJial  Levie 
cannot  be  expected  to  make  any  material  augmentations;  but  I  have  no  doubt  of  receiving 
.mmediately  upon    the  accomplishment  of  those  measures,   considerable   additions  to  their 
present  force  from  the  northe.n  Counties  of  this  Place;  many  of  whose  Loyal  Inhabi  an 
1  ave  suffered  much   fron.  the  inroads  of  the  Rebels,  for  their  uniform  attachment  to  H 
Maj..sty's  Gove"".     I  am  with  all  possible  respect 

JMy  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  and 

very  humble  servant 

W»  Tryon. 


Colonel  Gvy  Johnmn  to  Secretary  Knox. 

[  PliDtaUoD(  Geaenl  (  8.  P.  O. )  CCLSIII.  ] 

gj^  New  York  July  lO"-  1777. 

I  was  lately  favored  with  your  letter  by  order  of  Lord  Geo.  Germain  accompanying  some 
copys  of  the  late  Act  of  Parliament,  and  I  have  by  this  opportunity  wrote  to  His  Lordship 
on  Indian  Affairs,  having  the  pleasure  to  find  that  agreable  to  my  orders  the  Indians  assembled 
ear  y  in  May,  have  made  some  successful!  attacks  on  the  Rebels,  and  are  now  (at  the  desire  of 
S'  \\">  Howe)  lying  in  readiness  to  joyn  either  this  or  the  Northern  Army,  whichsoever  shall 
first  come  on  the  Hudson's  River  communication,  I  have  had  for  some  time  great  hopes  that 
a  movement  from  hence  that  way  would  have  been  among  the  first  objects,  because  I  an, 
persuaded  of  the  importance  of  a  junction  with  the  Indians,  till  when  the  latter  can  act  but 


716 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


feebly  thro'  the  want  of  supplys  and  the  mode  of  their  warfare.  However  I  hope  the  period 
is  near  at  hand,  and  that  their  unshaken  fidelity  will  meet  with  no  farther  disappointment. 
Capt  Claus  writes  me  that  he  has  got  an  appointment  in  Canada,  which  I  linow  will  be  very 
pleasing  to  the  Indians  there,  and  will  promote  the  Service. 

I  take  this  opportunity  Sir  of  returning  you  my  best  acknowledgements  for  your  kind 
attention  &  civility  whilst  I  was  in  London  to  which  my  hearing  from  you  occasionally  wou'd 
be  an  additional  and  a  sensible  obligation,  for  I  greatly  respect  your  character,  and  I  am  with 

much  esteem  and  respect  Sir 

Your  most  obedient  & 

most  humble  Servant 
G.  Johnson. 
W"  Knox  Esq 


N"  12. 


TjOi'd  George  Germain  to  Governor  Tryon, 

[  New-York  Papen  (8.  p.  O.)  CLXIX.] 

Whitehall  6  August  1777. 


Sir, 

Several  of  the  King's  faithful  subjects  in  the  Prov"  of  South  Carolina,  having  been  permitted 
by  the  Rebel  Committees  to  withdraw  from  thence  and  to  embarque,  with  some  part  of  their 
property,  on  board  vessels  belonging  to  the  Rebels  bound  for  foreign  Ports,  some  of  those 
Vessels  have  been  taken  and  brought  into  England :  Of  these  the  ship  called  the  Three  Sisters 
has  lately  been  libeled  in  the  Court  of  Admiralty  here,  and  upon  the  hearing  the  effects  on 
board  belonging  to  the  King's  Loyal  subjects  were  claimed  by  themselves,  or  their  agents,  and 
the  Court  having  allowed  their  claim,  I  have  thought  it  proper  to  send  you  the  inclosed 
authentic  copy  of  the  sentence,  that  it  may  serve  as  a  guide  to  the  Court  of  V.  Admiralty  to 

be  established  at  New  York  in  similar  cases. 

I  am  ettc. 

Geo:  Germain. 


NMl. 


Governor  Tryon  to  Lord  George  Gennahi. 

INow-Tork  Ptp«n  (8.  P.  O.)  CLXIX.] 

King's  Bridge  Camp.  24  August  1777. 


My  Lord. 

By  the  opportunity  of  a  Merchant  ship,  I  have  the  honor  to  acquaint  your  Lord^of  the  death 
of  M'  James  Jauncey  a  Member  of  His  Maj'''  Council  of  this  Province,  also  of  the  death  of  M' 
Rich''  Colden  Surveyor  and  Searcher  of  the  Port  of  New  York.  I  have  appointed  W  Samuel 
Vetch  Bayard  by  Commission  under  the  seal  of  the  Province  to  succeed  to  the  office  M'  Rich** 
Colden  held ;  from  tiie  steady  Loyalty  of  his  Father,  and  ,he  depredations  made  ou  his  Estate 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI. 


717 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect 

My  Lord, 

Your  LordP'  most  obedient  and 

very  humble  servant 

W"  Tryon. 


NMB. 


Governor  Jryoti  to  Lord  Geonje  Genmia. 


My  Lord.  King's  Bridge  Camp.  3.  October  1777. 

Gr:j;ri:So!:^:::Jl^°;;^^::^''r '^^"^^  ^^  ^^«  -'^  ^^^^  -•  -^e^in  I  had  the 

As  your  LordP  has  not   1  oudU    '  L  f"'"''  "PP''"^"'-''  "^  "'^  Public  conduct. 

Mnj.  my  wishes  restive  to  mv  el  IT'  T°"  '""  ''^""'"^  '°  '"«'  '«  '^^  ^-^f"-  "'« 
not  presume  to  s  th  m"n  t  t  uuLllcT  T  ^°"  ^°'''' ■»  -y  private  letter.  I  dare 
renew  them.  '  P"'''"  '^'^P'^''^'  ^'«'^'"g  '■°>-  ^  ""ore  suitable  season  to 

this  vast  Continenl  t  lVbrno\elp  r^^  •"^, '°  "'""  "°'"^-    '^'^«  ^^  «-P>«  "^ 

struggled  through  s^  manv  sc  nes  0^1^.^  T  T"  '"  '  '"""""^  "  "'^"^'^  '  "-« 

oni^tHorset::;:^^^^;^-:--^^^^^ 

guard,  l,t  November,  1781 ;  and  was  nron.otcd  to  Cfl,.t«i„  V.T  "'"''*""*;  ""  '"«'"'"'  I''«<'teuant  i„  the  Coldstream 
Coia,tr,.a  OuarJ,,  I,.,  487.  In  ,762  1  e  became  Co  el  „  '""'  '"  t  '1  T'  '""'''  ""  *"'^'  "''■  """"nnon'. 
^•"ve„■be,  17C6.     After  gaining  great  eredit  by  Ms  1  v  1  Ir       T''  °'  ''"  ""'   ''^''''''''  "' ^"'^  »■'  '"«  28th 

Major-General  05th  May.  1772,  a,,d  in  Z  7  J"  .  .^  '^  T?"  '"""  ""  '"  ^'•"''"'"J'  '"«  "^  '^  ""^  ""t  of 
^vn,  rewarded,  on  the  1st  Septelb  onowL  IVe  "ere:  lT\  .\  rJ"  '"'"^""'^'^  '"""'"  «'  «-""  "'"•  -^ 
Oenera.  in  An.eriea.  On  Ist  January,  7^  L  w™  nTed  G  nlf '  '^^''  *"'  ""','  '"''''"°"'  '°  '""  ^""^  "^  ^'^'-""^ 
Inland;  eomn.anded  the  lirst  line  of  U.e  Br  ti  h  Irmv  «t  sLf  ,f  7  7  f  T""  ""^  ""  •''^^^■'""'  """  y'"  "'  «""-"»•» 
...anded  a  division  in  the  b.t.Ie  on  lonTh  and      n  Oc.oU     1  ^  T  ,  '"'^  ""  ""^  '''"  "'  "'"  '"""^  '"°""'-  -™- 

Wostohester  county;  and  in  December  a  tl  „1       '.    '        m      '  '     '  ''°"'""  "^  "'«  ^™"''«»"  """7  «"'  "'"  K™n^,  in 

engaged  in  operation  „„  the  Hud^  "ri^^r  'rtt  r7f\T  ""'  '"  '"'^  '""*''°"  "'  ''''"'"  '''""'^  ^"  ""■  ""  - 
August,  and  in  October  was  present  te  l^n  i„.  f  f  ,  Z'T  \  ""  '""'''"""'  ^'-'--'-"--al  in  the  army  in 
con.n,issioned  Commanderin-Ch       a„d    omL  I  ^Vash.ngton  and  Clinton.     In  1778,  Sir  Henry  Clinton  wa, 

SnU  Royal  Highlanders  i  ittember  ft  si  '  ".  7  ■'"'"•''''''''"  '«  "^'^-^'o^^  •  -"  Tpointed  Colonel  of  the 
i"  I.-ember  en':tar.ed  for  cLX  .  w  i  VcTe  r;-  ^^  tT  "''\  'r7  '"""'''  "^  ""  ""  '■'«"'  '^"^--'  -" 
1782.  when  he  returned  to  Kngland  ;her    h     ,.  M    )    ^  ™"  '"  ""^  "'"^''  '"'"""""^  ''^  "''■'"''•  '-'"'^•""  '» 


,S- 


718 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Cnmpaign.  Tliey  are  Cnntooned  between  our  lines  and  the  Rebels  at  the  White  Plains,  and 
liave  taken  up  several  Deserters,  for  which  I  give  them  a  guinea  for  each  Man,  which  checks 
the  evil  spirit  of  Desertion. 

This  Troop  is  truly  "  Elite  "  of  the  Country,  and  their  Capl"  M'  James  De  Lancey '  who  is 
also  Colonel  of  the  Militia  of  Westchester  County  ;  I  have  much  confidence  in  them,  for  their 
spirited  behaviour. 

The  appointment  of  a  Lieut'  Gov'  to  this  Province  from  the  present  appearances  of  Public 
affairs,  1  believe  may  be  postponed  ;  I  really  do  not  know  any  person  on  this  side  the  Atlantic,  I 
could  recommend  for  that  office,  while  no  Emolument  or  Salary  is  affixed  to  the  Character. 
I  am  with  all  possible  respect 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lord^'s  most  obedient  and 

most  humble  servant 

W"  Tryon. 


Colonel  CloH.'i  to  Secretary  Knox. 

t  Plantatioiii  0«ncral  ( t.  V.  O.  )  CCLXIII.  1 

Montren'  IG.  Octob'  1777. 

Sir, 

I   take   the   liberty  to   give   you  such    an  ace'  of  the  expedition  I  was  appointed  to  tins 
campaign,  as  my  capacity  will  permit  me,  and  which  tlio'  tedious,  I  used  all  the  conciseness  in 

my  power. 

On  my  arrival  at  Quebec  1"  June,  Sir  Guy  Carleton  being  at  Montreal,  my  letter  from  my 
Lord  George  Germain  was  forwarded  to  him  by  L'  Gov'Cramahe  that  day,  and  myself  arrived 
there  a  few  days  after.  I  waited  on  Sir  Guy  who  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  the  letter,  but 
said  nothing  farther  upon  it,  than  addressing  himself  to  Capt.  Tice,  who  was  in  England  with 
Joseph  and  then  at  the  Levy,  that  I  had  now  the  command  of  him  and  those  lnd°  Officers  and 
Indians  that  were  destin'd  for  Brigadier  S'  Ledgers  expedition.  A  day  or  two  after  I  waited 
on  him  again  for  his  orders  and  instructions  and  asked  what  rank  I  was  to  have  on  the 
Expedif  He  replied  only  on  the  later;  that  it  could  not  be  settled  here.  I  then  spoke  about 
the  Equipm"  necessary  for  Indians  going  on  service.  He  said  I  shou'd  find  every  thing  ready 
on  my  meeting  with  L'  Col.  Jn°  Butler  Dep'  to  Col.  Johnson.  Finding  there  was  a  sufficiency 
in  the  Indian  Store  at  Montreal  after  serving  General  Burgoynes  Indians,  I  applied  for  the 
most  requisite  articles  for  an  Indian  Exped"  for  fear  such  might  have  been  expended  by  Col. 
Butler,  and  if  not,  cou'd  be  returned  rgain,  such  as  a  few  arms,  pipehatchets,  tomyhawks, 
knives,  kettles,  vermilion,  Ind"  shoes,  flints  &-'  I  was  told  I  shou'd  find  all  these  things  with 
Col.  Butler. 

'  James  dk  Lancet,  son  of  Peter  Je  Lanccy  and  Elizabeth  Coldcn,  was,  for  many  years,  sheriff  of  Weitdieeter  county, 
New-York.  At  tlie  close  of  the  war  he  retired  to  Novs  Scotia,  where  he  became  member  of  the  Council  in  1794,  and  dud 
iu  1800.  Hulgate't  American  Oentalogy,  IHO.  —  Eu. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VI.  ^-.g 

Some  time  before  our  march  I  informed  myself  of  Sir  Guy  Carleton,  of  the  state  Fort 

Osllo  H  '  P««ec«"ed  Salmon  Creek  on  Lake  Ontario,  about  20  mi  es    rom 

Oswego;  ,n  order  to  surprise  the  garrison  and  take  it  with  small  arms. 

Between  60  and  70  leagues  from  Montreal  my  reconnoitring  party  returned,  and  met  me 
wuh  5  pnsoners  one  Lieu')  and  4  scalps,  having  defeated  a  working  party  of  16  rebels  as  t^ev 
were  cut  .ng  sodd,  towards  repairing  and  finishing  the  Old  Fort,  which  is'a  n-^  r  s  -a"  J 
garr.sson-d  by  upwards  of  600  men,  the  repairs  far  advanced  and  the  rebels  expe  t  "  "  nnd 
were  acquamted  w.th  our  strength  and  rout.     I  imn.ediately  forwarded  the  p  isonefs  to     e 

and    e  sent  for  me,  and  talking  over  the  intelligence  the  rebel  prisoners  gav^  he  ow  ed 
ha    .f  they  .ntended  to  defend  themselves  in  that  Fort,  our  artillery  was  not  Lcient  to^ 
t.  however  he  sa.d.  he  has  determined  to  get  the  truth  of  these  fellows.    I  told  Lm    ha 
havng  exam.ned  them  seperately  they  agreed  in  their  story.     And  here  the  Brig'  had  sTil  an 
opportun.ty  and  Ume  of  sending  for  a  better  train  of  artillery  and  wait  for  the  junction       te 

snll  full  of  h.s  Alert,  making  little  of  the  prisoners  intelligence. 

On  his  arrival  at  Buck  Island  the  8-  July,  he  put  me  in  orders  as  Superintendant  of  the 
Lxped"  and  .mpower'd  me  to  act  for  the  best  of  my  judgment  for  his  Majesty's  service    n 
U,e  management  of  the  Ind^  on  the  Exped"  as  well  as  what  regarded  their  Equfpm"  present 
&   he  be.ng  an  ent,re  stranger  thereto.     There  was  then  a  vessell  at  the  Island  which  ha 
some  Indmn  Goods  on  board,  which   Col.   Butler  had   procur'd  for  the   Exped"   but  upon 
exammafon  I  found  that  almost  every  one  of  the  above  articles  I  demanded  at  Montreal   ^Le 
deficient,  and  a  mere  impossibility  to  procure  them  at  Buck  Island,  had  I  not  luckily  provided 
some  of  those  articles  before  I  left  Montreal,  at  my  own  risque,  and  with  difficulty  Brig' S' 
Ledger  found  out  30  stand  of  arms  in  the  Artillery  Store  at  Swegachy,  and   I  added  all  my 
eloquence  to  satisfy  the  Indians  about  the  rest. 

The  Brig'  sat  out  from  the  Island  upon  his  Alert,  the  lO'"  July,  I  having  been  ordered  to 
proceeded  to  Oswego  with  Sir  John  Johnson's  reg'  and  a  Company  of  Chasseurs  lately  arriv'd 
there  to  convene  &  prepare  the  Indians  to  join  the  Brig'  at  Fort  Stanwix.  On  my  arrival  at 
Oswego  23"  July  I  found  Joseph  Brant  there ;  who  acquainted  me  that  his  party,  consistinR 
of  about  300  Indians,  would  be  in  that  day,  nnd  having  been  more  than  2  months  upon 
service,  were  destitute  of  necessaries,  ammunition,  and  some  arms.  Joseph  at  the  same  time 
complaming  of  having  been  very  scantily  supplied  by  Col.  Butler,  with  ammunition  when  at 


-V>    "^    -r 


r--.  V 


^■.  '-... 


*     V         f 


,*■-  A.  .  V 


:<?^    v'^    I 


720 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Niagara  in  li.3  spring,  altho'  lie  acquainted  Col.  Biiller  of  his  being  threaten'd  with  a  visit  from 
the  rebel  General  Herkemer'  of  Tryon  County,  and  acturilly  was  alterwnrds  visited  by  him  with 
300  men  with  him,  and  oOO  at  some  distance ;  when  Joseph  had  not  200  Indians  together,  but 
resolutely  declaring  to  the  Rebel  General  that  ne  was  determined  to  act  against  them  for  the 
King,  he  oliliged  them  to  retreat  with  more  me.nrcs,  not  having  20  lb.  of  powder  among 
his  party. 

The  24""  of  July  I  received  an  express  from  Brig'  £'  Ledger,  at  Salmon  Creek,  about  20 
miles  from  Oswego,  to  repair  thither  with  what  .irnis  and  vermilion  I  had,  and  iha'  he  wished  I 
wou'd  come  prenaret'.  for  a  march  thro*  the  woods.  As  to  arms  and  vermilion  I  had  none,  but 
prepared  myself  to  go  upon  the  March,  and  was  ready  to  set  off,  when  Joseph  came  into  my 
tent  and  told  me  that  as  no  person  was  on  the  spot  lo  take  care  of  ll'e  number  of  Indians  with 
him,  he  apprehended  in  case  I  sliou'd  leave  them  they  wou'd  become  disgusted,  and  disperse, 
which  might  prevent  the  rest  of  the  6  Nat'ons  to  assemble,  and  be  hurtfull  to  the  Exped"  and 
beged  I  wou'd  first  represent  those  circumstances  to  the  Brig'  by  letter.  Brig'  S'  Ledger 
mjution'd  indeed,  my  going  was  chietly  intended  to  qi-'et  the  Indians  with  him,  who  v/ere 
very  drunk  and  riotous,  and  Capt.  Tice,  who  was  the  messenger,  informed  me  that  the  Brig' 
ordfT'd  the  Indians  a  qua;t  of  mm  apiece,  which  made  them  all  beastly  drunk,  and  in  which 
case  it  is  not  in  tlie  power  of  man  to  quiet  them.  Accordingly  I  mention'd  to  the  Brig'  by 
letter  the  consequences  that  might  affect  Hif.  Majesty's  Indian  intereM  in  cnse  I  was  to  leave 
so  large  a  number  of  Indians  that  w.^re  come  Already  and  still  expected.  FTpon  which 
ippresentatioii  and  finding  the  Indians  disapproved  oi  the  plan  &  were  \inwilling  to  prof-eed, 
the  brig'  came  away  from  Salmon  Creek  and  arriv'd  the  next  day  at  Oswego  with  the  Comp» 
of  the  S"-  and  Oi""  Reg"  and  about  e-lO  Indians. 

Having  equincd  Joseph  s  party  with  "'hat  necessnrys  and  nnimunition  I  liad,  I  appointed 
the  rest  jf  the  fi  Nations  tu  assemble  at  the  3  Hivers,  .;  convenient  place  of  rendezvous,  and  in 
the  way  tc  Fort  Stanwi>.,  nud  desired  Col.  Butler  to  follow  me  with  the  Indians  he  brought 
w'th  him  from  Niagrrn,  and  eqn'p  Miem  all  r.t  the  3  Rivers. 

riie  L'O'*"  of  J  lily  left  Oswego,  and  a**  of  Augur,t  arrived  with  the  Brig'  and  the  greatest  part 
of  the  troops  before  Port  Stanwix,  whicli  was  invested  the  Hn!iio  evening.  The  enemy  having 
stoped  up  a  narrow  river  called  Wood  Creek  by  cutting  of  trees  across  it  for  about  20  miles, 
along  which  our  Artillery  provisirna  and  baggage  was  to  pass,  which  passage  to  cut  opvu 
required  a  num'jer  of  men,  as  w  II  as  cutting  it  road  thro'  the  woods  for  25  miles,  to  bring  up 
the  Ar  illery  stores  &'  that  were  immediately  wanted,  which  weaken'd  our  sniall  army  greatly. 
The  a"*'  4'*  and  r/""  the  Jndiuns  surrounded  the  Fort  and  fire;!  '"rom  behind  logs  and  rising 

'  IlriKO'li'T  ('«iii>f-iil  NiciioiAn  lltMiVtR  will  llie  cil<lr»t  khii  >if  .lolinii  Jixt  HiTkimor,  *  I'aUliiir,  «nil  one  of  tho  uii^liml 
p»tfiilTO"  (if  DiiriiiUHi  i<)  llcrkiiimr  county,  N^'W  Vork.  IIo  »•»•  oiiiiiniii«»iiinril  a  l.ii  iili'iimit  in  tlic  St'lK'nri'tml^  iiijlilia  /ill, 
.l?»nu»ry,  IT.^tt,  «nil  ccniiiinndnl  Fori  llrrkiiiKf  Mint  M'lir  wln'ii  llip  Kniuli  an.l  Inlinin  nllii<>kril  ilic  (liT.iian  Fhiln  In  I7i)ll 
he  liv<f(l  in  tlu'  ('nimjulini ii'  dintinl.  In  \Tla  'in  w:it  iip|«ilnt<'<l  ('o!<ini>l  of  tlia  l»t  l'«U«lion  of  niililiii  in  Tryim  <>ounly,  nnil 
r»|>rc«entei!  hit  tlijlrict  iu  tli?  Cuiinly  ioinmiUc*  of  8•^fl•t^r,  of  which  h«  wm  rhairinan.  <>n  tth  :Vplrinl><>r,  117(1,  hp  wa< 
coniniixionpil  Urigaillir  (t»iuT»i  of  t'.a  Tryon  i-ounly  inilitit  liy  Uie  l\invmtliin  of  U.t  Hlule  of  N«w-Vork,  anil  lllh  AnKori, 
m7,  pot.-nirinilfl  th*  Ai.nrioiin  forie*  *\  lhi<  b»lllc  of  (irii<k«ny,  whin'  lie  rn.'lri'ii  »  ball  which  frnctiifnl  hi.i  li'if.  Altir 
the  aCion  hn  «■«»  convcyi-il  to  hit  home,  'n  lh«i  pri-^ciil.  lo-vn  of  Diiiiulio,  «  few  niilM  "»»t  of  I.itllo  I'mIIh,  whcr*  Ihf  limli  wm 
nnakilfiilly  <ni|>iitxtF>l,  in  rour>i|u>>nc>>  of  which  h«  ilioil  •onie  ton  ilny>  iiftrr,  in  ahont  the  Aoih  yen'' of  hia  i^fe,  Oen^ra! 
ilfrkimrr  »a9  twice  niarrieil,  Coujireaa  |<nMcil  a  rivoliition  reijucjiing  liie  (iovenior  and  t'ouiicil  of  Mrw-V<>rk  to  eract  a 
iiionuincnt,  it  the  ci^ieiiae  of  Iha  I  nitc<l  S'ati'i,  lo  the  iiivniory  of  ilia  brave  kou  of  NewVork,  hu!,  itraiiga  H  it  may  a|>|K'ar, 
Iha  raaulution  itill  raiiir  na  n  dra.!  letter.  Slant i  brant)  Bmlon't  Hitlor^  of  Utrkimtt  Cvttnlf.  —  Ku, 


1 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVT. 

grounds,  at  the  carrison,  whprevpr  fJmt  Jin.i  „„    i  •     ,       , .  . 

at  the  Fortifications  in  t  e  day  Th  t  ^^  ^^  t^^^''  "'^'^  ''--"J^'^  "--  ^-n  working 
by  Joseph's  sister  from  Conajoharee    that  a  Todv  f"  > '  ""'.  '""«'"  "^  '"'"""«  «-"' 

-ithin  10  or  12  mil.s  of  our'  ann,  t  a  It  A^  ,  '  "'T  7  ''""  '"''^*="  ""''  """'**  *'« 
to  reconnoitre  the  enen,y.  Sir  JoL  Jo  ,  f  „..  ,^f  "'-•'""''"'  "'  "''""^  4"»  '"'"""«  was  ordred 
and  head  the  whole.  wLh  ^a;;  an  7  Co  B  Uiir  ^'T  '7-'"^-^  "'^ '^■^'^t  Infantry 
with  the  Indians.     Ti.o  reVis  hnv  n.  !n  \  ^"'-  '^""'"^  ""''  "'^er  Indian  Officers  were  ordered 

us. (bein« upwards ofso;:!: u^^kfn  rr.r^rn:';'::;"''^^ -^ ^"^'-"^ "-^ ^"'"-' 

and  artillery  (which  we  learned  hy  prison"^  t h  f  1  7^'  .  "^  '""■'  "'  '"  °"'"  ^"■*"'^'" 
left  Canada.     They  therefore  o„  Ui^n"     ^         .    ^^      ""^  "  ^'"'"  "'*''^  •^"''''«''^y«  '"^'""'•^  we 

-urity and careieL:,:::' whTn 1 1,  r:,:' r;;;;;:';:;;:"^''- "'■  "'T-"« "^ -». -'^'^ 

surprised,  (,ri,kly  attacked  and  after  a  linl .  r  1   .  .      '^  "'"■"  """^'''y*"^  ^'^  ""'•  {'"'■'y. 

of  500  killed  o,f  the  spo     1  Itrwhi  t""' '"'''"''''^  ""'^ '^'■'^"'*^'^ '  leaving  upward  ' 

Genera,  was  shot  thro'^:-::'::;;^;:^;:::;;"^  "''''"  ""'  '"''"''-"  ^^""^ 
Hare  and  Wilson  of  the  Indians  Capt"  L  eu'  m'dI,  I  S  rT  '^T""'  '^''  '"«'  ^"1'^"' 
32  Indians,  among  which  were  severd  SeneL  r  7  t  n  I  '^'  /'''•"  «  "-8'  ^  °'-  »  Privates  and 
Sir  John's  reg.  and  33  Indil  w".'  d!  ,      .^    ^  Capt"  Watts.'  Lieu' Singleton  of 

Indians  Can.p*(who  wen  tot  Z  ,  •,  ,  ""^  '^  .T"""  ^''-'  '"«  ^"^---n  '-"d  the 
300  men  and  2  field  pieces  and  .';  k  ' "  u  !'  7"""''!""''^^^^  '"-^  boldly  sally'd  out  with 
silver  work,  .-they  h  u-in!  g  iuLTsli  so  '""77  f' •"'•''  '""  ^'°"''''  "'""^'"'"^  '""^ 
party  advancing  Ln.  o-^  Ca  np    iLv    lt^2  '      /.    " '""°"  ' '  ""''-•-" ''-y  found  a 

Singleton  aad  a  pnvate  of  S  r  iohl    I  T  ""  "''"'•  "''^'"«  "'^''  "-'"  ^-"' 

disa'ppointnuMUwa'  irer™ert  le  ,:^^^^^^  lay  wounded  in  the  Indian  Camp.  The 
them  elves  at  night,  or  a«a1  s    tl  w      ,        1        ;'"  ^'''  '""  "'^'^  ''•*^"'  """"'"«  •«^''^'"-| 

to  Oswego.  Af^e'r  uii: , :  t  i?l:  ; :;;  ^ji>  '".7;  ^"'"p '°  ^-''f"^  ^"•""  ^'"  ^  «ot 

thrown  into  the  Fort,  and  a  fe^  ho    i  fd  ,  C  ,1  '  "''  """^  ^"'"^"  ^''^"^  -"« 

-i-.-ded  reiie.  and  ^^^:::::::t:^::;j::z:i:]:z^ 

..r  field  ,ece,  to  hit  then.,  a.^  a^r^r  <:^:r^  ^a  : ti'^'lir^. ^ r^r  7^  "^ 
!!•  days,   but  to  no  purpose    ^     17   7        '"'"'""  T''' "''""'''•  ^'«°^ ''•• ''"''<'''''''.  '"r 

:=:;rxr;i;!i-;:^^^^ 

..:n.ign  nut^r  ofth^.^  re,  .I  i::;::  3  'z::::!::\:: ;:::;::  -^z- 

in.nans  |,nd,„g  that  our  besn.gn.g  the  Fort  was  of  no  ellect,  our  troops 

^'^^ziz:Z''i'z::zc::^:!::  /■•";  r*""  ^z"  •' ' •  "'"■  ^ '->■  -  ^ '*-v,.u 


vm 


91 


r- 


722  NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 

but  few,  a  reiiiforcement  ns  was  reported  of  1500  or  2000  men  with  field  pieces  by  the  way, 
began  to  be  dispirited,  and  fell  off  by  degrees.  The  Chiefs  advised  the  Brig'  to  retreat  to 
Oswego  and  get  better  artillery  from  Niagara,  and  more  men,  and  so  return  and  renew  the 
siege ;  to  which  the  Rrig'  agreed,  and  accordingly  retreated  on  the  22"  of  August.  On  our 
arrival  at  Oswego  the  tiC)'"  and  examining  into  the  state  of  the  troops  necessaries,  the  men  were 
without  shoes  and  other  things  which  only  could  be  got  at  Montreal,  the  Brig'  at  the  came 
time  having  rec-"  a  letter  fiom  General  Burgoyne  to  join  him,  either  by  a  march  thro'  the 
woods  back  of  Tryon  County  (which  was  impracticable)  or  the  way  he  came.  He  adopted 
the  later,  on  account  of  procuring  necessarys  for  the  men.  The  Indians  were  ns  much  as 
possible  reconciled  to  this  resolution  with  a  promise  that  they  shou'd  be  conven'd  as  soon  as 
Col.  Butler  cou'd  return  from  Montreal  with  some  necessarys  for  them. 

There  being  Indian  Traders  at  Oswego,  I  saw  myself  under  a  necessity  to  cloath  those 
Indians  that  lost  their  packs  by  the  rebels  at  Fort  Slanwix.  which  made  them  return 
home  contented. 

Thus  has  an  expedition  miscarried,  merely  for  want  of  timely  and  good  intelligence.  For 
it  is  impossible  to  believe  that  had  the  Brig'  S'  Ledger  known  the  real  state  of  the  Fort  and 
(Jarrisson  of  Fort  Stanwix.  he  could  jjossibly  have  proceeded  from  Montreal  without  n, 
sufficient  train  of  artillery  and  his  lull  complement  of  troops.  And  yet  by  what  I  find,  very 
large  sums  have  been  expended  on  Ace'  of  Governm'  at  Niagara,  upon  the  Indians  these  2 
year*  past,  and  they  at  the  same  time  kept  inactive :  whereas  had  these  presents  been  properly 
applied,  the  Six  Nations  might  not  only  prevent  Fort  Slanwix  from  being  reestablished,  but 
even  let  not  a  rebel  come  near  it.  or  keep  it  up;  it  being  almost  in  the  heart  of  their  country, 
and  they  with  relucf:ince  saw  the  Crown  erect  a  Fort  there  last  war.  All  the  good  done  by 
the  expcd"  was.  that  the  Ringleaders  and  principal  men  of  the  rebels  of  Tryon  County  were 
put  out  of  the  way ;  but  had  we  succeeded  it  must  be  of  vast  good  elTect  to  the  Northern 
operations,  and  it's  miscarrying  I  apprehend,  to  my  deep  concern,  to  be  the  reverse. 

Col.  Butler  on  his  arrival  at  Quebec  with  Sir  Guy  Carleton  and  producing  his  Ace"  previous 
to  Fort  Stanwix  Kxpedif  had  immediate  payment  ordered  him.  without  even  examining  the 
currency,  which  at  Niagara  is  that  of  York,  and  it  was  paid  him  in  llallilax  better  than  ^  more ; 
himself  discovering  the  mistake,  he  was  desired  to  give  the  Crown  credit  for  it :  and  upon 
proposing  to  raise  o  Ileg'  of  Hangers  at  Niagara  or  its  neighbourhood,  which  after  miscarrying 
at  Fou  .Stanwix  is  highly  improbable,  it  was  granted  him.  All  the  Hangers  he  can  muster 
up  at  present  are  not  60.  who  were  chielly  engaged  under  Col.  Johnson,  and  never  intended  to 
be  established  into  a  separate  corps.  The  origin  of  Hangers  since  the  late  Sir  W"  Johnson's 
time,  was  to  intermix  them  with  the  Indians  when  on  service,  and  be  commanded  by  the 
Indian  Oilicers.  Formerly  none  but  what  were  acquainted  with  the  Indians  and  their 
language  were  admitted,  and  rec"  half  a  Crown  pay ;  now  that  distinction  Iho'  esaentially 
necessary  is  no  more  made,  w...ch  makes  his  commission  become  an  additional  useless  expence. 

tho*  very  beneficial  to  him. 

I  having  staid  a  lorlnight  at  Oswego  after  Col.  Butler,  and  left  it  with  the  Brig'  on  my  return 
to  Canada  and  meeting  with  Sir  <Juy  Carleton  at  S'  Johns  on  my  way  to  Tyconderoga,  at  the 
same  time  pushed  by  the  merch"  that  furnished  me  with  Indian  goods  at  Montreal  and 
Oswego;  asked  him  lor  a  warrant  lo  see  them  paid.  lie  reply'd  he  cou'd  not  transact  any 
money  matters  there,  but  referr'd  mo  to  his  examining  into  what  had  been  advanced  Col. 
Butler  and  others,  on  Col.  Johnsons  ncc' ;  which  I  told  him  I  thought  I  had  no  concern  with ; 


1 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI.  -gg 

my  appointment  being  directed  to  be  paid  from  a  difTerent  cimnnel,  I  sbould  imagine  it  the 
same  w.th  the  expencen ,  so  trifling  in  comparison  to  the  olliers.  But  .  remonstrated  to  no 
purpose  and  therefore  saw  myself  obliged  to  return  to  ^rontreal  to  satisfy  my  creditors;  they 
wantmg  to  send  rem.ttances  by  the  London  vessells  which  were  ready  to  saM  ton.orro^.  anJ 
umer  nece.s.ty  to  draw  on  the  lligl.t  Hon-  the  Lords  Con.missioners  of  the  TreZ;  f^ 

X  1.00  ser«,n  two  drafts,  which  .  take  the  liberty  of  advising  you  of.  begging  your  represauing 
to  their  Lordships  the  urgent  reasons  lor  so  doing.  represuiiing 

I  am  with  great  respect 
Sir 

Your  most  ob'  and  obliged 

humble  Serv' 

Dan.  Cr.AUN. 

P^S.  Before  I  left  Oswego.  I  ordered  three  of  Col.  .Johnson's  Indian  Odlcers  to  reside  in 
•  he  S,x  Nation  con..try.      1  hey  are  people  well  liked,  intimate  and  held  in  esteem  by  then.. 

J  he.r  residence  ,s  to  be  in  the  Seneka  and  Cayouga  towns.  I  gave  them  ample  directions  & 
.nH.rnct.ons  .n  wr.t.ng.  how  to  act.  and  endeavour  to  prevent  any  intercourse  with  them  and 

he  rebels,  and  ,.8  ,m.ch  as  possible  promote  His  Majesty's  interest  among  them,  and  n.aking 
then,  sens.ble  of  the  advantage  and  satisfaction  they  have,  in  being  plentifully  supplied  in 
n.e.cha„d,z.e  by  the  traders,  by  means  of  the  Kings  ships  cruizing  in  the  Mouth  of  the  Uiver 
K  Lawrence  to  prevent  the  rebel  ships  from  interrupting  that  trade. 

'I'o  William  Knox  Ksq'  ^'  ^• 


Sir 


ColoHt'l  (H(tn.t  to  Secretory  Kuojc. 

I  l'linl«Uiiu  Qaotnl  (■,  I',  o. )  COLXll..)- 

Montieal  0  November  1777 


Before  the  lailing  of  the  London  vessells  nnder  the  convoy  of  the  Warwick  man  of  War  I 
made  n  second    application  to  Hir  (Juy  Carleton,  for  the  payment  of  the  Indian  expence, 
incurred  during  Fort  S.anwix  expedif  under  my  Superintendency  and  by  authority  of  the 
Olbcrr  that  commande<l  it.  urging  at  the  same  time  the  importunity  of  the  people  (hat  advanced 
me  the  Ind.an  goods  &•  that  in  case  I  conl.l  pay  them  here  I  might  stop  the  bills  and  save 
their  Lordships  the  trouble  of  paying  them  at  home.     I  received  Hir  (;uy  Tarleton's  answer 
by  letter,  that  his  having  issued  several  warrants  on  ncco'  of  the  Department  of  the   Five 
Nations  to  Col.  Butler  and  others,  particularly  to  the  former  for  a  draft  of  i.pwar.ls  of  a.-4000 
but  the  other  day,  he  thought  it  now  highly  necessary  to  put  the  direction  of  those  matter, 
under  one  person  which  was  the  Commanding  Otlicer  of  Niagara,  to  whom  he  must  refer  me 
Seeing  this  being  done  merely  to  expose  me  and  give  me  trouble,  there  beiuK  no  such  thing 
this  time  of  the  year  oi  getting  the  Acco"  or  n  letter  to  Niagara  without  great  expcnne  and 
perhaps  no  answer  to  be  expected  before  May  or  .June  next  and  my  creditor,  unwilling  to 
wait  so  long.  I  inw  myself  under  a  neces.ity  to  let  the  Bills  go  to  Kngland ;  not  doubting  their 


724 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Lordships  will  accept  ihem  as  public  expences  incurred  by  authority  of  His  Mnjesty's  Officer 
commanding  an  expedition  ;  without  which  I  should  never  have  acted,  and  who  if  .\ny  was 
ihe  properest  person  to  inspect  them  ;  Col.  Bolton'  the  Commands.  Officer  at  Niagara  being 
perhiips  200  miles  from  the  spot  where  they  were  expended  and  as  yet  an  entire  stranger 
to  the  business,  as  any  Commands  Officer  unacquainted  with  Indian  Affairs  must  be, 
such  expenses  being  of  so  different  a  nature  from  the  regulated  services  of  the  Crowns.  I 
conversed  with  Brig'  Maclean  and  acquainted  him  what  step  I  was  obliged  to  take  in  the 
affiiir.  He  was  observing  that  myself  as  Superintendent  of  that  Expedition  ought  to  have 
inspected  Col.  Butler's  acco"  as  havi:ig  been  on  the  spot  where  they  were  expended,  and  best 
acquainted  with  what  was  delivered  to  the  Indians.  My  15  years  Indian  expences  as 
Superintend'  and  only  Indian  Officer  in  this  Province,  during  which  time  I  liad  a  2  years 
Indian  war  to  manage  &  engjige  Indians  against  Lxlians  who  were  in  the  French  time  allies, 
did  not  amount  to  one  fourth  the  sum  to  what  I  hear  M'  Butler's  expences  do  within  these 
8  years,  and  that  expended  merely  to  keep  the  Indians  inactive,  contrary  to  their  inclination  ; 
and  yet  they  were  passt  liy  the  Commanding  Officers  of  Niagara  and  paid  by  Sir  Guy  Carleton 
as  expences  to  be  charged  to  Col  Johnsons  Department,  and  he  an  entire  stranger  to  it.  But 
I  consider  my  expences  distinct  from  the  other  Departments,  and  such  as  incurred  upon  an 
extraordinary  occabion,  and  therefore  to  come  under  the  head  of  Army  Contingencies,  there 
having  been  Nations  of  three  different  Ind"  Departments  employed  in  that  expedition  besides 
1  should  not  wish  them  to  be  blended  with  such  enormous  sums  nominally  spent  upon  the 
(i  Nations.  It  is  the  opinion  of  severall  that  had  I  not  appeared  at  the  Expedition  and 
Joseph  acted  so  indefatigably  and  cleverly  with  his  party  as  to  cause  an  emulation,  the  Six 
Nations  would  not  have  been  encouraged  lo  act  (when  the  rebels  advanced  upon  us)  by  Col. 
Butler,  they  having  declared  publicly  that  they  were  not  callec'  to  war,  but  to  a  Congress  to 
be  held  at  Oswego,  and  receive  presents  ;  the  Detroit  Indiana  alledged  that  for  a  reason  for 
coming  unprepared  for  war  and  with  so  few  men. 

Joseph,  since  his  arrival  from  England  has  showed  himself  the  most  faithful  and  zealous 
subject  His  Majesty  can  have  in  America,  in  Ind"  matters,  and  deserves  to  be  noticed  as  such. 
He  is  now  busy  among  the  Six  Nations  and  has  been  with  them  these  several  weeks  past;  he 
is  perfectly  acquainted  with  M'  Butters  sentiments  and  conduct  and  disapproved  of  them  ;  for 
which  the  latter  dislikes  him.  I  have  fully  wrote  hien  and  given  him  my  opinion  and 
gentimeui  i  how  to  act  with  the  G  Nations,  and  I  am  persuaded  he  will  carry  his  point  and  bring 
them  to  action  before  Col.  Butler  gets  among  them,  they  having  partly  engaged  to  me  before 
1  left  Oswego  so  to  do,  and  be  revenged  upon  the  rebels  for  the  loss  of  their  chiefs  at  Fort 
Stanwix  and  for  some  of  their  peoples  being  put  in  irons  and  confined  at  Albany,  and  I  expect 
daily  to  hear  their  putting  it  in  execution,  they  having  acquainted  all  the  Western  Nations 
with  their  intention,  and  advi8e<i  them  lo  follow  their  example,  before  I  came  away  from 
Oswego;  and  I  accompanied  their  messages  with  some  from  me,  conlirmed  by  large  strings 
of  Wampum.  And  by  what  I  could  learn  from  the  messenger,  of  the  Nations  living  on  the 
Ohio  and  Misisipy,  they  are  all  in  the  King's  interest,  and  when  they  lind  the  Northern  Indians, 
of  iheir  sentiments,  thty  will  act  with  moro  vigor  and  spirit.     The  Six  Nations  metaphorically 

'  l.ieutciiaiiK'i-luiirl  Mako.n  Uduon  bwaine  I.Uulenaiit  in  llie  (Hli  Foot  .m  2>1  (lolnlicr,  ll,'.:. ;  »a»  prdinotiHi  (o  n  pomimny 
ill  tlml  rH.'inisul  uaJ  M.irili,  l"il4,  in  wliith  j<»r  tlie  Htli  win  taut  to  KloriiU.  TIk  r«((imeiit  »eiTsd  in  Amurlou  until  17iU', 
«  1  liu  win  «|.|iuiiit«d  il«  Major  !)l.t  Muy,  177:1.  Ou  llw>  lUli  NoviMiiWr,  1770,  lie  tcoaiiitf  l-iBiiti-iiBnl  i'oloiiel  of  llio  Stii 
or  Kiiig'i  fool,  llieii  In  Amtrien,  nnd  odntiniifil  in  llml  cotniimml  until  Noveiulier,  Htil,  wlicn  lii>  nam*  ilii.ap|ii)»r»  from  Uie 
^riiiK  /.'•(«.  —  I'll. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI. 


725 


say.   hat  our  Hatchet  ,8  dull,  on  account  of  being  restrained  these  2  years  from  acting  ag"  the 

the  Ha  chet    he.r  fore  athers  gave  them,  w^^  was  hurried  in  a  deep  pit,  but  very  sharp,Ld 
would  force  Us  way  wherever  pointed,  without  controul ;  at  the  same  time  they  declare  that 

IetTr„°jl^thTduty!""'°"  ^""  '"  '''  """"■^'  ""^  "''''  ''^  ^'"^'^  •^''"''^'^"  '°  ^«P«"'  ""'^ 

Sir  Guy  Carleton  has  ordered  one  fourth  of  the  presents  sent  from  England  for  the  Canada 

In  .ans,  to  be  dehvered  to  Col.  Bu.ler  for  the  use  of  the  Six  Nations;' which  I  think  well 

judged,  since  Col  Johnson  could  not  deliver  his  as  yet.  and  they  being  told  of  and  expected  it 

m,  I  50  puncheons  of  rum,  a  quantity  that  must  rather  obstruct  than  forward  the  Ind-  service 
nn  r?!".'  f"V^r.^"y  ^^'•'^'°»  ^'^likes  my  appointment  being  from  home,  which  l' 
apprehended  before  I  left  England ;  for  he  has  not  given  me  any  positive  order  or  direction  a  ' 
yetml„d"affa.rs.  However  I  shall  (without  giving  offence)  elavour  to  do  my  utmost  in  ' 
promoting  H,s  Majesty's  Indian  interest  wherever  I  am;  flattering  myself  to  be  countenanced 
m  It  by  Governm';  for  the  Indians  in  this  Province  as  every  one  will  allow  are  mu-h 
discontented  on  acco'  of  indifferent  usage  received  during  their  Campaign  with  General 
J  urgoyne,  and  they  having  no  person  her.  to  converse  with  or  confide  in.  I  cannot  prever.t 
them  to  come  and  advise  with  me,  tho'  I  discourage  them  as  much  as  with  prudence  I  wail 
CQn  uo« 

On  my  arrival  here  with  Brig'  S-  Ledger's  rear,  I  received  Brig'  MacLeans  orders  (as  by 
Copy  annexed)  to  collect  as  many  Indians  as  I  could,  and  send  them  to  S' Johns'  ( Tivondaroi-o 
being  then  invested  by  the  rebels.)  1  sent  as  many  as  were  at  home,  and  proceeded  myself 
with  the  last  party  in  order  to  go  on  to  Tiyondarogo,  the  Ind-  being  unwilling  to  go  without 
me.  On  my  arrival  at  «•  Johns,  I  waited  on  Sir  Guy  for  his  orders.  He  said  he  had  none  to 
give  me,  and  1  might  do  as  I  pleased,  and  then  put  me  off  with  my  acco'  of  Indian  expences 
during  the  Campaign  ;  and  altho'  I  intended  at  any  rate  to  proceed  to  Tiyondarogo,  having 
promised  b.r  John  Johnson  to  follow  him,  who  was  to  join  General  Burgoyne,  I  found  myself 
under  a  necessity  to  return  to  Montreal  in  order  to  arrange  matters  with  the  people  I  had 
In.lian  goods  from.  Such  like  friques  and  jealousies  I  am  afraid  have  been  rather  l.u'  uU  to 
our  Northern  operations  last  Campaign. 

The  Indian  action  near  Fort  Stanwix  happening  near  a  settlement  of  Oneida  Indians  in  the 
rebels  interest,  who  were  at  the  same  time  in  arms  against  oui  party;  the  Six  Nation  Indians 
a  l.r  the  action,  burnt  their  houses,  destroyed  their  fields,  crops.  &.^  killed  and  carried  away 
their  Cattle.  Ihis  the  rebel  Oneidas.  after  our  retreat,  revenged  upon  Joseph's  Sister  and 
her  family  (living  in  the  Upper  Mohawk  Town)  on  Joseph's  account;  robbing  them  of  cash 
cloalhs.  cattle  &' and  driving  them  from  their  home;  then  proceeded  to  the  Lower  Mohawk 
lown  and  dealt  in  the  same  manner  with  the  poor  women  &  cliildren  whose  husbands  were 
in  the  King's  service. 

Joseph's  sister  and  family  lie'  to  Onondaga  the  Council  place  of  the  6  Nations,  laying  her 
grievances  before  that  body.  The  Six  Nations  with  whom  she  always  had  a  great  sway 
during  the  late  Sir  W-  Johnson's  life  time,  and  even  now,  and  I  understand  the  Six  Nations 
liave  decreed  to  ren.ler  h-r  sitisfaclion  by  coinn.iiting  hostilities  upon  that  tribe  of  Oneida 
rebels  that  commiued  the  c  ,,  ge.  The  Lower  Mohawk  families  were  obliged  to  flee  to  this 
place  to  the  number  of  100  souls,  where  they  threw  themselves  under  my  care,  being  entire 


hi 


7i>a 


NK\V-Yt)HK  COLONIAL  MANUaORll'TS. 


r 


strangers  in  tho  ooiiiitry.  I  iu'(|uaiiiti<(l  Sir  Oiiy  C:)rk>ton  witli  their  (listrcsscd  situntiniii 
nsl\ii)g  his  orders  iiiui  directions  about  tiu-m.  He  wrote  ine  in  answer  "  tliat  he  shoiil '  give 
"  orders  to  one  of  Maj'  Canipbelis  Deputies  to  take  care  of  them  as  much  as  he  could:"  whicli 
rcaly  surprized  uie,  having  been  ol>li(iged  to  furnish  them  for  S  days  with  lodging  eh)atna  and 
provisions  (before  1  could  receive  an  answer  from  tiuebec.)  unless  i  would  let  them  tor  that 
lime,  or  longer,  lay  in  the  streets  hungry  &  naked,  alter  iheir  long  and  lailhfull  services  itiid 
attachment  to  tJovernment,  no  otVice*  of  the  Cainida  Department  being  in  town.  The  person 
who  is  to  have  the  care  of  them  is  an  entire  stranger  to  their  language,  manners,  and  every 
thing  else  i  they  at  the  same  time  knowing  my  having  lui  appointment  from  home  for  their 
District,  must  think  very  odd  of  it,  and  iiuleed  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  disengage  myself 
entirely  from  them  while  here  ;  shall  therefore  emleavour  to  act  so  as  not  to  displease  them  or 
government.  This  i.)epnty  of  Maj'  Campbell's,  as  I  am  told,  is  one  of  the  gentlemen  who  by 
their  harsh  and  indiscreet  treatnu'nt  of  the  Indians,  were  the  occasion  of  the  greatest  part  of 
them  to  (|uit  (General  lUirgoyne's  army,  which  emboldened  the  rebels  to  assemble  in  sucii 
numbers  ab'  it,  when  before  ihey  were  in  awo  of  the  iiidians. 

1  find  that  what  a  (ientleman  ac(|uainted  about  head  (juarters  told  me  the  other  day,  to  turn 
out  as  he  said,  "that  had  my  appointment  been  made  thro'  any  one  else  but  my  I^ord  Tieorge 
Cicrnuiine,  things  would  go  sniooth  between  me  and  tiir  (iuy  " 

I  hove  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect 

Sir, 

To  William  Knox  Ksq'  Your  most  obliged  humble  Servant 

&  &  &'  Dan'  Ci.ai;s. 


ft 


(N-7.) 


Ci)J(t)iil  (rill/  Johiis'Oii   to    LorJ  (iti)iyt'  fri'niKtiii. 

[  PUnUUona  Ucqiir«l  (  S.  I>.  O.  )  CCI.XIV.  | 

New  York.  11  November  1777. 


My  Lord. 

Your  Lord''  has  been  already  informed,  that  nltho'  I  had  great  hopes  of  a  movement  up 
Huilson's  River  as  well  from  your  letter,  ;!8  from  my  own  idea  of  its  importniw  e  and  propriety 
and  that  the  Indians  had  assembled  in  that  expectation  early  in  the  season,  as  they  acquainted 
me  by  n  Messenger,  yet  lest  it  might  happen  otherwise.  I  took  the  liberty  to  propose  to  Sir 
W"  Howe,  that  if  such  movement  would  not  prc'tably  take  place,  I  should  then  incline  to  go 
by  sea  to  C^inada  and  from  thence  proceed  as  the  hi-rvice  reoiiired.  lint  probably  the  time 
necessary  for  making  the  Detour  and  joining  Sir  William  Howe's  army  in  the  manner  that 
then  occurred  to  him,  occasioned  my  being  ordered  to  remain  till  some  movement  oflered  from 
hence,  and  accordingly,  I  dispatched  Messengers  into  the  Indian  ('ountry,  directing  the  Indians 
to  join  the  first  British  army  on  the  comniunications,  which  they  faithfully  performed.  And  1 
have  the  pleasure  to  hear  from  all  those  persons  who  have  got  down  tlie  (.'ountry,  by  some  of 
wliom  I  receive  Messages,  that  the  Indians  hehnveil  very  gallantly,  and  were  of  great  use;  and 
that  they  remained  as  long  as  usual  or  na  could  reasonably  be  expected. 


I 


f 


LONDON  IXXM'MKNTH:     XLVJ. 


787 


Iho  grontcr  pnr,  „f  th„.„  fm,,,  ,h„  hIx  Nnti„n«  will,  my  Ollloor.  in  that  Oountry    i«l.u.,l 
Pn.u-,pal  War.or«  kill..,.  „„.,  ,.,.,,.„.,,.,„,  ,,„,  ,,.,  „„„„„.^  „,,  ,,,,,  ,     ^..^   ,    ^ 

;x:::r;;;;r.r;;:z:''' • """•• ^ ^  -••  -•  "• -  --••'- 

On  .!.«  other, .ommuninaion  (W  llnrMoyno  Iw.h  |..Milu..l  for  tluMu ;  l,o  whom  tl.o  Mohnwk 

ompIau.nM.d.or,,.H.,aH;  tl,.,  .„a„„or  in  whiH,  tln-y  huv„  1..J.  .....,,         N  ;  ,' 

M.^monaru.    .   |.,n«  Hi,,...,  r.-pr ,.,...1.     ,   k,,.,,  „.oy  an,  „,„oI.  ,„„r .• i  ...    ".  ,    n   i    ' 

"'7  "7'"-'  '""  "'7  »-  ^""  "»•"•- n.l.I.,  „.  .1 rv.,  ,.,,...1,  „o,i.....  wl,ilH,  th        .  a  , hi 

..«t  u„.l,.r  H.,  n,a..y  .liHa«n,ahh,  ..in.n.n.ian.. „,. vory  thinK  t  at,  I  can  Jy  ,       h. 

It  wan  .„y  Ko.,     ,.,rt,n..,  early  in  nu  .„  pr..vont  th,.„.  (ron.  h.-iaj  h..,!..,..,!  hy  ,1  ,   ,    h    .  ,"i~ 

"" f,"*  ;'"'  '"^'— H"<(;.,v..rn,„.-nt.     An.!   I  tra.t  with  ...nli-l..,.,.  X^     .^  ^TZ 

uml  y  to   propoH...  an   I   ,  , ,,  ,..  sir  W- Mow.. ;  that,  i,.  .„.,   Z  ',. 

n.ov...,.,.n     lr.,n.   h.M.n,  t„  th.,  Nor.hwar.i  .arly  „..xt  H.-a.,,,.   .  w«..l.l  winh  with   p.-r. ,1 

Ko  roa„.|  ...      ....u.-al  hy  th.,  (irnl  ., rtnaity.  .,.,.1  ,ro.„  ,....„...,  with  pn.p..r a.,      t 

"        ;  «'-  '  "••:"  "PI-;  moH.  .■iigil.!..  tor  «  r... .von.  with  the  Inii".  a„,|  there  keep  t  .  n 

:;  7:i:;v:jz:r - ''-'"  '''^""""  -  -  - •••-• - '-  ^' y ^"  ■' "^ 

Khouhl   it  he  in.prartieahle  l„  rotHmcnee  operalionn  early  i„  that  quarter;  it  will  he  Htill 

more  expe.lient  to  ...nemhle  the  In.lianH  at  .„„ „„..,.  f,.,:  U.e  IfehH  ^,„a.  i,I. 

he.r  own  v.I  aK-.the  h.at.r  .»  H.-eare  their  alleetionH. -T .,ay  he  ,lon.'  hy  .traw  .  « 

o  ye  par    .,1  Uu,  I  .ver  S' Lawraaee.  Ontario  or  Crown  Point,  wla-re  .  ea-fheannwe 

V  "";:".,""  '""'!"  ""  "'"  ''""""""'-^'«' """■^  -"voy«.  an,i  greatly  harra.J 

Iteheld,  till  other  inatterH  take  place.  >"«"iiniiie 

Sh..„|,|  „  ,„ove.nent  he  ma.le  (ron.  tl.i,  .pn.rler  early  in  the  n.-anon.  I  wonl.l  , appoint  a 

;::'"7"""   '":  ";     '"'"";  ';'•'"'" '•-  I"-  J i"K  "..r  Troop,  a.  they  a.lvanc    I.       , 

.rocee.1  a.  I    .houl.l  he  or.l..rc.l.     At  all  eve hall  inn afly  Hcn.l  M..HHa«cH  to  pr  pare 

the  InH.an.  for  any  or.lerH  I  „,ay  receive,  which,  with  t mention  of  n.y  OHi  "-r..  .li,  .er     1 

an.on«  then,,   win  keep  then  in  rea.iincH.  for  next  .canon.  ' 

The  titne  in  (!e,,eral  wh.-n  we  ,nay  expect  their  Hervi.....  i.  fron.  May  to  the  i.,.«in„i„K  of 

October.  there«to(  the  year  heing  nece..ariiy  .pent  in   hnnting  lor  their  fa,„ili...  f  vey  L 

of  whom  can  he  Huppli,..!  hy  nn  from  their  .itnation.  an.l.  there  are  many  other  circnnLtancH 
nlhe.r  cane,  w   .,■!.  when  well  known  will  .how  the  .iillicnl.y  an  oni.:,.r  i.  often  n, r  in 

«HtiH(ylnR  a  people  .o  httle  u r.too.l.  an.l  ko  n.ncl.  expo to  .ninrepr n.ation  ;  even  a.-,. 

of  cruelt^y  may  he  prevente.l  hy  ju.liciou.ly  .lirecting  the  In.lian.  again.t  the  King'.  Kaemi... 

who  .hull  be  found  in  arn,..  *         ■■■■"«" 


I  i 


728 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I  beg  to  lay  this  Dispfttcli  before  his  Mnj'''  and  to  entreat  an  indulgence  for  what  I  have 
honestly  suggested,  through  a  sincere  zeal  for  his  service,  in  w^hich,  I  hope  for  your  Lord"''s 
favour  and  support,  which  I  shall  ever  be  ambitious  to  deserve. 

I  beg  to  receive  your  Lord^'s  commands  on  any  of  these  matters,  and  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

My  Lord. 

Your  Lordn's  most  obedient  and 

most  humble  servant. 

G.  Johnson. 


!»' 


is 


Narrative  of  Hergeaid  William  Grant. 

[  rianlatloM  General  (  8.  V.  0. )  OCI.XIII.  ] 

Narrative  of  William  Grant  late  a  Serjeant  in  the  Rebel  Army  dated  24"'  Nov' 
1777  from  on  board  the  Queen  Indiaman  at  Gravesend. 

Sir, 

About  the  beginning  of  July  1776.  the  Cherokee  Indians,  excited  by  a  number  of  the  friends 
to  Government,  in  that  place  commonly  called  Tories,  who  had  tied  from  North  Carolina,  fell 
upon  the  Western  frontiers  of  Virginia;  whereupon  the  Committees  of  the  several  Counties 
detached  severall  small  parties  of  militia  to  stop  their  progress  thro'  the  Country,  untill  such 
time  as  an  army  could  be  raised  to  oppose  them,  which  at  that  time  was  very  diHicult,  as  the 
major  part  of  the  youth  who  were  zealous  for  the  cause,  were  already  in  the  service  against  the 
King's  troops.  In  this  juncture  they  were  obligated  to  have  recourse  to  the  Militia  law,  which 
compels  every  male  from  the  age  of  fifteen  to  sixty,  after  having  settled  three  months  in  one 
place,  to  take  up  arms  against  all  enemys ;  upon  their  refusal  they  forfeit  the  sum  of  aSO  of 
that  currency.  By  virtue  of  which  law  they  collected  about  1200  men  before  the  middle 
of  August,  the  chief  command  of  which  was  conferred  upon  Col.  Smith,  a  native  of  that 
country.  He  immediately  assembled  his  new  Army  at  Staunton,  a  small  town  in  Augusta 
County,  lying  about  20  miles  to  the  Westward  of  the  South  Mountain,  from  whence  he 
marched  Aug'  IS"  and  proceeded  directly  to  Holstein,  a  settlement  upon  the  frontiers  where 
the  Indians  were  then  ravaging ;  but  upon  the  approach  of  the  army  retreated  with  their  booty. 
The  Col.  finding  they  would  not  come  to  a  decisive  engagement  so  far  from  home,  determined 
to  pursue  them  to  their  towns,  to  expediet  which  he  encamped  his  army  on  an  island  formed 
in  the  river  Holstein,  generally  known  by  the  name  of  the  Long  Island,  untill  such  time  as  ho 
could  be  reinforced  with  provisions  and  men,  upon  which  there  were  severall  draughts  taken 
out  of  the  Militia,  General  Washington  at  the  same  time  petitioning  for  more  troops,  and  a 
draught  of  the  Militia  b.'ing  granted,  it  fell  to  my  lot  to  go  as  one.  At  that  time  I  taught 
n  school  in  Augusta  County,  but  being  zealous  for  government  was  determined  not  to  go,  but 
finding  I  was  not  able  to  withstand  their  power,  which  was  very  arbitrary  in  that  part,  I 
thought  it  better  to  enter  into  the  service  against  tho  Indians  than  to  go  into  actual  service 
against  my  Countrymen.  Accordingly  some  troops  were  raising  at  that  time  by  Act  of  the 
Convention  of  Virginia   (to  he  stationed  at  the  diflerenl  passes  on  the  Ohio  to  keep  the 


SImwneese  &^  in  awe  nnd  to  prevent  ll. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVl. 


'>-  OLerokeo  towns.''    Tl,         e    ;    „      l.?''; .";  '""  '"  "•"•''""•^'"  """  »— "-'  townrd, 
"ttack..  HonH-tinu.«n,,p.ari,..onourTo        1.      •'''''  "'    '"  ""^  "'•''^''''   -'^l'   >'"mherl..« 

tl.ro'  the  woods  the  spa.-e  of  three  wLk      1    t  w      h  ,  "'• ""  ""•^'""•"'  ""^  •"-'^•> 

«pies  and  from  some  prisonern  that  h  fes^    ,"    t     ^^  ""."'".■"'  '"''"'"'^•""^  ''^""^  "- 
«'.eir  towns  into  the  n.ountains.  hnd  cut  loZ  t  ie     ^^^^^^^^^  ''"'  ^^"'"^-'  --^  '"'"«  '-n. 

carry  away  which  they  thought  -night  h    o'er     I   „  ,       "  '"  ''""^  ''''"«  ""^y  '=°"'''  "»' 

or  this  acrount  Coll.  Smith  heing  n  rs  a.t,    th'v  .       n  "  "'"'''    '^''""  "'"  -"""""tion 

-<i    knowing  that  his  arn.y   was   I  ^C  I     s   Z     r     .,"'""  ""^'-'^  "^  «--">  engagen.ent. 
'"-k    into    ti.e  dilIVrentsLl.1,'^      ''''"'"'''''  P'-°vi«io"s.  sent  several!  co.npanvs 


'">■  running  r'pring;  in   whic 

^zi  ":i;";c::::;'z.j;:i— ;;::: '  ■ •; « •-  -,;;■;;■ 

«<--nt  Deputies  to  Col.  Smith  to  sue  f.,r  n  7  '°'"'  "H-roaching  on  the  other  side, 

prisoners,  and  restoring  t;:i,;:::;'^''r"^«7'r'  "*-'  tlu-ir  delivering  up  thj 
Militia  was  .lishanded.'and  tL  the  o  /that  I  "  ;''  '"  •'"'^'•""-'«-  "--PO"  the 
were  distrihuted  amongst  the  frontier  stZe         I  V.  ""  '""  "'■"'••""••"^'""-'  '-'"'« 

-as  very  hot  in  the  .iLys,  h/(oZ     /;"'''         """""    '"""'  '""  *""'  ''"  "'" 

possible   in   the  Spring    sent  ^r.  ,       .^         <i"frnHn,ng  f  recruit  their  army  as  soon  as 

t;.ey  ..ad  a  num^::^::::  ;:rr;::ie: ;;;;':;;:":;"  "'7r '"«"'^^""' 

ti.e  country,  r.s  the  Indians  were  ,H^.eahly  im  i  ^V    The         "'  ^^'^^ ''"'"  "^   "°   ^'-'^^ice  to 
i-e  Bent  to  the  assistance  of  the  Conti   cmt  I  v  ^/ ''"  '^"^•' ^  ''y ''-'^"'l  that  they  should 

could.     The  Convention  imn.ediate;X     led  r;::;:L;"/;'  T"'  "  '""^  ''"^"'"'y 
directly  entered  them  into  the  (\,n.iM..„V.l  ■  .  ■  ''  ^''^  ^'°"''-'  ^'"^^  ^"'^^'l  "'"I 

of  Hlx  new  Battalion       mo  n^st  w  -—.and  issue.!  forth  commissions  for  the  raising 

^^ontiers  were  to  .-o  di:  ^  .^  A .  ;;ir:;;'H^^'"''v'r"' ''' '''  "«'^"-  "^ '"« ^-' 

Wincliester.  there  to  join  the  l-'  Vi     '    ,  '"'^  ^"    ''"  '■^''^'''^■•^^''  "^''^'^^  '"  "'"^'■''  '•> 

J' in  tht  1,     \.rg    Ileg' commanded  by  Col.  James  Wood;'  pursuant 

in;;::::":;^:;;:::;;;;:;;::;:';^^--:?;-  :..,„„„..„,.„„.. 

"f  Virginia  i,.  nu.,,  „,„1  „«,  .„.ooe.K.,|  1,,  M     m"    J  n    ''",'"         """""  "'  "'"  " "■■■     ""  ""'  '' '»  '"—-■ 


730 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


to  which  orders  we  n.arche.l  from  Tygar's  Valley  in  the  begining  of  April)  and  proceeded 
with  all  expedition;  which  march  we  conipleated  in  the  space  of  eight  days;  after  having 
rested  a  few  days  at  Winchester  we  proceeded  to  join  the  Continental  Army,  which  at  that 
time  lay  partly  in  Morristown,  partly  at  Boundbrook  a  small  town  on  the  Rarington  river 
about  6  miles  from  New  Brunswick,  where  His  Excellency  Gencrall  Howe  had  his  head 
quarters.  May  IQ'"  we  joined  the  grand  army  which  then  consisted  of  20000  foot  (chiefly 
composed  of  Virginians,  Carolinians,  and  Pennsylvanians,  the  major  oart  of  whom  were 
volunteers,  altho'  for  the  most  part  disaffected  to  the  rebel  cause,  they  being  for  the  most  part 
convicts  and  indented  servants,  who  had  entered  on  purpose  to  get  rid  of  their  masters  and  of 
consequence  of  their  commanders  the  first  opportunity  they  can  get  of  deserting)  and  about  300 
light  horse  commanded  by  General  Washington  assisted  by  Lord  Stirling,  Major  Generalls 
Stephens,'  Keyn,  Sullivan;  Brigadiers  Weeden,^  Millenberg,^  Scctt,-  Maxwell,*  Conway,'  which 

•  M«jor.Gener«l  Adam  St.p..kn  was  C«pt«i«  in  1764  in  the  Frey'8  Virginia  regiment,  and  8ceomp»nied  Colonel  Washing, 
ton  to  the  Great  Meadow,  tlmt  year.  Ho  served  with  distinction  the  following  year  under  Braddoek  as  Captain  of  a  com- 
pany  of  Virginia  Rangers  {Sargen,'.  HMory  „f  Bradd^k',  Expedition,  329).  and  in  1750  was  Lieutenant  Colonel  in  eommand 
athead-qnarter,  at  Winchester.  In  1703,  he  commanded  the  forces  rai.ed  for  the  defence  of  the  frontiers  agamst  the 
Indian,-,  and  at  the  commencement  of  the  Revolution  was  appointed  Colonel  of  one  of  the  reg.monU  raised  by  Virginia. 
On  4th  September  1770,  he  was  elected  Brigadier-Oeneral  by  the  Continental  Congress,  and  on  the  19th  iebrnnry.  1777. 
was  promoted  to  be  Major-General.  lie  behaved  with  great  spirit  and  judgment  at  the  battle  of  Brandywme  and  also  at 
Germantown.  In  the  following  winter  he  was  dismissed  from  the  service.  Wchinglon  and  Ih.  OeneraU  of  the  Amencan 
Jievolution,  329. 

'  Brigadier-General  GEona.  Weele-n  was  originally  an  inn-keeper  at  Fredericksbnrgh.  Virginia,  and  exhibited  great 
activity  in  support  of  the  Revolution.  He  was  elected  by  Congress  Colonel  of  the  1st  Virginia  battalion  on  the  12.h  August, 
1770,  and  appoinced  Brigadier-General  •24th  Kebrunry.  1777.  He  retired  from  the  service  on  account  of  some  d.fticulty  about 
rank,  while  the  army  lay  at  Valley  Forge,  In  1781  he  was  in  command  of  the  Virginia  militia  at  Gloucester,  Virginia.  Ib,d. 
'  Major-General  PnEa  MtnLENBtEo.  son  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Henry  Melchior  Muhlenburg,  wa.  born  in  Philadelphia,  October 
1st.  1740,  and.  aRer  studying  divinity  with  his  father,  was  settled  over  a  church  at  Woodstock,  Virginia.  He  was  e  ected 
member  of  the  Convention  in  1770  ;  raised  a  regiment,  of  which  he  wa.  chosen  commander ;  served  at  Sullivan  s  Island  with 
hi,  battalion  against  Clinton  ;  was  appointed  Brigadier-General  21st  IVbruary,  1777  ;  served  under  Uayne  at  the  storming 
of  Stony  Point  in  1774.  and  was  at  Yorktown  in  1781.  He  was  appointed  Major-General  at  the  close  of  the  war  and  settled 
in  Pennsylvania.  He  ^.a.  afterwards  Vice-President  of  that  Commonwealth.  He  was  elected  to  the  United  State,  benate 
in  1801  and  in  1802  was  appointed  Collector  of  the  port  of  Philadelphia,  and  held  that  office  until  his  death,  which  occur- 
red 1st  October,  1807.  His  remains  were  interred  in  the  Lutheran  burial  ground  of  the  village  of  Trappe,  Montgomery 
county,  Pennsylvania.  Dai/'t  Uintorieal  Colleetioni  of  Penniyhania,  487. 

«  Brigadier-General  Chaih-es  Scott  wa.  born  in  Cumberland  county.  Virginia,  in  the  year  1783.  He  served  as  a  Corporal 
in  Braddoek's  CEpedition  in  1765.  and  on  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution  raised  the  first  company  of  Volunteers  south  of 
James  river;  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  ."id  Virginia  battalion,  12th  August.  1770.  and  raised  to  the  rank  of 
Brigadier-General  in  April,  1777,  and  wa.  in  the  two  following  campaigns  with  the  army  in  New  Jersey.  He  was  afterwards 
ordered  to  South  Carolii,  •  was  taken  i.ri.oner  at  the  surrender  of  Ch.  leston  and  was  not  exchanged  until  near  the  close 
of  the  war.  He  n^xt  moved  to  Kentucky,  and  in  1785  settled  in  Woodford  county.  Ho  was  with  General  SL  Clair  at  his 
defeat,  4th  November,  1791.  and  in  1793  was  engaged  against  the  Indians  at  the  Wabash,  in  1794  he  commanded  under 
General  Wayne  at  the  defeat  of  the  Indians  in  the  battle  of  the  Fallen  Timber;  and  in  1808  wa.  elected  Governor  of  the 
State.  He  filled  that  office  until  1812,  and  died  October  22d,  1817,  aged  74  years.  Collint'  Hiitorieal  Sketches  of  Kentwky, 
610  ;  Allen, 

"  Brigadier-Gcneral  WiiUAii  Maxwell  entered  the  Continontol  service  r.n  Colonel  of  one  of  New  Jersey  regiments  an.l 
served  in  the  disastious  campaign  of  Canada  in  1770.  He  was  appointed  Brigadier-General  23d  October  of  that  yeor,  nnd 
commanded  the  brigade  of  that  State  at  the  battle  of  Brandy  wine  and  afterwards  at  Germantown.  He  was  next  employed  in 
New  Jersey,  and  resigned  hi.  commission  28d  June.  1780.  Duer't  Life  of  Stirling;  New  Jeriey  Revolutionary  Correspondence. 
•  Major-General  Thomas  Conwav  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  but.  when  only  six  year,  old,  wos  taken  by  his  parenta  to  Franco, 
where  he  was  educated.  He  rose  to  the  rank  of  Colonel  in  the  French  army  and  was  decorated  with  the  Order  of  St  Ix)»i«. 
He  came  to  America  in  1777,  and  in  May,  1778,  was  appoints  Brigadier-General.  He  was  in  the  buttle  of  Germantown, 
and  was  next   elected    Inspector-General  with  the  rank  of  Major-General.     Ho  wo.  afterwards  ordered  to  Albany,  and 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI.  73^ 

Intter  is  a  French  man.  Likewise  a  number  of  French  officers  who  commanded  in  the 
Arllery.  whose  names  or  ranks  I  never  l,a,i  an  opportunity  of  being  acquainted  with 
Notb.ng  worthy  of  notice  happened  untiil  the  30-  of  that  Ins-  on  which  the  Continental  Army 
decamped  and  retreated  about  2  miles  into  the  Blue  Mountains  and  incamped  at  Middle 
M  Z;  ^'^^'"V     ^''"■?  J"'""^  '"  ^  ^'"^  ^'y'  ^y  ^''«  °''^«'-  P«^'  «f  the  army  that  lay  at 

trZ  iThHr  tf "    1  '"'  "^  """  '^""""""•^  '""^'  '^"^'"^  ^'-'^  "-y  were'employed  in 
mn.ng  thnr  troops  who  were  quite  undisciplined  and  ignorant  of  every  military  art.     Their 

but  vJrV  mn  ■■' ''?"1'^  '^"°'""'  "'''''  private  men,  through  which  means  they  make 

but  very  lUtle  progress  in  learning.     Wherefore  it  is  generally  believed  by  the  unprejudiced 
part  of  the  people  that  the  rebells  never  will  hazard  a  generall  engagement,  unless  they  are  so 
hemmed  up  that  they  cannot  have  an  opportunity  of  waving  it;  from  which  reason  and  the 
deplorable  state  the  Country  in  generail  is  now  reduced  to.  which  in  many  places  near  to  the 
seat  of  war  is  entirely  destitute  of  labourers  to  cultivate  the  ground,  insomuch  that  the  women 
a  e   necessitated    or  their  own  support  to  lay  aside  their  wonted   delicacy  and  take  up  the 
tensi  s  for  agriculture.     From  these  and  many  other  weighty  reasons  it  is  generally  suoposed 
that  they  cannot  continue  the  war  much  longer.     Nothing  material  was  transacted  on  either 
.1  e  till  about  the  24'^  of  June,  when  a  party  of  General  Howe's  army  made  a  movement  and 
a.lvanced    as  far   as  Somerset,  a  small  town  lying  on  the  Uarington   betwixt  Boundbroock 
and  I  rincetown,  which  they  plundered,  and  set  fire  to  two  small  churches  and  several  farm 
houses  adjacent.     General  Washington  upon  receiving  notice  of  their  marching,  detached  2 
I  r^^adesot  Virginia  troops  and  the  like  number  of  New  Kng-"  to  Pluckhimin,  a  small  town 
about  10  m...s  from  Somerset,  lying  on  the  road  to  Morristown.     Here  both  parties  lay  for 
several  days,  during  which  time  several  slight  skirmishes  happened   with  their  out  scouts 
without  any  considerable  loss  on  either  side.     On  the  2U"<  the  enemy  retreated  to  Brunswick 
with  their  booty  and  we  to  our  former  ground  in  the  Blue  Mountain.     Next  day  His  Kxcellency 
General  Howe  marched  from  Brunswick  towards  Bonumtown  with  his  whole  army   which 
was  harassed  on  the  march  by  Col.  Morgan's  Riflemen.     As  soon  as  General  Howe  had 
evacuated  Brunswick.  M'  Washington  threw  a  body  of  the  Jersey  militia  into  it,  and  spread  a 
report  that  he  had  forced  them  to  leave  it.     July  ii-"  there  was  a  detachment  of  150  Uiflemen 
cliosen  from  among  the  Virginia  regiments,  dispatched  under  the  command  of  Capt.  James 
Dark  a  Dutchman,  belonging  to  the  eighth  Virginia  Ileg'  to  watch  the  enemy's  motions.     The 
same  day  this  party,  of  which  1  was  one,  marched  to  Quibbleton,  and  from  thence  proceeded 
towards  Amboy.     July  4'"  we  had  intelligence  of  the  enemy's  being  encamped  within  a  few 
miles  of  Weslheld  ;  that  night  we  posted  ourselves  within  a  little  of  their  camp  and  sent  an 
olhcer  with  60  men  further  on  the  road  as  a  picquet  guard,  to  prevent  our  being  surprised  in 
the  night.     Next  morning  a  little  before  sun  rise  the  British  army  before  we  suspected  them, 
were  upon  pretty  close  on  our  picquet  before  they  were  discovered,  and  fired  at  a  negroe  lad  that 
was  fetching  some  water  for  the  officer  of  s"  guard,  and  broke  his  arm.     Upon  which  he  ran  to 
the  picquet  and  alarmed  them,  affirming  at  the  same  time  that  there  was  not  upwards  of  sixty 
men  in  the  party  that  fired  at  him.     This  intelligence  was  directly  sent  to  us,  who  prepared 
as  quick  as  possible  to  receive  them  and  assist  our  picquet  who  was  then  engnged,  in  order  for 

resigned  his  con.mieaion.  On  the  4ll.  July.  1778,  he  wis  enKngcl  in  ft  .iuol  with  Goneml  Coclwallft.lcr.  in  whieh  he  wa. 
severely  wounded.  He  returned  to  Fianee  at  the  close  of  the  year  and  died  in  that  eountry.  He,  unfortunately  for  bis 
repulutmn,  became  i.rondnent,  in  the  history  oflys  day,  by  his  oonn.ction  with  wliat  was  known  as  tlie  "Conway  Cabal,"  an 
nbortiTe  iiilri-u..  smonir  certain  onioers  of  the  .American  army  to  place  Gates  in  the  chief  command.  —  El>. 


rs2 


NRW-VOHK  COLONIAL  MANirSCRIPTS. 


which,  na  we  were  drawing  up  our  men,  nn  ndvniiccti  guiird  of  the  enemy  saluted  us  with 
Severn!  field  pieces,  which  did  no  damage.  We  Immediately  retreated  into  the  woods  rrotn 
whence  we  returned  them  a  very  brisk  tire  with  our  rides,  so  continued  firing  and  retreating 
without  any  reinforcement  till  al)out  10  oCiocIt,  they  plying  us  very  warmly  both  with  iheir 
artillery  and  small  arms  all  the  tin)e  ;  about  which  lime  we  were  reinforced  with  about  400 
HesMians  (who  had  been  taken  at  sea  going  over  to  America  &  immediately  entered  into  the 
Continental  service)  and  three  brass  field  pieces  under  the  command  of  liOrd  Stirling.  They 
drew  up  immediately  in  order  to  defend  their  field  pieces  and  cover  our  retreat,  and  in  less 
than  nn  hour  and  a  half  were  entirely  cut  oil";  scarce  sixty  of  them  returned  safe  out  of  the 
field  ;  those  who  did  escape  were  so  scattered  over  the  country  that  a  great  numl)er  of  them 
could  not  rejoin  the  Army  for  five  or  si,\  days,  whilst  the  Kings  troops  marched  off  in  triumph 
with  three  brass  field  pieces  and  a  considerable  number  of  prisoners,  having  sustained  but  very 
little  loss  on  their  side.  This  was  the  last  engagement  that  happened  in  the  Jerseys  before 
General  Howe  embarked  at  York.  During  this  time  the  rebel  army  advanced  as  fiir  as 
Qiiibbletown  where  they  lay  three  days,  then  countermarched  back  to  the  Blue  Mountains  and 
there  continued  untill  they  rcc''  an  account  of  embarkment  of  the  enemy  at  York.  Onpt.  Dark 
collected  the  remains  of  his  shattered  party  in  the  best  manner  he  possibly  could  and  contiinied 
to  execute  his  orders  in  reconnoitring  and  sending  intelligence  to  the  Camp,  untill  (■enernll  Howe 
crossed  over  in  Strattan  Inland,  at  which  time  we  returned  to  the  Camp  with  scarce  two  thirds 
of  the  men  we  took  away,  where  we  remained  4  or  5  days,  then  decamped  and  marched  to 
Morristown  and  lay  there  untill  we  received  certain  intelligence  that  the  army  had  gone  on  board 
and  stood  out  to  sea  bearing  to  the  Northward.  Upon  this  news  we  instantly  decamped  and 
marched  toward  the  North  River,  and  encamped  at  the  Clove,  about  12  miles  South  from  King's 
Ferry,  where  General!  Sullivan  left  us  with  about  5000  men  and  crossed  the  Ferry.  Soon  after 
we  agaiu  decamped  and  proceeded  further  up  the  Ifiver  towards  Albany.  The  weather  being 
excessive  rainy  we  were  obliged  to  halt  several!  days  during  which  time  we  rec""  an  account  of 
Gen'  Howe's  appearing  in  the  Bay  of  Delaware,  which  caused  us  a  very  liard  and  fatiguing 
niarcli,  often  marching  at  the  rate  of  thirty  miles  per  tlay,  which  killed  a  number  of  tlio  men.  It 
was  no  uncommon  thing  (or  tlie  rear  guard  to  see  10  or  11  men  dead  on  the  road  in  one  day 
occasioned  by  the  insufi'erable  lieat  and  thirst;  likewise  in  almost  every  town  we  marched 
through,  their  Cliurches  were  converted  into  liospitals.  Another  great  hurt  to  tlie  army  was 
the  scarcity  of  salt  and  bread,  the  former  of  whicli  was  not  to  be  had  at  any  rate,  for  at  tlint 
time  in  the  Jers"ys  it  sold  for  20  dollars  pr  bushel! :  as  to  tlie  latter  tliey  were  almost  in  the 
same  condition,  altho'  they  had  plenty  of  flour  they  had  not  time  to  bnke  it.  Thus  we 
marclied  till  we  came  to  Gerniantown  a  village  about  G  miles  from  Pliiladelpliia,  where  we 
encamped  for  several!  days,  and  we[re]  reviewed  by  the  Congress.  In  the  interim  the  British 
fleet  stood  out  to  sea  again  and  steering  to  the  Northward  as  at  first,  we  again  removed  and 
marched  to  the  Cross  roads  in  Bucks  County,  about  20  miles  to  tlie  Northward  of  l'!iii;i4o!jihia, 
and  there  we  pitched  our  tents,  expecting  every  day  to  liear  i)i'  tlieir  landing  at  Yark,  .ir  n 
some  part  of  the  Jerseys.  During  our  stay  here  we  were  joined  by  the  lii""  Virg*  Reg'  a  siniill 
body  of  new  raised  troops  to  the  amount  of  about  200.  About  tills  the  llebel  army  was  very 
sickly,  occasioned  greatly  by  the  scarcity  of  salt,  am!  llie  great  fatigue  they  had  sustained, 
during  the  late  liard  and  fniiguing  march  ;  which  was  soon  followed  by  another  as  hnrd  tlio' 
not  so  long.  August  22"»  we  rec''  an  account  that  (ienerall  Howe  had  landed  in  Virginin. 
Next  day  we  decamped  and  i(>;>  t;i  "d  1,5  miles  towards  IMiiladelphia  and  prepared  to  march 


,1% 


LONDON  T)OCIT^fENT.S:    XLVr. 


33 


l""Xel!i  ti!^!;^!  V;;^iriati,ran'!'xll         '"f  T''""""'  "-umslancea  couI,l  pennit. 
his  bei,,.,  nf  il.„  t 1  „.  ...,.  .     ..    '".  ""  •■•M'«''liti<.M;  hut  received  hoo„  nfter  u  t,ue  nccount  of 


hi8  being  at  the  head  of  KIk  i„  Mary|„„,|. 


ITo^reHH  towards  Phiindelphin,  posted  u  hnd.            ,      '        f ""'      '"«  ''"'"■•"'!"«''  l«'  "top  bin 
"Hi-  Tom  General  IIo..'«  o  t^  ^^^  ""  -"" -  "''"'H  three 

«eld  pieces  at  Christian  Creek    'h.     's       ,  Xr  Wi/r"'.    T'"  "'  ''^«""""«  ^""  « 
dHache.i  a  party  o(   10„  |i^,,.  ,.,„ ..."„'  ''"  "   ^^"'""fito„,  from   each  of  which  they 


w;r;.;L'r .:  rut  xr :; ,:?""  """^  ^'•*'  —^  -  -• --- 

'i-t    opportunity   of  e«capin.'    whic  J       f  T'''' T  '  "'"  ''"'-'-"-' »» -"'-race  tho 

•'--"wnnderofhiHarmywhcir  whole  ,"''  ''"'•  '■*""■"'  ^^''«'""«">"  -^h 
'""'  the  armiary  park,  which  co  ej  ,  5  br  7u  "•'""""  ""'^  '^""^'^''"'  "''  '=^""«  -") 
.•"    Brandywine  Creek  abont    12       il        >„;.  ^Z  'T"  "'"'  ""'""  ""^""'-  "'I-' 

Howe  intended  ,o  n.ake  an'utack  on  IrJ^  i  I     1  "     "  *^'  ""  ''^  ^'"""  ''^'«""-«  """  ^'"— ' 


;::;,r:;:!'r"'--^- -'•••''-'«<- -r;h:;,i;;::::i.,.ed.. 


Accordingly  next  morning  between 
orn.ed  our  Helves  into  an  ambuscade,  iu 


\vl,ich  p„«iti„„  ,vo  continued  till  five   when   bein  ".  T  "  """  ""  '>"'''"«^''"l«.  i» 

PHrty  of  150  men  wa.  immediately  cuin  7  '  '""'".'''  """  ""  '"'''"-^  ^""'''  '"'  """'".  « 
i>ark.  to  reconnoitre.  In  I  i  tV  Z  ""''  T  ""''"  ""  "•"""■''"•'  '""  "'"  "f--"  ^'-Pt. 
'-  a  prisoner.     However  I  g  f  Z      .:::  TT''  ''11  "^°'^""  ""^"^  ^"  -'-"  -"- 

B-eral  of  the  Hessians  posts  u      itcoT^    '^^  '""''  7""'  ''^  '•'""'■'•  ""^■'"■-'  '"■"'  g"t  Past 

'-'  ""Other  post,  we  dis  -ov  r  few         i       V  'ITT"   I"'  '""'"'  ""  '""  ^^"^  -'"-  "-7 

o'-  "   l-ge   field   of  India      C  "p    ,     ^  '  '"I'  "'"^  T"'"^'  "^  "  '"'"'  '"  '"«  """"'« 

'"^^count  he  divided  his  n,en       o  «  n  rti  ^    ^-  I         T         ''''^*'  ''*^"'    "  •'"■^•^"''"-  ""  ^vhich 
Serjeants.     The  par.y  on  t.o  ^     ,7,  ?   t'  *"'?'' I  ""•  "  "^  ~-'d  of  a  Meu-  and  2 

we  did.  but  were  discovere       '      .  set     n   w    ."'     i   "  ""'""'  '"  "'""""''  ""'  «''■'''•  -'-^ 
party  consisting  of  fifly  that  were  ! '        t "'"'', '"  ^'"■•"^.'•^"'  "''°  ^^^  "'"y  "  '-  of  u 

of  tl.«  lield  ;  upon  whL,  our  iTeu-  and  4  o  'his        '  ,7  "'*  '"""'"""'^''y  "'"'  -n-ched  out 
will.  „  ..,.,..,..  ....„  .  "'."  '/'""  ""''  '^  of  f"«  "len  'Ted  upon  them,  which  they  returned 


-pulsed  and  put  to  II  ght      T       ,,;;"'    """"  '"  ''"'  '"■"'  '  ^^'•"-  "^y  "'«»  8 '"tly 

at  which  tin.e  I  left  thtn    and    .  d    fh         TT       "'""  "'''  "'''""'"''  "''  ^'"^  -^^'  -t-'"ed  ; 
«nw  severall  of  the  reb     s  Ivi  "     a      .    .    '     "T  ""^  '.'  '"'  "'"«"'"'  ^'■""f-     '"  '"^  -'''y 
tf'em  fell  in  that  action     wbc  /T',  '""'''-'''^^  ''"'"■"'-'  that  a  number  more  of 

can   sustain  the  war  much  lonL^er-  tl...  ,/    V         ""''"'"''"'"''•"« 't '» '"'possible  they 

n-asons  it  is  hL.ly  prob.  dlth  "'       "'^''"       "  *■""   """'''  '"•''    '"•'^-y  "ther  cogen 

.1      y  terror  to  all  other  who  may  attempt  to  rebell  In  like  manner  for  the  future 


734 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUCCRIPT3. 


Thus  Sir  1  have  giv  ^n  you  a.  short  narrative  of  the  (acts  that  came  to  my  knowledge  during 
my  stay  in  the  rebel!  army,  and  hope  it  will  give  your  Honour  the  salisfacdon  required.  I  think 
myself  happy  in  having  the  honour  of  serving  you  in  this  manner  ^nd  of  subscrihing  myself 

Your  most  obedient  &  humble  S^rv' 
Ship  Queen,  Indiaman  William  Gi'.ant. 

at  Gravesend  Nov'  24""  1777 


No  45. 


(rovrnior   Trijon  to  Lo>'d  (hnrnje  Geniuiin. 

[  Now- York  roi.frs  (  3.  V.  O.  )  Ct.XIX.  ] 

King's  Bridge  Camp.  1.  December  1777. 


My  Lord, 

I  seize  the  opportunity  by  Gov'  Wentworth,  whose  conduct  while  in  this  Govern'  has  been 
truly  meritorious,  to  acquaint  your  Lordi"  that  my  sphere  in  Civil  Govern'  is  not  enlarged  this 
last  Campaign.  The  operations  of  the  Grand  Army  being  directed  to  the  Westward,  could 
not  aftbrd  support  to  the  military  movements  in  this  Trovince.  I  can  now  hardly  be  said  to  sit 
within  the  shade  o''  my  Gcvern'.  If  therefore  it  should  be  His  Maj"'''  pleasure.  I  would 
cheerfully  wish  to  resign  my  Ciovern',  If  I  might  be  honored  with  the  command  of  a  llegiment, 
and  liberty  to  sell  my  Company  in  the  Guards,  which  I  desire  might  he  purchased  by  [.ord 
Havvdon,'  whom  I  have  the  honor  to  be  distantly  connected  with  in  relationship,  and  who  is 
willing  to  purchase. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  has  intrusted  to  me  the  chorge  of  this  important  Post,  and  I  have  every 
reason  to  be  satisfied  with  the  liberal  confidence,  with  which  he  honours  me. 

The  short  time  we  were  up  the  North  Itiver  (and  only  on  its  Banks)  !  swore  in  near  three 
hundred  of  the  Inhabitants,  luid  about  jne  hundred  listed  in  the  Provincial  Corps.     Numbers 

'l-RAN.is  Isl  MAr(iii«i«  of  U.sting^  K.  O.  iiii,l  ((.  C.  H.,  el.Ifi.t  ion  of  .lol.n  lUw.loii,  l«t  Kiirl  of  Moira,  wa.  born  llli 
Dwoiiibur,  ITfil.  Il6  tfiitoro.1  tlio  iiriny  in  tlio  IVtli  y.nr  of  Ilia  ant.  M  1  ii«i«n  in  the  LMli  foot  (  7tli  AiiKunl,  mil.  nn.l 
olilained  n  l.i.uk'n».ioy  <>n   llii!  2()tli  dotobi.r,  177;i,  in  tlio  Wli  r.t:iincnt,  «nil  .'nilmrkiMl  for  Anwriea.     Tli.-  lilo.Mly  ti^lil  of 

llunkor  Hill  WM  lii<  fir.1  \,MU,  hu.I  in  .Lily  following,  lio  wa»  uj  |ioinlo,l  to  ii  lomimuy  in  tli«  «;M.  i.n.1  »o iftor  Ai.l-.1«. 

C«inp  to  Sir  Uenrv  Clinlon.     Ilo  w«.  »t  tlic  Imtllc.  of  Ilio,.klyn  an.l  Wl.il..  IMiiin.,  in  tlo  Hltaik  of  Korl  WwlunKton,  lort 

Clinton  au.l  in  otli«r  aff.ir.  of  177iJ  «uJ  1777.    In  1778  lu-  wa«  nan.-l  A.ljntai.t  tion.'ral  of  the  army  in  A ri.-o,  will.  Ihu  rank 

of  I.i...ili.|iBntl'olon<.l,  an.l  w,i»  on««i?e.I  in  the  retroat  ll.ronKl.  the  Jcr-.ji,  in  the  lialtlu  of  Monmo.ilh.  an.l  at  thn  ..*«.■  ..f 
i:h«rlclon.  In  17H0  h..  rai.t.l  a  I'lovinci.l  l'..rp.  c.II.mI  the  Vol.inl.ert  of  Ir.lan.l,  anJ  wan  cnKaKe.l  will,  it  in  Ihc  Imltlf  of 
fain.len,  where  one  half  the  r-Kime nt  wa.  l.ille.l or  woun.le.l.  He  aflerwar.U  .lefeate.l  General  (ir.cne  at  ll..tkirk  11.11,  'iMli 
April,  ITHl,  an.l  U.eu  reti.e.l  to  Charle.t.in.  He  wa»  ol.li^e.l,  however,  by  ill...*..  U>  embark  l..r  i:..Klan.l ;  on  the  pauaK* 
the  vcMel  wa.  eaptiire.l  by  the  Kreneh  an.l  carr.e.l  into  llre.t,  but  he  was  almost  iin.i.e.liataly  relea«e.l.  Un  !..«  relnrn  to 
KiiKlanJ  his  regiment  wa*  aeeeplcl,  an.l  nnnihcre.l  the  lOMh;  he  wan  «|.p..inled  Ai.l-.lefamp  lo  the  King  an.l  Colonel  III 
the  arn.y  iiill.  Nove.i.ber,  1782.  In  WW  h«  wa.  oreale.l  a  llritiKh  I'.'er  by  th.  title  of  Haron  llaw.b.n.  Ho  •..coe«.l..l  to  th. 
title  of  Karl  of  Moira,  .I'.th  June.  17113,  an.l  in  t)el<.b.  r  following  beeaine  Maj..r(iei,er«l.  In  n»4  h«  "»•  •■'"t  »"  '■''""•'•■•■'' 
with  r«iufor.enienU  for  li.e  Dnke  of  V.irk.  whom  l.e  exlr.eale.l  at  Mal.ne-.  He  beenmo  Lieutenant O.neral  in  17«8.  m 
Heplfinber  following,  wa>  proinole.l  to  be  General  in  Oio  army,  and  appointe.i  eominan.lerof  the  forcr*  in  SM.llan.l.  In  lunl 
ho  became  Colonel  of  the  ^t'l  I  uni.killing  regiment ;  In  IHOtl  Ma.terdeneral  of  the  ((i.lnanee  an.l  f..n«table  of  the  Tower  of 
I^.h,lon,  an.l  in  ISlaGoveriiorli.  ueral  of  Inlia.  In  ISIU  he  wan  a.lv..n...l  to  the  .lignily  of  .Mar.p.eM  of  Ha.tini,'.,  be.iii.ie 
Governor  of  Malta  In  \-'U.  auJ  d.e.l  IHU  Nov.n.ber,  18M,  in  the  VJO  \ear  of  hi>  a«e.   I'hilippart.  liuyal  MMt^im  CW»w*if. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVI.  735 

yet  remain  inflexibly  Loyal  notwithstanding  the  coercive  Tyranny  of  the  Rebel  Party    and 
long  d,«appomt,nent  of  relief,  have  operated  strongly  against'their^principle,  '' 

tone  I  .  .i n'u    r  m'^T^m"'''"'"  ^''^"•^"'  '""  ""'^  <^«"'  I'arsons.  Yonr  LordPmay  jndge  of  the 
tone  I  thinli  should  be  held  towards  the  Rebels 

Jy  orp:e7e:r;f'wi;id;:h  ""^r  '*;  ^""•^'^'"  "•'""""^  °"  ^"'^  ^^"""''  -^^  --  •••-•^^t^  ^-y 

n  .7n  u.  ,r  ^       "'*  '"  """''  '"'*■''•  "^ ''"""''°"  I'""  '^='«  l'*^^«"  gratefullv  received 

d  I  flatter  myseif  wll  „,eet  with  His  Maj.-  approbation  and  allowance,  at'  ti.n.  ^Ueneleri 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect 
My  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  and 

very  humble  servant 

W"'  TUVON. 


(  ('OPV  ).  '  New.York  PiiiHin  (  H.  1'.  o. )  cr.XIX. ) 

Sir,  21.  Nov  1777. 

Adding  to  the  natural  horrors  of  war.  the  most  wanton  destruction  of  private  property  are 
act.  oicruety  unknown  ,0  civilized  nations,  and  unaccustomed  in  war.  untill  the    erv    fts  „ 

tre.  ::? n'   :7'  '^'""'"'  ""^■''  '^""^"'-"  ""^  ""f-^-'  --'J.  "«>  -»«  of  inhuman        no 
t^rm  ul^  '       "  ""  '""  «""'  '"  "•""  '°  '"'''"^'-  '»--'^»   ^"-   '"^T  -e  pleased  to 

Had  any  apparent  advantage  been  der.ved  from  burning  the  houses,  on  Phillips's  Manor, 

H    Monday  mgh,    there  would  have  been  son.e  appearance  of  reason  to  justify  the  „,e  "     e 
b      when  no  benefit  can  result  from  destroying  those  buildings,  and  striping  the  wome        d 

uldren  01  necessary  apparel  to  cover  them  from  the  severity  of  a  cold  night    and  lea  H  g    fl" 
he  cap  .vated  heads  „U  o.e  fami n  Triun.ph  to  your  lines,  in  a  n.ost  ignominiou       Z  ^ 

c  nnot  a  sign  a  just.hable  cause  for  this  act  of  cruelty ;  nor  can  1  conceive  a  reason  for  you 
lurther  order  to  destroy  Tarry  Town.  ^ 

Tis  not  my  inclination.  Sir.  to  war  in  this  manner  against  the  Inhabitants  within  your  line. 

wlo  suppose  .hen..elves  wUhin  the  protection  of  the  King.     Hut  necessity  will  oh  ge  m      „ 

"I.;;     ,''r'  '""  '^'T"'  ?'"""'""  '"—•-"'•tHat  Justice  which  Immanity 

J-ll^^lr  or.t  '  ""        "  "  """  ''^'"'"^""^  ^•'^''°"'  y""^  "^""^'-'K"  ""«'  "8"i"«t 

you  cannot  be  insensible  'tis  every  day  in  my  power  to  destroy  the  buildings  belonging  to 

;  •  """''- •'  •  "'""-y  '  -''  -  •"-  yo-  line,  a.  these  Lrned  by  yoSr  Troop",  we  e 

o  the  guar.1.  o.  the  Arn.y  o.  the  United  States,  nor  can  your  utmost  vigiLce  prevent  the 

destruction  of  every  building  n„  this  gide  King's  Bridge. 


736 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


'Tis  not  fear,  Sir,  'tis  not  want  of  opportunity  has  preserved  those  buildings  to  this  time, 
but  a  sence  of  the  injustice  and  savugeness  of  such  a  line  of  conduct,  has  hitherto  saved  them  ; 
&  nothing  but  necessity  will  induce  me  to  copy  the  example  of  this  kind  so  frequently  set  us 
by  your  Troops. 

1  am  Sir, 

Your  obedient  humble  servant 

Sam  H.  Parsons.' 


I 


r 


Sir. 


Giii'ernor  Tnjon  to  lirii/adlcr-Gciieral  /\ir.son,s: 

INew-Tork  ripen  (  8.  P.  O. )  CLXIX.] 

King's  Bridge  Camp.  23.  NoV  1777. 


Could  I  possibly  conceive  myself  accountable  to  any  revolted  subject  of  tlie  King  of  Great 
Britain  1  might  answer  your  letter  received  by  tiie  Flag  of  Truce  yesterday,  respecting  the 
conduct  of  the  party  under  Capt"  Emmerick's  command  upon  the  taking  of  Peter  and  Cornelius 
Vantassel.  I  have  however  candour  enough  to  assure  you,  as  much  as  I  abhor  every  principle 
of  inhumanity  or  ungenerous  conduct,  I  should,  were  I  in  more  authority,  burn  every 
Committee  Man's  house  within  my  reach,  as  I  deem,  those  Agents  the  wretched  instruments, 
of  the  continued  calamities  of  this  Country,  and  in  order  the  sooner  to  purge  this  Colony  of 
them,  I  am  willing  to  give  twenty  silver  dollars,  for  every  acting  Committee  Man,  who  shall 
be  delivered  up  to  the  King's  Troops.  I  guess,  before  the  end  of  the  next  campaign,  they 
will  be  torn  to  pieces  by  their  own  Countrymen  whom  they  have  forcibly  dragged,  in  opposition 
to  their  principles  and  duty  (after  fining  them  to  the  extent  of  their  property)  to  take  up  arms 
against  their  lawful  Soveraign,  and  compelled  them  to  exciiange  their  happy  Constitution  lor 
Paper,  Uags,  Anarchy  and  distress. 

The  ruins  in  the  City  of  New  York,  from  the  Conflagration  of  the  Emissaries  of  your  party 
last  year,  remain  a  memorial  of  their  tender  regard  for  their  fellow  beings,  exposed  to  the 
severity  of  a  cold  night. 

This  is  the  first  correspondence,  I  have  held  with  the  King's  Enemies,  in  America,  on  my 
own  part,  and  as  I  am  immediately  under  the  command  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  your  future 
Flags,  dictated  with  decency,  would  be  more  properly  directed  to  His  Excellency. 

1  am  Sir, 

Your  humble  servant, 

W"-  Trvon. 

'  Mijnr-Gener«I  Saviel  Uoi.dkx  I'aiuion*,  tcm  of  H«t,  Jonitlitii  l'«rion«,  wan  burn  al  Lyiii.',  Coniii'cliciit,  UUi  Mny,  17.17, 
«nil  w»i  «r»ilii«lcil  «l  lUrvnnl  Collide  iri  175fi.  After  fliiil)in({  Uw,  Im  i-iitireil  iiii  llm  pmolioe  of  hit  prcifcuiuu  in  17ftl». 
lie  wa*  int'inlitT  of  llic  (irnural  Ameinbljr  of  ConnocliiMit  from  iltVi  lo  1774,  ami  muTed  to  Now  l.oiiilon  in  l"Tti,  wlicii  he 
wan  clio««n  (.'oloncl  of  militia.  Uii  iilli  Annint,  I77B,  ho  was  a|ipoiiit«0  llriKailicr  (■•'nernl  bjr  llio  Continental  I'ongreM,  and 
in  1779  fuccofded  I'litnam  in  the  ooinmnnil  of  ll»'  Coiincotii-iit  iliviniun.  <ln  'iU.I  ((clobcr,  17Ni),  lie  waa  (.roniolnl  to  the  rank 
of  Major  (ienaral.  In  17S5  he  wa«  a|i|iuiiilu<l  one  of  the  ComiiiiMioncra  lo  Irrat  with  the  Wcatern  hhliana,  and  in  17HH  wm 
iiarned  Judge  of  the  .\orlliw.'«lern  liriilory.  Ha  aoliul,  In  the  following  )»nr,  aa  Conimisjioncr  to  treat  with  llio  Wyan.lola 
and  other  Iribei  for  the  extinction  of  tlii-ir  olaiiin  to  Iho  Conni'ctii'ul  Wnlcrn  reoerve,  and  on  retiiruinif  from  title  eervicu  to 
hit  reaidence  at  Mnriettu,  (Jhio,  wan  drowned  Uy  the  u|'Mttlng  of  l.ii  Doat  in  the  ra|iid»  at  tht  Ilig  Ueaver  river,  I7ili 
NoTeiubcr,  I78»,  in  the  cad  year  of  hii  age.  AlUu.  —  Ll>. 


'1^ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XLVIT. 


787 


Lord  Geovge  Oevmaia  to  certain  of  the  Oom-nor,  in  America. 

[  I'lanlatloni  General  (8.  P.  O.)  CCLXIV.  ] 

Circular  letter  from  L-  Geo:  Germain  to  the  Governors  of: 

l'"^  ^^'^  Leward  Islands 

^°^^  Scotia  Grenades 

^■>«*  ^''°^'''a  Dominica 

f,'*'""''^^  S'  Vincent 

^"'^"''»«  Bermuda 

'pi.„  T      1    /->         .    .  Whitehall  10.  January  1778. 

bring  thetr  prize  i^  t ^  PorwitiJ''"  r  ''' '""''  bearing  such  Commissions  will 
embarrassn,e'nt  in  re  l^ll^TJZ^''''''^T;  ''"'  ^°"  ""^  '^^  """^^  -- 
commands,  to  signify  to  vou  His  Z°>^.   ,1  .""'''.'      '''''  "''^''"'"'"^  ^'^'^^'^^'^  "'«  ^'"g^ 

privateer  or  armtd  c'ru  s  h^   rot "' '1 1   !  "I,"  "17  "^'^""f^^  '•^^-'  ""  ^^  ««^'' 

at    uch  prisoners  were  taken  in  an  Arn.ed  vessel  commissioned  by  th  ■  Iteber       re«  rd   o 

"'  "'^  ^'^"J ' »'"  ''^  ""'  ^'"'"^  «' '"  P--  into  the  King's  service,  must  be  left  at  liblrty 

I  am  ettc. 

Geo:  Geumai.v. 


If-f 


Vol.  VIII. 


n.T 


%? 


:     ! 


788 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Lord  George  Germain  to  the  Comnmsioner,'^  for  restoring  Peace,  dx. 

I  I'l  inUHIOM  aentral  (8.  P.  O.)  C<JLXIT.l 

To :  Sir  William  Howe,  Gov'  Tryon,  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  Commanding  Officer  of  Rhoile 

Island,  Gov'  Tonyn. 

Whitehall.  19.  Febr^  1778. 

The  King  ever  desirous  to  promote  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  all  His  subjects,  has  seen 
with  great  concern,  the  calamitous  consequences  of  the  dispute  with  the  Colonies ;  and  willing 
to  hope  that  even  those  who  have  been  most  forward  in  bringing  on  these  misfortunes,  are 
now  convinced  of  the  fatal  tendency  of  their  conduct  and  would  gladly  return  to  their 
allegiance,  if  they  were  not  withheld  by  apprehensions,  that  advantage  would  be  taken  of 
their  submission  to  pursue  measures  dictated  by  resentment  of  their  past  behaviour  and  to 
impose  upon  the  Colonies  intolerable  burthens  or  restraints.  To  remove  all  grounds  of  such 
apprehensions,  and  to  prepare  the  way  for  the  return  of  peace,  his  Majesty  was  graciously 
pleased  to  signify  his  Royal  pleasure  to  his  most  confidential  servant,  on  whose  advice  His 
Mnj'^  relies  iii  matters  of  the  greatest  importance,  that  they  should  deliberate  upon,  and  concert 
such  measurts  as  would  be  most  likely  to  produce  those  happy  eftects  and  in  consequence  of 
ih.  unHfriinfd  liat  deliberation,  L^rd  North  on  the  17"'inst:  propounded  to  the  house  of  commons 
oal'^*«.mm.n(i-  the  iuclosed  Resolution,  which  was  unanimously  adopted,  and  [Jills  have  been 
Kh.Mi. iiuii.i  »nd  prepared  in  pursuance  of  it,  and  this  day,  presented  and  read  in  the  house. 

The  King  commands  me  to  s.-nd  you  copies  of  those  Bills  inclosed  herewith,  and  to  signify 

uniioriine.1   omii-  to  you  his  Royal  pi-asure,  that  you  do  cause  them  to  be  printed^jind  dispersed 

(iieiahiKnirinu)    tlirouchout  the  ( neigi'bourmg)  Colonies,  by  such  means  as  shuil  be  most  likely 

ihjI^tomniiMtim.     j^  make  them  generally  known  and  considered  ;  and  that  you  embrace  every 

opportunity  of  circulating  them  by  Flags  of  truce,  or  private  persons,  among  the  Rebel  Troops, 

and  in  those  I'arts  of  the  Country  where  the  authority  of  the  Congress  prevails;  and  this  you 

are  to  do  with  all  possible  expedition,  so  as  the  people  at  large  may  be  acquainted  with  their 

contents  before  ill  intentioned  persons  can  have  time  to  difl'use  prejudices  against  them,  or  by 

misrepresenting  their  tendency,  excite  jealousy  and  dutrust  of  the  favourable  disposition  of 

great  Brittain  towards  the  American  Colonies: 

I  am  ettc. 

Gbo:  Gbbmain. 


■as 
If 


Lord  Gtorije  Germain  to  the  (\)mmi.s.^loner.s'  for  re-storiny  J'eai-e,  dr. 

[rt»nUUon»  a»iifr»l  (H.  r.  O.)  CCLXIV.] 

To  the  Commiss"  for  restoring  peace.  Sir  William  Howe,  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  Gov'  Tryon, 
Governor  Tonyn,  and  Commanding  Officer  at  Rhode  Island. 

Whitehall.  11.  March  1778. 
In  my  letter  to  you  of  the  19""  of  last  month,  I  transmitted  copies  of  two  Bills,  which  were 
on  that  day  presented  and  read  in  the  house  of  Commons  ;  they  have  since  passed  both  houses 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII.  ygg 

and  received  the  Royal  assent,  very  few  essential  alterntions  having  been  made  in  them  during 

Tn  wtnt        .        "k'  *''°"'  ''^  P-ity  &  sincerity  of  the  purpose  of  Parliament       ' 
I  now  send  you  herewuh  pnnted  copies  of  these  Acts  by  the  King's  command,  and  I  am  to 

~H..    „,  Congress,_&_tl^C^,^^^^  ,,,-,,  tT^;^,;;:^^^,^,;^^-^^^ 

Tu  lets"    i:  "  ZT'   """«'°"'  "^  ME^}}i,^}^i^^i;i^^  His  Maj...  faithful 

I  am  ettc. 

Geo  :  Germain. 
P.  S.    You  will  of  course,  observe,  by  the  Acts  I  ha'-a  son-  vou  herewith    that  -.Itho'  th^ 
Comm>ss.o„ers  to  be  sent  out  from  (Jreat  Brittain,  have  «u.h.i;at  powers  to  suspend   „  a  v 
places,  or  for  any  times,  during  the  continuance  of  the  Bill  under  which  they    re  a.nlt  J 

InM  -f  ^'"^  "'"^  Parliament  Of  great  Britain  have  more  particularly  taken 

o  he,rcons,derat,on  the  Tea  Act,  and  the  Act  for  the  better  regulating  the  Goverle  t  of 
the  I^ovmoe  of  the  Massachusets  Bay,  which  have  been  repealed,  as  you  will  pe  ceive  by  he 
tte  deXd     ;"t"r''  ","'  '  '"^^  ''''  ""•'"^'°"  '°  ">«  ^'«'-«  "^  "'-7  people    ^ay^h 

^^:t:^::::::;:^2j^z "'° '-- '--  -'^^-^^  --^  ^"  ^^«  -- 

G.  G. 


Lord  Geoiye  Gennaiii  to 


[  PItnlitloni  Oentril  (s.  p.  O.  jCCLXIV.] 


Sir, 


Whitehall.  12.  March  1778. 


M'  Fisher,'  Collector  of  Salem  in  Massnchusefs  Bay,  who  was  compelled  by  the  Rebels  to 

h,s  t  me  w.th  the  view  of  usmg  the  influence  which  he  imagines  he  still  has  in  the  Colonies, 
to  .nduce  them  to  accept  of  ,he  oflers  now  held  out  to  then,,  and  return  to  their  alleg ia^^ce 

upon  t  e  state  o«  thu.gs  at  h.s  arr.val  and  the  manner  in  which  the  late  Acts  were  received. 

t  wi  ;  tT'"  TT  '"  '?'""  "''•'  ^""  ^"'"^  ''""'  ^"^'"'  "^  '^"-  ^^-'■^  ^''""-)  «hat  steps 
U  w.ll  be  proper  for  hm.  to  take,  and  I  have  therefore,  only  to  recommend  to  him  to  you  as  a 

JroTer'  Z^.^^^'''  '""^  "''""  ""  '""""'  '"""''•""■"•  ""'  ''^  ^"l"*""  ^^^  «'"'  -''"^  ''""  »" 

I  am  etic 

(lEo:  Gbrmain. 

Wh.r.  h..H,..ed.d  Mr.  Tho,np«,„  («;,„.  p.  677)  «  S.,r,Urr  to  Lord  G....rse  Urmmin,  V^rm^tJ^f^^,  a;-7.  ^Ed. 


740 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i'i 


(N»8.) 


Colonel  (rill/  Johihsoii  to  Lord  George  Gennain. 

t  I'lanltUona  Oononl  (  8.  T.  O. }  CCLXI V.  ] 

New  York.  12.  March  1778. 


My  Lord. 

The  last  letter  which  I  had  the  honor  to  address  to  your  Lord'  was  of  the  ll""  of  November, 
which  I  believe  was  misiiunibered,  I  therefore  now  transmit  a  duplicate  of  it,  and  of  N"  C.  to 
prevent  any  mistake. 

In  my  letter  N"  7.  I  briefly  explained  what  I  then  proposed  to  Sir  W""  Howe,  which  I  took 
the  liberty  to  recommend  to  your  Lord'"s  attention,  tliat  I  might  be  enabled  to  proceed  upon  it 
in  due  time. 

I  have  now  the  pleasure  to  inform  your  Lord^  that  notwithstanding  the  event  of  last 
campaign  to  the  Northward,  the  Indians  are  as  firm  as  ever,  and  are  eager  for  service;  a 
Courrier  having  just  arrived  here  with  Messages  to  me  and  a  Billet  to  tiie  General  signed  by 
L'  Col:  Bolton  commanding  at  Niagara,  and  by  my  Deputy  M^  Butler,  of  which  the  inclosed 
is  a  copy,  which  brielly  shows  their  zeal,  readiness  and  abilities. — On  this  subject  I  have  by 
direction  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  wrote  at  large  to  S"  W"  Howe,  whose  commands  1  hope, 
shortly  to  receive,  that  I  may  send  back  such  messages  as  he  approves,  or  such  as  will  prepare 
them  to  meet  me,  agreabie  to  the  proposal  I  submitted  to  your  Lordi*  and  to  him,  at  such 
time  and  place  to  the  Northward,  as  should  be  approved  of,  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  the 
Indians  out  of  the  reach  of  Rebel  Emissaries  &  of  employing  them  in  the  way  most  serviceable 
to  Govern' 

In  my  letter  of  November  last,  I  explained  the  general  design  I  had  in  view,  and  although 
from  the  nature  of  this  war,  the  best  schemes  may  be  in  some  measure  rendered  abortive,  1 
think  I  can  venture  to  rely  on  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from  what  I  have  proposed,  as  it 
will  keep  the  Indians  out  of  the  reach  of  the  Uebel  arts,  and  employ  them  in  some  serviceable 
manner;  for  until  we  have  possession  of  some  direct  communication  to  the  Six  Nations,  we 
cannot  have  them  better  occupied  than  as  I  have  mentioned,  before  the  arrival  of  more  Troops, 
unless  they  are  let  loose  to  carry  on  the  Fctitlc  Guerre  in  their  own  way. 

Indians,  with  small  bodies  of  Troops  are  often  exposed  to  what  appears  to  thorn  as  very 
discouraging  ditliculties,  in  which  cases  they  cannot  be  expected  to  keep  together  like  British 
Troops,  nor  can  they  ever  do  so  after  the  beginning  of  October,  because  of  the  Hunting  season. 
They  do  not  adopt  the  same  idt-as  of  Bravery,  neither  can  they  feel  so  much  interest  in  our 
cause  as  Britons  do,  but  in  all  other  respects,  they  alTurd  much  security  to  an  army,  and  strike 
a  Terror  into  the  Enemy. 

The  French  system  r)f  management  by  several  distinct  Agents  was  calculated  for  that 
Govern',  and  the  State  of  the  domesticated  Tribes  near  their  Cities  in  Canada,  but  suits  no 
others,  as  Sir  William  Johnson  fully  demonstrated  to  His  Maj'''"  Ministers.  —  No  uniform 
system  could  be  pursued  on  such  a  plan,  and  the  French,  alter  much  expence  and  trouble,  lost 
the  Ind™  by  it.  They  entered  into  the  fullest  Treaty  before  me  at  Ontario  and  in  Canada  in 
1776,  they  have  hitherto  adhered  and  will  still  adhere  to  the  same  if  duly  attended  to,  hut  to 
render  them  truely  serviceable,  the  nature  of  the  service  and  the  time  it  is  likely  to  take  up  are 
necessary  (Tonsiderations,  as  well  as  under  what  restrictions  they  are  to  act,  since  it  appears, 
that  they   are  lo  much  misrepresented  in  the  article  of  cruelly.  —  It  is  well  known,  My 


Wf^^^^^S^^ffi^^'^^My-K^^^jti^ 


n 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XL VII.  74^ 

Lord,  that  the  Colonies  sollicited  the  Ind"'  early  in  l775-tl.at  they  proposed  to  make  me 
prisoner -tl.nt  they  carried  Bome  Ind-  then  to  their  camp  near  Boston,  as  they  did  others  since, 
who  were  taken  in  the  IJnttle  on  Long  Ishuul ;  that  the  Tomahawk  which  is  so  much  talked  of. 
18  seldom  used  bat  to  smoak  thro',  or  to  cut  wood  with.,  and  that  they  are  very  rarely  Kuilly  of 
any  cruelty  more,  than  scalping  the  dead,  in  which  article  even,  they  may  he  restrained.  It  is 
also  certain  that  no  ot.jeclion  was  made  to  then,  forn.erly,  that  the  King's  Instructions  of  M5i 
to  Gen'  Braddock  and  many  since,  direct  their  being  employed,  whilst  some  of  the  American 
Co  omes  went  further  by  fixing  a  price  for  scalps.  Surely  foreign  ICnemies  have  an  equal  claim 
to  humanity  with  others.  * 

Perhaps  some  of  these  hints  are  not  amiss,  my  motives  will  I  hope  npologi/.e  for  them.  I  am 
persuaded,  that  I  am  by  no  means  destitute  of  the  feelings  of  humanity,  and  that  I  can  restrain 
the  Indians  from  Acts  of  Savage  Cruelty,  but  as  I  must  be  ignorant  of  the  intended  operations. 
I  can  only  humbly  propose,  as  I  have  already  done  to  collect  the  Indians  in  some  litling  place 
out  of  the  reach  of  the  Rebel  Agents,  till  the  arrival  of  more  Troops,  or  till  some  movement 
can  be  made,  that  will  give  us  possession  of  the  important  communication  between  this  and 
the  Lakes,  and  ,f  ,„  the  interim  I  can  be  honored  with  your  Lord^'s  commands,  or  be  directed 
to  give  any  further  agreable  appearances  to  the  Indians,  it  will  bo  highly  pleasing  to  them  and 
uselull  to  His  Maj'y  service. 

I  have  the  lionor  to  be  with  great  respect 
My  Lord. 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  &  most 
humble  servant, 

(j.  Johnson. 


Coloiidi  lioltiHi  (iiid  Jhith'i-  to  MiiJor-OeiKnd  VUntoii. 

t  I'lutiitloni  0«n«ral  (  B.  P.  O. )  CCI.XI  V. ) 

gj|.^  Niagara.  23.  Nov' 1777. 

Joseph  and  myself  are  ready  to  wait  your  Orders.  We  wish  to  know  your  situation,  and 
when  we  can  be  of  use  to  yon  and  where;  We  only  wish  to  know  the  time  and  place,  as  we 
are  confident  of  being  well  supported.  The  bearer  is  faithful  and  of  abilities.  Your  Kxcellency 
may  confide  in  him  ;  our  friends  are  determined  to  bo  so  in  the  worst  of  times. 

Mamov  Hui.ton 
John  Hutlbr 
(Joneral  Clinton  or  ( )mcer  commanding  Hudson's  D'  Superi'  Ind"  Aflairs. 

River  or  (Sir  William  Howe. 


748 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


NM8. 


Governor  Trijon  to  Lord  George  Germain. 

[Naw-Tork  Fapm  (B.  P.  O.)  UT^XIX.] 


New  York.  20  March.  1778. 
My  Lord, 

I  am  honored  with  your  Lord^'s  dispatch  of  the  10""  January  last.  As  soon  as  I  receive  the 
Lords  Commiss"  of  the  Admiralty's  authority  to  grant  Commissions  of  Marque  against 
the  Rebels,  ( which  I  can  not  learn  is  transmitted  by  the  Harriot  Packet,  unless  in  Lord  Howe's 
dispatches,  which  are  forwarded  to  Rhode  Island)  I  shall  be  carefull  to  carry  all  his  Mnj*'* 
commands  into  execution  relative  to  the  disposal  of  the  Prisoners  of  War  taken  by  the  ships 
BO  commissioned. 

1  have  the  satisfaction  to  assure  your  LordP  that  this  measure  is  most  gratefully  received  by 
the  Citizens,  and  that  several  have  already  begun  to  fit  out  their  vessells,  that  they  may  be 
ready  to  put  to  sea,  so  soon  as  they  can  be  Commissioned. 

Great  expectations  are  formed  of  their  success  as  the  Commanders  of  these  Privateers  have 

a  perfect  knowledge  of  the  Coasts,  and  will  go  into  Creeks  &  Harbours,  that  will  not  admit 

of  the  King's  ships,  it  is  also  believed  that  numbers  of  men  in  the  Rebel  ships,  will  quit  that 

service,  to  enter  aboard  these  Privateers —  I  am  ettc. 

W"  Tkyon. 


¥ 


4 


\ 


N»48. 


Governor'  Tryoii  to  I/jrd  Gconje  Germain. 

[  New-Tork  r«i>«ri  (B.  V.  O.)  CLXIX.J 

New  York.  16  April  1778 


My  Lord. 

I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  the  inclosed  correspondence  between  Lord  Howe  and  myself, 
( with  the  Attorney  General's  opinion )  on  the  sutyect  of  issuing  letters  of  Marque,  in  the 
present  State  of  this  Province;  But  have  not  yet  received  the  necessary  powers  from  the  Lords 
Commiss"  of  the  Admiralty. 

As  the  letters  of  Marque  would  be  always  subject  to  the  search  of  the  Olllcers  of  the  King's 
ships,  and  as  Masters  of  Transports  who  lost  men,  might  be  empowered  also  to  search  the  said 
letters  of  Marque  ;  I  am  apt  to  think,  few  Men  in  the  King's  service  could  be  carried  off,  in  the 
said  vessels  by  stealth. 

I  can  assure  your  Lord"",  it  will  be  a  deep  chngrin  and  disappointment  to  many  of  the  Loyal 
Inhabitants  in  this  Govern',  to  be  deprived  of  fitting  out  letters  of  Marque  against  the  Enemy. 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect  ettc 
W""  Tkyon. 

P.  S.  I  received  by  the  Andromeda,  late  last  night  Your  Lord^'s  dispatches,  with  those  for 
Gov'  Tonyn'  ettc.  and  shall  with  all  expedition,  carry  His  Maj'''"  commands  into  execution. 

W  TnvoN. 

'  Gcncritl  Patkhk  Tontn  wai  ■ppointcd  Cniitnin  on  tlic  Ifith  May,  17fil,  in  the  (Uh  or  Gnniskillrn  Draguona,  wliioli  rflgi- 
tneat  aerved  in  Germany  in  1768.     In  1761  h*  wm  oommiMioneJ  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  104tb  nr  King'a  Voltinleera.    Thia 


~5V*i^~-~.~V. 


I 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS  :    XL  VII.  743 

Lord  Jlowe  to  Governor  Tnjoii. 

[  NowYcrk  Ptperi  (8.  p.  o. )  CLXIX.] 

Sir,  '''"«'«•  o'T  Snndy  Hook.  11.  April  1778. 

Sl2''Lh«Tr  ''"^'^^'"^'■•^f  ^^  r  ''''  *=°''y°'"^he  circular  letter  from  the  Secretary  of 
S  ate  &  the  Men  age  he  wan  charged  with  hy  Your  Kxcelicr,  respecting  your  determination  to 
g  a„t  letters  of  Marque  conformable  to  the  tenor  of  it.  as  soon  .Is  you  shall  be  furnirel  with 
the  requisite  authorities  from  the  Lords  Commiss"  of  the  A.lmiralty. 

Persuaded  of  the  dangerous  consequences   that   must  ensue   to   the   King's  service,   bv 

the  temptation  thereby  offered  the  Seamen  to  withdraw  from  the  transports  on  wic    the 

ubsistence  of  the  Army  immediately  and  entirely  depends,  as  well  as  from  the  ships  o    Wa 

trust  tha  you  will,  in  reg-.rd  thereof,  be  prevailed  on  to  postpone  the  issue  of  sucUe tteTs  of 

Marque;  a   least  ,n  the  present  circumstances  of  the  War.  or  until  the  King's  further  Tnl^l 

(If  deemed  necessary  to  be  taken)  can  be  hud  upon  the  matter.  ' 

I  am  more  particularly  encouraged  to  hope  for  this  testimony  of  your  indulgence  when  I 
consider  the  tenor  and  spirit  of  the  circular  letter,  which  as  I  conceive,  is  not  .b     a  oTy  „« 
indeed  applicable  to  the  State  of  this  Province.  ^ 

The  letter  obviously  respects  the  Provinces,  in  which  the  civil  Govern-  is  regularly  exercised 
and  the  Laws  are  still  in  Force.  '^B""«riy  exercisea. 

Prisoner?."?  I'  '"  ^"  """^"  '"  "''  """'"'''""  "^"'""^  ""^  '"«*"'-«'-«  and  security  of  the 
ri  oners ;  and  as  a  necessary  ground  for  the  operation  of  that  civil  authority,  it  is  presupposed 
ha   the  captures  will  be  brought  into  some  port  within  your  Cover-,  w'ereasf  by  the       e 
restraining  ACS    the  special   License  of  the  Commiss"  therein  mentioned,  is    equ      I   f 
exempting  this  Port  rom  the  Klll-ct  0.  the  General  prohibition  extended  in  the  case    o    1  t" 
I'rovinces  not  in  the  king's  peace 
*  1  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect 

Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant. 

HowB. 

Copy  of  M'  Kemp's  (Attorney  General)  opinion  on  fitting  out  letters  of  Marque. 

Upon  mature  deliberation,  i  cannot  help  thinking  that  the  issuing  letters  of  Marque  here 

may  be  attended  in  some  degree  with  the  inconveniencies  mentioned  in  Lord  Howe's  letter- 

norcan  I  see  any  means  by  which  they  can  effectually  be  prevented.     The  most  obvious  is 

hat  of  taking  securities  from  the  owners  of  the  Vessels  to  be  Commissioned,  that  no  Seamen 

belonging  to  the  Transports,  or  the  King's  ships,  shall  be  engaged  '..y  them  or  their  ollicers; 

buttli.8  will  be  subject  to  evasion  and  abuse,  as  no  precaution  wi  1  be  effectual  to  prevent 

hem  from  being  imposed  upon,  hy  Seamen,  who  wish  to  engage  with  them,  and  who  will  not 

Hesitate  to  declare  themselves  perfectly  disengaged  from  His  Maj-^'  or  the  transport  service- 

r.«inK.nt  wa.  .li.l,«,,J,J  in  n,-,n,  .n,I  h.  rem.ineJ  on  I..lf.p.y  u„til  1776,  when  h.  w„  .ppointod  Oov.rnor  of  K..t  FIoH.1. 

h«t  llorul.  „.  1783.     llo  w«,.,,po.„t«,l  Colonel  of  Iho  4H.I>  Foot  liil.l  M.y,  1787;  Li.utcn.nt-Ocner.l  12ll.  Oo'.ober   I79S- 
General  m  ,h.  .nny  Ut  J.nu.ry,  17«H.  and  died  toward,  the  clo.e  of  U„  ,,„  ,804.  Army  Zi.i,,  _  &.  '  ' 


P'il 


744 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRirTS. 


niul  !ia  justice  could  not  forfeit  tlieso  bonds,  iinifss  tlioy  were  wilfully  violated,  the  difficulty  of 
niiii^iiig  this  uppciir,  would  render  them  almost  useless. 

1  am  not  a  suHicient  judge,  how  far  these  inconveniencies  may  he  counterballiinced,  by  the 
i;ood  effects,  which  may  probably  result  from  the  issuing  of  letters  of  Marque  ;  they  a|)pear  to 
mo  to  be  these:  —  a  greater  Number  of  vessels  will  bo  distressing  the  ilebels,  and  without 
expeiice  to  the  Crown  —  Vessels  which  are  now  useless  to  us,  will  be  thus  employed  ;  'tis  not 
liii|)robal)le  that  some  which  might  otherwise  cruise  against  us,  will  cruise  against  the  Rebels — 
They  will  generally  he  small  vessels,  capable  of  running  into  the  inlets  on  the  Coasts,  where 
our  Frigates  cannot  go,  and  into  which  great  part  of  the  importations  tor  the  use  of  the  Rebels  is 
made,  and  from  whence  their  exportations  are  also  made,  and  will  in  general  be  commanded  by 
persons  well  acquainted  with  these  little  harbours.  Add  to  this,  that  the  spirit  of  privateering 
is  so  prevalent  in  this  Province  in  particular,  and  in  the  Colonies  in  general,  that  we  may 
expect  the  most  vigorous  exertions  will  be  made,  and  that  a  great  many  who  Man  tiie  Rebel 
ships  (Cruizers  as  well  as  Merchantmen)  will  be  induced  to  come  over  to  us,  as  they  will  bo 
employed  as  much  to  their  interest,  and  more  to  their  safety;  besides  this,  many  Landsmen, 
now  in  the  Enemies  lines,  who  do  not  come  over  to  ns  for  the  want  of  the  means  of  subsistence 
(and  who  do  not  chose  to  become  Soldiers)  will  probably  come  into  us,  partly  from  interest 
and  the  spirit  of  privateering,  and  partly  from  the  dread  of  being  compelled  by  the  Rebels 
into  their  army  ns  soldiers. 

Your  Excell'^  is  the  best  judge  how  far  the  tenor  and  spirit  of  the  circular  letter  is  obligatory 
upon  you,  and  how  lar  your  powers  are  discretionary,  this  indeed  will  be  best  determined  by 
the  inspection  of  your  powers  when  they  arrive. 

I  cannot  see^  vvhy  the  circular  letter  is  not  api)licable  to  the  State  of  this  Province,  so  far  at 
least,  as  it  respects  the  measure  under  consideration.  If  this  measure  had  not  been  thought 
proper  to  be  pursued  here,  by  His  Majesty's  Ministers,  and  the  Lords  of  t'.e  Admiralty,  it 
seems  unaccountabh;  why  the  one  should  delegate  the  powers,  or  the  other  direct  you  to  pursue 
them  ;  the  8tate  of  this  Province  doee  not  seem  to  have  been  in  his  Maj"''  Councils  at  lioniij, 
an  objection  against  the  pursuit  of  this  measure;  'tis  true,  till  the  Assembly  shall  again  meet, 
the  Prisouncrs  cannot  be  maintained,  by  a  provision  to  be  made  by  the  Legislature  here,  for  that 
purpose,  but  there  is  an  alternative  mentioned  in  the  letter  by  which  they  may  be  supported. 
I  should  judge  therefore  that  the  circular  letter  respects  this  I'rovince  altlio'  the  (^ivil  (iovern' 
is  not  regularly  exercised  in  it,  nor  do  I  see  how  this  atl'ects  the  question,  or  that  it  can  operate 
against  your  powers  in  this  instance  ;  indeed,  to  be  explicit,  I  cannot  conceive  that  any  of  your 
authorities  in  the  civil  line  as  his  Maj''"'  (ioV  of  this  IVov",  may  not  be  exercised,  nor  that 
the  Laws  have  ceased  to  be  obligatory,  altho'  the  exercise  of  the  one  and  tlie  operation  of  tho 
other  have  been  suspended  by  the  violence  of  the  Rebels. 

Without  the  Commiss"  license  for  bringing  the  prizes  taken  by  letters  of  Marque  into  this 
Port,  the  same  doubts  of  the  competency  of  the  Court  of  Admiralty  to  condemn  such  prizes 
will  recour  as  took  place  the  before  passing  the  late  Act  of  Parliament —  Add  to  this,  that  their 
prize  goods  cannot  be  exported  but  by  the  License  of  the  Commiss" ;  the  want  of  these  Iicen(\e8 
'tis  probable  will  give  such  a  check  to  the  letters  of  Marque,  that  few  will  chose  to  meddle 
with  them. 


Cl     .  _-'l 


LONDOM  DOCUMENTS:    XT.VII. 


745 


nn,ja,lici:ae>Hmd  J\,r.m„,,  to  Oovenwr    Tnjoiu 

[  N«w-Vorli  Pipers  (  H.  I',  o, )  OI.XIX.  ] 


Sir, 


1.  January  1778. 


Since  I  received  yours  of  llie  S3"<  of  Novpml.r  i  i,„„    i  ,        , . 

M.,r,  which  ci„.„  „„ ,!;,i,,„,,,,; zi;!;:„ir  """"""■  ■ "'« ^»" ""-i" » "i-  "■■• 

I  should  not  have  enlerlained  a  tliouglit  you  have  failed  in  .!,«  ,1.,.. 

del;;: :::"  rr;^r^  '"^^'  ^°"  -^^  "'--^  ^^  ^""^«« '°  ^"«  -••-'-  ^-p«  -der  t,. 

This  deserves  no  other  answer,  than  to  assure  you,  it  has  not  the  least  foundation  in  truth 
&  that   we  are  assured,   it  gains   no   credit  with  OIHcers    whose  Unnk    nnVl     V 
opportunity  to  know  and  helieve  the  truth.  ""'^  ^""'^"''    8'^«« 

This    like  many  other  circumstances  is  charged  to  the  account  of  those  who  were  never 

i^ ';::pt  Cs"  ^""^ ''- '-'-  -^ '-'-'  -'• '-  '«■-«-  --^  .isguided.^:;:;::; 

I'erhaps  I  might  suggest,  with  as  much  propriety  and  more  truth,  this  unhappy  event  was 
bought  about  by  your  own  party  fron.  the  same  motives  which  induced  them  in  Aug  77C 
to  mangle  t  e  .ad  hod.es  of  some  of  the  Foreign  Troops  in  a  n.ost  shocking  ani  um^'' 
manner  and  place  them  in  the  most  conspicuous  parts  of  the  Itoads  their  bretrren  were  tl 
p  ss.  A  just  u.hle  resistance  ..gainst  unwarrantahle  invasio..s  of  the  natural  nd  o  i  1  ig,  t 
o   Ab  nk.nd.  ,    unsuccessful,  I  „m  sensible  according  to  the  fashion  of  the  World,  wil   he  c  H  d 

Wh.ther  I  am  now  considered  as  a  revolted  subject  of  the  King  of  Britain,  or  in  any  othe  I  gl.t 
by  ,.  ,u,,jec^,  .s  very  .mmaterial  and  gives  me  very  little  concern  -  futur  ages,  1  hop  wi  do 
just.ce  to  my  .ntent.o..s  and  the  present  to  the  humanity  of  n.y  Conduct 

tew  Men  are  of  Talents  so  very  inconsideral.le  as  to  be  unalterably  excluded  from  every 
degree  of  I  ame.  A  Nero  and  a  CaUgnla  have  perpetuated  their  .nemory  ;  perhaps  u.en,,  ,ilZ 
doilar.  may   be   ..ot.ves   w.th  those  you   employ,  to  do  great  honor   to  your  Machiave  an 

.v'r::;r:  ''''•'''',"''^';  '"'^''*'^' """'"'"""'  ™--''« ''"'-"""'  '-ve  "is  ing 

"idennaXl'"'^''^'^  ""'  """"^^  ^'"^"  ^'"  ''""^'  ^«-  '"--^  "-"  -  P--''y  - 

ex.l!r"'r'.  "  '''""'"■""  ""''  "'"'  ''"'''  °""*''''"'  '"'•'^P'^n'^bly  bou..d,  never  to  comit  crimes,  but 
V     ""v!  .'  "'""''""■^   "■■  ""■■  ""'"^  ""i"llue..ced  by  sordid  mercenary  motives. 

\oi,.  vin,  (,^  ■' 


746 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


In  the  field  of  conjecture,  I  shnll  not  attempt  to  follow  you;  your  talent  of  guessing  may  be 
greater  than  I  can  boast  of,  this  satisfaction  at  least  you  may  enjoy,  if  you  fmd  yourself 
mistaken  in  one  conjecture,  you  liave  an  undoubted  right  io  gucsi  again. 

I  sliali  content  myself  to  wait  'till  the  event  verifies  your  prediction  or  shews  you  are  mistaken. 
Assuring  you,  I  Khali  never  pursue  your  measures  for  restoring  peace,  whither  my  authority 
should  be  greater  or  less,  further  tlian  necessity  shall  compel  me  to  retort  the  injuries  the 
peaceable  Inhabitants  of  this  Country  may  receive  from  the  hand  of  violence  and  oppression. 

I  am 

Sir. 

Your  obedient  servant 

Sam  :  H.  Parsons. 
a  True  copy.     Test :  W"  Tryon 
original  received  the  middle  of  last  february 


(N"U). 


Loirl  George  Germain  to  Governor   Tryon. 

[  Nuw-Yurk  ropcn  ( S.  P.  O. )  CI.XIX.  ] 

Whitehall.  6  June.  1778. 


Sir 


Since  my  circular  letter  of  the  O""  of  March  1  have  received  your  Dispatches  N»  45,  46,  47 
and  48.  and  a  private  letter  of  the  IS  of  March. 

It  was  a  great  pleasure  to  me  in  the  course  of  last  Month,  to  have  the  honor  to  lay  before 
the  King  for  His  Maj"'  Royal  signature,  a  Commission  giving  you  the  Rank  of  Major  General 
in  America,  according  to  that  you  held  as  Colonel,  and  which  your  merit  and  services  so  well 
entitle  you  to,  and  upon  which,  and  your  appointment  to  the  command  of  70'"  Regiment,  I 
beg  you  will  accept  my  congratulations. 

Some  legal  difficulties,  that  I  was  not  informed  of,  I  find  were  the  occasion  that  the  Lords 
of  the  Admiralty  did  not  send  you  a  Commission  to  grant  letters  of  Marque  at  the  time  I 
acquainted  you  it  would  be  dispatched.  Those  difficulties  I  have  the  satisfaction  to  tell  you, 
are  now  so  far  obviated  that  you  will  receive  herewith,  the  necessary  authority  to  grant  letters 
of  Marque  in  all  such  case  as  the  prohibitory  Act  will  allow.  These  cases,  are  ships  in  the 
service  of  Govern',  Ships  licensed  to  bring  provisions  or  Stores  to  the  Fleet  or  Army,  or  for 
the  supply  of  the  Inhabitants,  &  ships  carrying  out  prize  goods.  Under  these  descriptions  only 
it  is,  that  any  Trading  ship  can  enter  or  clear  at  New  York  without  incurring  forfeiture,  and 
therefore  none  else  can  possibly  perform  the  requisites  that  entitle  them  to  letters  of  Marque; 
but  of  this  you  will  be  fully  informed  by  the  Acts  themselves,  and  the  Instructions  you  will 
receive  from  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty;  I  have  therefore  only  to  add  my  wishes,  that  you 
may  find  the  Authorities  you  i.re  vested  with,  sufficient  for  the  purpose  and  satisfactory  to  the 

Loyal  Inhabitants. 

I  am  ettc. 

Geo  :  Germain. 


N"  15, 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII. 

Lord  Geoiuje  Genmthi  to  Gum-uor  Tr 

I  New-Tork  Pti»r«  ( 8.  V.  O. )  CLXIX. ) 


747 


yon. 


Whitehall  1.  July  1778. 


Sir, 

from  thi, Counlr,,  I  i,„,i  L  f„!„  °  Xin        '    ,    ,       '"'  '"  ■'""""""I  "pon  a  .ep.,„iion 

1  am  ettc. 

Gko:  Germain. 


N»66. 


Gjvenior  Tryon  to  Lord  Gtorge  Gtrmam. 

[New- York  Papera  (b.  P.O.)  CLXlX.  ] 


My  Lord,  New  York.  8  July  1778 

J^::Zl::lir  '^^'^'^  ^'«P-^^-°''^"e  «-o'- Apn,  and  h^e  Circulated  the 
As  the  necessary  Authority  from  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  Admiralty  to  grant  letters  of 
Marque  has  not  reached  me.  no  Privateers  have,  or  can  be  fitted  out  fronf  hisTo  t  •  two  o 

cm  thl  r'  ':  "k  -'""^  '""  '""^^  '"^^^'^  '°  *-«'  f''-*^«  -d  got  letters  of  Marque 
InTJ  ,  7'  ;  '""'  "'  '''  P'^"^"'  discouragement  the  Inhabitants  here  labour  undeT  I 
apprehend  when  the  powers  do  arrive,  the  opportunity  will  be  lost. 

nnn  .  7^'°^'  T''""  ''"''^'^  '"  "'''  ^'''^  '^«'  ^''^'^ '  ^^^  '''«''•  P^wers  are  competent  to 
appomt  Governors,  I  beg  His  Maj^^  will  recall  me  from  my  Govern',  being  perfect  yconvned 
I  can  no  longer  be  serviceable  in  my  civil  line.  perieciiy  convinced 

1  am  most  respectfully 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordf's  most  obedient  servant 

W™  Tkvon. 


748 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MAKITSCRIPTS. 


t 


N"  10. 


Lonf  (Mm/e  Gerinain  to  Oorenior  Trijou. 


[New-Tork  Vtf*'*  (S-  '•  t')  <'I-XIX.] 


Whitehall.  6.  August.  1778. 


Sir, 

I  have  received  your  Dispatches,  N"*  62,  6:'.  &  64.  and  thank  you  for  the  papers  inclosed, 
which  add  to  the  many  proofs  we  before  had  of  the  insiduoufi  designs  of  France  in  encouraging 
and  abetting  tlie  Uebellion. 

My  circular  letter  of  this  day's  date  will  inform  you  of  the  resolution  His  Majesty  has  come 
to  respecting  that  Court,  which  makes  it  unnecessary  forme  to  say  more  here  upon  the  subject, 
than  to  express  my  hopes  of  seeing  all  his  Majesty's  Loyal  American  subjects  ngiiin  at  liberty 
to  exert  themselves  in  distressing  the  Trade  and  punishing  the  perfidy  of  our  natural  Enemies. 

I  am  ettc. 

Geo:  Gbrmain. 


(Circular,  Secret  and  confidential.) 
Gov'  of  Quebec 
"  Nova  Scotin 


Ijoi'd  (ifonjc   (nniiain  to  frormior,'/  in   Xorth  Aiiitricii. 

C  IM>nl>ll«u  Qcntral  (8.  P.  0. )  COLXIV.  ] 

Whitehall.  6.  August  1778. 

Gov'  of  .lamaicft 
"  Ilarbados 

"  New  York  "  Leeward  Islands 

"         East  Florida  "  Grenades 

"  West  Florida  "  Dominica 

Uahamas.  *'  S"  Vincent 

"  Bermuda.  "  New  Foundland 

and  Gov'  of  Senegambia. 

The  French  King  have  issued  orders  for  seizing  or  destroying  all  ships  or  vessels  belonging 
to  His  Mnj"  or  His  Subjects,  it  has  been  judged  proper  by  His  Mnj"  in  Council  to  authori/.e 
the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  to  grant  Commissions  of  Marque  &  reprisals  for 
seizing  or  destroying  the  ahips  and  vessels  o(  the  French  King  and  his  Kiubjects.  Their  Lordf's 
have,  in  pursuance  of  this  aulhorit}  legated  the  same  powers  to  the  King's  Gov"  in  the 
American  Colonies,  and  you  will  receive  from  their  Lordn"s  by  this  conveyance  the  proper 
instruments  for  that  purpose,  together  with  Instructions  for  your  guidance  in  the  execution  of 
those  powers.  1  have  only  to  add  to  those  Instructions  that  it  is  the  Kings  express  command 
that  you  do  not  grant  any  Commissions  but  to  persons  whose  Characters  and  properties  are 
such  as  shall  be  a  sullicient  pledge  and  assurance  of  their  strict  observance  of  their  instructions, 
and  that  you  do  take  every  precaution  to  prevent  any  injury  or  molestation  to  the  Trade  of 
Hit  Cutholick  Maj'^''  subjects,  or  any  just  ground  of  complaint  from  any  neutral  power. 

I  am  ettc. 

Geo:  Gksma'n 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVII. 


r49 


ti 
II 
II 
II 
ti 


<ii)v'of  Loewnrd  IbIiiikIh 

"  Doininicn 

•S'  Vinc'tit 

"  Bormudii 

NHwfouiKlland 
Nova  Hcotiu 


lonl  <!,o,;j,'  Germai,,  to  the  (um'nior.  in  Am,n,v. 

I  I'lanliiUoiu  afotnl  (».  I>,  o.)  COI.XIV.  1 

(JoV  of  Now  York, 

Kast  Florida  •• 

West  Florida  ■• 

liahnmas  n 

Jiiinaicn  n 

Barhados.  « 

and  tho  Cov"  of  S.«n,.gambin. 

i»  .d,m,«„  „  „„  «„„,., ,.„ ,„.,.,  ,,,„„„„  „„^^      3;.;;;*;';  '■  A..«..«  .7,s 

by  the  King  to  acquaint  you.  that.  IliH  Mai'^  i, .1     ■  '     "'»  «'»"""""<l<''l 

a.aistance  should  be'cut  o/from  th      :     n  y       <;       'J, 'I  "f'^  "^"'7^  ^""^  ""  ««  ^ 
precaution  in  your  power,  to  nrevont  a  .v  !^^,  •■      '""""*''  "'"'  ^•'"  ''"  ♦"'^"  «^''^y 

being  ,ent  to  t^  ..  ects  «.  FrZ^     Cr^  ^^  j  l^  :''""7  "^  ""^  '^^  -""'-- 

carried  out  of  the  ^TT  t"  any        1 1.  rri  „H        <  1  '"  "''"  '''"'  "'"^  '"'  "'"''"'•♦"''  ^^  '"' 

."ppiy  or  use  of  the-Krene,:^:;  or:;:;":::;;::"!!'  -' '"  ^"  """-^""  -'  - '-  '"- 

i  uni  ettc. 

tJuo!  Ubkmain. 


it,*! 


N»  17. 


Kir. 


7^>nl  (fmnjf  (Unmii,,  t„   (iovn-nur    Tnjim 

I  Now-Vufli  |>i|Mn  ( (.  p.  ().  )  CLXIX.  ] 

Whitehall.  2.  Sept'  1778. 


""■-•«'/  f" 0. L ..  .1.;:';.  ,,"I1 '  1 1  r;  ,f;';:;;7' «™  ^:""' 

;:::;:ir ';:;:.-" ' '  -  '• « -  ""■-"■•"  -i  t-  ';::■- 

I  am  otic. 

Gi 


tun  .    (ikHMA 


IN. 


750 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


n 


N-SG. 


Governor  Tryon  to  lA)rd  (reort/e  Germain. 

[  Now-Yurk  Papcri  ( 9.  P.  O. )  CLXIX.  ] 


New  York.  5  Sepf  177S. 

My  Lord, 

I  am  honored  with  the  Duplicate  N"  14.  and  original  N»  15.  of  your  Lord^'s  Dispatches,  also 
with  the  necessary  powers  for  granting  letters  of  Marque,  near  forty  vessels  are  fitting  out 
nere,  which  when  ready  to  sail,  will  take  letters  of  Marque. 

I  arrived  last  evening  from  the  East  End  of  the  Island,  with  a  Detachment  of  near  one 
Thousand  provincials,  where  I  had  marched  to  secure  the  peaceable  behaviour  of  the 
disaffected  inhabitants  in  that  quarter,  and  assist  the  Commissary  in  obtaining  about  one 
Thousand  fat  Cattle  for  the  Army.  Inclosed  is  the  oath  I  administered  to  all  the  Inhabitants, 
on  the  North  side  of  the  Island,  giving  them  the  alternative  either  to  take  the  oath  or  remove 
with  their  families  and  furniture  to  Connecticut ;  not  one  of  the  whole  chose  the  latter,  even 
the  hottest  Rebels  said,  my  proposal  was  generous,  and  took  the  oath,  which  convinces  me 
that  the  acrimony  of  opposition  is  much  softened  by  the  late  concessions  of  Government. 

Were  I  at  this  crisis,  to  dare  to  give  an  opinion  on  public  affiiirs,  it  would  be,  that  the 
British  Forces  on  the  Continent  (taking  the  present  ground  of  the  War)  were  never  in  so  good 
a  condition  as  at  present  to  reconcile  America  to  the  dependency  on  Great  Brittain ;  the  Army 
being  as  U  were  united  and  in  posession  of  the  four  Islands :  New  York,  Long  Island,  Staten 
Island  and  Rhode  Island,  ( the  center  of  the  American  Coast)  from  whence  it  might  make  such 
vigorous  and  hostile  depridations,  on  the  continent  as  would  oblige  America  to  call  aloud  for 
the  settlement  oflered  by  the  King's  Commiss" ;  but  if  large  detachments  are  made  from  this 
Army,  and  the  Troops  thereby  obliged  to  remain  defensive  on  the  Continent,  I  apprehend, 
American  dependency  on  Great  Britain  will  be  precarious  indeed. 

M'  W"  Smith'  the  Counsellor  is  returned  to  Town,  and  declares  the  Rebels  are  in 
a  bad  condition,  and  impotent  in  force  as  in  courage,  and  who  only  expect  success  from 
procrastination.  I  am  hopefull,  he  may  be  usefull  to  the  Commiss"  no  one  is  better  informed 
of  the  politicks  of  America,  and  1  trust  he  means  to  mark  his  endeavours,  to  promote  a 
reconciliation  on  the  terms  proposed,  if  liberally  encouraged,  he  could  give  much  weight  to 
Govern'  from  his  abilities. 

The  late  fire  and  explosion  of  the  Powder  Vessel,  has  done  great  mischief  to  this  City, 

upwards  of  sixty  houses,  having  been  destroyed,  and  many  greatly  damaged.    The  perpetrators 

of  the  conflagration  are  still  unknown.     1  am  with  all  possible  respect. 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordi-'s  most  obedient  humble  servant 

W"  TaroN. 


'b««ViL,  »0«,  noUJ.— Ko. 


LONDON  DOOITMENTS :    XL VII. 


751 


Govmwr  Tnjon  to  Urd  (}e<mje  denmin. 

N°  57.  '  Now- York  P«i,«r«  (  ».  p.  o.  )  CLXIX.  ] 

%  Lord,  Now  York.  6  Sepf  1778 

my  seniority  in  the  Army;  hot  f  wl  "'.     "     "'^°„.°''^""""S  ^^  'f""k  in  A.nerica  agreubie  ,o 
."arR«   of  His   M,ye.ty./;o:„  ;  Tow    ,'  ZT:    ^[m  ^^^  These  .o.'gracious 

Iloyal  benevolence.  ''"'   ''"'"^    "'J'  """<»    with  grnlilude   for  such 

opl:i!rg^;:;i;t'ro':i!f  ;re;t'^     rdefL":;'  ''^  "^r"'°"  °^  ^'-'•' ""'«-  very 

simll  entreat  the  ComnmnLr  in  Chief  plrstl  T  '''''''  ""  ""'  continent,  I 

Btoek  of  health  for  future  services.    ndTe,;!  *''"^  ^  "^"^  '"y  '"'  -  l"^tter 

more  pressing.     In  the  mean  tin     T  h .      17  '        ", ""'""  '"  '''"«'"'"^'  "'•''"'  ''""•V  ''-ome 
to  exchange  „,y  present  Civil  :;  a  Mi  ' n  Z^  a!  So^ I  'r'\  ''?'^  ''''  '''"'  "^"P" 

I  a.n  with  nil  possible  respect  My  Lord  "'"'•^• 

Vour  LordP's  most  obed'  &  very  humble  serv' 

VV"'  Tryon. 


N"  0. 


(yo,d  G,,,,  J„Jn,,o„  to  L,r,J  fUo,yr  OWmaln. 

[  ri«nli.(loi,.  Ocnoral  (  H.  p.  o.  )  I'CI.XIV.  ] 


My  Lord.  New  York.  10.  Sepf  1773. 

Soon  after  dispatching  mv  letter  of  \r,ip,.i.  1,  .    i  ■      . 

"-'-"-  Of  my  LnLpropirr;::^^^^^^^^ 

.;:;;:;:::: ;::i;;;:-:r,s" ':::::  z :: ;?": ■ '--  - • — •-  -  -  «— 

"f.....y  .l.«f„ll..wi,.«c.,„p„„.,   ,a  „,.  .i,;.„f  o    "J'^T"'"  «••""•-';'  TK.„.K,..r..K.,  ....,i  c... .,,,1.1.,,    ,, J. 

mo,  1„„|.,1  .t  St.,..,,  1,1,,,,,,  „,,  ,,„,i,.i,„,    .  .""''       *"'""••     ""  ""'"'""n.l-l  nt  thr  ll,.l,|„„f  I,,  „k..,  |,i,|.  j„ 

"  ^  "'"7  ••"■" ■'  '"'<. turn  ..•..:;,;;;::,::  "';":'"";""'7  "•  '•'^''-.  •••'• ...-..■.i:..  .J 

h.  A,.l,ll.ry  .„,,  ,,,„„...,.^  „,„„.,  „,  ,      ,,^  ;  .,„;,.?.',       •;;:7'"''"'  '--'  *•"'"-'  -  '-""-hi  -.  -..n,l  „f 

;'" -"•  '"'"    '.  >*•"-.  tl..  rri.l.  „„,  l...„„  ,,U,^^"J"Z,iir  T'  "'  "^ "'■     '''•""•""  "—  '""' 

:    — •"-"•  -    Kn,  -  - 7 '— rj,  11!.,  i70,  JJ7, 


Sl'iTJti'rtl- 


752 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


points  as  were  necessary  for  his  giving  me  final  instructions;  before  this  could  be  done.  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  took  the  command  of  the  Army,  and  it  was  then  found  necessary  to  wait  the 
answer  of  the  Congress  to  the  terms  proposed  by  the  Commissioners.  Immediately  after 
the  French  Fleet  blocked  up  this  Port,  and  prevented  any  Vessels  from  sailing ;  but  all  these 
delays  and  difficulties  are  at  length  surmounted  and  I  am  this  day  to  embark  for  Quebec  from 
whence  (if  I  am  fortunate  enough  to  escape  the  Cruisers)  I  propose  to  write  more  at  large. 

Your  LordP  will  have  heard  before  this  can  reach  you  of  the  successful  incursions  ol  the 
Indians  and  Loyalists  from  the  Northward.     In  conformity  to  the  Instructions  I  conveyed  to 
my  Officers,  they  assembled  their  force  early  in  May,  and  one  division  under  one  of  my 
Deputys  (M'  Butler)  proceeded  with  great  success  down  the  Susquehanna,  destroying  the 
Posts  &  settlements  at  VVioming,  augmenting  their  number  with  many  Loyalists,  and  alarming 
all  the  Country,  whilst  another  Division  under  M'  Brandt,  the  Indian  Chief  cut  off  294  Men 
near  Schohare  and  destroyed  the  adjacent  settlements  with  several  Magazines  from  v/hence 
the  Rebels  had  derived  great  recourses,  thereby  alfo.ding  encouragement  and  opportunity  to 
many  friends  of  Government  to  join  them.— As  uie  Indians  and  well  affected  Inhabitants  had 
long  expected  either  a  movement  of  the  Southern  army  up  Hudson's  lliver  or  by  some  Rout 
that  might  be  favourable  to  a  junction,  they  have  hitherto  kept  their  ground  and  sent  in  several 
persons  disguised,  requesting  orders  for  their  future  Govern',  and  wishing  to  know,  what 
movement  was  intended,  favourable  to  their  hopes  and  expectations,  but  as  the  state  of  things 
has  not  admitted  of  it,  and  the  S.-ason  is  already  far  advanced  I  do  not  apprehend  it  will  be 
practicable  for  them  to  continue  much  longer  embodied  this  year,  so  that  I  propose  on  my 
arrival  at  the  Northward  to  concert  measures  for  rendering  them  as  usefull  as  possible  the 
ensuing  season,  and  for  oreserving  order  &  an  attachment  to  Govern'  among  them,  as  well  as 
for  prosecuting  any  part  of  my  plan  which  may  meet  with  the  General's  approbation,  in 
affecting  which,  acts  of  Savage  cruelty  may  be  avoided.-My  Officers  to  the  Northward  have 
enlisted  several  good  Woodsmen,  and  from  my  knowledge  of  the  people,  1  am  persuaded  J  can 
raise  a  large  body  to  accompany  the  Indians  if  authorized. 

As  my  voyage  and  means  of  supply  of  cash  and  necessaries  are  from  present  circumstances 
attended  with  a  risque,  that  may  be  highly  injurious  to  myself  and  family,  I  am  hopeful  that 
whilst  my  endeavours  appear  to  be  directed  by  judgement,  and  attended  with  success,  I  may 
experience  the  necessary  ai  1  and  countenance  of  Government. 

1  have  the  honor  to  be  with  much  respect  My  Lord. 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  and 

most  humble  servant. 

G  Johnson. 

As  I  have  some  good  reasons  to  apprehend  that  difficulties  may  arise  respecting  my  Rank  as 
Colonel  of  the  Siv  Nations,  which  seems  the  more  extraordinary,  where  Men  never  in  any 
service  are  Colonels  and  Brigadiers,  1  could  wish  this  point  was  obviated,  a  request  I  humbly 
presume  to  be  the  more  reasonable,  as  I  desire  it  principally  in  cases  where  the  service  renders 
it  necessary.  ^j  j 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVII. 


?53 


N"  59. 


Gavmwr  Tn/on  to  T^rd  Geoirfe  Qermaln. 

t  New. York  Papers  (8.  P.  0. )  CLXIX. ) 

New  York.  8.  Octobtr  1778. 


My  Lont. 

S^^Z'Z  !°  lb' n°"''  '■"';"'°"  '"""«'"  ""  ""  '"I'"!'"™"  »»  ihe  Eml  ™,1  of  Long  l.lnnj  a, 
far  »,  Mo„,„„l     p„,„,,  „„^„  „„  „„„,  „r         ,^„^  1,^^^^.^^^  __  G„„„"  (a  d  will 

I  am  with  nil  possible  respect  etfc. 

W"'  Trvon. 


N"  01. 


Governor   Tnjon  to  Lml  ihoiuj,'  Gormain. 

t  New-Tnrk  P»p«ri  ( 8.  P.  O. )  cr.XIX.  ) 

New  York.  21  October  1778. 


i^fy  F.ord. 

I  have  been  honored  with  Your  Lord-'s  dispatches  of  the  S'"  and  7"'  of  August  n,  th^  .n„,„ 
t.mewUH  the  necessary  powers,  fron,  the  Lords  Commiss"  of  the  I.:  r,d.7    "/r         Z 
of  Marque  and  reprisals  against  the  French,  which  are  taken  up  with  great  avi.lity 

As  I  have  not  been  aide  as  yet  to  get  any  proper  place  in  this  City  to  confine  tife  prisoner., 
la        ve  been  brought  ,nto  this  I'ort  by  Privateers;  I  have  left  the  Comn.issary  of Vr  so  er 
In  herto  to  take  charge  of  them  as  other  prisoners,  until  the  letters  of  Mar.jue  c.fn  procure  Ue 
Adnnral  s  protect.on  aga.nst  pressing,  out  of  those  ships  at  fitting  out.     Mo  t  of  the  Men    w lo 
woul.1  be  adventurers  ,n  those  ships,  abscond,  and  are  backward' in  entering  int    .  ,     s    vT 

Lprot"ectio:..''"      "^     ""  '"'  ''"^"'   "'"'"'«   ""^   ^^''""'"'•«   P'*^--'    '•-   '-   'i-" 

1  am  with  all  possible  respect  My  Lord. 

Your  F.ordf's  most  obedient  &  very  bumble  serv« 
P.  8.  W™  Trvo.v. 

M'  Chief  Justice  Horsmnnden.  died  nt  Flat  IJusb  on  Long  Island  the  2.1'.-  of  Inst  September. 

^^^^^:-::::7z^^  -... 

\0l..   VJU.  yg 


IL 


fW 


754 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANTTSCRIPTS. 


.  i. 


N"  IS. 


r^mf  (rmnjc  (hnudln    to  (rovcrnor  Trijon. 

[  >J(.w-Tork  Papon  (  B-  I'-  O,  )  I'l.XIX.  1 

Whitelmll.  4  Nov'  1778. 


Sir, 

I  received  your  dispatches  N"'  f)()  &  57.  &  iiavo  liad  the  honor  to  lay  Ihem  before  tlie  King. 

It  gave  His  Mnj''  much  satisfaction  to  learn  that  so  many  of  liis  Sul'j.cis  liad  availed 
themselves  of  the  "power  granted  to  them,  for  lilting  out  letter?  •<;■  M:ir',,ue.  and  Ilia  Maj"  trusts 
that  the  success,  which  will  follow  that  laudable   spirit  '  ixe,  will   prove  not  only 

detrimental  to  the  Commerce  of  His  Maj"'"  Enemies,  hut  luc  .  a  considerable  degree,  to 

liie  owners  of  the  privateers  so  fitted  out. 

Your  expedition  to  Long  Island,  seems  to  have  answered  the  End  proposed,  in  securing  the 
Cattle,  and  in  obtaining  such  assurances  of  the  peaceable  Deportment  of  the  Inhabitants  there, 
as  the  oath  which  you  administered  to  them  re(]uired.  Nothing  could  have  been  more  moderate 
than  the  terms  in  which  that  oath  was  prescribed,  or  more  just,  than  that  those,  who  would 
not  give  such  a  pledge  of  their  allegiance,  should  absent  themselves  from  a  place,  in  which  if 
they  continued,  they  would  probably  be  employed  in  purposes  injurious  to  His  Maj"'"  interest. 

I  trust  that  notwithstanding  the  Detachments  wiiich  have  been  made,  the  good  con<iition  in 
which  you  described  the  remaini.ig  Troops  to  he,  and  in  which  opinion  every  body  concurs, 
the  superiority  of  our  Fleet,  and  the  gracious  terms  held  out  by  Ilia  Maj'>  thro'  His  Commiss" 
are  circumstances  which  will  niaUe  the  American  dependency  on  (jreat  IJritain  less  precarious, 
than  you  seem  to  apprehend,  especially  when  the  confuience  of  the  Itebels  in  their  own  Force, 
as  well  as  in  that  of  their  Allies,  has  in  fact  so  niiu'h  subsided. 

I  am  much  concerned  at  the  Damage  done  by  the  Conilagration,  but  urn  in  great  hopes  that 
if  that  misfortune  befell  the  Town  from  design,  the  perpetrators  of  it  will  he  discovered 
vt  punishi'd. 

Nothing  could  be  more  proper  than  the  handsome  manner  in  which  you  express  yourself 
towards  His  Majesty,  on  your  being  appointed  to  the  Command  of  the  70"'  lleg',  and  obtaining 
the  Hank,  you  desired,  and  I  can  assure  you  that  it  gives  His  Miij"  the  sincerest  pleasure  to  do 
.Justice  to  an  Oilicer  of  your  merit  and  zeal  for  his  service. 


I  nm  etlc. 


Geo:  (iKnMArN. 


# 


N°  05. 


(ini'i-nior    'I'rjion  lit   Iah'iI  (ixn-iji    (Uniiani. 

I  Now-Viirk  l'«|,«ni(H.  I'.  0.)iI.XX.l 

New  York.  IG.  December  177S. 


My  [iord. 

The  situation  of  public  afl'iirs  here,  seems  the  same  as  when  the  King's  Commissioners  led 
this  Port.  More  letters  of  Manjue  have  been  taken  out,  hut  principally  for  ships  going  to 
Europe  and  the  West  Indies.  The  Admiral  has  been  pleased,  from  representations  I  made 
to  him,  to  order  his  Secretary  to  piiblish  an  encouragement  for  sailors  from  the  Enemies 
quarters,  to  enter  on  hoard  letters  of  Marcjue,  which  I  believe  will  have  a  good  effect. 


LONDON  nOCUMENTH:     XLVII. 


755 


T  hnvo  l,.e„  „ bl.god  from  tl.o  frequent  .luti.s  that  the  Milifi.  of  King'H  nn.J  Q„.en'«  Counlv 

av,     ...n  CUIU..I  upon  to  p«rf«r,n.  to  appoint  an  Aid  .ie  C,unp.  an  A.Vjntant  an.lliHtZ  t'o' 

0  «c  ue  my  or.  .ts  an.l  to.unn.on  an.l  n-gulutc  th.,  Mili.i,,  i.,  ,h.,  two'count with    I.  n.^ 

I  have  (he  honor  to  bo  with  all  pons! bio  respect  ettc. 

W'"  TnyoN. 


N"  07. 


(turcniur   Tri/oii   io    L„rif  li,unj,    Cniuiin. 

I  NowVork  Pnlirrs  ( H.  P.  ().  )  CI.XX.  ] 

Out  I'ost  Fving's  Ikidgo  24.  December  1778, 


My  Lord. 

rirnnnJue  r„r,.<  •     A         ^^'  ^"'"""""'^"^'"K  "'"  M"J-H<y'H  pl"nHur«  that  in  the  present 

n  turn    ances  of  ada.rs  ,n  Amer.ca,  I  ghouhl  continue  a  certain  lime  longer  in  my  Govern' ■  to 

rirSiZ: "• '  "^« '''  ''^' "-'''  ""^-"■•'•^  -"  ••"^'■- "--  ^-'"'  ""^ 

On   the  ground.  My  Lord,   tho  King>H  CommiHsioners  ManifeRto  haB  rented  the  war  with 

^  lhr";ea""llT''''"';  """""'  "'  '""""'  ''"  ""•«"""■'•  ''  '"  '"'  ^""'""■•'  ^"«-"^  "^i-'i".  "-' 
wl  a     „  vT  '";    '"^  •'••"'•""•"^«  «n  •"""«  --"reH.  that  I  enteem  will  cooperate  with 

.ullr  oi'omt.ons  of  the  next  campaign,  for  the  nccomplishn,.  of  «„  desirable 

":'';r:"":  ■"'•  - '- ''■^' "- -'"v « « t ..,„..„)„« ... ..: ,,.. ( An.., r.-..,. , „„,', . „i,., ;.  ■ :, ; 

»  |...n,l«.r  f.,ll„winK,  1,0  «■.«  |„.,„„t,..,|  ,„  r„t,.,„  I,.,,,.,,  l,.  l,i,  wil„  »„,l  f„„„ly.   ..(„,rv,c,m  Archn-r,.  I..  i,;i|.  ,,„  ,■   n     n74 
I..  .......  ,a..r  j.,„„.,l  ,1„.  |,„y„,i,„  „„|  „„„  ,,„i  ,^  ^,,.,  ,„.„,,  „f  „„.  ,^ , , ,„„^  ,,,,|.,._^    ^^,^^.^^,^  ^ ^^        ^.  — •  ■ 

In^J. :„u«ro,,  IVHO,  l.„  l..„„., ,.,  Kl,„l,in„  «,..  ,|,..ir„y.,.l  l.y  dr..     lU  w.-  i..  «<,!.W«  .,,rvi....  m.lll  .1...  ,1 f  il„.  w„r.       "        " 

•.'.l.t,«,n  rKni.,„„K  I),  |■„Ku,^  (iftl,  «,„  „f  j„„„.„  „.,  |.„j,ter„„|  S,.r«l.  U,.„,l..  w...  I„,n,  i„  .N..w.V„rl<  M.tl,  l»,....n,l„.r 
7ftH,  .„,    „a.„.  ,1..,  |„..„ki„^  .,„t .,,  t,.„  K.,v..luti.,„  1...  c..ii,..,.,>,l,.l  tho  A»t..|  K„„„l.,  .  ..„r,„  ,.«i..,.l  ,„  ,,r„,,..,,,  |,i,  „„,„i 

un  lo.  C,,l.,„«    AxU      «,  Kl„tb .,,1  „.,a  ,ft..rw«..,l,  .■,|,t„i„  i,.  ,1,..   N„„.v,„.u  v..!,.,,...;,.  ,..,„„ ,!,|  ,„  ,,i.„.,.';„l 

I...  ..n.    l.irnl.ul .     llo  w..  w,.„„,lo,l  i„   1780.  «„,I  „„,  uk,.„  pri-.-ncr  »l  U>.,  I.,w,..  I'.,.!,..,  with  .w...,.,.,.i„l,t  „f  |,i,  n,.n 

An..r    Ik-  |..  ..      !,„  ,„„Kr,t<..I  to  SU  ,1„1„„,  N.w  |i,».,.WM.|<,  «„,i  „.,.  ,  ,„„,-,..,•«..,  i„  I7l./.     II,.  ,.,■,.„., v  ......,r„..,|  „.  .h.i 

IJint*.    Stuto..     t,,,,«i„  I,,  |vy,t.r  w«,  twic  ,n„rri..d,  llr.l  ...  Il,.| .l„»«h.o,- uf  <  „,„,„i»„.r».(i.i,.r,.l   "iLikc-  ......,„,|   ,„ 

A.,n.  .h,„«htor  ,.f  <ionir,l  (i.   lJ..uLn,»„  «,„1  Kraud-d.UKl.tar  of  l.i«uton.nHJ„v,.ri.„.-  V,.„  f„r(l,;,„ll.  I>,  l',..t„  (jr,„„Ly 


%i 


Hi. 


756 


NKW-VOKK  COhONIAK  MANUMCHH'TS. 


i 


Tlint  II  I'roclamutioii  Irom  llio  Crown  or  rarlinmont  issue,  with  a  rowar.l  of  ono  Ihounaiiii 
pounds  lor  evt-ry  Mt-inhcr  of  the  Uonoral  Congrt'ss,  &  Civil  Covornors,  Uhuvihmb,  thai  sliall  ho 
delivered  up  to  the  King's  Troops. 

Also  a  I'roclamation  ot  Pardon  ( and  revocation  ol"  Irnusporlulion )  for  every  IrauHporl  h> 
America  that  will  enter  into  the  King's  service,  and  at  the  end  of  the  War  lo  liave  their 
passage  paid  lo  Iheir  native  Country,  if  they  procure  h  certilicalo  of  their  faithful  services  from 
the  Commanding  Otlicer  of  the  I'orps  they  nerved  with. 

It  is  well  known,  that  the  main  stay  of  the  Uehel  Army,  are  the  old  Country  Men.  This 
grace  may  Detach  them  irom  so  unnatural  n  connection. 

That  every  American  prisoner,  without  distinction  or  consitleration  of  expence  lie  sent  lo 
Kugland  and  that  ihe  Hehels  (if  an  exchange  of  prisoners  is  thouglit  proper)  he  ohlige<i  lo  pay 
their  passage  hack  lo  America.  One  hundretl  Men  thus  sent  home  would  nmke  more 
impression  than  one  thousand  killed  in  the  field  of  Hallle. 

That  higher  hounties  he  given  to  Provincial  llecruits.  and  the  clothing  of  Provincial 
Itegimenls  (at  least  1  wish  of  those  raised  in  this  Province)  he  sent  from  Kngland  to  the 
Commanding  OlVicers  of  said  CJorps,  who  might  he  made  answerahle  lor  them. 

That  two  or  three  squadrons  of  ships  wit!>  Troops  on  hoard,  during  the  proper  season,  ilo 
make  continual  depradation  on  the  Coasts  and  up  Navigahle  Rivers,  most,  if  not  all  of  which, 
nre  vulnerahle.  This  would  draw  the  Knemy  out  of  their  fastnesses,  and  open  nn  opportunity 
of  hringing  on  hy  certain  junctions  &  maneuvres  a  general  Action. 

That  the  Indian  Nations  lying  helween  tiuebcc  and  West  Florida  he  let  loose  on  the 
Frontiers  of  the  revolted  l^olonies,  unrestrained,  excepting  lo  Women  and  Children. 

That  a  display  of  political  courage  firmness  and  wisdom  he  manifested  on  this  side  the  water, 
&  go  hand  in  hand  with  liie  vigorous  exertions  of  the  King's  Troops.  These  measures.  My 
Lord,  accompanying  whatever  may  ho  the  general  design  of  the  campaign,  must  accumulate 
distress  lo  the  Knemy,  animate  the  (riendly  part  of  \merica  and  most  probably  draw  the  War 
to  n  decision  in  favour  of  Covern' 

These  hints  are  humbly  submitteii  lo  your  Lord'''s  contemplation,  being  objects  that  strike 
me  from  n  nearer  view  of  His  Maj"'  alVairs  here,  tlian  your  Lord"'  can  possibly  have  from  your 
remote  distance  from  them,  and  which  may  be  subject  to  more  sudden  variations,  from  the 
designs  and  movements  of  the  Knemy,  than  from  the  wisest  sistemalical  plan,  projected  in 
Ihe  Cabinet  of  State. 

I  nin  with  all  possible  respect     My  Lord, 

Your  Lord""'*  most  obedient  &  very  liumblo  aerv' 

\\'»    -J",, VON. 


i.'' 


N°  09. 


(ioi'd-iior    Trifon   to    IahiI  (innujv   (teniioin. 

tN«w-Turk  ripi'ri  (S.  1'.  O. )  CI.XXJ 

Out  I'ost  King's  Bridge.  6  Febr»  1779. 


My  Lord. 

I  have  been  honored  with  your  Lordi-'s  diepatcheB  of  S"  8ept'  and  4'"  Nov'  (N"'  17  and  IK). 

The  adventurers  in  the  letters  of  Marque  derive  great  comfort  and  encouragement  in  the 
expressions  of  His  Mnj"'  satisfaction,  you  nre  pleased  to  communicute,  on  their  lauJnble  spirit 


LONDON  iHHMfMKNTH:     XLVII. 


iitt 


c' «'iit(M|iri/,<>.     Tim  « nn  tlmt  I 


iMH  afn.inpj.ni.Ml  lli.'ir  /,,.,il  Irmuh  tcKlimony,  thai  I  w.in  not 


.•rrono.HiH  in  my  HUKK.>Hli..M«  ol  tl..,  im|...,l„„t  uliliiy  oC  Ihnt   .l.-nrml 


liiiiKinul  and  forty  two  v 


••huoIh,  lutviMK  Iicrn  taken   liy  IcItiTH  of  Mi 


lU 


rorl,  (aN  hy  lli.<  williin   ((.•giH|..r  of  H,,,  J,,,!^,.  „(■  ,i,„  yv,| 


Scptonibcr,    \vli(>n  tlio   (iiHt  hI 


'|irailal(iiy  coniini'ici'.     ()| 

r(|ui',  and   Itronglit  into  tliiit 

miralty  )  Ninnt  llui  Ix-Kinning  of  lawt 


asHUio  nif,   tho  valiui  of  ihuir  caiitii 


"I'H    worn  l^oniniiHHion.-d.     Mi.rchantM  of  llio    I 


M'Ht  credit  |i(>ro 


Blt'rl 


r.'H,  amount  much  ahi.vo  two  hnndrtHi  tlioiiHand  pounds 


Th«i  glorious  muccchn  that  I 


West  India's  and  (Jo 


lias  accomi.ani.'d  tlm  Rpirilfd  .'XiMtionn  of  ||jh  Mi 


Many   Men   havo  found   ll 


lorgia,  aro  powfrful  incitcnitMil 


'  arniH,  in  tliu 


ii'ir 


lonHiMpicnco  of  my  rroclamalion  o( 


H,  aH  well  aH  ri'Mourci'H  lor  that  Hi>rvi( . 
way  thro-  ih.,  1{,.|„.|  li„e«,  to  onl,.r  on  board   th.-mj  hIi 


Tht)  liHl  of  h)ll»MN  of  Mar(|uo  iHwut'd  ari«  I 


fniouragcint'iit 


ipN  in 


Th 


n-rcin  incloHud. 


xp.-ilatiom.  of  tho  Kinn's  I''ri.>nd8  grow  mom 


Bulmidi'.     'J'hi!  |{t-l)(«l  Lead 


on  Iho  I'urt  of  ( 


<MM  aro  lhi>ir  (diNtinato  adhcront 


vigoroUHcivory  <iay,  an  that  of  llui  livU-ln 


•ov.-rnnirnt.     I  have  gr.-at  conlid.-n.ru  that  tlii<  wiHdom  of  II 


iMfriting  no  (iirlhcr  managcmfiit 


till)  for.-o  of  hiH  arniR,  and  lii.)   High  Hpirit  of  Iho  IN 
Houglit  (or  n-conciliation. 

I  am  with  all  |>oHiiihlu  rcNpiMl 

My  Lord. 


iH  Maj"''  (JoiiiicilM. 
lUion  will,  thin  campaign,  t'lfoct  ihu  imich 


Vour  l,ordi''N  most  olmdiciit  &  very  htnnhl 


ilo  dorvanl 
W""  Tuvd.v. 


I'.  S.     1  have  lliiH  day  had  the  honor  to  ( 
Ladies  in  tiiis  (]ily. 


om 


iiiiHNion  the  Itoyal  Charlotte,    fitted  out  hy  the 


N"  10. 


iolond    (luij  Jiiliii.stni    to    L,,nl   (.'uinji     (ImiKiiii. 
[  l'i«nl«il.jiu  (Joiiurni  (n,  V.  ().)  vi\,KS.  \ 

Halifax.  1 1,  l-'ehr'  I77!i, 


My  Lord. 

Agreahle  to  ».y  letter  N"  !..  which  I  iuid  the  honor  to  a.l.lreHM  to  your  Lord-  I  m.iled  from 
^ew  \„rk  on  the  IO'H  .,|  Seplen.I.er  lant  (or  (iuci.ec.  hut  alter  ,nany  delayn  oceanioned  hv 
.•onlrary  WimlH,  lu.d  after  passing  almost  thro'  th«  (iulph  of  S'  Lawrem...  we  were  .Irivc.  out 
l.y  a  storm  in  whi.d,  the  ship  sullered  m.  h.  and  in  our  next  attempt  to  procee.l  w«  met  with 
a  second  (lalewhn^h  carried  away  some  Vards  and  so  damaged  our  Ifigging  &,  dis..Med  tl,« 
people  that  wo  were  necessitated  to  make  this  I'ort  in  October;  the  ship  could  not  proceed 
iHMther  could  (Jen'  .MM.ean  procure  for  me  or  the  detaclnnent  on  Hoard  any  conveyanci,  nl  that 
season,  so  that  we  were  necesHilated  to  ren.ain  here  till  spring,  when  I  have  assurance  of  his 
aid.  I  have  however  been  fortunate  enough  to  get  .S,r  Henry  Clinton's  Dispatches  sale'y 
conveyed  toOeneral  Hiddiinand's  han.ls  by  an  Odicer  and  some  „f  my  woodsmen,  who  luckily 
uHcapeo  the  Rebel  parlys  that  iidested  the  Country  about  S'  .fohn's  Itivur. 


mi^ 


758 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


"Si 


■J" 


I 

s 


On  my  arrival  here  I  found  that  a  Treaty  had  been  just  concluded  between  this  Province 
Bnd  the  Indians,  before  M'  Franklin  acting  as  an  agent,  and  that  he  liad  received  from  them  a 
Treaty,  the  majority  of  them  had  entered  into  with  the  Massachusets  Bay  by  which  they  were 
to  furnish  a  certain  number  of  Men  to  the  latter,  and  they  likewise  gave  up  some  Commissions 
they  had  received  from  that  Rebel  state  all  which  I  understand  L'  Gov'  Hughes'  will  lay  before 
Your  LordP,  the  dates  of  which  will  shew,  that  notwithstanding  what  has  been  said  of  Indians 
and  their  cruelty,  the  Rebels  early  endeavoured  to  avail  themselves  of  their  assistance.  M' 
Butler  my  Deputy  (to  whom,  as  formerly  mentioned  I  had  transmitted  instructions)  continued 
when  we  heard  last  from  New  York  to  make  a  very  useful  diversion  on  the  frontiers  with  a 
good  party  of  Loyalists  &  Indians,  and  Joseph  the  Indian  has  with  a  large  body  of  Indians 
struck  some  capital  strokes,  which  obliged  the  Rebels  to  detach  part  of  their  force  that  way, 
and  has  greatly  disconcerted  them,  and  by  those  who  carried  the  Dispatches  to  Gen'  Haldimand, 
I  sent  instructions  for  meeting  the  Indians  soon  after  the  waters  become  open  hoping  to  leave 
this  place  so  as  to  arrive  at  Quebec,  about  the  second  week  in  May,  which  is  as  soon  as  any 
thing  can  possibly  be  undertaken  from  thence,  &  I  have  lately  heard  from  Sir  Henry 
Clinton  thereon. 

I  persuade  myself  with  meeting  iu  Canada  that  Countenance  and  support,  mentioned  in  my 
letter  N"  9.  and  which  appears  so  highly  necessary  to  the  effectual  discharge  of  my  duty  ;  I  wish 
for  no  more,  and  I  hope  to  siiew  its  propriety,  in  the  consequences  that  shall  derive  from  it; 
as  to  my  unavoidable  detention  here,  it  is  a  much  greater  disappointment  to  myself  than  it  can 
be  to  the  service  at  this  season,  which  must  soon  expire,  when  I  shall  be  enabled  to  proceed, 
where  I  have  so  long  wished  to  go. 

Aw  account  has  arrived  here  lately  of  formidable  preparation  making  in  New  England  against 
Canada;  some  say  J5000  Men  are  destined  for  that  purpose,  a  number  I  cannot  give  credit  to, 
as  1  dont  conceive  the  time  couid  hdmit  of  the  necessary  arrai  gements  for  such  a  body.  I 
have  mentioned  it  to  Gen'  Haldimand,  but  whatever  their  design  is,  if  it  be  not  carried  into 
execution  in  the  course  of  tliis  month,  they  will  (from  tlie  season)  linu  it  impracticable,  the 
lakes  not  being  afterwards  passable  for  Artillery  in  general. 

I  mentioned  in  my  lo't,  that  many  good  Woodsmen  had  been  lately  inlisted  for  my  service ; 
as  the  late  Sir  William  „oluison  expressed  and  I  have  experienced  the  utility  of  incorporating 
them  with  the  Indians,  I  |)ersuade  myself  it  will  meet  with  approbation  ;  and  as  the  conduct 
of  the  Indians  has  suHiciently  evinced  their  attachment  and  importance  to  Government,  I 
am  confident  it  would  greatly  tend  to  secure  their  fidelity  if  I  am  unabled  to  give  them 
some  assurances  of  His  Maj'*'  Royal  approbation,  when  I  am  next  honored  ;ith  your 
Lord'"8  commands. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  true  respect 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lord'''B  most  obedient  and 

most  humble  servant. 

G  Johnson. 

'  RicUARD  ni'oiiM  wiii  Llcut*n«nt-Oov«rnor  of  Novo  Bcotia  from  August  ntli,  1778,  to  3Ut  July,  1781.  Ualtburlonn  Hit- 
lory  of  A'ova  Scotia,  I.,  25'J,  261.  — ICd. 


LONDON  DOCnrMENTS:    XLVIT. 


759 


aom-»or  Tnjon  io  ],ml  Geonje  (7ermai„. 

N"  71,  '  New- York  rnpcri  (S.  p.  o. )  CI.XX.  1 

My  Lord,  ^"^  ^^os'*-  King's  Bridge.  1.  March  1779. 

I  retuned  the  27-  oftst  no, ,  1°'"  "''"^  '"''"'  ^""'"""^  '^  '"■'^''  ''y  "'^'  I'rivateer«. 

w..ic„. , ,.  J';!L  ;:■  ~ .  .i^^cllir '  t  ^^  '^^'  ^""  "T^r"'^- '"« ''''-''  -'' 

convinces  me  of  ti.e  necessitv  on  1.  •  ""P"''"^""'  "^  ''"'t  '"ti>?"i"g  March 

disen.barlung  the  M^  „      ren.t      .  -»l--t.ng  w  th  the  Troops,  for  the  purpose  of 

near  successlully.  *  v,iiiniiry,  oiien  liang  on  our 

I  am  most  respectfully 

My  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  and  very  humble  dervanf, 

W°'  TnvoN. 


N"  10. 


/m/-'/  f,'for;/>'   (i.nmth,  to   <i„r,rii„r    Tr>j<.>i. 

[  Ncw-Vorl   I'.pcrt  (H.  p.  o. )  t)LXX.  ] 


Whiteliall.  3.  March  177!». 


%;l:::- c,^i::  -;;■.:;:;;  r;:?z  ^:t:^r' "- 


700 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANTTSCRirTS. 


arrives  at  New  York,  who  I  hope  will  go  out  with  the  reinforcement  of  the  Army.  I  shiill 
also  send  you  by  Gen'  Robertson  His  Majesty's  License  of  absence  as  0  .v'  of  the  Province  of 
New  Yori< ;  but  in  respect  to  your  request  of  exchanging  tlint  Govern'  for  a  Military  one,  I  am 
not  authorized  to  give  you  any  expectations  that  such  an  exchange  will  take  place ;  neither 
have  I  authority  to  tell  you  that  the  Board  of  Treasury  is  disposed  to  augment  your  Salary, 
so  ns  to  make  it  equal  to  the  full  value  of  the  oflice  of  Civil  Governor  before  the  Kebellion, 
but  perhaps  when  you  arrive,  you  may  be  able  to  satisfy  their  Lordships  of  the  propriety  of  it. 
The  Officers  you  have  appointed  to  the  Militia  appe'.r  to  be  necessary,  and  the  pay  allotted 
them  not  unreasonable;  but  I  hope  you  have  made  those  appointments  witli  Sir  Henry 
Clinton's  concurrence,  as  all  expences  of  a  Military  nature  must  come  through  him,  and  be 
defrayed  out  of  the  Army-extraordinaries. 


I  am  ettfi. 


Geo  :  Gbhmain. 


Govfninr  Tnjnn  to  JaxuI  (rcoiHje  Gi'Vtmiln. 


N»  72. 


[  New- York  Pii|i(-pt  (  3.  P.  0.)  OLXX.  1 

Out  Post  King's  Bridge  18  March.  1770. 


My  Lord, 
Your  Lordt-  will  perceive  by  the  inclosed  certificates,  that  the  ninth  of  December  1775  I 
received  bv  the  Advice  of  Council,  certain  public  Records  of  the  Province  of  New 

with  the  Cfrtinoale    '  ^^  -'  ,  ,       ,       ,  .         r  i       r 

nKicmi.  y„rk  on  Board  the  Ship  Dutchoss  of  (jordon  ;  which  shortly  afterwards,  for  greater 

security  (the  Rebels  threatning  to  Board  in  the  night,  and  take  the  said  Vessel,)  were  put  on 
Board  the  Asia  under  the  care  of  Capl"  Vandeput.  The  Asia  being  ordered  home,  soon  after 
the  taking  of  New  York,  and  the  first  great  conflagration  of  that  City,  Cnpl"  Nandeput  desired 
me  to  inform  him  what  he  should  do  with  the  two  Boxes  of  Public  Records ;  1  acquainted  him, 
as  the  Enemy  boasted  they  would  burn  up  the  remainder  of  New  York  that  Winter,  the 
Records  would  not  be  safe  on  shore,  -ind  accordingly  recommended  him  to  put  ihem  on  Board 
the  Eagle  Man  of  War.  Capt"  Vandeput  sailed  a  few  days  after,  since  which  I  have  never 
heard,  what  he  actually  did  with  those  Records. 

I  presume  he  either  put  them  on  Board  the  Eagle  or  if  he  carried  them  home,  that  lie  has 
lodged  them  in  the  Plantation  OiVice,  of  which  your  LordP  must  have  had  notice  — 


I  am  ettc. 


W"  Tryon. 


Enclosure  in  Gov.  Tryon's  to  Lord  George  Germain. 

Copy. 

1  do  hereby  certify  that  in  pursuance  of  my  directions,  and  the  advice  of  His  Maj""*  Council 

for  this  Province,  I  have  received  from  Samuel  Bayard  Jun'  Dep :  Secretary  of  this  Province, 

on  Board  the  ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon,  two  Boxes  containing  Records  of  Patents,  Records  of 

Commissions  ettc  and  Minutes  of  Council.— Given  under  my  hand  on  Board  the  ship  Dutchess 


].ONI)ON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII. 


7(51 


lu,  l.cate  of  tl„«  .-ert.l.cnte,  the  Hui.l  two  Hoxes  being  locked  with  a  Padlock,  ad  u  ,1        .v 
se.il  at  Arms,  a»d  the  seal  of  the  said  Deputy  Secretary.  ^ 

W'"  TiivoN. 

rill,,  n     1  Sam:  Bayaku  Jun' 

Ine  Books  consist: 

of  Minutes  of  Council  in  the  State  Department. 


N"  20. 


/Mrd  {n'/in/f   <f%n»(iiii   to   (inrcrnor 

[Now-Vork  rtpwj  ( S.  r.  O. )  <JI,X.\.  ] 


Sir 


'IrifDii, 


Whitehall.  1.  April  177!). 


ro  .       I  "'f  i  '°V7°"  ""^  "'"  '"  "'■  '"•^'  ^''"•^'''  '  ''"^^  ^^^=«ived  your  Dispa.ciies  N-  GS  and 

.ma  of  the  Measure  you  were  enabled  to  taRe  of  granting  letters  of  Marque  in  weakening 
"Md  distressing  the  Ki.emy  in  their  own  commerce,  as  well  as  in  their  .i'pradations  upon 
ours,  .nd  above  all  ,n  depriving  them  of  the  Assistance  they  had  derived  from  our  seamen  lliat 
bad  fallen  into  their  nands  and  heen  compelled  to  enter  into  their  service  by  the  terrors  of  iU 
treatment,  while  they  remained  prisoners,  and  of  being  pressed  on  board  the  Men  of  War  when 
they  returned,  and  it  is  a  great  pleasure  to  me  to  (ind  the  event  has  so  fully  justified  a  step  from 
which  I  always  expected  the  best  consequences,  although  there  were  not  wanting  the  most 
strenuous  endeavours  to  oppose  it. 

The  fair  prospect  there  is  of  a  successful  campaign  and  an  extension  of  IJis  Mai"'  possessions 
on  the  side  o»  New  Vork  renders  it  necessary,  that  a  Civil  Governor  should  be  upon  the  spot 
o  take  upon  him  the  exercise  of  his  function  the  moment  a  (it  occasion  presents  itself,  and  in 
the  mean  time  to  hold  out  to  the  King's  faithful  subjects  in  all  the  Revolted  provinc-s  His 
Maj'  gracious  intention  to  restore  to  them  the  blessings  of  (Jivil  Government,  when  the  prov" 
IS  subdued,  or  returns  to  its  allegiance  and  to  remove  all  apprehensions  of  their  beiuK  ruled 
hereader  by  Military  Law;  His  Maj'^  has  therefore  been  pleased  to  appoint  Major  General 
Robertson  to  succeed  you  as  Gov'  of  New  York,  and  he  will  carry  out  with  him  in  the  next 
Ship  o(  War  that  sails  for  North  America  His  Maj"-  Commission  for  that  purpose. 

I  nm  ettc. 

Geo  :  Germain 


Vol.  VIIL 


96 


762 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Mr.  JiivJianl  Jachion  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

[New-York  Pnpora,  niindio  Uii.,  Ko.  81.  ] 

To  the  Right  Hon'''"  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations. 

May  it  please  Your  Lordships. 

In  obedience  to  your  Lordw  commands  signified  to  me  by  a  letter  of  M'  Cumberlands 
inclosing  a  copy  of  part  of  flie  Commission  of  the  Gov'  of  New  York  relating  to  the  Custody 
and  use  of  the  great  seal  of  the  said  province  and  informing  me  that  it  was  surmised,  that  the 
said  seal  is  a^  fhis  time  in  the  power  of  the  IJehels,  and  desiring  me  to  consider  and  report 
what  further  authority  is  necessary  to  be  given  on  that  head,  and  what  seal  may  be  substituted 
in  the  Place  of  the  public  .Seal  until  another  one  can  be  made  and  allotted  for  that  Province. 

I  have  taken  the  same  into  consideration  and  conceive  that  His  Maj"'  may  by  his  sign 
manual  legally  appoint  any  sei.l  to  be  used  as  the  Great  Seal  of  the  Prov"  either  for  a  longer 
or  shorter  time,  and  consequently  to  be  used  as  such,  until  a  new  great  seal  can  be  made  in  the 
manner,  new  Great  seals  have  usually  heretofore  been  made  for  the  Provinces  in  America. 

I  cannot  however,  but  represent  to  your  Lord'*' that  it  seems  expedient  that  the  interim  seal 
(if  I  may  so  call  it)  should  he,  if  possible,  sutliciently  discriminated  from  all  other  seals,  that 
impressions  of  it  in  Wax  should  be  sent  to  the  Sherrills  at  least  to  so  many  of  them  within  the 
province  as  are  in  the  obedience  to  His  Majesty,  to  the  end,  that  they  may  make  the  same 
known  to  His  Majesty's  subjects  by  Proclamation,  or  that  the  knowledge  of  the  said  seal 
should  be  otherwise  published  ;  and  it  seems  proper  that  the  seal  used  as  a  great  Seal,  should 
be  used  for  no  other  purpose ;  and  should  be  destroyed  in  the  presence  of  proper  Oflicers. 
when  the  New  (Jreat  seal  shall  be  delivered  to  the  Gov'. 

All  which  is  humbly  submitted  by 

My  Lords 

Your  LordPi"  most  obedient  most  humble  servant. 

SO-  April  1779.  I^"  Jackhon 


J//'.   ('iinilnrl((iiil  III   Mr.  'fitrksoit. 


I  Naw-Tork  EnlrtM,  LXIS.,  p.  t>*.  ] 


To  Richard  Jackson'  Kscjuire 


Sir  ,  ,  , 

In  pursuance  of  your  advice  resppcting  the  Great  Peal  of  New  York  we  have  amended  tho 
Article  in  General  Robertsons  Commission  by  adding  — "Ur  such  other  Seal  as  We  may  direct 
"  to  be  used  instead  thereof." 

•  Rmiabu  jMX»t.N,  King'.  PouilpI,  F.  H,  S.,  V.  S.  A.,  wa.  the  non  of  U.f  P.puly-aoTernor  of  th-  S„u;t.  S-s  rom|..ny.  In 
n«l  1.,.  lioodiMo  S...T..l,irv  I..  Mr.  (;i.M,v,IIi.,  ('l.i»M<,.|lor  ..f  ll.^  Kx.-l.,,|n,T,  nii.l  r-pn'Mnl,-.!  W..ymo.illi  in  ll...  II..,i...  of  Com- 

n...,„.     Aft.T  tilling  v.nmM  nOi,-..,,  be  t..-..ni..,  in   \W.  o f  th.  l.or.U  "f  ll,.  Tr,.«,ury,  iin.l  <\i">\  .t  tl.r  S...,tlmM>i.ton 

bnil.liM«»  on  0th  Mny,  17H7.  On  iicnunl  ..f  liit  «xti'n«i«e  ron.lintJ  au.l  r.lrntive  ni.m..ry,  \,r  wu.  known  *•  (.mm-r,f,.t  Jnck- 
«»n.  At  lh«  Uine  of  Ul«  Jealh  ho  wm  (ioT.rn.ir  of  the  Snoiety  .mong  Di.ienUr.  for  I'rop.g.ling  th«  Uo.ptl  i«  •'"^'K" 
rorl",  nnil  n  mi-niber  of  i'nrli»ment,   (Itnileman'i  ifagutlttt,  LVU.,  401.  —  hn. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS  :    XL VII.  -go 

M'Eden '  tells  us  that  M'  Tryon  uses  a  Seal,  (whether  an  interim  one,  or  not.  he  cannot  tell) 
upon  this  .nformafon  I  request  to  know  whether  the  Secretary  of  State  may  not  give  the 

^!1'  H  Tr"?  ;°  ^r"""  ^"^'^*^°"  *°  "'^^  «"•='•  ^^''^^  ««  ^^'  ^ryon  ..sed  if  it  shall  so 
prove  that  the  Re  he  Is  have  got  the  Great  Seal  without  formality  of  a  Sign  Manual  founded 
on  a  Representation  from  the  Board. 

I  am 

Sir 

Di     .,  rM.      ,  ^*'"'"  """St  obedient 

Plant"  Chambers  .       , ,    ., 

.     .,  ^,  numb  e  Servant 

April  21"  1779.  „    ' 

U.  Cumberland 


JIi:  Ouinherlund  to    Uinlef-Sefretary  Ih  (Jiey. 

[Nsw-Tork  Enlrlot,  LXIX.,  p.  84.] 

To  Thomas  De  Grey'  Esquire  under  Secretary  of  State  &c  &c. 
Sir. 

There  being  some  reason  to  apprehend  that  the  public  Seal  of  New  York  ia  in  the  iiands  of 
the  Rebel  8.  my  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations  in  preparing  that  Article 
ot  Major  General  Robertsons  Commission  as  (JoV  of  the  said  I>rovinre,  which  gives  him  the 
use  and  custody  of  the  public  Seal  have  proposed  to  add  in  the  following  words--  Or  such 
•'  other  Seal  as  His  Majesty  may  direct  to  be  used  in  lieu  thereof"- 1  am  therefore  directed 
by  my  Lords  to  suggest  to  you,  for  the  information  of  Lord  (Jeorge  Germain,  that  it  may  bo 
adv.seable  for  his  Lordship  to  signify  to  Major  General  Robertson  by  His  I^Fajesty's  Comniand 
that  .f  he  should  hnd  (as  it  is  apprehen.le.l)  the  public  Seal  of  the  Province  in  the  hands  of 
the  Rebells  in  that  case  he  should  use  and  keep  such  other  Seal  in  lieu  thereof  as  hath  been 
used  and  kept  by  h.s  predecessor  Governor  Tryon  and  therewith  Seal  all  things  whatsoever 
that  have  usually  passed  the  Great  Seal  of  the  said  Province  under  this  Government. 

1  am 

Sir 


Plant"  Chambers 
April  27.  177!>. 


Your  most  obedient 

immble  Servant 

ItlCIl''    CUMBEKLANU 


Warn-  K..,M.t  I<„r,  A,,ckl«n,l,  ,1...  Ihinl  ,„„  .,f  Hir  RoboU  K.lo„.  Il«rt„  w«,  e.IuoatoJ  «l  K.on.  .„,!  after  .oin. 
hrou^l,  Oxf,.r,l  »„.l  tho  Mi,|,ll.  Ton.plo,  w«.  ...1|„1  „.  tl...  l,.r  i„  17fl«.  He  .fl«rw.rJ.  ,„t.re,l  Parli„,„o„t ;  w..  «,,,"'...,' 
Un.I.p  Secretary  of  SUt,..  for  Ih,.  NurtluTn  Depnrln.cnl,  in  1771;  In  I77rt,  l.««..n,.  »  .«...„!,«  .,f  the  n,.«nl  „f  Tr,.!..  ■  iu 
177H.  .ocun.,mn,«,l  l^.r,l  Cnrli.l..  l„  A.n..rin,  ...■«,nnn«i,u...r  to  nH^olUte  with  Coi.^r...,;  ,,,,1  in  l7N.i  ««,  «p,.„i,„.„l  ,\^,,t 
8..or,.t«rj-  „,  lr,.Un,l  un.l.r  tl,..  ..,,„.  l,orJ  C.rli.l...  I„  17H5  U  w«nl  An,l„«,«,lor  l«  It,-  fo„rt  of  ^■,.r.«ill,.^  ,.,..1  i„  IT.s  |o 
t..-  t  o>,rt  of  Sp.i„ ;  i„  ,7H..,  to  t|,«  Sl,t„.G„„nr»l.  .n,l  in  Nov.n,l«r  of  thai  ,.»r,  w.,  er<.«t.,l  .n  Iri.l,  IV.-r,  l,y  tUo  title  of 

^u:  m!:;:.m''  is:::",:""--' '-  ^'"'  ""•^"'  '•"^"''" •  ""*■•  -  '"^ "-'  '-'•" '" "■'-""  --"•^ 

•  Tr.onAi  1.1!  ()«T.   2.1   l.or,l  \Vnl,in„l,«n..  V.  K.  M.  »a>,  l.orn   1  III,  .loly.  174H  ,   w„,  one  of  the  Honr.l  of  Tr«,le  In  1777  ■ 
w..  .|.,.o,nt..a  Un.Ur  Se,.,vtiirT  ..f  M«l,.  it,  177H;  rH„r,„..|  lo  ll,o  llo,r,|  uf  Tr,.,Ie  in  ITHH,  ,n.l  .,u...e..,Ica  to  l,i.  f.ther-.  litli 
9tl.  M.jr.  11"!.     He  «•«  l«e„iy  y,.,„  cl,ai,„i„i,  of  ||„.  („n„„itte,.«  of  the  llon.e  of  Lor.U,  iin<l  r.M.i«ne.l  that  oHlo«  iu  UU 
ou  «  p«D>,on  of  iliOOU  lUrling  t  ye.p.     Uf  J,»U  Itlth  J.nu.ry,  1818.  iu  the  70lh  jftr  of  hi,.  »«o,  i>,6r.(/. 


r64 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS, 


N"  75. 


O'ovenior  Tri/on  to  Jmi-J  Ot'oiye  (urindiii, 

[N'w-Tark  Ttptn  (8.  P.  0.>  CI.XIX.  1 

Fore  Post  King's  Bridge.  3.  May  1779. 
My  Lord. 

The  honour  of  your  Lord«"8  Dispatch  of  the  «"'  March  alTordod  mc  the  highest  satisfactions 
in  the  assurances  it  conveyed  to  me  of  the  Koyal  approbation,  on  my  remaining  last  Winter 
with  the  Army;  Tiiough  the  King's  most  gracious  intention  to  allow  me  a  speedy  return  to 
my  family  is  a  cordial  to  my  spirits ;  yet  permit  me  to  request  of  you  My  Lord,  to  assure  His 
Maj",  however  necessary  the  attendance  to  my  private  concerns,  however  warm  &  sanguine 
my  wishes  to  re-visit  my  native  Country  &  family,  1  have  not  formed  the  least  idea,  in  the 
present  momentuous  period  of  the  war,  to  withdraw  myself  from  a  situation,  wherein  1  wish 
to  be  honored  by  the  Commander  in  Chief,  in  some  share  in  the  ellorts  of  what  may  very 
possibly  be  a  decisive  Campaign. 

The  instances  of  His  Maj'>'"  benevolence  towards  me,  has  been  too  much,  and  too  recent, 
for  me  to  be  uneasy  about  my  expectations  I  might  have  formed,  respecting  an  exchange  for 
my  Civil  Government. 

I  flatter  myself  I  shall  be  able  on  my  return  to  Kngland,  to  satisfy  the  Lords  Commissioners 
of  His  Maj"'  Treasury,  of  the  propriety  of  their  LordP's  fulfdling  the  assurances  given  me  by 
your   Noble   and   Honorable    predecessor    in   OlVi^e,  of  an  additional   Salary  to  the  CoV  of 

New  York. 

The  appointments  I  made  to  certain  oiTicers  of  the  Militia  on  Long  Island,  was  with  the 
concurrence  of  the  Commander  in  Chief,  and  will  be  defrayed  by  his  Excellency  out  of  the  Army 
extraordinaries,  while  continued. 

I  am  with  all  possible  respect 

My  Lord,  .       , , 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  &  very  humble  serv' 

W""    TUYON. 


i^- 


N-Sl. 


Litrti  Gdmje  (hnnain  tn   (r'urtiHor   Tryou. 

[  MtvTotk  PliMn  (B.  P.  l>. )  CLAX.  ] 


Whitehall.  6.  May  177'J. 


Sir 

I  have  received  your  Dispatches  numbered  from  70  to  74  inclusive,  and  have  laid  them 
before  the  King ;  and  as  the  same  convfyance  brought  me  nn  account  of  your  expedition  to 
Horse  Neck  from  «ir  Henry  Clinton,  in  which  he  does  justice  to  your  zeal  mikI  good  conduct, 
nnd  the  activity  &  perseverance  of  the  Troops  you  commanded  ;  and  I  have  had  the  satisfaclioii 
to  acquaint  him,  they  have  met  with  his  Majesty's  approbation. 

The  rroclamntions  of  which  copies  are  enclosed  in  your's  N»  73.  appear  well  calculated  to 
produce  the  elhrls  you  expected  from  them,  and  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  liutl  the  spirit  of 
annoying  the  Commerce  of  the  King's  Eucmiei  increases  among  the  Loyal  luhabilanls  of  New 


Ill 


LONDON  DOCUMKNTS:     XLVll. 


705 


d    er    i       i       ;  ;  ,r;''  ".  ''—■--  ;  l>"t  ««  ^ir  Ilcry  (Clinton  i«  .lireca..!  to  uho  his 

iork,  W   Apthorp'  muHt  n.ak«  l.ig  situation  known  to  him. 

fn  ir.y  ^     """  °'  '^"•■'  "'"  •  ""P"  -"°"  ^°  b«  •»»"«  to  ">'o""  yo...  tlH.y  are 

I  am  ettc. 

(•KO:    (iKIlMAIN. 


Lor,/  f,',„>y,'    (;,n„(iin    U,  the   h'on'rnor.s  i„    A,mri,;i. 

[  rianlatlou  Oeniiriil  (  H.  I',  i). )  dCl.xv.  ] 


<iov'  of  (iuohec 
"     oC  iNhind  oC  S*  John 
"      "  (it'orgiii 
"  Janiairn 
"   llahiinm.i 
"  JIarbachm 
"  (irenaihiH 

and  c;ov'  of  Ncwfoundhmd 


II 


li'  <i'ov'  of  Nova  Scotia 
<Jov.  of  Ntiw  York 
"       "   KaHt  Fhiridu 
'      '•   VV.'Mt  Florida 
"      "  JJormudas 
"      "  Ficoward  (Hhindn. 
"  K'  Vincent 


«..  .a       ■  .    .     ,          ,                                                                      Whitehall.  17  June  177!t. 
I  ol  V    "^     '"■■  A^"l'"H8ador  ha>in«  hy  or.ier  of  hinConrt.  o„  the  10 Htant.  prenented  to  the 

LorlV...HU\Veyn.onth.o„ecfIIiHM„i...,,H„.ip,,Se..retarieHofState.a.ie.Hirutt.^^^^^^^^^^ 
the  ho«tn..  .ntent.on  of  the  (Catholic  King  against  Hi,  M,.,--  nnhjecta  and  donnnion     I  i"       5 
wa,   th.H  day  graconHly  pleaded    to  ..o„.„u.ni..a,e.  hy   Mlage'the   nai.i  d  "   Z  on    t  o   II 
house,  of  Parl.anu.nt.  and  inclosed  1  send  yon.  hy  MiH  Maj"'.  eo.nman.l    coZ  If  , 

M..«aKeand   Declaration,  an.,  oft IdreL-s  in'retnrn.  Jhic   ^I      .        ^Ml    h:.Z 

nem:  eon:  con.a.ninK  the  Inllest  tes.in.ony  of  their  Loyalty  and  a(i;..  o     t         is  M,."       , 

measures,  as  h.    Maj    shall  think  necessary  to  adopt  upon  this  great  occasion. 

Ihe  K.ng.  vvhose  magnaninnly  and  (irn.nens  in  nw.intaining  the  honor  and  ,l,„nitv  of  his 
Uown.  can  only  he  e.pn.lled  hy  his  paternal  alfectinn  lor  his  faithful  suh.ect  n.  1  t .  " 
immedtate  detern.ination  to  con.nence  hostilities  against  the  (Catholic  K,ng.  a.n.  .^Itr  In  ,1;; 

Maj"'  faithful  suhjects  may  rely  upon  receiving 
every  possihle  protection  and  assistance  from 
the  Fleets  nnd  armies  of  great  Urittnin.  J  am 

17.14.     Il«  l,.Id  ih,  „rti„  unlil  tl.r  i„.„  ..f  ns,      II .  I,.  I  ,  .     •     u  .    ""'"^'"''  ""'  '""'■  •''■  '"t  ">  <)"U.lM.r, 

n..t  m-i„  I . .  I  .  '  •''  l""l'"'J'  "'  M»"Ml»tt»lU  wliU'li  wu  ouullK.teJ  l,v  th.  ..t  ut 

timt  MUl..  I,ul  In.  ,..,„„  J„,.  „„i  „,,„„  ;„  j,„  N,w.V.„k  Sl.lut«  «f  Ii7l».  - liu  ^ 


766 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


(•)  [From  this  mark  the  following  was  aihlcJ  in  lien  of 
whatstamls  after  tliis(»)  mark,  in  tho  Draft  to  &ir  lU-nry 
Clinton,  M«:  Oenl  Grant,  Ma;  Gonl  Prsvost,  Rrig;  Gen: 
Campbell,  Col :  Guy  .Tolinson,  Col :  Browne,  ami  Mr  Cameron.  ] 

to  acquaint  you  that  His  Mnj'^'  expects  from 
the  zeal  and  a  flection  of  iiis  People  every 
exertion  in  their  power  for  their  own  defence 
and  the  annoyance  of  the  Enemy,  proper 
authorities  for  granting  letters  of  Marque 
against  the  King  of  Spain  and  his  subjects 
will  be  sent  to  all  the  King's  Gov"  with  all 
possible  expedition,  but  in  the  mean  time  you 
may  give  assurances  to  the  Owners  of  all 
ships  bearing  letters  of  Marque  against  the 
French  King  &  his  subjects,  that  His  Majesty 
will  consider  them  as  having  a  'y-t  claim  to 
the  King's  share  of  all  Spani^  ships  & 
property  which  they  may  make  prize  of. 


nevertheless  further  commanded  (*)  to  signify 
to  you  His  Maj'''"  pleasure,  that  you  do  not  only 
take  every  necessary  measure,  which  the  zeal 
of  the  people  under  your  Govern'  shall  enable 
you  to  execute  for  the  security  of  tho  very 
valuable  .vJ;;:!.  committed  to  your  care,  but 
excite  them  to  make  captures  of  the  ships  of 
the  King  of  Spain,  and  his  Subjects,  and 
destroy  or  distress  their  Commerce  ;  for  which 
purpose  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the 
Admiralty  will  send  you,  with  all  possible 
Dispatch,  proper  authorities  for  granting  letters 
of  Marque :  but  in  tho  mean  time,  you  may 
give  assurances  to  the  owners  of  all  Ships 
bearing  letters  of  marque  against  the  French 
King  and  His  Subjects,  that  His  Maj""  will 
consider  them  as  having  a  just  claim  to  the 
King's  share  of  all  Spanish  ships  &  property 
which  they  may  make  prize  of. — 
I  am  ettc. 

Geo:  (jeiimaix. 


N»22. 


LonI  (r'cDiye  (rcnmilii  to   doi'trnor   'Jri/oH. 

[  New-Tork  r»p«r«  (8.  r.  O. )  CLXX.  ] 

Whitehall.   25  June  I77i). 


Sir, 

Your  letters  N°'  75,  76.  and  77.  have  been  received  and  laid  before  the  King. 

Your  determination  to  remain  with  the  Commander  in  Chief  in  your  Military  capacity,  and 
to  nflord  him  your  services  during  the  present  Campaign,  does  you  great  honor. 

1  learnt  with  great  satisfaction  the  number  of  letters  of  Marque  which  you  had  Commissioned, 
&  the  success  they  had  met  with.  Nothing  could  have  tended,  in  my  opinion,  more  effectually 
to  a  successful  Campaign,  than  the  employment  of  so  large  a  body  of  Men,  which,  at  the  same 
time,  that  it  distresses  the  Trade  of  the  Knemy,  must  be  a  great  impediment  to  the  recruiting 

the  Rebel  Army. 

I  cannot  but  flatter  myself  that  the  Commissions  to  cruize  against  Spanish  vessels,  which 
will  be  forwarded  by  this  conveyance,  and  of  which  I  have  apprized  you  in  my  circular  letter 
of  the  n'"  inst.  will  tempt  a  considerable  part  of  M'  Washington's  Army,  as  well  as  of  the 
Inhabitants  at  large,  to  fit  out  the  vessels,  not  only  against  the  Ships  of  His  Catholic  Majesty, 
which  may  be  met  with  in  the  Atlantic,  but  even  to  extend  their  views  to  the  Spanish 
Commerce,  n-id  possibly  even  to  some  of  the  Spanish  possessions  in  the  South  Seas. 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  assure  you  that  Admiral  Arhuthnot  means  to  give  every  possible 
degree  of  assistance  and  encouragement  to  the  hlting  out  o(  privateers,  and  that  no  attention 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVII. 


7C7 


on  his  part  will  be  wanting  to  give  the  Men  such  exemptions  and  protections  as  may  be  -nost 
conducive  to  the  success  of  sucli  a  measure.  ^ 

1  tru«t  that  our  exertion  in  AUu-rica.  as  well  as  in  great  Britain,  will  encrense  in  proportion 
to  te  danger  wh,ch  threatens  us,  and  that  we  shall  all  join  in  defending  the  British  En.p  ir 
WUI    t  e  mos    acfve  zeal  and  alacrity,  and  in  the  prosecution  of  such  nLsures,  as  will  te  Id 
most  efteclually  to  subdue  His  Majesty's  Enemies.  '"ensures,  as  will  tend 

I  am  ettc 

(jEO:  tiEKMAm. 


t  ,1 


Hf 


N"  1. 


Sir, 


Lonl  O'eviye  (Jcrmuin  to  (ionrnor  Uu/„'r(mii. 

[  Now-Tork  I'ii|icr«  (8.  P.  i). )  CLXX.  ] 

Whitehall.  'J.  July  I77i). 


The  King  having  been  graciously  pleased  to  appoint  you  f.'oV  of  the  I'rovince  of  New-York 
an    the  Lords  Couuniss..  of  ,he  A.ln.iraUy  having  appointed  His  Mnj.'-  Shi,;        e    h  to C  nvey 

^:::.^:u;:;3;::tTi:r'"""'*" ''  '^"^ '- "- ''-  ''-^-''^  ^'' ----- -  ^' 

IV^^'unrilirM  "  ';  ';"  '""  •'"•''?'  "'  '"  «""  y^"-  "■  "■«  •'^^««"'  -stances  of  the 
ro^  ,  under  H.s  Majesty's  sign  n.auual,  for  your  guida..ce,  you  will  receive  herewith  •  and 
o  long  as  the  parts  ol  the  Province  in  the  possession  of  the  King's  forces,  cont  u"  i^  o 
U.e  restnnnts  o  the  prohibitory  Act.  and  to  be  governed  by  Military  Law,  tl  or  lo  he 
Commander  .n  Chief  n.ust  be  the  rule  of  your  conduct  in  all  cases  to  whicl/t  1"  Ltruc  i .  ! 
do  not  apply.     Nevertheless  as  Sir  Henry  Clinton  is  vested  with  powers  re' 

whole    or  any  part  of    the  I'rovince,  i.    he  shall    judge  it  f.uing  ;  in  which  A  e  tier    11 
Co,,sUtut.on  shall  reviv^  and  your  authority  as  Cvll  ('.v^  becon' U:;^      t^     e      r  ^ 
o     he  u,mn.,ss,on  H,s  MajM.as  honored  you  with  ;  in  the  hope  therefore  that  circum    !, 
w,ll  be  so  hivorable  as  to  .nduce  Sir  Henry  Clinton  to  take  this  step,  with  respecrto  a   ,        1 
least  of  the  Prov"!  shall  proceed  to  point  out  to  you  such  measures  as  it  .s  wi     ed  you'  1    'ud 
adopt,  as  opportun.ties  n>ay  oiler  (or  carrying  then,  into  execution.  ^ 

It  .«  ,no.st  essen.ial  to  the  King's  service,  and  the  public  welfare,  that  the  Loyalty  of  the 
Members  of  the  Conned,  and  every  person  eu.ployed  in  the  executive  part  of  (lev  r  Jl  d 
Lehrmand  pure.     It  .s  therefore  His  Maj-- express  Command  that  y  u  do  not  Ip  L         , 

Men  her  o   t he  (.ouu.mI,  or  ,n  the  execution  of  any  Ollice.  of  whose  Loyalty  and  attaclunent  to 
M  (,ons  ,tu,u.„   there  can  be  .just  ground  to  doubt.     The  calling  an  Assen.blv  is  a  n     t 
h  w      re,u.re  much  ..onHlderation,  an.l  the  proper  time  of  doing  it.  must  be  left  .    y 

I",    -t  sumld  defrat  that  en.l.  .f  an  Assen.bly  were  convened  before  such  part  of, he  IVoV'  wal 
" """""  ^^"^  ^'"''''  "f  "'«  J'^«v-  give  a  right  to  elect,  ha.l  returned  Members. 


W'  n 


w, 


'A 


'."..t 


I 


768 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


It  is  impossible  to  say  what  measures  will  be  fit  to  be  proposed  to  tlie  first  Assembly ;  for 
none  should  be  proposed,  that  there  is  any  likelyhood  of  being  rejected,  or  occasioning 
disagreement  or  altercation  between  the  different  branches  of  the  Legislature.  Your  knowledge 
therefore  of  the  temper  and  disposition  of  the  Members  will  he  your  best  guide  in  this  case ;  but 
whatever  is  elfected  for  the  purpose  of  chastisement  ought  to  appear  to  come  from  themselves. 

The  abrogating  and  annulling  of  all  Laws  and  pretended  legal  proceedings,  since  the  abolition 
of  legal  Govern',  must  of  course  bo  the  object  of  a  declaratory  Act.  The  arming  the  executive 
authority  with  sutlicient  powers  to  check  and  prevent  disaffection  and  Rebellion  in  future,  will 
I  hope,  be  judged  proper  for  another ;  and  that  the  making  reparation  for  the  injuries  and 
losses  sustained  by  Loyal  subjects  during  the  Rebellion,  will  become  the  object  of  a  third. 

The  making  a  permanent  provision  for  the  Provincial  expence,  and  fixing  a  ratio  for  the 
contribution  of  New  York  to  the  General  charge  of  the  Kmpi'-e,  would  be  no  more  than  suitable 
returns  for  the  generosity  of  Parliament  in  relinquishing  all  purpose  of  imposing  taxes,  in  the 
Colonies,  except  as  regulations  of  Trade,  and  even  in  that  case,  suffering  the  Revenue  arising 
from  them  to  be  carried  to  the  account  of  the  Colonies,  and  should  New  York  take  the  lead  in 
BO  dutiful  and  grateful  a  measure,  it  could  not  fail  of  recommending  the  Prov"  to  peculiar  favour, 
and  obtaining  for  her  some  extraordinary  indulgence. 

Should  you  find  the  Assembly  disposed  to  take  such  a  step,  as  an  encouragement  to  them 
to  proceed,  yon  may  assure  them  that  His  Maj"  will  most  graciously  consent  to  remit  the 
arrears  of  quit  rents,  and  it  is  His  Majesty's  intention  to  apply  their  future  produce,  and  also 
the  casual  revenue,  to  public  services  within  the  Province. 

It  ni  y  be  expected  that  if  the   Rebellion  continues,  numbers  of  Loyal  subjects  will  come 

into  New  York,  from  the  revolted  Provinces,  who  may  be  desirous  of  becoming  settlers.     To 

nil  such,   it   is  the  King's   pleasure   you  should  make  gratuitous   allotments  of  liand,  of  such 

extent  as  you  and  the  Council  shall  think  sufficient  for  each  of  their  accommodation,  subject  to 

the  usual   conditions;  but  you   will   take   especial    care  to   avoid   being  mistaken   in   regard 

to  the  persons  to  whom  you  shall  make  such  allotments,  and  to  prevent  any  but  Loyal  subjects 

from  obtaining  or  being  benefitted  by  them. 

When  you  are  upon  the  spot  you  will  be  able  to  form  an  opinion,  what  improvements  or 

alterations  in  the  former  Constitution  would  be  acceptable  to  the  people,  as  tending  more  firndy 

to  unite  the  Prov"  with  (Jreat  Britain,  and  to  render  that  union  indissoluble,  &  I  must  desire 

you  will  state  fully  to  me,  in  your  correspondence,  what  you  may  collect  to  he  their  wishes  on 

this  important  subject.  — I  shall  at  present  only  add  my  wishes  for  your  prosperous  voyage 

and  safe  arrival,  and  am  —  eltc. 

Geo:  Grumain. 


Oovenior   Trijtin  f(>  Ijortl  (rcoriji'  (rermdin, 

1  New.York  Puiwn  (  ».  V-  O  )  CI.XX.  ] 

New  York.  iiS.  July.  1779. 

\\y  Lord, 

The  itonor  of  your  Lordf's  duplicate  dispatch  of  the  6'"  May  N"  81.  afforded  me  the  greatest 
itjliafactiu!'.  in  th.e  King's  approbiUiou  of  my  conduct  on  the  Alert  to  Horse  Neck.     It  will  be 


N»  SI 
My  Lord, 

r 
8!»l 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS  :    XLVII. 


7G!) 


nn  additional  comfort  to  mo,  if  my  lalo  expedition  on  the  (Joa8t  of  Connwtic.nt  mecta  tiie  siuno 
Koyiil  testimony  ;  the  report  of  which  fiervico  is  made  to  tiie  Commander  in  Chief. 

My  opinions  remain  nnchangeahle  respecting  the  utility  of  depradalory  excursions.  I  think 
Uel)el!ion  must  soon  totter  if  those  exertions  are  reiterated  and  matle  to  extremity.  To  seel^ 
the  llehel  Ciiief  in  the  highhmds,  may  ho  hunting  a  Wolf  in  tiie  mountains,  farther  than 
removing  the  ohstructions  to  the  navigation  of  the  North  Uiver.  but  when  accumulated  distress 
on  the  sea  Board  calls  aloud  for  succour,  ho  must  meet  the  King's  Army  on  less  advantageous 
ground,  or  llisk,  the  loss  of  the  Colonies  thus  attacked. 

I  transmit  herewith  copies  of  the  propositions  I  have  laid  before  the  Commander  in  Chief. 
The  one  for  embodying  the  Refugees  under  (JoV  Franklin;  the  other  for  instituting  an  Ollico 
of  enquiry,  both  which  are  now  uiuler  his  KxcelK-  consideration.  I  conceive  it  will  be  good 
policy  and  attended  with  advantage  to  the  King's  cause,  to  set  (JoV  Franklin  forward  in 
contrast  to  His  Father's  comiuct,  and  may  luive  its  weight  probably  in  the  eyes  ol  liurope. 

1  am  with  all  possible  respect 
My  Lord 

Vour  LordP'a  most  obedient  &  very  iiumble  serv» 

\V"'  TitvoN. 


OorrriiDr    Trijoii    to  S/'f   lliiirij   ('Hiitmi. 

i  Ncw.y,  rk  l'iip«rii  (  N.  1',  0. )  Ul.XX.  ] 

Dear  Sir. 

I  have  the  honor  herewith  of  forwarding  to  Your  F.xcell')'  my  reveries  on  the  subject  of  selling 
(jov'  Franklin  at  the  head  o(  the  Uelugees,  and  embodying  them  undtr  his  command  on  a 
liberal  footing. 

I  conceive  it  the  soundest  policy  to  place  him  in  a  respectable  point  of  view,  in  contrast  to 
liis  Father's  principles.  Whether  I  am  wright  or  wrong  I  feel  a  satisfaction  in  (reely 
communicating  my  public  sentiments  to  you,  and  more  satisfaction  in  the  candid  consideration 
you  give  them. 

With  perfect  esteem  I  am  otto  ettc. 

at)'"  June  1779.  VV"  Tuvon. 


i 


Governor  Tryon's  Ueveries   submitted  to  Sir   Henry  Clinton   concerning   tho 
Kmbodying  Loyalists  ettc. 

INow-Vork  l'«|wri(H.  r,  ().  )('(.XX.  1 

(copy) 

There  being  many  hundred  Loyalists  within  the  Hritisli  lines,  and  more  expecle<l,  who  for 
various  reasons  will  not  inlist  themselves  soldiers,  and  many  of  wluim  are  ncverllicicsH  willing 
to  take  up  Arms  and  ((mtribute  their  aid  for  the  MuppreHsion  of  the  Ki'l>elli(m  —  is  is  proposed. 

I"  To  call  upon  tlirin  to  embody  themselves  under  the  immediale  command  o(  (Jov' 
Franklin  with  the  rank  of  of  Trovincials,  und  tlie  Title  of  Director  General  and 


vin. 


»7 


710 


NKW-YORK  OOLONTAT,  MANUSCHirTS. 


;fl¥ 


m 


Commandant  of  the  Associated  Loyalists,  and  that  lie  liave  power  to  nominate  and  appoint 
OIHcers  r.nd  nialie  such  Orders  &  regulations  (subject  to  the  approbation  of  the  Coniniander 
in  Chier)  as  may  be  judged  necessary  for  the  (lovornment  of  this  body  and  the  most  eUicacious 
exertions  of  its  force 

xj'ii.v  That  they  be  furnislied  with  arms, ammunition  and  Camp  equipage  (if  it  cnn  be  spared) 
their  Director  giving  receipts  and  engaging  to  account  for  the  expenditures. 

3'"''  That  they  be  occasionally  supplied  with  Ilations  to  be  repaid  when  required  by  an 
equivalent  in  live  stock  for  the  use  of  {he  Army  and  hospitals. 

■1"^  That  a  number  of  small  armed  vessels  with  boats  assigned  for  their  use,  to  be  returned 
or  accounted  for.     These  to  be  manned  by  the  Loyalists. 

5"*  That  their  Commandant  shall  plan  and  direct  their  enterprizes  for  distressing  the  Enemy 
in  any  quarter  not  forbidden  by  the  Commander  in  (-hief  and  have  liberty  to  form  conjunct 
expeditions  with  such  private  vessels  of  war  as  may  be  willing  to  act  with  them. 

C)'''  Their  places  of  Hemlczvous  to  be  at  Rhode  Island,  or  Long  Island,  F.ast  from  Oyster 
Bay,  at  IIobocK,  and  occasionally  at  Slaten  Island,  or  Sandy  Hook. 

7''-'  That  the  Coin,.'anding  Ollicers  of  Out  Posts  &  (Juard  ships,  near  the  places  where  thi'y 
assemble,  or  I'ass,  be  ordered  to  give  them  countenance  and  if  occasionally  wanted  assistance 
&  support. 

h"''  The  Associated  Loyalists  to  be  entitled  to  the  plunder  they  take,  which  is  to  be  only 
from  Rebels  and  not  from  Loyalists  tho'  living  among  them,  llcstitution  to  be  speedily  niade 
for  deviations  from  this  article  or  a  compensaliou  to  the  value  of  tin;  Loyalists  loss ;  and  no 
e.icesses,  barbarities  or  irregularities  to  be  committed  contrary  to  the  Law  of  Arms  as 
practised  by  civilized  Nations. 

!)'■'  The  Prisoners  made  by  the  Loyalists  to  be  kept  apart  from  others  and  exchanged  only 
for  .Associated  Loyalists  except  in  special  cases  directed  otherwise  by  the  (..ommander  in  Chief. 
The  exchanges  to  be  in  ordinary  under  the  conduct  of  the  Director  (ieueral  and  the  King's 
Commissary  (leneral  for  I'risoners. 

]0"'  The  Associated  Loyalists  when  retpiired  by  the  Commander  in  Chief  to  join  the  King's 
Troops  on  special  services,  and  during  the  time  of  such  co-o|)eration  to  receive  pay  and 
suhsistance  as  the  King's  troops. 

11''"  Intelligence  accjuired  to  be  forthwith  communicated  to  the  (Commander  in  tUiief. 

12""  A  sum  of  money  to  be  advanced  by  the  order  of  the  Commander  in  Chief  to  the 
Director  (Jeneral,  and  credit  to  be  given  to  his  drafts  as  far  as  twenty  or  thirty  thonsatid 
pounds,  to  be  applied  for  these  services  and  ai'counted  for  quarterly.  The  whole  number  of 
the  Association  not  to  exceed  two  thousand  Men,  without  the  (urtlier  order  o(  the  Commander 
in  Chief 

Lastly.  The  .Associafors  to  be  under  nrtic'es  to  ensure  mutual  confidence  among  themselves, 
and  he  submitted  for  the  ap|)robation  of  the  Commander  in  t'hief. 

All  which  is  referred  to  the  wisdom  &  pleasure  of  the  Commander  in  Chief  by 

his  most  obedient  servant 

VV""  TiiYoN  M.  G. 


i^ 


i: 

% 


LONDON  DOCUMKNTS:     XhVlI. 


771 


Oovtnior  7i\i/»ii  to  Sir  Ilenrij  C Union.. 

I  Now- York  Tuporii  (  B.  1'.  d. )  I'l.XX.  ) 

I),„,yi^^  New  York.  20.  July.  177<J. 

U  l.eii.g  ..vidtMit  that  tl.o  coinplicaU'.i  iiuturo  atui  exlont  of  li.e  powtTS  of  tho  Com.nanil.T  u. 
t-I.U'l,  must  III  Hucli  a  war  as  tlio  prosoiit,  call  \m  attention  to  innu.n,.nil.l,.  ol>j.-c(s,  an  w.-ll  of 
political  as  Military  cor.«i.I.Taliou,  aii.l  a,s  i„ron..alio.,  couccrnii.g  tlu,  Slato.  cou.lilion. 
tra.iHact.ons  temper  &.  .l..«igns  of  the  rovolted  Colonios  (low  to  this  placo  from  all  quarfrH,  ami 
in  order  tli.-.t  micl,  i.iformatioi,  may  ho  rcn,l..r«.l  u8,-f,ill  to  (Jovrn',  l.y  collecting  ami  digesling 
the  material  points  of  intellig.mco.  tlio  following  project  is  suhmittod  to  your  Kxcelfr  ..h  u 
itieasnio  of  (.I'oneral  and  great  utility,  viz' 

'n.at  an  (Xlice  be  in-stitute,!  and  entitled  an  ( >lllcc  of  Knquiry  with  authority  to  make 
enquiries  at  la  .%  and  to  examine  all  persons  coming  into  the  lUitisli  lines,  of  .-very  rank  and 
class,  and  that  their  discoveries  bo  registered,  and  from  limo  to  time  transmitted,  with  remarks 
und  relerences  to  the  Commander  in  Chief. 

Tl.o  intendants  to  bo  two  persons  well  acquainted  with  this  Country,  and  otio  of  them  withir. 
doors,  while  the  other  pursues  his  enquiries  abroad. 

They  will  want  a  register,  a  Clerk,  a  door  keeper  and  a  Messenger,  a  small  house,  fuel  & 
stationary.  The  Intendants,  Hegister  and  Clerk,  to  be  nmler  an  oath  of  Secrecy,  and  to 
examine  all  persons  sent  to  them.  Deserters,  prisoners,  Itelngees  uud  others,  &  to  give  si.eciai 
attention  to  references  from  liead  qnartiTs. 

The  order  for  their  appointment,  should  entitle  them  to  the  aid  of  the  Commandant,  to 
enforce  attendances  when  necessary,  and  the  Assistance  of  the  police,  who  should  I  .  required, 
to  direct  such  as  come  in,  to  this  OlHce,  or  report  their  names,  and  where  they  may  be  found 

t  may  bo  a  part  of  the  business  of  the  Intendants  to  transmit  to  the  Commandant  such 
Information  as  may  be  worth  attention  in  this  Department,  and  to  the  Huperintendunt,  what 
meerly  concerns  liie  Police. 

1  beg  leave  to  recommend  the  Hon""-  M'  W"  .Smith,  Councellor  of  this  prov"  &  the  Hon"" 
M'  Lewis  Do  Uosetto  Councellor  of  North  Camlina,  (or  the  Inlemiants,  (;entlemen  of  the 
first  abilities  &  every  way  qualified  for  so  laborious  a  task,  and  that  tli.-y  may  have 
the  nomination  of  the  subordinaie  Ollicers,  with  such  salaries  for  the  Intemlnnts  und  ubo^o 
mentioned  assistants,  as  your  Kxcell''*  shall  judge  adequate. 

This  Ollico  may  also  occasionally  take  allidavits  of  the  I'rosecutions  and  cruelties  tlio 
LoyaliHlH  Buller  from  the  K.-bels.  These  Allidavits  transmitted  to  the  King's  Ministers 
may  be  necessary  to  confute  many  of  the  assertions  of  the  opposers  at  home  to  the  measures 
of  CJovernmtnt. 

I  am  with  great  respect 

Vour  Kxcellency's 

most  obedient  humble  servant 

W'"  TiivoN.  M.  (;. 


772 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


i 


I  y 


Govei'^nor  Tryoii  to  Vice-Admiral  Arlmthnot. 

I  New.Tork  Pipe™  ( 8.  P.  0. )  CI.XX.  ] 

Sir. 

In  the  clearest  conviction  of  the  utility  of  employing  Privateers,  upon  the  shoala  and  Navigable 
Rivers  of  this  extensive  Coast,  to  intercept  the  supplies  collected  from  foreign  Parts  by  the 
llebels,  or  making  their  remittances  for  the  same  in  the  produce  of  this  Country  while 
the  Royal  Kavy  was  engaged  in  more  signal  and  glorious  achievements,  I  have  neglected 
nothing  in  my  power  to  forward  the  desigii,  since  His  Maj'^  gave  command  and  authority  upon 
that  subject. 

Encouraged  by  Admiral  Gamblers  public  assurances,  and  urged  by  my  proclamations,  (copies 
of  which  1  take  the  liberty  herewith  to  put  into  your  hands)  many  Marines  as  well  as  Landsmen, 
have  been  drawn  to  us  from  varioits  parts  of  the  revolted  Provinces,  and  this  branch  of  general 
service  is  so  prosperously  advance '.,  that  if  I  am  not  very  much  misinformed,  the  Crews 
Comm'ssioned  from  this  Port,  amount  to  upwards  of  Six  Thousand  Men,  many  of  whom  are 
Converts  from  the  Rebels,  and  others  persecuted  Loyalists  who  have  in  this  way  found 
subs'stance  without  charge  to  his  Maj'''  and  fortunately  out  of  the  spoils  of  his  Enemies. 

I  shall  be  extremely  happy,  if  the  measures  I  have  pursued,  meet  with  your  approbation, 
and  to  find  them  countenanced  by  your  influence  and  Power. 

Under  an  apprehension  that  the  declension  of  the  Rebellion,  until  the  happy  hour  of  its  total 
suppression,  will  prompt  the  Usurpers  to  still  greater  cruelties,  both  upon  His  Maj''""  faithful 
&  penitent  subjects,  and  that  the  objects  of  compassion  will  thus  be  daily  multiplied,  I  cannot 
in  justice  to  my  own  feelings,  repress  my  wish  for  some  early  &  explicit  declaration  on  your 
part,  in  support  of  the  public  faith  pledged  by  Admiral  Gnmbiar  and  myself,  and  which  has 
contributed  so  much  to  weaken  our  Enemies,  to  animate  the  hearts  of  our  friends,  and  to 
promote  the  general  commerce  of  the  Nation. 

I  only  add,  Sir,  as  a  motive  to  some  early  expression  of  your  Intentions;  that  Sir  O**  -.ge 
Collier  has  not  thought  proper  on  my  application  to  him  to  repeat  the  Assurances  -j..<;n  by 
Admiral  Gambler,  and  that  by  his  Proclamation  of  the  13*  of  April  (which  ''i  al-^'  'closed  for 
your  inspection)  however  well  intended,  or  proper  for  the  prevention  of  'f-u^rtion  from  the  , 
Kings  ships  cannot  fail  of  damping  the  ardour  of  the  Merchants  &  Adventurers,  as  well  as  of 
traverbing  another  main  object  of  the  prior  proclamations,  which  was,  if  possible  to  prevent  cir 
Marines  in  captivity  from  being  teii^pted  to  serve  in  the  Rebel  Cruisers,  by  which  our  Trade 
h'»8  been  so  much  injured,  &  acquisitions  made  for  ihe  protraction  of  this  unnatural  Rebellion. 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 

Your,  ettc 

29.  June  1779.  W""  Tryon  Gov'  Ettc 


m 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII. 


773 


N-'  84. 


Governor  2hjon  to  hml  George  Germain. 

t  New-Tort  Papott  (8,  p.  ^. )  CLXX. ] 

New  York,  2G.  August  1779. 


My  Lord. 

By  the  arrival  of  Admiral  Arbuthnofs-  Fleet,  I  was  honored  with  your  LordP's  dispatch  of 
the  1  ot  April;  the  duplicate  of  which  was  acknowledged  by  the  last  Packet,  and  by 
Oeneral  vaughan.  ^ 

For  want  of  Armed  ships  continually  cruising  off  Sandy  Hook,  as  well  as  being  stationed 
w.th.n  the  Hook,  a  number  of  Vessels  have  been  picked  by  the  Uebel  privateers  from  Egg  & 
liarnegate  Harbours  ettc.  and  several  of  the  privateer's  prizes  been  taken  near  the  Hook  also 
the  June  Packet. 

1  have  presented  my  letter  to  the  Admiral,  respecting  encouragement  of  the  privateers,  a 
copy  ol  which  has  been  transmitted  to  your  Lordsliip. 

The  arrival  of  the  Roebuck  is  looked  for  every  day,  in  which  Gov'  Robertson  is  expected,  to 
take  upon  him  this  Govern'  agreable  to  His  Maj"'  appointment. 
I  am  with  all  possible  respect     My  Lord, 

Your  LordP's  most  obedient  and 

very  humble  servant. 

W™  TUVON. 


■V  2. 


Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  liohcrts-on. 

[N«w-Tork  Papon  (8.  P.  o. )  CLXX.  ] 

Whitehall.  3.  September  1779. 


.A,,  in  case  such  parts  of  the  province  of  N.  York  as  are  in  His  Maj'^'  possession,  should  be 
resto  .  u  to  the  King's  peace,  the  care  and  disposition  of  the  deserted  lands  and  Tenements 
will  prcp.'iv  fall  a.u.er  your  direction,  it  is  judged  necessary  to  inform  you  of  the  ideas 
ontertainea  i,_ro  of  the  uses  to  which  they  may  be  applied  until  such  time  as  the  Legislature 
of  the  Province  may  otherwise  dispose  of  them. 

The  easing  this  country  of  the  heavy  expence  of  the  Loyal  Subjects,  who  have  been  deprived 
of  their  property  in  America  and  taken  refuge  in  Great  Britain  or  other  parts  of  His  Maj'^'. 

'  f  7"''  »'*7^  An.„nKOT  wa.  comm,«ione.l  «  C.ptnin  in  the  Koyal  Navy  ,I„n.  22,  1747,     He  commandoj  tl.e  frigaU 

c,r  Ian, .  60,  in  thcex,,..d,„on  aR«,„,tH..ll.i»U.  it.  1769,  an.l  in  17fiO  toQuiberon  bay  ;  the  OrforJ,  60.  on  the  Jamaica  Btation  in 

1,01  and  l,fl2,  «n,i  cont.nue.l  ui  oon,nn»»im,  at  the  el...  uf  the  war,  176:!.     In  1770  ho  commanded  the  Terrible  74  and  went 

on^a  cru,„.  to  tl,e  «-o»lw»,d  in  1772  in  the  ,«,ne  .hi,.,  and  in  177.1  waa  .ta.ioned  at  Portsmouth.     He  wa,  a  Ue'arAdmiral  in 

1 ,  ,V   when  a  men.ber  of  the  Court  Martial  that  tried  Ad al  Koppel.  and  wa.,  aoon  after  promoted  .o  be  Vice-Admiral  of 

•  he  Blue;  ,„  1,80  he  eoinmnn.led  the  fleet  .cut  again.t  Charleston,  S.  C.  After  the  reduction  of  that  place,  he  returned 
to  ^«"•^o^k  ^^henee  he  went  to  the  ea.t  end  of  Long  l.l.nd  to  watch  the  French  fleet,  part  of  which  he  engaged 
on  luth  March,  781,  o/T  the  Cape,  of  Virginia;  the  manner  in  which  thi,  battle  w«i  conducted  by  Vice-Admiral  Arbuthnot 
wa.  very  .everely  een.ured,  and  he  .ailed  for  England  on  2d  July.  neat,o,.'.  Narat  and  Military  Memoir,.  III.,  245  287   S-S 

r'V"'',  'I'-t'L':  'f  "■  ,'"•  "V'  "-  '''■•  "■  "-'  "■'•  '  '"•  '^•"'  ""  •'-»""■  K-^A,hnir«l  «;  the  BU.;  in  \^, 
\  tt„  ",     ,"         Z'  «"'f""'-f«>-'t.  <^''»n"K  <>.»^  J»"uary  Sl.t,  1794,  in  the  88d  year  of  hi,  .^e.   Qent  J,au; 


ii'  f 


774 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


dominions,  is  tiie  first  object  to  which  these  lands  and  tenements  should  be  applied.  Such 
therefore  of  those  meritorious  sufierers  as  are  present  at  New  York  or  may  come  there,  who 
have  allowances  from  the  public  Revenue  for  their  support  as  are  capable  of  employing  any  of 
those  Lands  to  advantage  and  are  willing  to  take  them  in  lieu  of  their  allowances,  or  such  part 
thereof  as  you  shall  judge  them  equivalent  to,  you  will  put  in  possession  of  the  lands  they 
apply  to  you  for,  upon  such  terms,  as  you  shall  agree  with  them  for,  and  transmit  to  me  a  list 
of  their  names  in  order  that  their  allowances  may  be  lessened  or  discontinued  accordingly. 
Should  there  be  more  deserted  lands  than  you  can  dispose  of  in  this  manner  it  will  be  proper 
to  lease  them  to  such  Loyal  subjects  as  are  desirous  to  take  them  at  certain  Rents,  which  you 
will  appoint  a  proper  person  to  collect  in  order  to  their  being  made  a  fund  to  go  in  aid  of  the 
grant  of  Parliament  for  the  support  of  the  Loyal  Refugees  in  general. 

With  respect  to  the  deserted  tenements,  such  of  them  as  shall  be  judged  necessary  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  King's  troops  must  be  appropriated  for  that  purpose,  and  the  remainder 
leased  out  upon  certain  Rents  in  the  manner  as  is  directed  to  be  done  with  the  deserted  lands, 
and  the  income  collected,  and  reserved  for  the  same  purpose ;  and  an  exact  account  of  the 
income  of  the  whole  transmitted.  You  will  however  be  careful,  that  on  no  pretence  any  new 
charge  is  brought  upon  the  public. 


I  am  ettc. 


Geo:  Germain. 


N"  85. 


Governor  Ihjoii  to  Lord  George  Germain. 

[New-Tork  Papers  (S.  P.  O.)  CLXX.) 

New  York.  5  September  1779. 


My  Lord. 

Your  LorJp's  Dispatches  of  the  17""  and  25"'  of  June,  the  former  Circular,  the  latter  N"  83, 
are  safely  arrived  with  their  inclosures.  I  shall  endeavour  to  fulfill  His  Maj*''''  directions 
therein ;  and  I  have  the  satisfaction  to  assure  your  Lord',  the  Loyal  Inhabitants  here,  derive 
more  expectations  of  successful  euterprize  from  the  unanimity  at  home,  than  apprehensions 
from  the  Spanish  War. 

Admiral  Arbuthnot  has  assured  me  of  every  assistance  to  the  letters  of  Marque  and  is  to 
issue  a  Proclamation  explicit  of  that  intention. 

The  authorities  from  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty,  for  issuing  letters  of  Marque  against  Spain 
came  directed  to  Gov''  Robertson,  which  1  opened,  and  inclose  a  copy  of  the  Commission  and 
superscription.  I  shall  in  virtue  of  the  spirit  and  expediency  of  that  Commission  issue  letters 
of  Marque  against  the  Spaniards. 

If  I  rnrxy  not  have  fulfilled  the  Lords  Commiss"  intentions  in  this  point,  1  trust  the 
irregularity,  if  any,  through  your  Lord^'s  good  oflices,  may  be  set  right. 

My  Proclamation  setting  forth  His  Maj'''  gracious  determination  of  giving  the  Royal  share 
of  prizes  to  the  captors  of  Spanish  Vessels,  is  also  herewith  transmitted. 
1  am  with  all  possible  respect     My  Lord 

Your  Lordi"s  most  obedient  humble  serv' 

W'-  Tkyon. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVII. 


775 


Colonel  Guij  Johnma  to  Lord  <;,^uiye  Oeniuun. 

Mo   J  o  t  rinmalloin  Oolirrnl  (  8.  P.  O.  )  COLXV.] 

My  Lord.  Montreal.  6  Sept'  1779. 

I  had  the  honor  to  address  your  Lordship  with  a  few  lines  on  n,y  departure  from  Halifax 
h       June,  expla.nmg  the  delays  wind,  retarded  my  setting  out  till  that  time.-On  the    7- 

]     i?  t  iL       ""S^^  "f  '•«  "PI'-lMMuIed  n.ight  hring  hin,  some  particular  matters  in  which 
n  g  t  be  concerned,  but  at  my  sollicitation  to  go  up  to  the  Indian  Country,  he  instructed  me 
to    h.t  purpose  somefme  after,  and  accordingly  .  arrived  at  this  place  on  the  29I       o'^ 

Tf  LunaL  "'  ""'  '°^  '''  ''''-'  '"''''''  ^^'^•""  ^-°  '^y-  — -P-'^^  ^>7  «  good  X 

When  I  arrived  in  this  Province.  I  found  a  Deputation  of  the  Six  Nition«  hnH  no    . 
own  who  were  particularly  sollicitous  about  Trolps.  and  the'ltll^rn^       |   t^^^^^^ 

attll        I     :'"'  "      \''"  """"'"'   ''"''   ""'''^'"  -"'-'Plation.  but  from   the  didiculfy 
am  -1  tl.e  transport  of  provisions,  he  did  not  think  it  practicable  this  season.-TI     I'd   " 
^ere    he  more  urgent  on  this  point  as  there  were  certain  accounts  that  the   1  e  els  we 
marcung  .n  a  considerable  body  into  their  Country,  of  which  we  have     inc 
p    tar  ,nforn.at,on.  an     that  my  Deputy  Major  Butler  was  advancing  to  the    el  "oh 
benecas.-l  herew.lh  .nclose  a  copy  of  the  proceedings  with  the  General    and  «l  •  11    ,  T 
another  with  me  to  the  Indians,  but  since  n.y  arrival  in  this  City,  the  oCr  d  ha     r.  T 

accotmts  ju.lged  it  proper  to  order  up  a  body  of  Troops  with  Si^  jll m  J  1  ,'  o    ,  \ 

zz'z:";:  '''t\T''  '  -^''-^  -  -^^  ..-^^aiy::^;:/:;;:;;::^^:;:': 

Zn  situ  .  i      ■"  7  ■"  ""'""■•  '"'  '  "'"^  ^'"""^'^  '°  """••"  ^'-t  "-  «ix  Nations  arlow 

<rom  s.tuaton  and  c.rcumstances  of  such  superior  consequence  to  Govern-  th.t  si  ouM    l 
rece.ve  a  blow  of  a  capital  nature,  the  Rebels  might  do  what  they  p  ea  ed  on  th     fr     r  "^ 
and  we  should  very  soon  lose  the  possession  of  tht  lakes  and  con  m^t  Is    «;:'.'' 
fr.en  sh.p  of  the  other  Indian  Nations,  the  etfects  of  which.  I  need  noUo  Ili  t         "  ""^ 

It  the    Rebels  are  not  able  to  ellect  any  thing  material  very  soon.  1  hope    to   furnish  . 
seasonable   re.nlorcement  to  oppose   then,,  and  I  am  confident'  that    f  I  vv.'s   arm"    with 
a  proper  author.ty  to  encourage  the  n,any  white  people,  who  constantly  retire"    „     ,1  Pel 
0  the  front.ers.  and  are  good  Woodsmen.  I  could  soon  have  a  very  respe  tabk    odl  o  t 
U.ng  to  be  incorporated  with  the  Indians.     Sir  John  Johnson  could  likeSdtl      an        Z 
bus  bod.es  n.ght  be  formed  on  tl.e  spot,  capable  of  n.uch  larger  undertakings  tl.a Ha'n  b 

expected  from  the  present  force  in  that  Country i"an  can  be 

Your  Lord.-,  has  been  long  since  inforn.ed  1  presume  that  the  Indian  goods  sent  to  New  York 
and  ordere  by  S.r  V"  Howe  into  tl.e  (Quarter  Master  General's  Storehouse,  were  burnt  hst 
s  nnner  (when  that  house  and  about  sixty  others  were  consumed  by  fire)  except  a  few  pie^ 
of  cloth,  that  were  thrown  out  of  a  window,  estimated  at  about  X-0.)  sterl :  but  inlc  too 
much  damaged  for  tl.e  use  of  the  Indians.  1  thought  it  necessary  to  acquaint  your  Lor  -of 
th.s  latter  c.rcumstance.  that  provision  may  be  made  accordingly  as  tl.e  service  may  require 
more  espec.ally  as  the  goods  ordered  in  the  nree  Brothas  .re  not  yet  arrived  here,  and  nay 
come  so  ate  as  to  ob hge  n.e  to  purchase  n.ost  of  the  articles  i.nmediately  wanted,  which 
however  I  shall  do  with  a  strict  eye  to  economy. 


H 


u(\ 


NE\V-YOT?K  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


I  am  by  no  means  doubtful  of  success,  (ii  the  present  inroad  of  the  Rebels  fails)  so  long  as 
I  am  supportfd  in  that  authority  and  fu'ld  I^l>uk,  essential  to  my  station,  and  wiiicli  always 
accompanied  it,  and  should  tiiey  even  succeed  in  some  measure  1  am  not  without  resources;  I 
have  been  so  well  supported  by  my  OlKcers  in  dillerent  quarters,  that  the  service  hna  never 
suflered  thro'  my  disappointments  — disappointments,  which  [  have  never  fully  explained,  tho' 
it  is  amply  in  my  power  to  do  so,  I  now  hope,  that  tiiey  are  at  an  end,  and  that  1  may  thro' 
your  Lord>"s  countenance  be  enabled  to  transmit  such  favourable  accounts  of  Indian  AH'airs,  as 
will  evince  my  zeal  and  endeavours  for  His  Mi._^  "  service. 

I  humbly  request,  that  this  Dispatch  may  be  laid  before  the  King,  and  I  am  with 
profound  respect 

My  Lord, 

Your  fA)r(i>''a  most  obedient  and 

most  humble  servant. 

CJ.  Johnson 

V.  S.  I  find,  my  last,  should  have  been  numbered  11,1  have  numbered  this  accordingly. 


't 


('oiif'dYiifi    of  O'dhnil    Uiilillniiiiiil  (iiiil   I>tfiiillis  from   tl«     /'"'''   '^iHioitw 

I  IM»til«ll"n«  Un.oral  ^Il.  P.O.)  K'l.XV.) 

At  a  l^onfereiice  with  Teyohagweanda  u  principal  Onondago  Chief  &  three  Cayugus  at  the 
Castle  of  S'  I<ouis,  (iuebec  20'"  August  177!>. 

l*uusENT  —  llisExcell:  Cieu'  lLildimau<l  — 

Col:  Guy  Johnson  sole  Agent  and  guperintendant  of  the  Six  Nations  and 

theif  Confederacy  — 
Daniel  (^laus  Ksti"". 

Col :  (Jarleton  Sc  several  other  OlUcors  — 
M'  De  Lorimier  &  M'  1 1  Force  Interpreters. 

fieneral  Ilahlimand  having  called  the  above  Deputies  of  the  Five  Nations  to  this  plac«i  lo 
give  them  an  answer  upon  Messages  they  were  charged  with  from  the  ('onlederacy,  as  well  as 
to  convince  them  l)y  several  proofs  that  there  was  no  French  Fleet  in  this  Harbour,  and  thn 
place  in  possession  of  the  French;  as  reported  among  them  by  the  Hebel  Oneidas.— And 
after  their  having  been  here  for  six  weeks,  ami  seeing  the  Cork  and  I^ondon  Fleets  arrive  ; 
they  were  told  they  might  return,  and  dismissed  with  the  following  speech. 

Brothers.  I  am  glad  to  meet  you  this  day,  to  signify  my  thanks  to  you  for  having  como 
here  at  my  call,  and  to  see  the  Knglish  Ships  arrive  ;  tliat  you  may  report  to  your  Nations  ou 
your  return  what  you  have  t^wu.  As  you  have  delivered  your  Hpee-hes  to  Col :  ("amphi'll,  and 
the  seven  Nations  of  this  Province,  I  shall  give  my  directions  in  writing  lo  Col:  Campbell,  to 
give  you  a  full  answer  in  conjunction  with  the  seven  Nations  of  Canada,  at  the  same  time  I 
shall  give  you  my  sentiments  upon  them  in  a  few  words,  that  you  may  say  you  bad  them  from 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVII. 
my  own  mouth. -With  regard  to  your  enquiry  why  (hm-go  was  not  estahlisiu-d.  I  am  to  fll 

eZ..  .1"        r\      '""  ^T  '"'  -'"**"''  ""■■'y  ""^  ^•"'•"''  "'  "'y  ""^''"'"•«  ««  '«  ''«.  ""d   i» 
0M«.  ,,ue.,c,.   wul  a,,po.nt.(l  your  patron,  the  hUe  Sir  William  Johnson'.,  son,  Sir  John  Johnson, 

to  march  w.th  h.s  ifegi.n.nt  for  that  purpose,  I  then  ha.l  int.iligenre  that  the  Kehels  were 

prep.r.nK  Hoats  at  Saratoga  an.i  Alhany.  to  go  up  the  Mohawk  River  with  an  intention  to  take 

<^t  at  Oswego    hut  ,n  the  course  o(  a  (ew  weeks  I  receive,!  a  d.llerent  account,  that,  that  wa. 

not  the.r  n.tent,on    hut  that  a  large  Uehel  Arn.y  was  con.e  up  ConneCicut  River,    nder  the 

-nunand    o(  the  Rehel  (ieneral   Maysen.'  with  an  intention  to  invade  this  Province,  which 

Zw  '1     "nv'  '  m'"'  """'''  "'"  '"'^  "  "'"•'  '"  '^'^  •'"''"'"  l'^«--'i"R'<.  "t  the  same  ti.ne  to 
trow      me  add.t.onal  (one  .nto  the  garrisons  o.  the   Indian  Country.  I  sent  a  rein(orcen,ent 
to  I)e    o.  ,  another  to  Niagara,  and  one  to  Carleton  Islan.l,  &  kept  some  light  con.panies  ready 
upon  the  hrst  not.co  to  March  to  your  relief;  at  the  san.e  ,in,e   let  n.e  tell  you,  that  the  Grea" 
Kn.g  your  h  ather  ,s  not  sparing  of  his  Troops,  nor  lets  you  light  his  Hattles  hy  yourselves  •  if 
you  were  to  see  the  nun.erous  armies  along  the  sea  coast,  and  their  vigorous  operaUons.  Jou 
would  stop  such  rellect.ous,  and  rather  acknowle.lge  that  your  (Country's  safety  greatly  depends 
upon  t, at,  (or  you   know  very   well,   that  the   Rehels  in    1774   atteu.p.e.l   to  Ji'possL  you   o 
your  Country   and  ,.  they  once  got  the  hetter  of  the  King's  Troops,  they  would  s..on  pursue 
the.r  encroachments  npon  your  Country,  .     I  drive  you  a  great  .listauce  in  the  hack  Country. 
As    o  your  apprehensions  «(•  the  Rehels  coming  to  attack  your  Country,  I  cannot  have  the 
east  thought  o(  .t ,  ,(  they   mean  any  thing;  it   is  to  wecure  their   Trontiers   against  your 
....■ursumsan.ldepredat.ons;  and  in  order  to  enahle  you  to   keep  them   the   Letter  at   ul    I 
Hhall  give  u,y  leave  and  encourage  the  seven   Nations  of  Canada  to  co-operate  with  and   join 
you  in  opposing  your  Knemies,  the  Rehels.  ' 

His  Kxcell^Mhen  thanke.l  them   lor  having  visited  the   Micmack,.  and  given  them   their 

dv.ce  socord.al  and   strong,  (or  their  luture  conduct hope.l  their  w 1  acquaint 

heir  Natton.  w.th  what  past  on  their  return.     At  the  same  time,  as  they  saw  helore  them 
(.ol :  Johnson,  .   e  late  Sir  W™  JohoHon's  successor,  who  he  hoped  they  would  esteen,  and 

respect  as  they  did  Mr    Villia .d  follow  his  direction,  and  advice,  he  lu.ving  likewise  some 

Messages  to  deliver  to  the  l-'ive  Nations  Irom  him. 

7V.v„/<,,,Mm,«,/«  then  repeated  over  the  suhst.ince  of  the  (Jet.erals  speech,  and  returt.e.l  their 
hearty  thanks  lor  every  thing  they  sai.l,  and  that  it  was  very  pleasing  and  satisfactory.  With 
regard  to  the.r  old  (riend  a.ni  acquaintance.  Col:  Johnson,  they  assured  the  (Jcr.eral,  that  he 

'  Hri,l..lier-(i,.n»r»l  Mn,M  1I*/,,.N  «H,  l«.rn  in  ll,«  v,.«r  IVM    .n.l   il  i,  ,„n„„...,M.,.l»„«..  1  ,„i  ,1,    II     .     ii         .„.. 
he  1...    WM  .  n..  ,...,«..,,...,.,«  o,„„.ry.     II., ,,„,„..,|  u,,,,,  ,„  W.,  I,.,  i,.  17:,,,,  »,„l  ., , ,  ,., ,f    ,  .  2^'^ 

l.«  !..,,  .  u  .,,,1  K..«„Ur^  wl,„.„,,o„  l,„  .„r.,r..,l  l„.  ...,vic..  I..  (•..„«,.«.  I,y  «l.i.. ,  w„ ,..„„..i,  i„  J.,„„rr    177.1 

■         ',     ",  7'""";'  '"   ' "•''•'"«"  '"  '•'•  "'•"""'^  ••'"-  l'«  W"  trie.l  l,,v  .'our.    M,rlml  ..„  oh,.«,„  l,r,.„^l..  In  .■:..„.... I 

Ar.„.l  .  ....I     ,„  „„,,lv  ..,u,n..I.    ,  A..r,r„.  ArrM„r..  V..  7.-,l  ;  »  ,6U.  ...  tin.     I. ,  ,1,.,  f„.,..w,„,  «„„..  ..  Alt,.ny 

.t  Iroy   N.w     „rk,  „u  Ih.  aj  uf  K.Uu.,v.  18,.i.,  ia  ,|..  7uth  ,..ruf  I.,,  .g...     All. v.,  I.»  d,... I.o  :.Ml,  J,.,.u.r,   UuK. 


Vi!!..  V!!I, 


99 


mi4 


778 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANTTSCRIPTS. 


need  not  have  the  least  doubt,  but  that  they  slioiikl  perfectly  agree ;  that  they  had  been  for 
many  years  perfectly  acquainted  with  him,  having  been  aivviiys  about  their  great  friend  the 
late  Sir  W""  Johnson,  by  which  means  he  became  so  well  acquainted  with  their  public  atVairs, 
customs  and  manners,  and  that  His  Kxcell'^  might  be  assured  he  would  on  his  arrival  in  their 
Country  be  received  with  shouts  of  joy  from  the  wiiole  Confederacy. 

The  above  speech,  and  answer  was  interpreted  by  the  CheV  do   Loriuiier,  M'  La  Force, 

Onondago  interpreter  being  present.  .      ,     ^.        .      .    . 

°  Interpreted  by  the  Chev'  Lonmiere. 


f 


Xc/y/  O'iOi'i/e  lierntoln  to   .Udjor-diii'idl   Tnjoii. 

[Ntw.York  r«ptr«  <  ».  1'- O. )  CI.XX,  1 

Whitehall.  4.  November  1779, 

Sir, 

As  Major  r.eneral  Robertson  sails  for  New  York  in  a  Frigate  which  goes  round  by  (Jeorgunit 
is  possible  it  may  be  some  time  before  he  relieves  you  in  tiie  (iovern',  and  tiiereh)re  I  conceive 
that  this  letter  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  your  correspondence  i.om  N"  78  to  N"  Si5  inclusive 
may  possibly  reach  you  before  you  lake  your  departure  for  Kngland. 

I  have  signitied  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  His  Maj'>'  iipprobation  of  your  conduct,  and  that  of  the 
Othcers  under  your  command  in  the  late  expedition  to  Connecticut,  to  which  I  refer  you. 

The  Commander  in  Chief  was  certainly  the  proper  person  to  lake  cognizance  of  the 
pro|)08ilioii  you  have  submilled  to  him  of  embodying  the  Ifefugees  under  the  Command  of 
Gov  Franklyn,  and  I  am  coulident  Sir  Henry  Clinton  will  give  all  proper  encouragement  to 
their  zeal  &  Loyally  in  the  mode  which  he  judges  most  suitable  to  the  public  service. 

'I'lie  Commission  with  which  Sir  ilenry  is  lately  vested  by  the  King's  command,  and  the 
Council  by  which  he  is  to  be  assisted,  will  probably  answer  tlie  end  of  the  Court  of  enquiry  you 
proposed,  and  i  am  glad  you  think  such  an  institution  will  have  a  good  etrect. 

1  hope  Admiral  Arbutlmol's  assurances  of  assistance  to  the  letters  of  Marque,  will  encourage 
that  part  of  His  Mai''"  I'ailldul  subjects  to  still  greater  engagements  in  that  useful  mode  of  oflence. 
It  were  to  l)e  wislied  that  iuch  operations  might  be  extended  to  the  South  Seas.  Il  was  a 
laudable  instance  of  your  zeal  not  to  take  the  letter  but  the  spirit  of  the  Lords  of  the  Adniirnlty'ii 
Commission,  and  to  consider  the  authority  for  issuing  letters  of  Mnr<|ue  as  intended  for  the 
Cov'  lor  the  time  being,  until  Gen'  Uoberlson'g  arrival,  and  1  Inive  the  salisfaclion  to  acquaint 
you,  that  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  will  send  you  their  up|trobation  of  what  you  have  done 
by  this  conveyance. 


I  am  eltc. 


Gro:  (ikhmain. 


til 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII. 


/  i\ 


N»  13. 


Colo^ul  a,,^  Ja/urs-un  to  Lord  (konjt   ihrnuun. 

C  Plantutlons  acnerni  (3.  p.  O. )  WLXVI.  ] 

Miagara  11.  November  177U. 


My  Lord. 

toh;Z:';l:;i';r;"*T'^''''^^'^"'  ''■"  ^'^^""-•^onastSep.e.nher.Ii.a.I  tl.e  I.onor 
Di  pu         r  nv  ^r  ^^^"""^'""  "'  '1'"^  ''•"^.  -  duplicate  of  which  accompanies  this 

tl  i    ;   Vi,ite«  X;f  "■     """  ""  "^  ''''"'  ^*  '^■■'^"""-  -'^''  »'-"t  one  hundred  nn 

y  >VlMte«  a,.d    udtann,  who  were  augmente,!  lo  two  hundred  and  twenty  at  n.v  arriv.l  -.t 

nit;!,'"?' ;   ""■  ''"■^'"^"'^'  '"'"""^  ""  ^'"^  ^'"'••'«-  -'d  --««'d«  o/the  Six  Nat  on 
N    «    a       aTh  "  '"'  "^''"'^^  "'^^  "  con«i.:erabie  body  of  the  Indians,  had    e^         t'o 

Z^'^S::   ^nr  ;'''     """^'""''""•""<'  «"  ^""^-'  a  detachment  was  .nt^:^ 

we  nrleded    o    '  I         .   \      ■'      ''    !  "'  ^""'  '"  »"  '"  '^'"«"^'''  ^'''^■^^  ^i^'"'"'  '-^«  "'  time 
m  .1  n     i     s!    Z  r  "  ""'  "'""  "'  ^^^'''"'"^  '  ''"^  "-  ( '"Hwithstand.nK  H.-  .eal 

rud.ntss  I  loun.i  m  the  greatent  part  ot  the  Indians)  was  a  work  of  some  davB  &  Iron.  th« 
count,    rece.ved  at  Niagara,  there  appeare.i  l.ttle    pri.pect  of  e.iectin«     ny    hi.t  i^'o 

du  lil?      \    """^  r"'  ''•^'"^"^"   ^'"''y^-'  "-ever,  Sir  John's  laUor  2  ^ 

o'"      '  '"T'  """'•  ""'  •'--''"'«'>•.  -«  '«'t  tins  ph.ce  the  tenth  ofOclohe       nd 
proc  eded  (or  Osw.go,  where  it  was  tl,ou«ht  best  fron.  accounts  received  to  collect  the  wo  e 

;      r.         '        f  "!'"   '  """'  ''""  '''"^■'^'  '"^  ^•""'  "'■  ^^^"'t  '"  «^""«P"rt  them  un,ler 

the  care  ol  Cap.  Brant  and  other  of  n.y  O.Jicers.  for  whon.   we  wai.ed  a  cou.iderab  e  " 
nn«  winch.  U  was  lound  that  the  Canada  Indians  were  no, withstands.,  all      .     ,  '     ^ 

y       pi"  ^ra.er.  very  l.ttle  attached,  that  they  had  declined  going  towar.  s  Fort  S.a,.      . 

with  ,u.>  prospect.     At  the  same  t.me  the  ( ienerai's  dispatches  arrived  with  tl.e  Distribu,  on  II. 
wn   .T  ..uarters,  and  orders  to  8ir  John  Johnson  to  return,  accon.pan.ed  witi      .s,    p^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
o   the  n.easures  .ha,  had  been  pursued,  and  a  letter  to  n.e  lor  the  d.viding  the  Indians 
N.agaru      arletou  Is  a..d  e.tc.  on  account  of  provisions.     About  .his  t.me  an  (     i    ■  " 

I>.-|-.m.  w.th  hve  Indians,  who  were  advanced  a  lew  n.iles  in  Ir.n.t  of  a  body  of  I  a  ,1.  s 
capture     three  One,  da  Kehels.  who  had   be.  n  reconnoitung.  and  another  par.y^     k       fj M 

N.  rjean,.   ro„.  w  ,o,n  we  learned  that  the  Rebel d  re.n.orced  t nviro  s  o^Fort  S.    .wK 

w.   ...X  hundred  Wen  and  had  notice  of  our  n.o.io, entionn.g  purt.cularly  .ny  ow  .     ",' 

John  Johnson.  „,  con,e,ence  of  his  orders,  as  well,  a.  that  the  party  [y  land  had  not  bel'n  uUe 

'  ;i»w,  i-rvUbiy,  b,       u«y.  W«7D«  coupiy,  AcwVork.  — Ki>. 


780 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


.1. 


to  come  up,  accordingly  decr.mppc),  and  I  returned  to  this  place  on  the  2&^'  ult"  where  I  have 
been  a  good  deal  occupied  in  endeavouring  to  prevail  upon  the  ludinns  to  send  a  huge  body  of 
their  people  down  to  Carleton  Island  for  the  winter,  which  they  do  nc  much  incline  to, 
ns  their  late  losses  induce  them  to  be  more  united,  however,  their  number  in  now  reduced  to 
SOaS,  the  majority  of  whom  will  remain  here  abouts,  and  from  the  situation  to  which  they  have 
been' reduced  through  their  attachment  and  sacrifices  to  Govern' I  humbly  <!onceive  they  are 
entitled  to  every  mark  of  attention  that  can  be  afforded  as  well  from  principles  of  Justice  as 
policy;  I  propose  to  employ  them  usefully  on  the  communications  during  the  Winter  ;  and  to 
use  every  endeavour  for  keeping  up  their  spirits  and  preserving  their  attachment  to  Govern' 
which  has  hitherto  proved  of  so  much  use  to  His  Mnj"'  interests,  and  on  which  the  safety  of 
this  Country  so  much  depends  — It  is  an  arduous  undertaking  since  their  Inte  losses,  but  I 
enter  on  it  with  confidence,  in  the  expectation  of  your  Lord^'s  countenance,  &  I  persuade 
myself  if  measures  can  be  taken  next  spring  for  reestablishing  Fort  Ontario,  (which  they  have 
much  at  heart)  and  supporting  His  Maj''-  arms  with  a  proper  body  of  Troop.-',  they  will  not 
a  little  contribute  to  their  success. 

I  cannot  conclude  without  recommending  the  good  conduct  of  all  my  Oflicers  to  His  Maj" 
because  I  am  convinced,  they  have  in  their  respective  stations,  acquitted  themsi'lves  with  as 
much  zeal  and  performed  as  much  as  any  other  subjects  of  tiie  King,  and  whilst  the  good  of 
the  service  requires  my  recommending,  what  was  mentioned  in  my  last  respeciing  myself  to 
His  lloyal  consideration,  I  cannot  avoid  doing  that  .Justice  to  their  merita,  whid)  they  have 
faithfully  deserved  — I  reqi.v^st  to  be  honored  with  your  Lord»"s  commands,  and  1  am  with 

very  true  regard  —  My  Lord 

^  °  Your  Lord^'s  most  humble  and 

most  obedient  servant 

G.  Johnson. 


fP-SS.) 


Governor  Trynn  to  hwd  Oconje  Germain. 

imw-Tofk  P»p«ii(8.  p.  O. )  CLXXI.,  No.  88] 

New  York  17  Dec'  1779. 


My  Lord, 

By  M'  Morrison  I  have  the  honor  to  acquaint  your  Lordship,  this  Province  is  in  the  same 

situation  ns  when  I  sent  my  last  dispatches. 

The  very  signal  and  glorious  defeat  by  His  Majesty's  Arms  over  lH)th  French  and  rebel 
Troops  at  Pavannah,  have  gi.en  a  new  spring  to  the  King's  all'airs  on  this  continent,  and  tiiu 
enemy  within  the  rebel  lines,  sensibly  feel  the  accumulated  curses  of  their  revolt. 

The  New  York  privateers  hnve  not  had  these  latter  months,  their  usual  success  on  this  coast, 
from  the  French  Fleet  iiaviug  the  command  of  the  seas  Southward,  and  the  eastern  colonies 
having  fitted  out  stronger  privateers  than  many  of  ours,  however  some  prizes  of  value  have 
been  sent  in  here  by  them,  and  I  am  informed  more  have  been  carried  to  the  West  Indies. 


781 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVII. 

General  Robertson  is  supposed  to  be  in  the  Cork  Fleet,  expected  here  as  well  as  the  October 
I'acket,  every  day. 


avery  day. 
I  am  with  ait  possible  respect, 
My  Lord, 


Your  Lordships 


Lord  Geo:  Germain. 


most  obedient  and 

very  Hum''"'  Serv« 

W'"   TUVON. 


(N°89)  Duplicate 


Govenior   Tnjon  to    Lord  (honj,    dei'tnitin. 

t  Now.York,  i:l,X  \  I  ,  Ni).  H».  ] 

New  York  20""  Feb"'  1780. 


MylLord, 

I  am  honored  with  your  Lordships  Dispatches  of  the  4'"  Nov'  and  Circular  letter  of  4"'  Dec^ 
and  derive  great  condort  from  ilis  Majesty's  gracious  approbation  of  my  Conduct,  and  the 
olhcers  under  my  command  on  the  Connecticut  expedition,  last  summer. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  having  Idt  me  in  Command  of  the  IJrilish  Troops  in  this  district,  I  have 
made  my  report  to  His  Kxcellency  of  the  Military  occurrences  that  have  happened  since  his 
departure  to  the  .Southward :— Wo  have  strong  Intimations  from  I'hiiadelphia,  that  the 
Commander  m  Chief  is  in  possession  of  (Charles  Town,  tho'  no  authentic  accounts  yet  received 

The  intense  severity  of  this  Winter  has  for  some  Weeks  past  so  solidly  fro/.e  all  the  Itivers 
that  Troops  and  cannon  have  passed  over  them,  which  ottered  to  the  Knemy  as  free  n 
communication  to  !ill  our  I'ohts,  as  if  they  hud  been  actually  on  the  Continent. 

We  are  in  daily  expectation  of  the  Cork  Fleet  with  Cen'  Robertson  l)y  way  of  (Jeorgia-  it 
was  a  fortunate  event  they  did  not  arrive  while  the  navigation  of  the  River  was  blocked'up 
with  ice,  and  which  has  been  open  only  to  the  Hook,  since  the  'JI"  Inst.  — the  North  river 
above  the  town  is  still  impassable  for  vessels,  being  full  o(  (ixed  ice  on  the  banks,  and  (loutiuK 
ice  in  the  channel.  ° 

I  have  the  gratefull  satisfaction  to  assure  your  Lordship,  the  friendly  part  of  America  keep 
up  their  spirits,  and  are  sanguine  from  the  flattering  prospects  of  His  Majesty's  affairs  in  all 
quarters,  that  the  re-union  of  the  Kmpire  will  be  yet  happily  established,  and  those  who  have 
been  with  circumstances  of  cruelly,  drove  from  their  estates  and  families,  restored  in  peaceful 
possession  of  tliem  again. 

I  am  with  all  jiossible  respect, 
My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship'* 

most  obedient  and 

very  Hum'"  swrv' 
Lord  Geo :  (iermain.  viw  t 


IS'2 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUt^CRIPTS. 


Juihje  Oijthii  to   (foi'iriior    Tnjon. 

t  New-York.  CliXXl.  (  No  J  In  No.  Sl>. )  ] 

S' 

Permit  ine  to  give  you  iny  sentiments  on  the  present  critical  iippearances,  (ienerivl 
Wasiiinglon  with  an  army  of  about  (>,000  continental  troops,  within  one  day's  march  of  New 
York,  besides  many  of  the  militia  of  New  Jersey  at  his  command,  when  called  for,  an  army  at 
and  near  the  Fish  Kills,  n  great  number  of  the  militia  in  the  northern  purls  of  the  Colony  of 
New  York,  and  in  Connecticut  ready  to  march  on  an  expedition,  promissing  success,  I'assauk, 
Hachiiigsack,  Hudson's  &  Harlem  lUvers  froze  so  as  to  be  passable  with  an  army,  to  New 
York  Island  ;  from  these  circumstances  it  is  very  probable,  that  the  rebels  will  make  a  grand 
attack  upon  the  City  of  New  York  (as  their  case  at  present  seems  desperate  )  the  rebels  from 
New  Jersey,  can  at  any  place  within  live  miles  of  the  city  cross  Hudson's  liver  on  the  ice,  and 
the  rebels  from  the  northward  cross  Harlem  river,  below  the  fortilications  and  lines  at  King's 
bridge,  at  places  where  there  is  not  sulUcient  force  to  oppose  them,  these  armies  being  united 
may  be  too  numerous  &  powc'i  1  for  the  King's  Troops  in  this  City,  New  York  may  also  be 
in  danger  of  being  taken  in  the  niglit,  by  surprize  by  rebels  coming  from  New  Jersey  and 
crossing  the  Uiver  near  the  City.  I  submit,  if  it  will  not  be  a  prudential  and  necessary 
measure  to  order  to  New  York  Islau '.  immediately  all  the  King's  Troops  from  the  West  end 
of  Long  Island  as  far  as  Jamaica  and  embody  the  citizens  of  New  York  without  delay,  putting 
them  under  proper  otlicers,  for  the  defence  of  the  City. 

The  shameful  want  of  firewood  may  be  an  objection  to  the  removing  of  the  King's  Troops, 
to  New  York  Island  at  this  time,  this  I  conceive  may  be  soon  remedied,  if  the  providing  of 
wood  was  taken  out  of  the  hands  of  the  present  managers,  and  given  to  those  who  would 
exert  themselves,  in  that  Department,  pay  the  wood  cutters  and  cartmen  every  week  for  their 
labour  and  did  not  seek  their  own  emolument  more  than  the  publick  good,  besides  which 
possilive  orders  niight  issue,  for  each  farmer  on  I-ong  Island,  liviiig  within  l'<  miles  of  Brooklyn 
to  bring  without  delay  0  or  S  loads  of  good  wood  to  the  ferry  from  whence  it  might  almost 
every  li-iy  be  brouglil  to  the  City. 

1  beg  your  Excellency,  will  excuse  me,  in  laying  before  you  the  above  sentiments,  which 

may  perhaps  serve  as  hints,  coming  from  one  firmly  attached  to  His  Majesty's  Government, 

the  success  of  His  Arms,  and  with  the  greatest  Itegards,     Your  Kxeellencies 

Most  obedient  and 
New  York  Jan^'  Ut.  17bO.  ^.^^^  i,^,,^,^,^  gp^vanl 

General  Tryon  David  Ooden' 

'  .luJt?!'  IlAViii  ().ii>it:<,  win  uf  J.niiili  tV,l,.ii  of  F-wix  ...niiily,  N.'W  irrxfy.  wan  lioiii  i"  Ncwurk  nlioiil  tli.'  y.'ur  nii7,  ni„l 
wos  griuiiuile.l  «t  Y..1.-  ioll.v«  in  WIK  \U  ..tu.lici  hiw  in  New  York,  «n.l  prHHi.'..!  hi»  pr..f.i«Mon  in  lii«  ii«li»e  C'lony, 
wlioii.  ho  wmn  nrrlv.M  nt  llio  licml  .if  liin  profoMiun  nn<l  whi.  I.x.k.-.l  ii|.  lc>  a«  an  <iracli'  "f  lli»  Inw.  In  1772  lio  wi"  iippmnlrct 
Ju.Ikp  of  the  Siiproniu  Ctnirt,  nn.l  on  the  t)rc«kintf  out  of  lio»lililii'»  rfliml  U\  llio  ■ily  of  New  York,  wIum..  Iio  wu»  ■ 
niombur  of  tliB  HoBiil  of  K.-fuK-.w,  ealiililinlieil  ill  \V,V,  over  wliii'li  ()o»ernor  I'rankliii  |.ri-«i.l.Ml.  ll«  .Inw  up  iIm'  oiilliiieH  „f 
ft  I'laii  for  the  government  of  th-  Colonies,  afl.T  their  »uhuii«»ion  to  (Ireat  lirilKiu.  Mr.  (ig.leii  rrlircl  to  KnKlim.l  in  I7n;i, 
hi*  property  ii.  New  ,lei»ey  Imvinu  heeii  conli.eatecl.     lie  relnrneil,  however,  to  the  |l>.it».l  WUte.  in  17«ii,  nn.l  took  np  lii< 

,.,,si,lei in  wueenn  eoiinly.  I.onif  lnUn.!,  whtre  In-  clie.l  in  the  yeiir  Isim,  nt  tlio  advanecl  a«e  of  '.la.     Mr,  Ou'leii  haa  left 

hehin.l  hiin  the  repiiliUion  of  ImviiiK  I.eeii  "one  of  the  niaiit.  of  the  law  in  New  Jeraej."  He  wna,  ;.(.fhiii»\  tl«  lint  of  n 
lai-t- .if  men,  afterwar.lii  nun.er,.iiH  in  thai  Stale,  nan.ely,  thoron.-li  l.r.ii  Inwyers;  men  wh..  h.ve  th.if  (.fifwioii,  .lev.ite 
lli,-iiii.elve«  ti.  It,  who  ai.i  aalLlicJ  with  lU  houom  and  look  uul  beyoud  it  for  Jialiucliou.  t'uld't  J'uu  neml  Cvurt4  n/  A'lu 
Jzrtry,  ibi,  «  jr^.  —  Kir. 


'fc 


T.ONnON  DOCrTMENTS:     XLVir  -.,., 

It   i.   sul,miu..,l.   to  .l,.,(!.Mu-ralso(  th.  Anny  in  New  York  (or   ll.nr  (\M>si.l..n.tio„     if  i, 

t  broa.  .  l,..K,nM.„.i  n.ar  .lu-  City  in   l.n.Lson'.s  Kivor.  wi.hin  the  r.,,.!,  ol  suk.I!  ,.rn,s  (Von. 
east  H  or..   .Ins  „n.y  he  .ion.,  will,  Co.ss  cut  a„.i  i.an.l  Haws  and  (lu-  i. ,  nn.y  wi.l,  I 

Ir.  m  I  an  us  llooi<.  „r  a  brnl,-.,  o(   Mo.ts.  n.ay  I,.-  nnnlo  ns-  oC._„n  ..n.-nin,'  dm    „,.,.!..  will 
not  soon  (.vcv.. ;  iC  it  ,sh„ul.i,  it  ,nay  1,.,  .-asily  k..pt  op.M..  ^  ' 


/«/ 


''iriiiKtioii  j'linii-slh'/  I, II    A,-//,^//,v/.s 


l!li.«-V,.rk,  (  l.\XI. 


■  All  II,  fj„.  ^.j. ,  J 


lut.-llig.Mice  l.y  Knsii-n  .lolm  IVIIoCdi..  (^i.-.-n's  |{, 


Mgers,  j^ivt'n  r,.  i.V!,.»  lyso. 


II 


ivinK    1,....,.     in.,„i.so,n..l    as    a    Loyalist   an.l    reU-as.-.i    (mn.    Nortlu.n.plon    .) 

!W>I  I  I  I  Uitl  U        till      V,.,.        I....1       I.     .        _     .1      ■  .•'•....  1 


MasHaclins.'ts  5"'  .Nnv.  last 
He 


got  in  at  King's  l!ii,i^,,  tli.!  17"'  Dec'  last. 


ail    in    til.) 


was  born  at  Sh.-lli,'!.!  on  (h..  ..ist  .si.l,-  or  tlw  Manor  of  Us 


witb   tlic  Country   bet 
iNorlliward  up  to  tbc  '| 


w.MMi   llm   Ifiv.Ts   Uu.Imom  and  Co 


iiiKHl""  and  is  w.-ll  ac.inaint.'d 


own 


s  ol  iNorthainpton,  lladl.7  &  llatli.'ld 


nnfciuiit  (roin  tli.'  S.-a  {^oast  to  il 


lie 


it  al)ound8  willi  l,.)yaliHi8  und  uinonu  tli.>in  In-  k 


id  P 


•o|..'rly,  wbo8.'  nani.'M  (roni  his  knowlf.ige  oClbcir  Int 


ows  many  oCili,.  (irst  class  („r  nn.l.'rsland 


ItlL 


too  (rc.^  in  disclosing 


•'iituins  it  may  not  b.<  pr.ip.T  to  b.) 


11 


(!   IS 


well  sntlBlie.!  that  (ho  Majority  on  tin-  W.-st  sid,,  „(  H 


tb.!  Kestoralioii  oC  ihc   Kjn 


g's  Authority,  and  that  i 


w  ('onn.'cti.Mit  ar.'  .1 


lork,  Conncciicnt  and  th.«  Massa.-lnisctH  Hay  tli.-y 
Tliat  llicy  art!  in  anxious  Kxpcclation  ol  tb.i  ad 


11  luuny  TowuH  and  Distri.ts  both  in  i\ 


li'siroua  of 


A.'W 


next  Spring,  and  have  agreed  on  that 
drive  ilu-ir  cattle  and  the  cattle  o(  tl 


iiri!  nearly  all  so. 

'^' ■'•  "''  •''<•  King's  Army  up  ib..   ||,„| 


•■v.Mit  to  rise  and  (lock  to  th.-  {{iv.'r  t 
Is  be(ore(  them  and  tu  prevent  tb 


M'   reb. 


son 
«'  join  il  and  to 


rebels  into  th.,  ^ew  Kngia, lo ,,„,  with  th.:;am.:;;..;';',::;:.,;;;:::;::;;  J ^^ 

the  .  surpers  (ron,  collecting  and  carrying  oil' their  grain,  s.nne  oC  which  is  nnlhr.-ss 
other  parts  o(   „  grcn.l   and  buri.-.i  or  otb..rw,se  ..on.v. I.     That    th.-v  have  .0   . ' 

(or  the  pur,.se,  winch  th..y  .-o .1.  that  besi „ ....,  J,,,  j^J    ;'•.;:;;;;: 

as  they  think  proper,  there  are  two  large  Maga/.ines  in  secn-t  pbu'cn  """vnlualH 

Thai  tb..  number  oC  the  King's  Krien.ls  ban  b.-en  on  the  Increase  ever  sin.v  the  IVoposalH 
orth.,  (,omm,ssu,ne,s  and  that  the  party  grows  daily  in  pr..poriion  to  the  Calamities  f  ,1 
(,oun,ry  wlucb  are  very  great  ami  fill  tl...  general  bo.ly  witb  appr.d.ension. 

bat  no  wh..Kt  is  to  be  bought  (or the  Continenle  money-„or  Cor  bar.l  mon-.y  u,.d..r  twelve 

shillings  a  I  ushei,  which  is  more  than  .louble  the  ol.l  price  prior  to  the  pu trouble.._T  1 . 

...any  dreml  a  h.mine  the  last  llarv,.st  l...ing  short  .m  a.-connt  o(  a  blast  whi.-h  was  g..'../ 
thro    the  .North  (.onnlry.  and  a  lly  which  b.-lor..  the  snow  (allH  of  this  Winter  .levoun..!  the 
green  bla.les  ho  that  a  part  of  almost  ev.-ry  ti..|.|.  and  some  intire  (iehis  were  perlectly  ealea 
..p  ■■'".I   .l.'H.roye.l  &  the  liel.ls  in  some   inHtan.vs  re.own  or  reserv.-.i  to  h..  ph,u;h..d  n„  i.,  „,.! 
winter  ii  the  Irosl  w(juld  permit  or  in  the  HDrliiir.  '  ^ 


784 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCHIPTS. 


That  there  is  a  park  of  72  pieces  of  brass  cannon,  the  hir^est,  long,  old  fashioned  nine 
pounders,  at  Springfield  on  Connecticut  river,  and  soma  Military  stores  ;  and  a  small  park  of 
General  Burgoyne's  Ordnance  at  Farmingtown,  ten  miles  S.  W.  from  Hartford. 

That  he  could  not  discover,  tho'  he  made  diligent  enquiry,  o(  any  Magazines  of  Provisions, 
in  all  the  north  and  east  countries,  either  of  salt  meat  or  bread,  and  he  is  confident,  from  tho 
scarcity  of  salt  and  (lour,  that  there  are  none,  and  that  it  is  impossible  to  form  any.  Tliat  salt 
is  only  to  be  procured  (&  that  of  bad  quality)  lor  hard  money,  or  in  a  way  of  barter  for  wheat. 
At  Kinderhook  a  bushel  of  salt  fetched  a  half  .Tac  in  November  last. 

That  he  knows  the  Farmers  in  general,  have  agreed  to  raise  nothing  more  than  they  want 
for  their  own  consumption,  &  necessities;  conceiving  that  the  improvement  of  their  larms  & 
stocks  would  only  tend  to  feed  and  prolong  the  rebellion. 

That  the  usurpers  took  from  the  Farmers  for  Washington's  Army  last  fall  one  eighth  of  their 
wheat  and  when  be  was  at  Dover  in  Dutchess  in  his  way  down  they  were  collecting  a  fourth 
of  the  residue.  That  this  gave  rise  to  great  discontent  and  to  declarations  that  they  would 
arm  and  oppose  any  further  drafts. 

That  he  conversed  with  some  of  the  discharged  soldiers  of  the  rebel  army  who  were  going 
home,  and  with  some  of  their  oihcers.  — He  learnt  from  both,  that  there  was  no  possibility  of 
perswading  any  to  reinlist,  but  such  as  were  inebriated  first  tho'  ofl'ers  were  made  of  600 
Dollars  bounty  per  man.  — That  on  observing  to  the  men,  that  they  would  be  sent  back  as 
drafts  from  the  Militia,  they  spoke  with  great  lire  at  the  ill  usage  they  had  received  and  tho 
insignificancy  of  their  pay,  and  swore  they  never  would  be  drafted.  And  from  the  general 
temper  of  the  Militia,  he  apprehends  the  drafting  for  the  next  Campaign,  will  produce  with 
other  causes  an  open  Resistance  in  various  parts  of  the  eastern  country. 


1 


Intelligence  by  John  Jones,  of  Merionetshire  in  Wales.     Taken  Ifi"-  Feb''  1780. 
Tuesday. 

lie  left  the  rebel  park  of  artillery  Sunday  Evening,  and  came  to  Staten  Island  last  night. 
He  was  Corporal  of  Proctor's  or  the  first  IVnsilvania  Ileg'  of  Artillery.— Three  others  came 
with  him  to  near  Springlield  by  about  4  in  the  morning.  St.  Clair  commands  500  men  there. 
They  retreated  on  an  Alarm  that  the  British  Light  Horse  were  coming,  &  then  tho  ihr*"-  others 
were  apprehended.     The  informer  hid  himself,  and  the  next  night  got  in. 

He  listed  17"'  Aug'  1770  for  3  years,  and  was  intilled  to  his  discharge  last  Aug'  but  because 
he  had  no  certificate  to  show,  was  obliged  to  take  the  100  Dollars,  &  serve  for  the  war.  The 
Colonels  have  S  Dollars,  for  every  Soldier  they  return  as  sworn  during  the  War,  &  they  return 
every  man  as  listed  for  the  War,  that  can't  shew  a  certi'icite.  The  New  Kngland  Colonels 
don't  serve  their  men  so,  and  many  of  them  are  accordingly  discharged  :  this  makes  great 
dissenlions.  The  Southern  Troops  ami  the  New  Knglanders  hate  each  other,  as  much  as 
enemies  can.  The  Southern  Troops  are  not  suffered  to  come  near  the  British  Lines,  for  they 
wish  10  be  with  the  King's  Army.  By  Southern  Troops  he  means  the  Troops  of  New  Jersey, 
&  all  the  other  Provinces  to  the  South.— About  a  month  ago  Maxwel's'  Brigade  lay  at 
Springfield,  &  it  is  said  'S-iH  deserted  from  it  in  one  night.  The  week  before  last  a  party  of 
200  were,  sent  to  the  Lines,  Sc  last  Sunday  is  returned  but  '.»0  strong.     He  counted  them 

'  S«e  lupra,  p.  780,  note.  —  Eu. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII. 


785 


Bnid  in  Camp  thnt  the  Army  liaa  lost  about  2000  l)y  desertions  sinco  lln«y  cnmo  into  Winter 
(iuiirters.  Ho  can't  tell  what  the  present  strength  ol  the  Army  is  at  Morris  Town,  lor  he 
came  hut  latnly  from  the  Mnija/.ine  (iuard,  whioh  is  a[ij  Suckysnnny,  about  (2  or  II  Miles  to 
the  Westward  ol  Morris  Town,  at  a  Meeting  House.  The  Cuard  there  a  Subaltern  &  Ifi 
privates,  2  .Sergeants,  ;{  corporals,  a  drum  an<l  a  life.  Washington  is  statedly  at  a  big  white 
house,  about  half  a  mile  this  side  of  Morris  Town,  and  about  ft  miles  to  the  Northward  of  the 
Camp-Alarm  I'ost,  which  is  about  2  utiles  from  M'  Kemble's,  &  in  a  course  abourt  North 
West  or  near  it.     From  the  Alarm  I'ost  you  can  see  the  whole  (^amp. 

There  has  been  lately  talk  of  an  Kxpedilion.  Last  Saturday  it  was  in  orders  to  draw  Six 
days  provisions,  2  to  he  cooked,  &  to  be  ready  at  a  Minutes  warning.     I^ast   l-'riday  some 

heavy  Cannon  came  to  the  I'ark  from  Kaston,  2-21— » -IS— 2  long  12  St.  2-i;»  inch  Mortars. 

The  general  talk  that  GOOD  standing  Forces  were  to  nutve  with  the  Jersey  Militia.  The  Talk 
among  the  Soldiers,  that  Staten  island  is  the  object.— The  York  and  (Connecticut  Troops  were 
orili-red  for  the  March,  which  of  the  rest  Ik;  did  not  hear.     Ord.-rs  out  to  press  b(IO  slays. 

The  Army  has  been  liadly  oil" for  IVovisions.  Those  on  the  Lines  have  Hour,  Those  in  camp 
rice.  The  allowance  i(  of  a  pound  &-,  1  lb  of  fresh  beef. —  a  t^iart  of  salt  to  100  weight. —  No 
Hum  or  other  spirit  .-xcepl  to  the  Artillery  Iw.  is  of,  to  which  I'ensilvania  allows  i  lb  of  'I'ea, 
lib  Chocolate,  lib  CoH'fe,  1  d"  Tobacco  2  d"  Sugar,  i  lb  Soap  &  a  (iiill  Unm  every  month. 
There  are  three  other  artillery  corps  ('rane's  Harrison's  and  Lamb's. 

There  has  been  a  considerable  quantity  of  Hour  brought  late  from  the  Westward.  It  is  now 
scarce  again.  The  very  Field  Ollicers  draw  half  in  Indian  meal.  The  detachm'  made  to  the 
Southward  took  10  iiieces  of  ordnance  with  them  all  six  poumlers. 

More  than  half  of  the  Army  are  old  country  people  and  disgusted  with  the  siTvice,  &  would 
bo  glud  to  get  away. — They  thought  they  were  lighting  for  liberty,  hut  liiid  they  were  getting 
daily  more  and  more  into  bondage. — About  0  wiseks  ago,  the  whole  artillery  went  about  the 
(/amp,  huzzaing  for  13  King's  ami  no  Dicuil,  crying  one  King  with  IJread  is  enough.  The 
ollicers  pass'd  it  olfwiih  a  laugh.     None  reslraiiied  or  punished  lor  it. 

A  great  (Quantity  of  cattle  came  lately  from  (Jonnecticut.  They  are  in  and  about  Morris 
Town  — Forage  scarce. — Only  a  few  Kxiiress  liub-rs  there.  The  Horse  sent  to  distant 
quarters.     Washington  has  a  few  about  him  and  a  small  fool  guard. 

The  snow  road  from  Morris  Town  to  Klixabeth  Town  well  beaten.  — very  deep  out  of  it, 
some  places  drilled  to  the  height  of  4  feet. 

The  lulormer  was  on  Sullivan's  Fxpcdilion.  Had  with  them  2.')i)0  horses. —Went  from 
Kaston  with  2  sixes,  (our  threes  &  2  Hi  inch  Hoyets ;— join'ii  by  Clinton's  brigade  at  'i'ioga 
102  miles  above  Wioming.  — jiroceeded  as  far  as  Chinesse. —  Half  a  pound  of  (lour  &  j  pound 
of  beef  the  allowance  for  .'10  days,  wlii<ili  was  the  interval  from  leaving  'i'ioga,  to  their  return 
to  New  'I'own.  Only  one  skirmish  in  the  whole  iCxpedition,  and  that  at  Middle  Town  3  miles 
above  Ciiemong.  Took  one  'I'ory  &  one  Negroe  in  the  March,  &  in  the  return  2  old  Srpuiws  — 
No  more  prisoners  than  Ihese.  It  was  reported  that  -W  scalps  were  brought  in  at  Middle 
'I'own.  but  the  informer  never  saw  nu)re  of  the  killed  than  7.  —  He  believes  there  were  2  others 
killed,  because  Maxwell's  Brigade  Major  (Ibrgels  his  name)  gave  2  H<ildiers  each  a  gull  of 
whisky,  to  skin  2  Indians  from  the  Hip  downwards,  and  they  diil  so,  &  the  Indians  ihn 
Informer  saw,  had  their  skins  inlire.  The  lulormer  saw  the  skins,  and  boots  were  madt;  of 
them  at  Kaston  alter  the  return.  The  Indians  retired  all  the  way  belbre  them  as  they  advanced 
from  Tioga,  12  to  Chemong,  U  to  Middle  'I'own, 'J  to  New  Town,  IS  to  Catharine  Town,  lb  to 


S'S 


Vol.  VIH. 


<jy 


786 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Apple  Town,  12  to  Canidisego,  14  to  nnother  town,  8  miles  to  another,  9  more  to  another, 
then  12  to  Chinesse.  They  destroyed  the  Hutts  &  Cabbins  &  Grain.  At  Canidesego  there 
were  4  or  6  small  framed  houses  — a  good  many  at  Chinesse  — at  the  other  vilinges,  none  but 
wigwams  &  log  houses— The  Corn  at  Chinesse  was  burnt  in  the  houses.— It  took  all  day  lo 
collect  it.  — Sullivan's  army  called  (n.itoe  nicv  -uui  all)  about  seven  thousand.  The  Guide 
was  a  Presbyterian  Minister,  who  had  liv^d  at  Canidesego,  as  a  Missionary.  They  lost  2 
killed  &  17  wounded  at  Middle  Town,  — Boyd's  party  17  killed  &  scalped  — Boyd  &  a  Serjeant 
prisoners,  &  butcher'd  at  Chinesse.  27  more  killed  &  wounded  at  Chemong  in  the  night.- 
very  few  horses  got  back— As  they  gave  out  they  were  shot  — forty  or  60  of  a  day.— The 
Cannon  were  carried  by  wafer  to  Tioga,  &  thence  the  pioners  cut  roads  for  the  carriages  all 
the  way.     The  Indians  did  not  hang  upon  the  army  as  it  >.  tr  ,  !  j    Saston. 

Heard  nothing  of  the  taking  of  Charles  Town  — No  i)ad  news  ever  suffered  to  come  to  camp. 

Many  Biitish  deserters  in  the  Rebel  Army,  who  are  very  desirous  of  an  Act  of  grace,  that 
ti:?y  may  ctme  in. 


•It 


1,1 


n 


■T=- 
'I 


I  New-Tork,  CLXXI.  ( No.  11  In  No.  S»).  ] 

Inteligence  by  Cornelius  Stagge.  Given  IS  Fob"  1780.  Friday. 

He  is  a  native  of  N'ew  York,  where  he  has  a  Mother  and  a  Brother. 

He  has  served  3  years  in  the  Rebel  artillery,  in  Wool's  Company  of  Lamb's  Regiment.  Had 
his  discharge  on  the  9"  of  January  last,  from  the  Park  at  Morris  Town. 

He  attempted   an  escape   from   the   rebel   service   shortly   before   the   reduction  of  Fort' 
Montgomery,  but  was  apprehended  &  brought  back.     He  left  the   Park  yesterday  8  days, 
sculked  about  Hackinsack,  and  crossed  to  Greenwich  yesterday. 

He  has  been  lo  Albany  since  his  discharge.  Was  at  West  point  in  his  way  up  on  the  17 
Janu^\  He  learnt  there,  that  there  had  been  a  fire  a  few  days  before,  at  a  redoubt  on  the  Fast 
side  of  the  River  above  M'  Robinson's,  which  commands  the  Fort  at  West  Point  except 
Putnam's  Fort—This  is  a  small  redoubt  (he  thinks)  but  of  four  Guns.  The  Fire  damaged 
the  redoubt,  and  had  well  nigh  blown  up  the  small  magazine  in  it.  It  was  thcu^'.t  to  have 
been  owing  to  treachery,  because  a  barrel  of  powder  was  found  buried  on  the  outward  side, 
but  a  council  of  war  reported  it  to  be  accidental. 

On  his  return  from  Albany,  which  he  left  the  ys"  of  January,  he  halted  at  West  Point  for' 
several  days.  There  was  a  great  fire  there,  on  the  night  of  Wednesday  the  2"  of  February 
Instant.  He  lodged  at  Major  Beaumont's,  and  was  alarmed  with  the  cry  that  Fort  Arnold  was 
on  fire.  He  saw  the  C<outh  barracks  in  it  in  a  blaze.  They  were  intirely  consumed.  The 
wind  being  favorable,  the  Northern  barracks  and  Magazine  escaped.  The  Southern  were  the 
principal  lodgements,  and  comprehended  the  stores.  He  conlinued  there  two  or  three  days  after 
the  fire,  and  saw  the  ruins.  The  loss  was  lamented  by  the  Officers  as  very  great,  but  the 
soldiery  rejoiced  and  wished  lor  more  (ires.  The  stores  vvero  called  state  stores,  and  he  thinks 
belonged  to  the  Massachusels.  The  articles  consumed,  consisted  of  clothing,  tent  equipage, 
sugars,  molasses,  pepper,  chocolate,  coffee,  officers  baggnse  &  money. 

The  Troops  then  in  the  Highland  Forts  mostly  .New  Kugland  men.— They  have  2  or  3 
companies  of  Crane's  artillery,  and  one  of  Lamb's  there.  Lamb's  are  in  the  main  Yorkers, 
and  wish  to  get  away,  and  so  do  those  in  the  Companies  at  Morris  Town,  and  indeed  the  bulk 
of  the  Army. 


LOND(i  V  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII. 


787 


He  hiul  opportunilieK  for  much  intercourse  with  the  people  of  the  country,  in  his  journey  to 
Albany.  A  great  majority  in  all  places  are  on  the  King's  side,  &  tired  &  sick  of  the  war.  A 
man  fares  ill  on  the  road,  and  the  worse  for  being  in  a  Continental  uniform. 

The  Army  greatly  reduced  by  desertions  of  late.  He  can't  say  what  it  consists  of— some 
say  7  — others  10,000.  — It  shrinks  daily,  and  gets  not  a  single  recruit.  The  chief  cause  of 
Desertions,  is  <he  Arbitrary  return  of  the  three  years  men  as  listed  for  the    Var. 

The  Informer  has  left  his  wife  at  Mendani  near  Morris  Town,  with  instructions  to  come  to 
a  relations  at  liarbadoes  Neck  near  Hackinsack,  &  there  watch  an  opportunity  to  get  into  the 
Royal  Lines. 


Had 


N-OO 


Major-Gcmval  Tnjnti  to  Lord  (ieorge  (/ermain. 

[N.w-Tork,  CLXXl,  No.  00.] 

New  York  SS"-  March  1780. 


My  Lord, 

Under  a  very  severe  gout  I  nm  scarcely  able  to  do  more  than  to  acquaint  your  Lordship  that 
Governor  Robertson  arrived  the  21"  Ins'  and  the  next  day  took  the  Oaths  at  my  bedside,  in 
the  presence  of  the  Council,  who  (it  is  with  great  pleasure  I  mention  it)  are  all  firm  in  their 
fidelity  to  the  King's  cause— I  then  gave  the  seals  to  my  Successor;  and  on  account  of  my 
Indisposition,  the  rest  of  the  formalities  were  transacted  in  an  adjoining  room. 

Your  Lordship  will  find  under  this  cover,  the  train  of  intelligence  I  have  acquired,  since  the 
absence  of  the  Commander  in  Chief;  of  which,  had  my  heallli  permitted,  I  should  for  your 
Lordship's  ease,  have  framed  a  digest.  — Copies  of  some  and  abstracts  of  the  rest  of  these 
papers,  were  transmitted  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton  by  the  Virginia  Frigate  last  week. 

My  present  purpose  is  to  avail  myself,  of  his  Majesty's  gracious  permission  to  return  to 
England,  as  soon  as  my  health  is  sufficiently  restored,  to  bear  the  fatigues  of  the  voyage  ;  I 
add  with  much  satisfaction,  that  the  face  of  Public  Affairs  in  this  Country,  for  reasons  which 
I  have  not  strength  to  communicate  seems  to  indicate  such  a  declension  of  the  rebellion,  n.a 
gives  me  g,    .it  hope  of  its  terminating  without  the  dismemberment  of  the  Empire. 

Major  Ueneii.l  Robertson  being  Senior  British  Officer  here,  the  British  and  Provincial 
Troops  within  these  Lines,  fall  under  his  command,  and  Lieu'  General  Knyphausen  has 
ordered  all  returns  and  reports  of  the  said  corps,  to  be  made  to  Major  General  Robertson 
accordingly. 

I.  am  with  all  possible  respect. 
My  liord. 

Your  Lordship's 

Most  obedient  and 

very  humble  servant 

Lord  George  Germain.  VVm  Tryon. 


i88 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


M 


Governor  liof>ert'9on  to  Lord  George  Germain, 

[  NewTork,  CLXXI.] 

New  York  SlV"  Mnrch  ^780 
My  Lord, 

It  is  my  Duty  to  acquaint  you,  that  I  arrived  here  on  the  twenty  first  of  this  month;  next 
day  the  Council  was  summoned,  and  I  took  possession  of  the  Government  in  the  manner  set 
forth  in  the  Minutes  of  Council  inclosed. 

Finding  Governor  Tryon  does  himself  the  honor  of  transmitting  to  you  full  Information  of 
the  state  of  the  Province,  as  well  as  all  Intelligence  received  here  about  the  Enemy,  and  being 
told  by  General  Knyphauscn  that  he  at  this  time  means  to  lay  before  you  all  Military  lleturns 
and  Information,  nothing  is  left  for  me  to  say  on  either  of  these  subjects. 

General  Knyphausen  has  intimated  to  me  a  wish,  that  I  would  inform  you  of  what  had 
passed  in  regard  to  the  Kxchange  of  the  Convention  Army. 

I  can't  express  this  more  full  nor  do  so  much  justice  to  General  Philips's  Hentiments,  as  by 
laying  before  you  the  letters  he  sent  me  on  that  subject,  which  I  obtained  his  leave  to  do. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obed' 

and  humble  servant 

James  Kobektson 

P.  S.  This  moment  an  intercepted  letter  from  General  Schuyler  another  from  Francis 
Lewis  and  a  circular  letter  to  the  several  Provinces  (rom  Congress  have  been  brought  to  me. — 
I  enclose  copies  of  these  —  believing  that  their  Contents  are  of  much  Imjiortance. 

Brigadier  General  De  Lancey'  is  extremely  desirous  I  should  mention  his  name  to  your 
Lordship  by  this  very  occasion.  —  I  can't  do  this  without  saying  that  he  is  a  man  of 
consequence  in  the  Country,  and  has  suffered  much  by  the  Rebellion,  the  Authors  of  which  he 
is  earnest  to  punish. 


Intercepted  letter  from  Major-Qeneral  Philip  Schuyler. 
Copy    N"2. 

Philadelphia  March  ll"-  1780. 
Dear  Sir, 

1  arrived  here  on  Sunday,  on  Monday  I  advised  dmgreis,  that  I  could  not  consistent  with 
with  my  honor  serve  under  the  appointment  they  had  been  pleased  to  make.  The  other 
Commissioners  were  ordered  to  proceed  in  the  business,  but  intimations  having  been  given 
that  my  aid  was  necessary,  a  Committee  was  appointed  and  1  put  on  it.     As  this  does  not 

'  Brigadier  General  Ouver  di  Lamcit,  eldest  »oii  of  Stephen  de  I.aneey  and  Ann  Van  Cortlnndt,  was  horn  in  the  eity  of 
Kew-York  in  1717.  In  1742  he  rnuriicd  Miss  Franks,  of  rhilttdel|iliift,  nnd  in  175«i»nd  1758  wiis  in  coMiuand  of  the  New  York 
provincials  in  the  military  operations  at  Lake  George.  In  176tf  he  was  electeil  one  of  the  re|ircscnt»tiveB  in  the  A»Bcinl>ly  for 
his  native  city,  and  the  following  yenr  was  called  to  the  Conneil,  where  ho  retained  his  sent  until  the  dissolntion  of  tli« 
government.  At  Ihe  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution  he  odhered  to  the  Crown  ;  raised  the  eorps  of  provineiiils  culled  th« 
De  Lancey  battalions,  and  was  appointed  BrigndierGeneral.  Hy  llie  Act  of  177tf  his  property  was  confiscated.  After  the 
peace  he  retired  to  Eugliind  and  died  at  Ueveily,  October  27th,  1785,  iiged  68  years.  His  reniiiins  were  interred  in  tiie  choir 
ol  the  Cathedral  of  1  hut  place.  Ildlgalei  Amerkan  (Jenealugij,  121;  UeHlUtiian't  Mayaziiu ;  JmirnaltoJ  Niw- York  Aattmbti/ ; 
Sew -York  Cuuncil  Minute;  2LXV..  341.  —  Ku. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XL VII.  739 

comport  vvitli  my  ideas  of  propriety  I  continue  to  refuse.  Men  of  sentiment  npprove  my 
firmness  and  deiicncy,  others  nre  clnigrined  but  di.re  not  drive  me  to  a  pointed  explanation, 
whicli  1  will  never  give  otherwise  then  in  writing,  that  my  Constituents  and  all  my  Countrymen 
may  see  my  principles. 

The  subject  of  Finance  has  for  some  time  past  engrossed  the  attention  of  Congress  in  a 
Committee  of  the  whole,  but  paradoxical  as  it  may  seem,  that  a  part  should  be  more  competent 
than  the  whole,  it  has  been  thought  necessary  to  refer  the  business  to  a  lesser  Committee, 
composed  of  Burch,  Elsworth,  Holtn,  llaustin,  Livingston  and  8cuyler,  a  Iteport  will  probably 
be  compleated  by  Mon.iay,  my  object  is  a  fixture  of  the  present  circulating  medium  at  a  given 
ratio,  calling  it  in,  speedily  destroying  it,  a  new  emission  quoted  to  States  and  sent  forth  on 
permanent  funds,  the  quantum  to  be  emitted  to  be  proportioned  to  the  periodical  destruction 
of  the  present  bills,  the  new  ones  to  bear  a  specie  interest  payable  at  their  redemption  or  in 
bills  on  France  at  the  option  of  the  holders.  J  believe  the  reports  will  bear  this  Complexion, 
but  what  transformation  it  will  undergo  in  the  House  is  impossible  to  determine,  as  every  man 
wishes  to  be  thought  a  Financier  and  must  have  his  ideas.  It  will  probably  be  like  Joseph's 
coat  a  composition  of  patches  party  coloured. 

I  can  say  nothing  yet  about  your  Department,  a  few  days  will  enable  me  to  do  it,  and  you 
will  have  the  necessary  communications,  as  far  as  shall  be  in  my  power  to  afford  them,  the 
Vermont  business  is  not  yet  on  the  Tapis. 

If  my  Financing  Ideas  should  prevail  our  state  will  be  able  to  extricate  itself  out  of  its 
difficulties  without  continuing  the  burden  of  taxes.  Provided  always  that  our  Lesislature  will 
be  prudent  and  decisive,  and  that  Men  of  considerable  property  will  do  their  dutyl  nitho  I  am 
amongst  the  middling  class  of  these,  I  propose  to  rob  them  all  of  the  honor  of  being  the  first 
to  set  a  good  example,  this  is  perfectly  enigmatical  at  present  to  you,  and  so  it  must  continue 
until  I  am  at  liberty  more  fully  to  explain  myself.  You  that  love  your  Country  shall  follow 
me;  at  least  I  will  give  you  an  opportunity  of  doing  it  at  the  llisque  of  our  property,  may  he, 
a  little,  but  the  sacrifice  will  be  glorious,  and  perhaps  too  our  countrymen  may  honor  us  with 
the  all  endearing  name  of  true  and  virtuous  patriots.  That  you,  I  and  all  like  us,  and  all  our 
more  distressed  fellow  Citizens  may  truly  deserve  that  pleasing  appellation  is  my  sincerest 
wish,  my  fervent  prayer.     Adieu,  my  friend,  and  believe  me  to  be  sincerely  such 

(^>y)  Ph.  SciiUYLKn. 


(N"3) 


Sir, 


Lord  Oeorge  Gennnin  to  Gnvenior  liohertmii. 

[  Nnw.York,  CLXXI.,  No.  8. ) 

Whitehall  3'*  May  1780 


It  gave  me  a  great  pleasure  to  find  by  your  Dispatch  of  the  L'(j""  March,  which  I  received 
the  SC"-  of  last  Month,  that  you  were  safely  arrived  at  New  York,  and  had  taken  upon  you  the 
Exercise  of  your  Government.  The  Loyal  and  Spirited  behaviour  of  the  Inhabitants  in  so 
chearfully  and  unanimously  taking  up  arms  and  embodying  for  the  defence  of  the  town  when 
it  was  laid  open  to  an  attack  on  all  suic'  &  deprived  by  the  strength  of  the  frost  of  the  natural 


790 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


(defences  the  rivers  at  other  times  afforded,  which  Major  General  Pattison'  iias  fully  stated  to 
me,  does  them  great  honor,  and  has  given  the  King  particular  satisfaction,  &  it  is  his  Royal 
Pleasure  that  you  should  take  the  first  fit  opportunity  of  acquainting  them  that  their  conduct 
is  highly  approved  hy  His  Majesty.  I  am  sorry  to  find  hy  the  papers  you  have  transmitted, 
copies  of  which  I  have  also  received  from  Major  General  Phillips''  tiiat  the  late  negociation  for 
an  Exchange  of  the  troops  of  the  convention  has  proved  as  fruitless  as  all  the  former  attempts ; 
but,  I  am  happy  to  learn  from  some  part  of  Gen'  Phillips's  Correspondence  that  he  has  hopes 
of  effecting  the  business  without  the  formality  of  a  treaty  or  meeting  of  Commissioners,  An 
object  of  so  much  importance  to  the  King's  service  will,  I  am  sure,  engage  your  attention  & 
assistance  in  attaining  it,  but  I  cannot  intirely  concur  with  General  Phillips  in  the  propriety  of 
the  Terms  upon  which  he  thinks  the  agreement  may  be  made ;  especially  as  i  flatt'.^r  myself 
Sir  Henry  Clinton's  success  in  Carolina  will  put  into  our  hands  a  full  equivalent  of  prisoners  to 
exchange  upon  an  equal  looting ;  The  intercepted  letters  you  inclosed  agree  with  a  variety  of 
other  Intelligence  !  have  received  in  representing  the  state  of  the  rebel  finances  to  be  very 
desperate  &ni'  their  cause  declining  fast  among  the  people,  and  I  trust  the  operations  to  the 
Southward  will  give  velocity  to  its  fall,  the  season  is  certainly  favorable  for  your  views,  and  I 
have  so  great  reliance  upon  your  influence  &  able  management  that  I  flatter  myself  you  will  find 
means  of  effecting  some  very  important  public  service.  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  the  copy 
of  your  letter  to  Lord  Amherst  and  of  the  plan  of  the  environs  of  Charles  Town  transmitted 
with  it,  as  they  gave  me  a  clearer  idea  of  the  situation  of  ♦hings  there  than  I  could  have  had 
from  the  other  accounts  I  could  have  received  from  thence ;  Brigadier  General  De  liancy  by 
the  zealous  part  he  took,  at  Hrst  in  opposing  the  progress  of  the  Rebellion,  and  since  in 
endeavouring  to  reduce  it,  has  shown  himself  a  faithful  subject  of  the  King,  and  it  must  be  a 
Satisfaction  to  him  to  know  that  his  services  are  approved  by  His  Majesty. 

I  inclose  a  copy  of  Baron  Nolken,  the  Swedish  Minister's  note  to  me  requesting  the  discharge 
of  Nils  Myrin,  a  private  man  In  the  New  Jersey  Volunteers  which  I  beg  you  will  obtain,  as  I 
should  be  glad  of  an  opport'jnity  to  oblige  His  Kxcellency.    I  am  &c* 

Geo.  Gbrmain 

Governor  Robertson. 


(fdvmior  Jio^Mi'ttoit  to  Ijiiril  (rtitrijc  (iiriiialii. 

[New.Vofk,  CL.XXI.) 

New  York.  IS"  May  1780. 
My  Lord, 

The  Pearl  on  the  second  of  this  month  brought  mc  your  Lordship's  of  the  IS""  March. 


'  ntD«rHl  JiMHi  r*mtioii  Win  jppiiintoil  Cuplnin  of  the  ftrtilUry  lut  Aiigini,  1747  ;  I,ifiitfnnnt(»iin<l  in  llip  »rniy  in  17H1  J 
Colonp)  fimmiBinlant  (if  nrlillcry  i.Mh  April,  1777,  Mnjnr Ocnnrsl  inth  Kclinmry,  1770.  lie  i»r;Mimp»iiifcl  llir  •tpeditioa 
(gaintl  Clmrli'tton  in  l7Hii;  unit  wm  r*iiiA4l  In  the  rnnk  of  Lirnli-nnnl-Cfffirral  2t*tli  S«pt<-ral>rr,  I7n7,  nml  of  (Icnrr-I  in  |li« 
snny  ISClli  .(Bniiiirv,  l"ii7.  II<>  ili">'l  »t  lii»  \un\w  in  Hill  ilri'i-t,  Hetktlcy  S<pi»r.<,  l.onJo.i,  March  lit,  180(1,  ag*il  81  y»ar«. 
Otntlfinan'i  Mnyazinr,  l.XXV.,  11)1.  —  Kt>. 

*  Majnr-Gtn«ral  Wru-fiM  riiiuin  mm*  apiioinltil  Captain  of  arlilli>ry  I2tl>  May,  \tM\  anil  lirrTrl  UriilrnaiiM/oloBel  in 
17('iO,  and  in  1770  wiia  nanifil  MajorOrnoral  in  lliir)joyni''«  (xix-iliUon  ^  in  ihn  baUlr  of  !Hlillw»t<"  liolh  lii«  Aiila-.le-C'imp 
WJTC  wotin'Uil,  an'l  ti»  •lutrml  Ih*  falo  "f  lliu  (lriti>)i  army  whiili  capiliilul^d  in()eloli»r,  1777  ;  he  fullowwl  the  troop"  ti'  Vir- 
ginia, lie  dill  not  lonK  lurvivc  hit  miirnrtnt  .•^  for  he  ilit>l  ir  thr  latlrr  part  of  17SI  or  lipginning  of  HH'!.  MajorOrnf^rtl 
Phillip*,  at  bit  dealli,  hcM  thu  linocure  otBc*  of  LiruteDaot-aoToruor  of  Windier   Army  Utit ;  Rt»ti,m  ,  Anbwntfi  Traotlt. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII. 


791 


The  crew  being  very  sickly,  your  dispatches  to  Sir  H.  Clinton  after  being,  (as  desired) 
perused  by  General  Knyphausen  and  myself  were  forwarded  by  the  Iris,  &  probably  reach'd 
him  about  the  ninth  instant. 

General  Knyphausen  had  time  by  the  Delaware  then  under  sail  for  Halifax  to  givs  notice  to 
General  McLean'  of  what  your  dispatch  contain'd,  of  the  force  time  of  sailing  and  supposed 
destination  of  the  French  Armament.  By  a  Canadian  the  same  notice  was  sent  to  General 
Haldimand  thro'  the  woods. 

Commodore  Drake  finding  no  countermand  in  Admiral  Arbuthnot's  dispatches  from  the 
A'^miralty,  proceeded  about  this  time  to  sea  in  consequence  of  former  orders.  He  directed 
C  ptain  Montague  to  get  a  Convoy  agreable  to  the  requisition  I  had  made  for  the  troops 
01  ler'd  to  Quebec,  no  time  has  been  lost  by  him,  but  it  was  not  till  yesterday  that  two  sloops 
of  war  could  be  got  ready  for  sea.  To  strengthen  this  convoy  the  Thames  Frigate  sails  & 
proceeds  with  them  to  the  Mouth  of  8t.  Lawrence,  &  then  cruises  to  try  to  get  early  notice 
about  the  French  Fleet.     I  send  with  this  an  embarkation  return. 

As  I  find  General  Knyphausen's  correspondence  will  only  reach  you  after  making  the  round 
to  Carolina  thro'  Sir  H.  Clinton,  1  give  this  the  chance  of  carrying  you  earlier  information 
tho'  I  do  not  command  here,  as  the  eldest  British  General,  I  hope  my  writing  to  you  oii 
Military  subjects,  will  not  be  considered  as  presumption. 

Before  1  had  the  honor  of  your  letter,  1  learn'd  from  the  rebel  Camp,  that  exactly  the 
Armament  you  mention,  was  to  sail  from  Brest  before  the  end  of  March,  and  would  be  here 
or  at  Charlestown  before  the  end  of  June.  The  probability  of  their  being  informed  of  the 
destination  as  well  as  the  force,  is  increased  by  the  reports  made  by  the  people  I  have  sent 
into  Jersey  to  listen  to  the  discourses  and  find  out  the  preparatory  directions  for  the  reception 
of  a  French  fleet  and  army. 

Agreable  to  your  commands  every  thing  is  preparing/or  a  vigorout  defence  on  both  the  land  and 
tea  sides.  BiUterys  are  made  and  guns  placed  on  them  where  ever  they  can  most  eflVctually 
dammnge  the  enemy's  ships,  but  these  can  only  annoy,  a  fleet  with  a  favorable  wind  &  tide 
can't  be  prevented  by  any  number  of  cannon  from  coming  up  to  our  wharfs,  to  prevent  this, 
twenty  five  small  vessels  are  ready  loaded  with  stones,  they  lye  at  the  hook,  and  on  notice  will 
be  taken  out  |,>  the  bar  and  sunk  ther.-  acordmg  to  a  plan  forin'd  with  exactness,  a  lew  anchors 
are  sutlioienl  to  render  the  inner  channel  impracticable  even  for  frigates.  The  bar  will  not  be 
•poii'd  nor  the  vessi-ls  be  sunk  till  the  enemy's  approach  makes  it  absolutely  necessary.  It  would 
cost  them  some  days  to  remove  lli^se  obmructions,  we  are  prepared  to  create  more  by  sinking 
two  i..-  three  ships  in  the  channel  between  the  East  and  West  bank.  I'm  disappointed  by  thi, 
Engineer  who  can't  now  get  ready  the  draughts  we  have  been  making  and  meant  to  have 
«etit  you. 

Vou  have  a  return  of  the  Troops  here,  they  especially  the  Germans  are  in  high  order, 
health  and  discipline. 

'  BrigH.li«r.nenfr«l  Fianci.  M.1.«an  wu>|.pc>int«(l  ('.i.tRiH  in  tli,.  a,l  hntmlior.  ..f  tin-  42.1  !lirfhl„ii,l..r.  on  iu  Mvf  nii.,.,! 
in  (Ict-lier.  l7:iH,  »ua  «lt.rw»r.l.  ..in.,  to  Am.ru'a  iiii.l  jniiicl  Amlior.t'n  «x|M-,lilion  nKniiiit  Monirrnl.  In  ,l,nii«rv,  17(il.  ha 
oiclxn^.M  into  111,.  l.:il.  rfKini.iit,  a  Ufwlj  or««hi...a  .■orl.^  niiJ  w.i  uppoinlo,!  I.i.uU.n.r.l C.lon.l  In  ll,,.  nnny  I 'ill.  A|'hl 
n«a.     On  the  r.riimrnt  b.lnu  .Ii.Iihii.I.mI  ll,..  f.,ll..wlhtf  Vfur,  li..  went  on  Mt,„y,  wh.r..  li*  mnni.„.,l  unlil  tl„  inili  |i,,.,.ni- 

1><T,  1177.  »li..n  1.0  w..  gMHWd  ("„| I  „f  tl...  n-l\  fool,  »l,i,|,  wii>  «.ni  I..  ||„l,f«,.  ,!,„,.  (•.,u,„.,i  M,,l  ,,„„  |„,|,|  ,|„.  ,,„|,  „, 

llri«».li,rli..,„r,.l,  .n.l  ,l,„l  in   HNI.   /ir..«.»,'.   Il,jhl,m,l,  r,,  l\  .  UMi,  An»i,  L„U ;  /Jra<.«H'.  .V,.r«/ .,„J  Mxhtaru  V.mutr, 
VI,,  I7.S;  I'olitital  Imltt,  11.,  137.  —l.u. 


■■'■V  ■• 


792 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


"WW 


No  part  of  Sniuiy  Hook  is  wilhin  three  miles  of  the  bar,  guiis  placed  there  could  not  nnnoy 
n  fleet  in  passing  so  well  as  they  could  on  places  nearer  ut  hand  and  which  we  can  better 
support,  there  is  no  time  to  make  a  work  that  could  siund  a  seige  —  a  fii«cine  work  that  can 
contain  one  hundred  men  is  all  that  is  constructed,  and  this  is  round  the  light  house.  A  large 
square  fort  is  built  at  Brooklyn  heights,  the  works  at  Paulus  Hook  are  strengthened,  and  these 
at  Fort  Knyphausen  put  in  order — The  towns  people  are  employ'd  in  joining  the  redoubts 
near  the  town  with  lines. 

But  our  real  strength  consists  in  this,  our  forces  can  be  brought  together  in  a  few  hours, 
from  our  situation  and  number  of  boats  our  movements  can  be  quicker  than  any  enemys  that 
present  themselves.  The  whole  troops  may  be  led  to  light  the  enemy,  in  the  mean  time  six 
thousand  arm'd  inhabitants,  will  defend  the  town  and  all  the  island  on  this  side  Flurlaauii  a 
victory  would  immediately  restore  the  posts  we  might  give  up  to  unite  our  force. 

General  Knyphausen  never  lets  an  oppertunity  escape  of  attacking  the  rebels  posts,  the 
plan,  secrecy,  precision  and  choice  of  the  leaders,  have  insured  success  to  all  bis  measures. 
His  attention  and  capacity  place  him  high  in  the  opinion  of  the  troops. 

Our  friends  and  the  Cieneral  himself  wish  that  Washington  could  be  attacked,  he  lyes  at 
Morristown  with  only  about  40U()  men,  these  dissatislyed,  desirous  to  desert,  and  in  want  of 
every  necessary.  The  lateness  of  the  season,  there  not  yet  being  n  blade  of  grass,  and  the 
facility  will)  which  Washington  could  avoid  uii  action,  by  witlulrawing  sxine  marches  from  a 
post  which  we  coiiid  not  keep,  nor  acquire  any  thing  by  keeping  are  probably  the  reasons  that 
have  hitherto  kept  us  only  employ'd  in  defensive  works. 

Tlie  Mar(|ui8  de  la  Fayette  who  landed  at  Boston  from  the  Hermione  Frigate,  in  his  way  to 
M'  Washington's  camp  nearly  escaped  a  party  Cieneral  Knyphausen  sent  to  intercept  him  at 
the  t'love. 

The  ship  that  carries  this  is  of  small  force,  I  have  only  had  a  few  hours  notice  of  her  sailing, 
which  I  can  nut  delay,  as  this  would  deprive  her  of  the  benefit  of  :he  (Quebec  convoy  imw 
under  sail.  Tiiis  prevents  my  sending  you  by  this  occasion  an  account  of  what  has  p  "sed  in 
the  I'rovince  in  detail.  I  can  in  general  say  that  all  my  proclanuitions  and  answers  to  addresses 
have  been  calculated  to  gain  llie  |)i'ople  without  the  lines.  They  are  (iiscontented  with  their 
own  Cioverninent,  and  trom  the  sons  ul  some  ot  the  most  cunxiderahle  familys  who  havt; 
come  into  me,  I  am  assured  that  their  general  intention  is  to  return  to  their  allegiance.  'I'bose 
within  the  Lines  give  me  a  better  [irool  than  wordu,  ot  their  opinion  of  I  lie  permanenre  of 
His  Miijesty's  Ciuvernmeiit,  since  my  arrival,  1  oliserve  they  begin  to  repair  and  rebuild  houses 
and  to  enclose  and  manure  tiehls.  I  will  defer  spenkiiip:  of  the  advantages  His  Majesty  may 
derive  Irom  these  changes  of  circumstnnces  and  inclinatniiiH  in  point  ol  (Kionoiny  and  force 
till  I  have  a  better  op|>erlunily  of  again  doing  niysell  the  Honor  ol  prulessing  the  regard  with 

which  I  am 

My  Lord 

Your  Lordships 

MioRl  obedient,  and 
To  the  Itight  Hon'''*  most  humble  servant 

Lord  (leorge  (iertnain.  Jamkn  ItoiiKarso.x. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XLVII. 


798 


U8«*H  8 
OU 


(foveriior  /Mwr/.w/i  lo  /Mrd  Oeoryo  Genmtin, 

[NfW-Vork,  CLXXI.  1 

MyLonJ,  New  York  1"  July  1780. 

On  the  20'"  of  June  the  pncqutH  brought  \\w  your  (liHpulchcs  of  the  .'!■'  of  Mny. 

Your  Lordship  employed  me  most  iigreeahly  in  announcinK  to  the  InliahitantH  Mis  Majesty's 
approbation  of  liieir  behaviour  last  winler  — clinrmed  and  honored  by  llisUoyal  goodness  they 
will  arm  with  enereased  alacrity  against  His  Knemys. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  being  arrived  it  would  be  presuming  and  improper  in  me  to  trouble  your 
Lordship  on  the  subject  of  future  operations  — liut  I  take  the  liberty  at  (ienerni  Knyphausei 
desire,  (who  is  fonder  of  forming  and  executing  plans  than  of  describing  tli.-ni)  to  give  y 
some  account  of  a  movement  he  made  into  Jersey,  and  of  his  motives  for  doing  it. 

He  had  intelligence  that  Wasliington'a  Army  nt  Morris  'J'own  did  not  exceeed  4000— 2S00 
of  these  I'hiladelphia  troops  who  had  given  evident  proofs  thai  (bey  baled  Congress  and  were 
tired  of  rebellion.  Wasliiiigton  had  made  a  detachment  to  protect  the  (Jbeseapeak  against  Sir 
H.  Clinton;  another  to  protect  the  County  of  Albany  from  Sir  John  Johnson,  who  was  then 
on  the  Mohawk  river;  and  a  third  to  cover  the  frontiers  of  IVuHylvaiiiii  against  IJullcr  and  his 
Indians.  The  account  ol  the  reduction  of  (.'barlestown  was  Iresb.  The  ( u'lieral  thought  under 
tiiese  circumstances  by  approaching  llie  enemy  to  find  means  of  giving  advanlages  lo  the  King's 
arms,  and  eiicreasing  the  dilVicullies  of  the  rebels.  ( »n  the  <;"'  of  June  we  sailM  with  as  many 
troops  as  could  safely  be  spare<l  (roni  the  defence  of  this  I'rovince  — 0000— to  Slaten  Island, 
from  thence  wo  landed  our  advanced  guard  the  same  night  at  Klizabetb  Town,  where  they 
waited  the  landing  ol  a  second  embarkation  by  the  return  of  the  boats  — these  Hodys  moved 
on,  with  orders  lo  try  to  surpize  Maxwell's  Hrigude  of  Jersey  Troops,  stationed  near  to  the 
road  wo  marched  by,  to  endeavor  to  get  possession  of  the  strong  post  at  Short  hills,  lo  wait 
there  the  arrival  of  Ibe  third  embarknlion  o(  tlie  arniy  — from  whence  if  our  intelligence  should 
show  circumstances  favorable,  it  was  intended  to  march  directly  with  the  whole  aKainst 
VVasbmglon,  who  bail  been  sending  his  slt.ies  from  .Morristown,  hut  was  still  incumbered  there 
with  a  great  many. 

Alter  marching  a  few  miles,  we  loiind  Maxwell's  Ilrigade,  and  alx.ul  a  ihoiisand  Militia  in 
Arms,  Ihey  occiipyed  and  gave  us  the  trouble  of  driving  them  jrom  every  advantageous  silualion  , 
by  twelve  o'clock,  we  drove  them  as  far  as  Springlield,  about  twelve  miles  — Here  we  learned 
from  I'risonersand  DeKcrters,  Ihal  Washiugion  had  gd  lime  |o  occupy  with  all  his  force  the 
strong  |ioNl  of  Short  hills;  at  ihii  moment  we  got  notice  that  Sir  H.  Clinton  was  not  bound  (or 
Clies.'peak,  but  in  a  few  days  would  bo  nt  Sandy  Hook.  As  the  success  of  our  project  (b'pended 
on  Ibe  rapidity  ol  our  march,  we  brought  no  caiiiiiges  with  us.  or  provisions  but  what  the  men 
carryed— We  luid  a  nuniber  Wounded  whom  we  could  not  carry  forward;  I'lider  tlieso 
Circumsliincestieneral  Kiiyphauseu  gave  up  the  inlention  ol  loicing  VVasbinglon  lo  an  action  in 
such  an  advantageous  post,  and  resolved  to  wait  in  Jersey  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  arrival,  that  ha 
might  be  ready  lo  act  jointly  or  separately  with  him. 

On  Ibe  I?""  of  June  Sir  Henry  arrived  at  .\ew  York,  and  immediately  received  notice  from 
(i'eiieral  Knyphausen  of  our  and  Washington's  silualion.  Sir  Henry  landed  tlie  part  of  tlie 
Army  that  eame  with  biin  on  Stiittn  l.tlaml  on  llie  I'J'S- 0»  the  iJJ''  ho  embarked  &  went 
Vol,  \IIL  h,(, 


794 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


m 


with  them  up  the  North  River,  He  desired  that  a  strong  patroie  from  our  part  of  the  Army 
should  penetrate  into  the  country  to  verify  or  contradict  the  report  we  had  of  Washington's 
March  to  the  Highlands  —  if  he  had  marched,  we  were  to  pass  and  carry  the  bridge  we  had 
made  to  Staten  Island  ;  if  he  remained  Sir  Henry  was  to  return  to  us.  General  Knyphausen 
marched  at  the  head  of  3,000  men  ;  The  rebels  as  before  occupyed  e/ery  favorable  situation, 
and  fought  in  a  manner  that  shows  honor  may  be  got  by  destroying  them,  but  a  double 
advantage  to  the  state  by  bringing  them  to  be  good  subjects ;  they  were  however  always  beat. 
Being  well  assured  of  Washington's  march  towards  the  Clove,  General  Knyphausen  returned, 
passed  his  bridge,  removed  it,  and  brought  ott"  his  rear  guard  without  losing  any  man  or  thing. 

The  Orders  of  the  troops  were  conceived  in  a  spirit  to  shew  the  people  that  we  considered 
the  Country  as  the  King's,  and  those  who  did  not  appear  in  Armo  as  His  subjects  &  our 
friends  ;  The  reverence  the  Germans  have  for  their  Genera!  made  them  comply  with  his  orders; 
The  domestick  animals  strayed  about  unhurt  among  them  ;  no  plunder  nor  rudeness  took 
place — A  house  from  whence  the  rebels  fired  was  burnt  by  the  British,  some  refugees  took  this 
as  a  signal  that  allowed  ihem  to  vent  their  revenge,  and  they  wantonly  by  burning  several 
houses,  deprived  ua  of  the  reputation  the  General's  intentions  merited,  and  gave  too  good 
foundation  to  the  rebels  lO  represent  us  as  inimical  to  the  Country. 

The  consequences  of  this  move,  are,  The  rebels  have  lost  more  mililia  on  this  occasion  than 
ever  they  did  before  ;  in  future  they  will  not  consider  turning  out  as  an  amusement. 
Washington  on  this  occasion  called  to  the  different  governments  to  draught  their  mililia,  every 
fourth  man;  I  have  now  messages  from  hundreds  that  they  will  escape  this  by  cor  ing  to  us 
—  their  distress  for  provisions,  has  been  greatly  encreased  by  this  move — And  ours  for  forrage 
which  could  not  be  had  within  our  lines  has  been  releived  at  the  expenee  of  the  enemy  — 
Washington  was  obliged  to  recall  his  detachments,  which  may  have  given  advantages  to  our 
arms  in  other  quartern. 

As  the  General  and  Admiral  have  accjuainted  your  Lordship  of  their  different  sentiments 
about  the  renewal  of  Civil  Government,  they  and  the  stale  will  benefit  by  the  appeal ;  but  no 
advantage  could  arise  from  the  pubiick  or  even  the  Councils  being  inlbrmed  that  they  did  not 
think  alike  on  the  subject — I  lave  taken  some  pains  to  keep  Ihe  (iiiestion  out  of  sight — And 
aa  these  Gentlemen  erjually  intend  that  the  subject  be  proticted  in  his  property,  be  secured 
against  the  abuses  &  insults  of  luiiitary  misruli",  that  n  '^ood  police  and  good  discipline  iniiy  make 
the  neighbourhood  of  llie  Army  advantageous  to  the  inhabitants,  and  the  industry  of  these  being 
excited  by  security  and  order,  useful  to  the  sta'e.  Sir  Henry  means  to  direct  me  to  take  the 
management  of  the  police  of  the  province,  and  subject  to  his  inspection,  to  endeavor  to  give  the 
people  all  the  tncourageinent  and  real  advantiiges  graciously  intended  them  by  His  Majesty  on 
my  appointment — The  Admiral  expresses  his  approbation  of  the  expedient ;  for  my  part  I  shall 
most  gladly  exert  my  utmost  endeavors  to  answer  tin?  end  of  my  iippointment ;  If  I  can  serve 
His  Majesty  and  have  the  honor  of  executing  ilie  spirit  of  the  instructions  you  honored  me  with, 
I  care  no  more  than  the  people  will  by  what  name  1  am  called. 

An  UfTicer  from  Gen'  Dalling'  has  just  told  me  he  is  authorized  to  engage  men  here  to  make 

'  LiouUtisiillffiitTBl  sir  .^oiiN  It\i.iiMi.  Ilnrt,  uf  liurwini.l,  Surrei-,  win  npi.nintoii  on  i\,«  2il  Pfliniary,  1747.  Mnjnr  of  tli* 
27lli  fiuit.  And  Kcrvfd  urulpr  I.ouiliin.  in  I7A7  :  at  tlu'  lic^e  uf  Lnuitliour);  in  1768.  iiml  uihIit  Wnll'e,  tmUii-a  Ijiitlipc,  in  17Jt), 
wh«n  lie  uuniMianilvil  u  i'ur|  •  of  liglit  infantry.  Knor,  I,  'i»',  ai'i,  il'Jil,  Has,  847,  SSI,  ilAe;  lltuiKu'i  .\a»al  uni  Mililarg 
ilrmmrt.  111.,  Tl'i,  'M'->-  tl"  li«fi«nir  I.icutciiiinl  CnKinel  of  lli«  4;lil,  in  I7nu,  itiiil  Kiiniinanclt>>t  tint  .'fKiincnt  nt  tliti  t\r^*  uf 
ilftvini,  in  1762.     About  th«  yoar  I7i}7  •uoiii  i{<iiUiiui»u  uf  Jamiica  n|<|ilirJ  fur  *  rni'leut  l^irut(U*nt  Guvtruur,  I'airaujiuu 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS  :    XL VII. 


795 


war  on  the  Spaniauls ;  I  intend  to  encourage  that  spirit  within  the  lines,  and  am  hopeful  to 
maite  this  a  means  of  lessening  the  rebel  n^my. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be 
My  Lord 

Your  Lordship's 

most  obliged,  and  most 
Right  Hon""  edient  humble  servant 

Lord  George  Germain  j^mes  Robertson 


^  ■» »  ►»<— 


Lord  George  Germain  to  Governor  Jiohertmn. 


(NM) 


[  N«w-Tork,  CLXXI.  No.  4.] 


Sir, 


Whitehall  S"-  July  17S0. 


A  few  days  after  the  date  of  my  letter  to  you  of  the  ?"■  of  Jur  %  Lord  Linroln'  arrived  here 
with  the  glorious  and  important  account  of  the  surrend-r  of  Charies  Town  with  the  whole  of 
the  Rebel  Land  and  Naval  Force  there.  This  joyful  event,  which  you  will  long  since  have 
been  informed  of,  must  greatly  serve  to  dispirit  the  rebels,  and  indispose  them  Tor  any 
cooperation  with  the  Forces  carried  out  by  Mons"^  de  Ternai ;  and  as  I  trust  Sir  Henry  Clinton, 
with  a  part  of  his  victorious  troops  is  safely  returned  to  you  as  he  proposed  leaving  Charies 
Town  the  beginning  of  June,  I  do  not  apprehend  any  attempt  will  be  made  upon  New  York: 
indeed  1  should  have  hef'ii  in  no  pain  tor  the  event  if  I  had  supposed  it  to  be  attacked  by  the 
joint  forces  of  Mons'  de  Ternai  and  \l'  Washington  evtn  before  Sir  Henry  Clinton  with  his 
reinforcement  could  h;ive  arrived,  as  the  number  &  excellei.ce  of  the  King's  Forces,  the 
ability  ot  their  Commanders  and  the  spirit  &  loyally  of  the  Inhabitants  gave  me  full  confidence 
that  such  n  defence  would  have  .•>••  lade  as  all  the  force  that  could  have  been  brought  to 
the  attack  would  not  have  been  able  to  overcome. 

Your  letter  of  the  JS'"  of  May,  which  I  received  the  17""  of  last  month,  confirmed  me  in 
this  opinion,  and  opens  the  pleasing  prospect  of  a  restoration  of  the  King's  Government  in 
the  rrovince,  and  which  I  see  with  particular  salisf  ction  your  public  Acts  are  all  calculated 

I.ieu(»n»ntC  '-nel  D«1ling  wai  »ppoinU.l  to  Ihst  offlee  {Ktlvard,'  Wtil  Inditt,  »vo.,  17(i;i.  II..  nil),  and  cjchangul  into  tiia 
SOih  foot,  till  n  «t«tioni'd  on  tliat  it\nuA.  In  1772  In"  rlmiiir  m1  into  lli,,  imh,  ami  •  f<!W  yenra  »ft,T.  on  the  <i«»th  of  Sir 
William  Tr.lawiuy,  liooann-  ("•vprn.irin  (.'liief  of  Jamaica.  KJictrJ:  In  January,  177ii,  In-  wua  aiipoint^tl  Colonel  '.'om- 
mam  ant  ot  III*  ;i.|  Imllaliun  uf  tin-  fimli  liojal  Am.'riiain;  Majnr  (J-iuial  iitlh  Aiinuit,  1777.  Ma  ^ot  U|i  «n  txpcililion 
apainnl  111.'  Spaniitli  Miiiii  ii>  17mi,  an. I  l.wBiiif  l.icut,  naiit  (i^niTal  in  NoTfinli^r,  178.'.  Ho  wan  ralwil  to  (h(>  rank  of  Bare- 
net  in  17HM  •Ihatuntt  Imiri,  I.,  2|o);  in  Sovrnilifr,  of  iIir  Mine  y«ar,  appointwi  folonel  of  the  87th  foo»,  and  died  in  n»«. 
'  TiioMAa  I'aUMM  Cmnton,  afterwanU  'iil  Ihikc  of  NpiK-aKtle,  was  horn  Julr,  176'i,  and  entere.l  th«  army  an  En«ign  In 
Ui*  laih  foot  I7th  March,  17fl9.  Ilia  next  atep  waa  that  of  I'liptain  in  the  Uto  rKing'i  .Iragoon  nuardi-,  ritli  July,  1770.  H« 
Hcbang<ii!  !  J  tli«  l«t  rpginient  of  foot  guanln  .Mh  Apiil,  17Vi\  and  m-xt  cam«  to  America,  where  h«  nerved  ■•  Aiii  d«- 
C«mp  I  h,<  ■  i-.-X  cuutin.  Sir  Henry  l'lin;<>n,  tin  I'oniinanderinCliief,  with  wh<iw  ilispnidici,  announcing  the  fall  of 
Ch»rlr...jn,  (•  .,  he  went  (o  Kn^laml  in  17Hii.  Brat>m't  \,iml  ami  Mililaty  .Vrwmrf.  V.,  iH.  He,  ihortly  afterwards,  wu 
promr  -.U  h-  li  .Jjlonel  in  the  army  iinil  appuiulvl  Aid  de  Ciiinp  (o  the  King.  In  17S2  he  lieeanie  Colonel  jf  'lij  7,1lh  foot; 
In  nsa,  „  t;j«  I'lth  light  drugoiin;  Mejor  Ueueral  in  17»7.  He  nui-ctadud  to  the  dukedom  iu  r,\)t,  and  died  17th  May, 
lln.  Hit  jfraoa  waa  auoiiecdad  lO  the  uiiuimaiid  uf  hia  regoueut  hy  Uauteuant-Ueueral  OiiT»r  da  i.au«iy,  of  Ntw-York 
Army  Litti.  —  Kd, 


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NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


pnSJF^^ 


to  promote,  &  I  should  think  cannot  fail  io  make  a  deep  impression  upon  the  minds  of  nil 
reasonable  men,  and  remove  those  unjust  prejudices  entertained  of  the  vindictive  disposition 
of  Great  Britain  towards  the  revolted  Trovinces,  Your  next  dispatch  will  I  hope  inform  me  of 
the  happy  effects  the  success  at  Charles  Town  and  the  generous  teims  granted  to  the  (inrrison 
huve  had  upon  the  people  without  your  lines,  and  in  the  neighhouring  I'rovinces,  which  may 
give  oocjwion  for  an  extension  of  your  powers  as  Civil  Governor,  in  the  mean  time  I  have 
the  pleasure  to  send  you  inclosed  herewith  a  printed  copy  of  the  Act  passed  in  the  present 
Session,  "  for  allowing  the  trade  between  Ireland  and  tlie  liritish  Colonies  and  I'lantations  in 
America  and  the  West  Indies,  and  the  British  Settlements  on  the  ('oast  of  Africa  to  be  carried 
on  in  like  manner  as  it  is  now  carried  on  hetween  (ireat  Britain  and  the  said  Colonies  and 
Settlements."  which  I  hope  will  remove  the  difliculties  which  the  Trade  of  the  City  is  now 
under,  and  prove  satisfactory  to  the  Inhabitants. 

I  am  Sec* 
Governor  Uobertson.  (Jeo:  Germain. 


Cohnel  Gut/  Johnmn  to  Lord  (rtonjt  Gennaiii. 

..     ..  trUnUilif.    ;  n.r.l  (8.  r.  O.  )  CCLXVI.] 

,,    ,      ,  Niagara  26.  July.  1780. 

My  Lord. 

hi  my  letter  of  the  4"  of  May  I  gave  a  brief  account  of  the  faithful  and  successful  services 
of  the  Indians  under  my  sup-rinteudency  agiiiisl  llui  Kebels  during  the  Winter  and  of  the 
endeavours  of  the  latter  to  draw  olf  the  Six  Nations,  thro'  the  negotiations  of  four  disallecled 
Indians  tent  to  this  place  lor  that  purpose. 

1  have  now  the  honor  to  acquaint  your  Lordi',  that  the  major  pr.rt  of  the  disaffected  Tribes 

are  come  'n.  and  at  length  rertored  to  the  British  Interest,  and  1  shall  also  lay  before  you  the 

Rood  conduct  and  success  of  the   Indians,  since  my  last.     Being  sensible  that  those  Oneidas 

and  others  wito  had  during  the  War  remained  on  the  Ilebel  Irnntiers,  and  under  their  influence 

were  rather  governed  by  situation  and  imposed  on  by  artifice  than  led  by  inclination  to  espouse 

their    interest,  &  finding    that    their  continuance  in  that  quarter   exposed  our  motions  and 

served  to  cover  that  part  of  the  'Jountry,  our  Indians  liowever  averse  to  their  conduct  not 

inclining  to  cut  off  part  of  their  own  Confederacy,  I  seized  a  favourabie  occasion  hist  winter 

to  intimate,  that  if  they  ever  expected  to  be  restored  to  the  favou.  and  protection  of  (iovern', 

they  had  no  time  to  loose;  in  consequence  of  which   I    rei**  last  month  a  Message  from  them. 

informing  me  that  they  had  approved  of  my  advice,  &  were  preparing  to  leave  iheir  Count.y 

nnd  join  me  which  they  did  tlie  beginning  of  this  month,  to  the  amount  of  three  hundred  and 

thirty  souls,  of  whom  above  one  Imndred  are  Men,  more  than  seventy  of  whom  hiive  since 

marched  with  my  War  parlys,  and  will,  I  ex|>ict,  do  their  utmost  to  eff.ice  the  remembrance 

their  past  conduct,  having  told  them  that  they  owed  their  reception  to  His  Maj"''  clemency, 

but  they  muit  merit  his  favors  by  tlieir  actions.     The  perticulars  of  my  proceedings  with  them 

are  transmitted  to  the  Coniman<ler  in  Chief  and  1  am  assurcl.  that  the  small  renuiinder  stili 

with  the  Kebeli  will  toon  follow  tMir  example,  and  therel»y  lay  open  the  Uebel  frontier 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:     XLVII. 


797 


towards   the    Mohawk    River,    which  will    promote   the   «ervi™   l,y  fadlitnling   nnnios   ,uul 
encourage  the  Six  Nations  as  nn.ch  as  it  must  distress  and  disappoint  the  l{,.|„.|s. 

The  s.im.ss  that  attended  those  1  sent  out  at  a  season  when  it  had  not  heen  ..snal  for  many 
to  go  to  War,  encouraged  others,  the  nnn.her  of  kille.l  and  prisoners  a.nounted  early  in  June 
to  one  hun.lred  and  fdly  six.  an.l  is  now  much  enh.rged.  hesich-s  which  many  houses  and 
granarys  from  whence  the  Uebels  ,Irew  supplies  with  many  (battle  were  .iestr'oved  an.i  an 
.nterrupt.on  given  to  their  planting  a«  well  as  recruiting  on  the  Frontiers.  The  partys  have 
ranged  along  the  rear  of  New  York.  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  and  although  (unacco.npanied 

with   Iroops)  the.r  mode  of  Warfare  does  not  admit  of  any  ,g  capital,  it  is  still  of  much 

importa.ice  to  His  Maj-  service  in  keeping  the  Ifel.els  in  a  c.mtinued  stale  of  Alarm  & 
apprehension,  and  destroying  their  resources;  it  is  with  great  satisfaction  I  can  a.l.l  that  these 

services  have  heen  elfected  without  acts  of  cruelty,  an.l  that  altl.o'  three  of  th. |i„„H  were 

treacherously  murdered,  they  have  at  my  entreaty  wilhhel.i  their  resentment  &  suppresse.! 
theirdarling  passu.n- revenge -in  an  unusual  manner,  rrom  principles  of  humanity  I  coul.l 
wish  the.r  example  ha.l  heen  imitated  hy  the  UebHls,  who  in  many  instances  have  exhihited  a 
very  ditterent  conduct. 

The  number  of  Men  of  the  Six  Nation  Confederacy  (exclusive  of  their  people  to  the  Southward  ) 
IS  about  sixteen  hundre.l,  above  twelve  hun.lred  .,f  whom  are  Warriors,  and  o(  the  latter,  eight 
hun.lred  and  thirty  six  are  now  on  service  ag"  the  frontiers,  ami  more  in  rea.liness  to  follow 
them,  which  far  exceeds  what  has  ever  heen  <.ut  at  one  time  without  the  army.  lew.  or  none 
remaining,  but  those  necessary  to  assist  in  planting  and  providing  for  their  families;  1  hope 
soon  to  have  favourable  accounts  from  them,  as  so  great  a  numb..r  must  prove  very  .iistn-ssing 
to  the  Uebels,  and  contribute  much  to  favour  the  operations  of  the  Campaign.  The  large  bo.ly 
that   was   to    he   provi.led    lor  at   this   I'ost  during   last  Winter   in   c,.i>He.p,ence  of  tl...  Keb.  | 

invasion   and  the  destruction  of  many   Indian   Towns,  .u'casio 1   n.uch   expen.-e  an.l  a  gieit 

consumption  of  provisions,  which  I  have  .....leavoure.i  t..  restrain  as  far  as  was  consistent  will, 
the  service,  an.l  the  Commander  in  Chief  uffor.l.'d  his  ass.stan.u.  for  re  eslablish-c  them  and 
enabling  them  to  plant  as  early  as  he  cniM,  t..  promote  whi.h  as  w.-ll  as  to  forwar.l  partys-  I 
have  lately  visited  their  new  Settlements.  ,me  ot  which  on  the  Ohio  rout  is  encr..asing  fast 
and  I  have  already  induced  above  twelve  hun.ire.l  of  th.-ir  people  to  settle  an.l  plant  ai  these 
places,  which  will  lessen  the  burthen  of  ..xpenc's,  at  the  same  time,  I  h.,ve  no  doubt  should 
any  material  operations  be  iiuderfik  -n  from  lien.-e.  that  notwilhsianding  !lie  Inilians  have  h.-en 
constantly  employed  all  the  s.-anon,  thry  will  rea.My  &  chearlully  a.Nist.  — Since  my  arrival 
here  last  September.  I  have  not  omitted  any  thing  in  my  power  for  promoting  his  Majesty's 
interests  with  the  In.lianH,  and  ren.lering  their  services  nselull  to  (iovernments  ;  I  am  "highly 
gratified  in  being  honoured  with  the  (Commander  in  Chiefs  appr.-bation  ..f  my  Con.lu.  I,  and 
that  ..f  th.-se  faitldul  people,  ami  I  shall  stu.ly  by  every  possible  (Xerlion  in  the  discharge  of 
my  .luly  to  merit  your  l-or.l'"s  favouraiile  representation  of  my  en.Ieavours,  to  lli.i  Maj" 
have  the  honor  to  be  with  much  respe.t 
My  Lord. 

Vour  liord^'s  incHt  obedient  an.l 

nioMt  humble  servant, 

O  Johnson. 


798 


NEW.YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS 


im 


Governor  Robertson  to  iSecretanj  liohinson. 

[  Now-Tork,  CLXXI.  ] 

New  York  4'"  August  1780. 
Sir, 

Permit  me  to  beg  you  will  do  me  the  honor  to  lay  the  following  particulars  before  the  Lonip 
Commissioners  of  the  Treasury,  and  that  you  will  have  the  goodness  to  let  me  know  their 
Lordships  pleasure  upon  them. 

I  was  appointed  Governor  of  New  York  on  the  fourth  of  May  1779 ;  was  kept  in  London 
on  publick  service  and  not  by  my  own  wish  till  the  IG""  of  Sept'  following,  and  then  being 
confined  to  go  in  a  particular  ship  and  that  ship  to  pursue  a  course  that  led  me  to  Cork, 
Savannah  and  South  Carolina  —  I  did  not  arrive  at  my  government  till  the  LU"  of  March  1780: 
On  my  arrival  there  I  found  that  the  expence  of  every  thing  is  treble,  and  the  income  of 
government  not  half  what  it  had  been  — My  Predecessor  Governor  Tryon '  showed  me  a 
representation  he  had  made  through  you  to  the  Lords  of  the  Treasury  m  his  letter  of  the  10"" 
of  November  1779 — expressive  of  the  well  grounded  hopes  given  him  by  His  Majesty's 
Ministers,  that  the  diminution  of  income  would  be  made  up  by  an  encrease  of  Salary.  —  I 
will  add  nothing  to  what  he  says,  but  a  remark  that  the  expence  has  continued  to  augment, 
and  the  income  to  decrease,  As  among  other  methods  I  have  takjn  to  render  the  present  mode 
of  government  grateful  to  the  people  I  admit  no  fees  whatever  to  be  taken,  and  therefore  pay 
the  Secretary  I  employ  out  of  my  pocket. 

I  formerly  represented  to  their  Lordships,  and  the  Earl  of  Dunmore'  and  Lord  Drummond 
both  eye  witnesses  certifyed  that  when  New  York  was  set  on  fire  I  commanded  in  it,  and  could 
have  saved  my  own  house  from  the  flames  if  I  could  have  been  prevailed  on  to  follow  an  a<ivice 
♦  hat  was  given  me  to  retain  one  engine  for  that  purpose;  finding  that  the  King's  ships  & 
magazines  were  in  danger,  by  sending  away  the  engine  1  saved  the  ships  and  stores,  worth 
more  than  200,000  pounds  —  but  lost  my  house  which  cost  me  independent  of  furni  jre 
£-2,000.  —  I  find  that  the  province  house  where  my  predecessor  General  Tryon  lived  was  burnt, 
not  for  the  public  good  but  by  the  carelessness  of  servants — The  province  gave  him  five  thousand 
pounds  and  their  Lordships  had  the  goodness  to  grant  him  a  further  very  libera!  indemnification ; 

'  Lieuti«n«nt-Gener«l  Wiuiam  Trton  rooeWed  s  commiMion  «•  Lieutenant  «nJ  C'»ptain  of  the  l«t  regiiuent  of  foot  gnsrd* 
ISlh  October,  1751  ( .lr,ny  ii»(i ) :  in  1767  married  MiM  Wake,  of  llanoTer-street,  with  whom  lie  rcccivi'J  a  forlune  of 
»21VK-ti  Bterling  (GtntUman'i  Magazint.  XXVII.,  fi77),  anA  on  iidtli  Si-pttfiiibiT,  17.18,  liwiinu"  C«|uain  ag.l  LiiMjlenantOlonel 
in  the  jruanln  Throngh  some  Court  influence  prohahly,  (h«  we  Hnl  a  Mii«  Tryon  maiil  of  himor  to  'In-  (Juf.'n  {Urnllrman'l 
Mnrtaiine,  XXXI.,  ■431),  and  he  claimed  relationihip  with  tlio  Kawdon  or  Moira  family),  he  wa«  appointed  Lieutenant- 
Governor  of  Norlli  (.'aioliiiB,  whure  lie  arrived  27th  October,  1784,  and,  on  the  death  oi  Mr  linbb*,  win)  nautted  (invenior 
of  that  Cohmy  'iOlh  July,  \'«:i.  GrnltmaHt  ifngmine,  XXXV.,  ;U7.  Hi'  administered  that  «overiiiiient  until  July,  1771, 
wli<-n  he  was  ailvnnced  to  that  of  N.'W-Yori..  lie  was  promoted  to  a  Colonelcy  in  the  army  2ftth  May,  1772;  hccnme  ihiij 
Major  of  the  puards  8th  June,  177.1;  Major  (iineral  21ith  Aiiifuet,  1777,  and  Colonel  of  the  7iMh  re(,'inient  Ulh  May,  1778. 
In  1779  his  name  was  inserted  in  the  New-York  Act  of  Confi»c»tion.  Iti»  unnecessary  here  to  spea^;  of  ni«  career  in  America, 
as  that  is  already  as  notorious  as  it  was  odious.  He  resiirned  the  ({overnment,  for  many  years  o-  ly  nominal,  of  New-York 
2l8t  March,  17K(i,  and  returned  to  Enjrlaiid,  where  he  was  appointed  l.icutenautOeneral  2olh  Novenitier,  1782,  and  Colonel 
of  the  JUth  foot  loth  August,  17811.  Oovernnr  Tryon  clie,!  at  his  house,  I'ppcr  fii-isvenorslreet,  London,  27th  January,  1788, 
and  his  remains  were  deposited  in  the  family  vnult  at  Twiekenliam.  A  highly  eulogistic  obituary  notce  of  him,  doubtless  from 
the  pen  of  hia  aonin  law  Fanning,  appeared  shortly  alter,  in  the  (lenlttmnHt  Mii(ja!int,  LVIII.,  17lt.  "The  name  of  Tiyon," 
it  asserts,  "  will  be  revered  across  the  Atlantic  while  virtue  and  nensibility  remain."  The  Slate  of  New-York  manifested  it« 
•'  reverence  "  »oon  after  by  erasing  tha  uaiue  of  Tryon  from  lb*  ouly  county  that  bore  his  uame  in  tUa  ijtati.  —  Kb. 

*  ^e  <u;ira,  p.  209,  uot«. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII. 


799 


He  has  since  hired  a  house  to  live  in,  and  draws  on  their  Lordships  for  the  rent— I  hope  the 
mention  of  these  circumst.inces,  will  induce  their  Lordships  to  pay  for  my  house  as  a  salvage 
for  the  ships  and  stores  that  were  saved  by  its  destruction  — in  that  case  I  will  make  over  the 
ground  It  stood  on  to  the  Crown,  where  when  it  is  judged  proper  may  be  built  a  house  for  a 
Governor,  the  situation  being  very  proper  for  that  purpose,  and  I  will  give  up  every  claim  for 
any  allowance  of  house  rent. 

I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  draw  on  their  Lordships  for  fifteen  hundred  pounds  ;  when  you 
have  the  goodness  to  signify  to  me.  their  Lordships  pleasure  about  the  commencement  and  the 
amount  of  my  Salary,  and  of  the  satLsfaction  they  will  have  the  gco.aess  to  make  me  for 
the  house  burnt,  or  their  permission  to  hire  one  to  live  in;  I  will  render  this  with  the  future 
draughts  exactly  conformable  to  'heir  Lordships  pleasure. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Sir, 

Your  most  obedient,  and 

most  humble  STvant. 

James  Robertson. 

John  Robinson  Esq.  Secy  to  the  Right  Hon""  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  His  Mniesty's 
Treasury. 


Governor  Bohert'ion  to  Lord  George  Germain. 

[  Nsw-Tork,  CLXXI.  ] 

.,     J      ,  New  York  1"  September,  1780. 

As  .Sir  Henry  Clinton  not  only  writes  but  sends  his  (Quarter  Master  Onern'.  to  explain  his 
plana,  and  as  theCienerals  Mathews'  and  Patlison  are  very  able  to  give  sntisfactory  answers  to 
all  questions  your  Lordship  may  do  them  the  honor  to  ask  on  military  subjects,  I  will  avoid 
the  mention  of  tht-se,  but  so  far  as  the  events  have  an  influence  on  the  dispositions  of  the  people 
and  the  stale  ol  the  country. 

I  have  omitted  no  means  to  render  government  pleasing,  and  have  not  found  this  a  difficult 
task,  men  who  or  years  have  had  nothing  they  could  call  theirs,  find  in  security,  and  freedom 
from  military  misrule  unspeakiible  blessings.  (;entlemen  of  known  loyalty  to  the  King,  and 
who  have  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  the  country  are  appointed  to  act  as  magristrates  or 
arbitrators,  and  prevent  or  settle  all  differences,  without  delay,  fee,  or  expence.     The  contrast 

'GkiutbI  Kdwaiid  M.tiiiw  intorcd  tlio  Hfituh  arwy  nn  V.ntasa  ia  the  Coldstredin  Guor.ln  24t,li  Jnnimry,  n4fi  (N.  s.); 
receiVf.l  lii»l.ifi.t..|iuii.7  IVtli  l)co..iiil.,.r,  ITil,  imJ  beoaius  fu(.l»i.  M..1  Ueutenant-Coloiiul  ;i()lli  MjitIi,  17oi.  lie  w«a  np- 
poiiittd  lloluiiel  ill  tlie  uiiiiy  Jcitl.  .M»r>.-li,  n"B,  aiul  ,.i,ilit  ,l«.va  after  Aid-Ir-i'.nip  to  llie  Kir.ij.  Ik.  cniiie  to  Amcricii  in  ITTO, 
in  ruininanil  uf  a  liiiga.lf  of  llif  (uini.la,  willi  tli  runk  of  llri.i!.i.lier(;.n.r«l.  an.l  in  )77S  I'uii.nmn.Kd  111.,  piirly  »onl  t„  .l.str.iy 
Ooi|H.rt,  Virginia.  In  Fubrnary.  \T,%  ho  wa»  advanced  to  the  rank  of  .\Iiii„r-Upneral ;  hecnme  Colonel  o.'  il,e  ajd  the  i.;une 
year,  and  vn*  flalimud  at,  or  ne;ir  N.w  Voik,  in  l7H(i;  in  wl,i,|,  year  he  returned  home,  lie  «a^  iippointed  I'onimnnder 
hiChiefof  the  forcei  in  the  West-Indies,  with  the  local  lank  of  Lieutenant  Oenerul  '.iiitl,  No.einh.r,  17ni  and  in  V.-t  (!ov- 
ernortJeneral  of  (irenadaarid  the  Southern  Carril.ce  Ulnn.U.  In  17117,  he  was  advanced  tu  the  rank  of  General  in  the  army, 
and  died  L)»c«ujler,  IbOi.  ilackiniion't  CMliUlrtam  Guard) ;  Arm)/  Litti.  —  Eu. 


800 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


between  the  hiippiness  nnd  order  thac  has  taken  place  within  our  limits,  nnd  the  anarchy 
tyranny  and  exactions  exercised  among  the  rebels,  could  not  long  escitpe  observatii  i,  and  I 
had  daily  notices  from  numbers  that  they  meant  to  return  to  His  Majesty's  obedience  nad  to 
aid  his  arms. 

The  means  of  escape  to  us,  is  become  somewhat  more  difficult  by  our  withdrawing  our  posts, 
and  coulining  ourselves  to  the  three  Islands.  The  arrival  of  a  French  force,  the  expectation  of 
a  further  reinforcement,  and  more  than  all  this  the  language  held  by  the  friends  to  rebellion  in 
England,  leads  people  who  were  on  the  point  of  declaring  (or  us,  to  hesitate  Washington, 
whoso  army  was  weak  even  in  numbers  couUi  not  induce  men  to  enlist  for  the  greatest  premiums, 
and  durst  not  use  force.  Since  the  arrival  of  his  allys,  has  got  confidence  to  encrcase  his  army, 
by  pressing,  by  fines,  and  making  it  impossible  for  an\  but  declared  act!' e  rebels  to  exist — 
Thus  the  emigrations  to  us  have  been  partly  prevented,  and  Washington's  army  is  swellu  1  to 
twelve  thousand.  By  parading  with  La  Fayette,  displaying  colours,  finery,  and  carrying  off 
the  cattle  and  forrage  in  sight  of  New  York,  he  hopes  to  raise  a  belief  tiiat  he  will  soon  end  the 
war,  and  makes  his  army  hope  for  the  plunder  of  this  rich  city.  A  n.  <i\  of  reliection,  will  be 
sensible,  that  New  York  can  be  in  no  danger  from  such  an  army.  Seventeen  thousand  regular 
troops  can  be  drawn  to  its  defence  in  less  than  ^4  hours,  and  five  thousand  inhabitants  are 
armed  and  disposed  to  fight  in  its  defence.  —  It  is  easy  to  perceive  that  the  smallnes  of  the 
French  force  and  their  inferiority  at  sea,  have  disappointed  the  rebel  expectations,  nnd  broke 
their  designs  against  this  place. — The  French  notions  about  command  shock  levellers,  that  the 
contempt  of  the  manners  of  Americans  digusls  them,  and  that  tli'.>  jarrs  already  commenced  are 
likely  to  encrease.  —  so  that  the  accession  of  the  French  is  no  great  real  addition  to  tlie  rebel 
force  —  that  an  army  compelled  together  like  Washington's  will  finally  prove  an  addition  to 
ours  —  they  desert  by  dozens  tho  they  swim  miles  to  get  at  us,  and  they  relate  that  liundreds 
hide  in  the  woods  or  sculk  in  the  marshes  waiting  a  possibility  to  escape  —  for  several  inonths 
past  the  deserters  have  at  an  average  amounted  to  a  liuudret!  a  month,  the  number  lias  doubled 
since  the  press,  Deserters  too  arrive  from  the  Convention  army,  these  find  their  way  for  more 
than  four  hundred  miles,  they  are  known,  fed,  and  concealed,  this  is  perhaps  a  betler  proof  of 
the  favorable  disposition  of  the  inhabitants,  then  can  be  set  against  it,  as  the  other  instances 
may  be  resolved  into  force  or  fear  —  on  the  whole  a  just  reasoner  will  ct)i. chide,  that  tlif  rebi'ls 
being  disappointed,  as  they  surely  will  be  in  their  hope  of  expelling  us  from  hence,  ending  the 
war,  and  establishing  their  kingdom,  tired  cut  and  exhausted  by  this  extraordinary  exertion, 
finiiing  their  army  as  usual  dwindle  before  winter,  will  court  the  blessings  of  and  submit  to  His 
Majesty's  Government.  But  one  who  superficially  views  appearances  will  imagine  our  situation 
desperate,  and  cry  out  for  a  force  which  perhaps  cannot  be  spared  in  such  an  extensive  war, 
without  considering  that  a  deni;ui(v  that  cannot  be  complyed  —  will  embarras  Administration, 
and  may  prove  an  effectual  means  of  obtaining  the  wish  i)f'  the  rebels  and  their  friends. 

If  the  facts  and  the  reasonings  were  to  be  layd  before  your  Lordship,  the  hilacy  of  the 
conclusion  would  soon  be  detected,  but  conclusions  vehemently  urged  and  rei)eated  without 
carrying  witli  them  the  means  of  detection,  should  be  guarded  against  and  this  leads  me  to 
assert  that  if  the  British  and  (Jerman  regular  troops  are  completed  to  the  old  e8tal)lisliment 
only,*  and  if  our  friends  in  America  are  assured  of  the  continuance  of  His  Majesty's  protection, 

•  To  coin|ilete  tlie  Arm;  under  Sir  llmry  Clinton  to  the  old  ostublitliniont,  llip  rociuitu  or  reiiifuroemcDti  now  •ii|ipoicd 
on  tlioir  |ia»tai;o,  iliouUI  b«  m«de  iii)  to  UloO  uu-n.  — To  completK  the  Army  to  tliu  irw  t'sinblialiiiieiit  { oXi'luBive  ofuJditiuual 

Cuaijiau^a)  rciiiiirea  'M\)0  men. 


LONDON  noriTMENTS:    XLVU. 


801 


thnt  \Vmh\wrU>u's  army  will  fill  up  our  provincial  Ibrc...,  nn.l  we  will  l,nv«  hands  Pnouul. 
to  end  the  war  sucfessf'ully. 

An  Onic-r  from  C.-neral  Dalling  Ih  arrived  hor.,  to  r.-.-ruit  lor  an  oxpfiition  nnder  l.i« 
direction.  |  have  got  a  l.-w  rebel  oIlicerM  lo  en«ag«  lo  l.ri.iK  men  Irom  the  rel.e!  army  on 
con.iitiontliat  they  are  to  eomniand  iheni-an.l  propositioiiH  of  thin  nature  have  been  made  to 
some  ol  ranli-iheyare  not  without  etlecl  even  now.  h.it  would  have  heen  better  ligtened 
to  SIX  ninntliH  ago. 

I  hope  to  provicl,.  for  the  wants  of  refngeeH  and  to  leHsen  the  t^xpenee  of  government,  by 
siaring  the  posHess.on  of  rebel  lands  and  houses  a.n.mg  those  whom  they  have  driven  fro.n 
their  own,  and  by  the  smallneoH  of  the  lots,  to  call  (mil,  a  hiuher  degree  of  cnltiv.iion.  that 
the  ...u.s  ol  the  army  may  he  snpplyed  at  a  less  expence  then  at  present,  which  exceeds  all 
belief  and  example- I  am  of  opinion  this  might  be  cured  by  regulations  particularly  of  wages, 
now  nt  more  then  ten  shillings  a  day  ;  l>ut  1  .lare  not  trust  my  own  judgment,  and  those  I  talk 
with  are  divided. 

M'  Smith'  thinks  himself  much  honored  by  his  appointment  lo  the  OlVice  of  (M.i.'f  Justice, 
tho-  he  had  considerable  properly  and  a  great  incom.-.  1  liml  that  now,  it  is  convenient  for  him' 
to  entreat  me,  to  apjMy  to  your  Lordship  to  direct  some  mode  for  the  payment  of  his  Salary 

M'  Ludlow  was  one  of  the  Judges,  had  always  been  clear  in  his  loyalty  an.l  /ealouN  hi< 
abilities  great  and  himscll  high  in  the  peopl.  .  esteem.  These  on  Long  Islan.l  had  hitherto 
been  reduced  to  bring  all  their  questions  and  (luarrela  to  New  York,  where  the  length  of  lime 
nnd  dilhculties  ari.sing  from  the  great  distance  made  them  chnse  rather  to  sniler  than  seek 

redress.     I  have  prevailed  on  M'  Ludlow  to  act  assuperintei ,i  on  F,ong  Island -Sir  Henry 

Clinton  who  considers  the  ollice  as  military  will  pay  him  an  nllowanceoutof  theContingencys 
he  does  good  to  the  service  and  cre.lit  to  the  trust  he  has  received. -The  Olhce  of  Master  of 
the  ifolls  is  vacant  by  the  death  ol  James  Jauucey,  I  wish  to  lill  it  up  by  naming  M'  Lu.llow 
that    when  (^ivil    Courts  open,  he  may   act-neither   the    pay    or    duly    to   commence    nil 
this  happens. 

1  take  the  liberty  to  enclose  my  letter  to  the  l,or<ls  of  Ih,.  Treasury,  lo  beg  you  will  lake  the 
trouble  lo  peruse  it,  and  favor  the  re.|uest  it  contains  as  far  as  you  ju.lge  it  proper  and  reasonable. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be     My  Lor<l,  Your  Lordship's 

most  obedient  and 
To  the  liight  Hon""  mo.st  humble  servant 

Lord  Ueorge  (Jennain.  j^,,,^^  |{o„KnT«o.v 


N»5 


/,<))'</  GiDViji:   OeniKiiii   to   tlonriHtr   liohc)'t.son. 

(  New-V„il,,  1  I.XXI,  No.  e.  I 


Whitehall  (J"'  .Sepr  17S0. 


Sir, 

J  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  your  Dispatch  of  the  I"  of  July,  &  am  much 
obliged  to  you  for  the  very  particular  detail  it  contains  of  Lieul  (M-ueral  Kuyphausen's 
Expedition  into  the  Jerseys.     'I'lie  care  taken   to   prevent  plund.^r,  &  to  prot.'cl  ihe  pea.-eal.le 


Vol.  VFFL 


' Supm,  \  II.,  UU»,  nol«  2. —  to. 
101 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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WEBSTER,  NY    MSRO 

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802 


NEW. YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Inhabitants  from  molestation,  was  equally  politic  &  humane  &  will  1  doubt  not,  when 
the  Commander  in  Chief  shall  judge  proper  to  carry  his  operations  into  that  Country,  be 
found  to  have  made  Impressions  upon  the  minds  of  the  people  very  favorable  to  His 
Majesty's  Government. 

Every  measure  that  has  a  tendency  to  restore  the  civil  Authority  to  it's  former  dignity,  will 
be  very  pleasing  to  the  King,  &  the  placing  the  management  of  the  Police  of  New  York  in 
the  hands  of  the  Civil  Governor  is  certainly  a  judicious  step,  and  I  have  no  doubt  that  the 
people  will  find  themselves  happy,  and  the  King's  service  be  greatly  promoted  by  your 
prudent  conduct. 

I  am  &c' 

Geo:  Germain 


•  '■  »  li  ^ 


Oovemor  Mobert^n  to  ISecretary  Knox. 

[Ncw-Tork,  CLXXI.  ] 

^        ^.  New  York  21"  Sapf  1780. 

Dear  Sir, 

Let  me  in  the  first  place  thank  you  for  the  obliging  notice  you  have  taken  of  my  family ;  I 
next  own  myself  much  your  debtor  for  the  information  and  satisfaction  I  received  from  your 
letter  by  the  July  pacquet— we  have  nothing  later  from  England.  Inclosed  I  send  you  a  Copy 
of  my  Commission  to  your  Deputy ;  you  will  observe  that  I  have  paid  a  cautious  attention  to 
what  you  said  and  Henry  White  advised.  —  It  is  only  in  the  Prerogative  Court  that  W  Bayard's 
Office  has  hitherto  been  beneficial  — The  people  have  at  least  found  one  advantage  in  military 
Government,  they  pay  nothing  at  my  Office,  tho*  it  is  sufficiently  crowded  ;  IfCivil  Government 
is  restored,  the  Governor  and  the  Officers  of  the  Crown  will  resume  their  fees  &  functions ; 
while  I  act  as  Lieu'  General  superintending  the  police  of  the  Province,  I  do  the  people  all  the 
good  in  my  power,  gretis. 

You  will  be  well  informed  of  the  very  handsome  things  Lord  Cornwallis  has  done;  and 
have  better  access,  than  I,  to  know  what  great  things  Sir  George  and  Sir  Henry  are  meditating ; 
So  I  will  only  say  in  general  that  since  the  year  1777,  1  have  not  seen  so  fair  a  prospect  for  the' 
return  of  the  revolted  provinces  to  their  duty. 

I  found  means  to  have  a  conference  with  a  man  versont  in  the  rebels  Councils,  I  give  you 
what  he  related— as  I  think  it  will  explain  the  state  of  tho  Country  and  convey  you  information 
that  might  not  be  preserved  in  an  extract. 

A  privateer  took  some  papers  out  of  a  Spanish  despatch  boat;  tho'  the  mails  were  thrown 
overboard,  1  had  the  papers  found  in  a  chest  examined,  and  extracts  taken  from  them,  you 
have  this;  and  as  \  thought  you  might  make  discoveries  from  circumstances,  that  escaped  ui, 
I  send  such  letters  as  are  thought  most  important. 

1  only  by  this  occasion  presume  to  trouble  Lord  (Jeorge  Germain,  with  a  duplicate  of  my 
former  letter,  knowing  that  if  this  contains  anything  worth  his  attention,  that  you  will  present 
it  and  me  favorably  to  his  notice. 

I  ever  am  with  much  regard     Dear  Sir, 

Your  inoit  obedient  and 

most  humble  servant 

Jamkr  Robertson 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII. 


803 


Brigad'  Skinner  who  commands  the  New  Jersey  Volunteers  has  at  my  desire  endeavored 
but  cannot  find  Nils  Myrin  in  the  three  Battalions  of  that  corps  within  reach  — a  fourth 
18  at  Carolina,  he  writes  to  have  him  discharged  if  found  there.— agreeable  to  Lord 
Germain's  desire. 

I  took  no  notice  of  the  publication  said  to  be  a  letter  to  His  Lordphip  — No  person  here 
took  it  to  be  from  Sir  Henry  Clinton  — no  more  than  you  will  suspect  the  enclosed  to  come 
from  the  hand  of  Gates 

William  Knox  Esq.' 

^  '  W.LiuM  Knox  wa.  born  in  Ireland  in  1732,  and  received  the  first  ru.iimenU  of  his  politic*!  edncation  from  Sir  Rich.rd 
^x.  one  of  the  ablest  statesmen  that  Island  ever  produced.  In  1756  he  was  appointed  by  the  Earl  of  U.lifax  one  of  hi. 
Majesty  .  Council  and  Provo.t  Marshal  of  Georgia,  and  a.comp«:>,ed  Governor  Ellis  accordingly,  to  that  Colony,  lo  assist  in 
promotma  .U  settlement  and  forming  it*  civil  Constitution,  lie  returned  to  England  in  1761,  and  in  1763  visited  Paris  with 
htsfnend  and  patron  Ix,rd  Grosvenor.  Immediately  after  the  peace  with  France  he  drew  up  a  paper,  which  Lord  Grosvenor 
put  into  tl>e  tan  of  Bute  a  hands,  .eoomniending  such  provision,  in  the  Constitution,  of  the  Colonies  and  such  improvements 
in  the  system  by  wh.ch  they  had  been  governed,  as  would  produce  a  desire  in  them  to  continue  united  with  Great  BriUin 
and  render  thetr  union  beneficial  to  the  whole  Empire.  Tliis  was  to  create  a  Colonial  aristocracy  and  to  give  the  Colonies 
representation  in  the  British  Parliament  But  ho  acknowledges  that  the  then  haughty  spirit  of  the  House  of  Common,  would 
render  it  impossible  to  carry  through  Parliament  the  mensures  he  proposed ;  to  have  asserted  Right,  in  the  assemblies  of  the 
Colonies  would  have  excited  goners"  indignation.  He  was  soon  after  appointed  agent  for  Georgia  and  East  Florida,  and  wa. 
thu,  brought  into  cmmunication  with  Mr.  Grenville,  then  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer  ;  and  when  that  gentleman  procured 
the  passage  of  the  .*  merican  Stamp  Act,  Mr.  Knox  published,  in  1765,  two  pamphlets  in  defence  of  the  measure;  one  entitled 
A  Letter  to  a  Member  of  Parliament,  wherein  the  Power  of  the  British  Legislature  and  the  Case  of  the  Coloni.U  are 
briefly  and  impartially  considered;"  the  other,  "The  Claims  of  the  Colonies  to  an  exemption  fr.un  Internal  taxes  imposed  by 
authority  of  Parliament,  examined,  in  a  Letter  from  a  Gentleman  to  his  frieud  in  America,-  and  sent  almost  the  waole 
edition  of  the  latter  Tract  to  such  of  the  Colonies  as  he  had  any  correspondcnU  in.  The  consequence  w.^  that  the  General 
Assembly  of  Georgia  pns-ed  a  resolution  on  the  lOlh  of  November,  1765,  dispensing  with  his  services  as  Agent  of  th.t 
to  o,^.  He  „«,  examined  that  year  before  a  committee  of  the  Ho.  ,e  of  Commons  on  the  state  of  the  American  Cdonie^ 
«n.l  being  afu-rward,  asked  his  opinion  of  the  etrecl.  of  the  repeal  of  the  stamp  a.t,  answered  :  "Addresses  of  ihanks  and 
measures  of  rebellion."  ••  Hy  (i_,,  1  thought  so."  exclaimed  one  of  the  opposition.  He  became  now  an  active  supporter  of 
theGrenville  parly,  and  pnbli.he.l.  in  1768,  hi,  principal  j^litical  work,  "The  Pre,  M.t  State  of  the  Nation:  particularly  with 
respect  to  its  Trade,  Finances,  Ac ,  Ac,  addressed  to  the  King  and  both  Houses  of  P.rliainenU"  This  ,lefence  of  the  Grenvill. 
•dministration  was  ascribed,  at  the  time,  lo  the  head  of  that  party,  and  wa.  an.wer.d,  under  th.t  .upposition,  by  the  cele- 
brnted  Edmund  Burke,  then  a  proteg6  of  the  Rockingham  ministry,  in  a  tract  entitled.  "Observations  on  a  late  SUto  of  th« 
Nat..,,,;  ,n  reply  to  which  Mr.  Knox  published  "An  Appendix  lo  The  Present  State  of  the  Nation  containing  a  Keply  to 
The  l)h«rvation,  on  that  Pamphlet.  London,  1769."  At  the  same  time  he  brought  out  a  volume  .ntitled,  "The  Contro- 
versy  between  (ireat  Britain  and  her  Colonies  reviewed  ;  the  several  pleas  of  ;he  Colonies,  in  su,  port  o.'  Iheir  rifcht  to  .11 
the  liberties  and  privileges  of  British  .Subje.ts,  ,nd  to  exemption  from  the  legiclative  authority  of  Parliament  staUd  and 
considered  ;  and  the  Nature  of  their  Conn,  ction  with,  a.i.l  dependance  on  Great  Britain,  shewn,  upon  the  evidence  of  histori 
c.l  fa.t.  an.l  authentic  records."  After  his  arrival  n  Georgia  it  was  his  first  care  to  make  himself  acquainted  wiln  the 
Lon.titutions  of  the  several  Colonies;  he  soon  perceiv  -d  that  the  .ee<ls  of  disunion  were  sown  in  the  first  plantation  in  every 
one  of  them,  an<l  that  a  general  disposition  to  Independence  prevailed  throuiihont  Ihe  whole.  It  was  this  knowledge  whioh 
enabled  him  ( he  mvs)  to  tear  off  11  eir  m.«,ue  of  loyally  to  the  King  and  attachment  to  Great  Britain,  and  to  expose  mJ 
confute,  in  thr  above  Review,  all  their  argumenU  in  support  of  their  claim  of  e  empthin  from  the  authority  of  Parliament 
whil.t  they  enjoyed  the  privilege,  of  British  subjerts.  AXra  Oficl  /'opers,  !!.,  11.  But  this  reaMnitiR  wa.  sharply  and 
R.ie....«.fnlly  attacked  by  Dr.  Edward  Uancroft,  of  Massa.hu.etts,  then  one  of  the  editor,  of  the  Undon  Monthly  Review 
who,  it  is  said,  however  h«,l  the  benefit  of  I»r.  Fr.inklin's  adviee  and  suggestion..  A.  a  reward  for  those  efforU  in  .upport 
of  British  supremacy,  Mr.  Knox  wa.  appointed,  in  l-!7i),  .loint  Inder  S.-reUry  of  State  with  Mr.  Pownall.  In  1774  he  pub- 
li.hed  a  pampl.iel  in  defence  of  the  Quebec  Act,  entitled  "The  Jii.tice  and  Policy  of  the  late  act  of  Parliament  for  making 
more  effecfj.l  provision  for  the  Government  of  the  Pr„,i„ee  of  tiuebeo  a«.ert«.l  and  prove.l  ;  and  the  conduct  of  the  admini^ 
tr.tion  respecting  that  Province,  suted  and  vindicate.l ;"  and  soon  after  drew  up  a  "  Project  of  a  peron.M.nt  Tnion  and 
Settlement  with  the  Colonies'  ( «,,,„  Ofi,.,.,l  I'np^^  II..  30),  which  aeei.i.  to  have  .ervci  a.  a  basi.  for  U^l  North',  concili.. 
torj  ;.r«p<Hiitio„  of  177o.  In  1779,  whilst  the  people  of  Maine  were  occupied  in  forming  a  St.,te  Constitution,  a  portion  of 
their  territory  w  .  taken  powe.sion  „r  by  a  party  of  British  troop,  from  Nova  Scotia.  In  the  following  year  Mr.  Knox  draw 
up  a  plan  to  .reet  it  into  a  Colony  lo  be  bounded  by  the  Riv.r  Penol«coU  on  the  west,  and  the  SU  Croix  on  the  «a.U  and  to 
b«  call«<l  A'n.  Inland,  of  which  Tliomai  Olif.r  wu  to  b«  Governor  and  Dani.l   LMnard  Chief  Jualic*.     It  ree.iv.d  t)„ 


804 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


M'  Heron's  Information  in  a  Conversation  at  New  York  Monday  4:  Sep«  1780. 

[  New-Tofk,  CLXXI.  ] 

He  lives  at  Reading  in  Connecticut,  came  in  witii  a  Flag  —  returns  this  Afternoon 
He  has  had  every  opportunity  lie  could  desire  to  be  acquainted  with  the  public  alTairs,  & 
especially  of  that  colony.  Till  April  las^  he  was  in  Assembly,  &  a  member  for  the  County 
Correspondenc!!  — is  now  in  office  respecting  the  public  accounts.  He  ever  was  an  Enemy  to 
the  Declaration  of  Independency,  but  he  said  little,  except  to  the  most  trusty  Loyalists.  He 
stands  well  wiih  the  Otficers  of  the  Continental  Army  — with  General  Parsons  he  is  intimate, 
&  is  not  suspected. 

He  was  at  the  Interview  between  General  Parsons  and  M'  Izard,'  who  arrived  in  Ternay's 
Fleet,  and  went  on  to  Philadelphia.  Izard  has  held  a  language  that  fills  the  Country  with 
jealousies— That  the  American  Agents  were  duped  by  the  Cabinet  of  France,  D'  Franklin 
Bupernnnuatedj  and  all  their  Agents  unfaithful  and  despised,  except  the  Lees.  That  they  had 
given  to  France  the  Newfoundland  Fishery,  &  to  Spain  the  Floridas,  &  he  thinks  Georgia  too. 
Whatever  else  of  the  Continent  might  be  conquered,  is  to  belong  to  the  United  States.  He 
assured  Parsons  that  France  neither  could  nor  would  give  the  help  requisite  to  establish  the 

countenance  of  the  Ministry  and  the  approval  of  the  King,  but  waa  knocked  in  the  head  by  the  Attorney  General,  Wedder- 
buin  (ulterwaid»  Lord  Logliboroiigh).  who  refused  liis  concurrence,  on  the  ground  that  the  lands  hud  been  included  in  the 
Charier  of  MnssachuselU  bny.  Jbul,  II.,  01 ;  Appendix,  83.  Mr.  Kuoi  served  iis  Under  SeoreUry  of  State  for  the  American 
department  until  the  accession  of  the  Earl  of  Slielburne,  iu  178i,  whin  the  office  was  suppresaed.  He  continued,  however, 
to  be  coii6ull,d  on  raensures  conmcted  with  the  remaining  fnlonios  and  their  Trade,  and  drew  up  the  Order  in  Council  of  !!d 
July,  1783,  utterly  excluding  Americnn  shipping  from  the  West  India  Islands.  He  had  such  a  high  opinion  of  this  remnant 
of  crude  barbaiism  that  he  wished  it  to  be  engraved  on  his  tumbsloue,  as  having  saved  the  navigation  of  England.  lb.,  63, 
66,  67.  lie  sulmiittcd  a  pliin,  the  siime  year,  for  a  new  Province  belwe.-n  the  liiver  St.  Croix  on  the  west  and  the  Gulf  of 
St  Uwience  ou  the  east,  and  from  Jie  centre  of  the  Isthmus  at  Bay  Vcrte  on  the  south  to  the  Canada  line  on  the  north. 
This  territory  was  erected  into  the  I'ro  .,ice  of  New  Brun«»ick  in  1784  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Loyalists  from  the 
Noithern  States,  whiUt  the  IJalm.jini  were  laid  a«ide  for  these  from  Ea,-t  Florida  iind  the  Southern  Stiitea.  lb.;  Apptniiix,  82, 
6-1.  Alter  the  dcutli  of  Sir  Jnmcs  Wright,  Mr.  Knox  was  joint  agent  with  Gruliinn  for  prosecuting  the  cinims  of  the  Georgia 
Loynlisis  to  compensation  for  losses,  and  iia<l  a  pension  of  £C)UO  a  year  settled  on  himself  and  a  like  sum  for  his  wife,  aa 
Anurican  fuiTercrs.  76.,  1..  32,  35.  In  1789  he  published  two  vnluable  though  very  irnmethodical  volumes,  entitled,  "Extra 
Olliciul  Stiite  I'apers.  Addressed  to  the  Kight  llimornblc  Lord  Rawdon,  ond  the  other  Members  ol  the  two  Houses  of  Tarlia- 
ment,  associated  for  the  preservation  of  the  Conslltutioii  and  promoting  the  prosperity  of  the  Urilish  Empire.  Uy  a  lato 
L'lid.r  Secretary  o' Slate,"  and  a  seoo.d  edit  on  of  his  Tract  on  the  Quebec  Bill.     Among  his  other  distinct  publications  wera: 

Tliiee  Tracts  respecting  the  Conversion  and  Instruction  of  Negroe  Slaves  lud  Free  Ind  ana.     17B8. 

Con^iderlltlons  on  the  State  of  Ireland.     1776. 

Helps  to  a  liight  understanding  the  Merits  of  the  Commercial  Treaty  with  Franc^  addresacd  to  the  Members  of  both 
Uouiies  of  i'ailiuMient.     1787. 

Obaervntiuiis  upon  the  Litt.rgy.  with  a  proposal  for  its  Reform.     1789. 

Con^idcrations  .in  the  Universality  niul  Uniformity  of  the  Thewracy.     1796. 

The  Heveiilcd  W  ill  of  God,  the  suflieient  Rule  of  Man  :   2v.     1801. 

At!«r  a  life  of  much  activity  he  died  at  Great  Ealing  on  the  24th  of  August,  1810,  aged  78  yeara.  OeMlfman'i  JUagaiine, 
L.\.\.X.,  IVl;  Briluh  Almunack,  1705;  Etlrii  Official  SinU  J'aprrt,l.,  pt.  ii. ;  I  Appendix,  8;  11.,  «-81  j  Wkitt'i  UiHorital 
C'ollteiiuHi  of  Otorpia,  188;  Gremille  i  jptrt,  HI.,  109,  110.  —  En. 

'  Ualpii  IiABo  was  born  in  South  Carolina,  in  174S, ;  wa«  educated  at  Cambridge  College,  England,  and  In  1787  inaiTiad 
Alice,  daughlei  of  I'eter  De  Lancey,  of  Westchesler.  H  visile.1  England  in  1771,  and  went  on  the  continent  of  Europa  in  1774. 
In  177J,  after  returning  to  England,  be  went  again  to  France,  and  was  afterwanls  appointed  by  Congress  Commissioner  at 
the  Coutl  of  the  Grand  Dnkeof  Tufcsny.  He  returned  to  America  loth  July,  1780,  and  wos  next  chosen  one  of  the  delegntes 
from  South  Carolina  to  Congresa.  and  so  rnn.iined  until  1783  ;  nfier  which  he  returned  home.  He  was  ch('«rn  I'nited  State* 
Senator  on  the  formation  of  the  Federal  (Jovernment,  ai  <l  retired  from  pul  lie  life  in  1794.  He  d'ed  30th  May,  1804,  in  the 
O'i  i  year  of  hi*  aga,  sod  wai  buntd  at  the  parisii  vhurcb  of  Uuut*  crack.  Mtmoir  frrJUtd  to  Jiardi  CurfpendiHtt. 


I  'W^ 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII. 


805 


Independence  of  America.  No  further  aid  than  what  Ter.iay '  brought  was  coming.  Whoever 
aaid  there  was  deceived  them.  Th^  British  Navy  in  real  strength  was  superior  to  the  Fleets 
both  of  France  &  Spain.  &  doubtless  would  continue  so  during  the  war.  He  did  not  believe 
tney  would  be  able  to  join  this  year,  &  the  French  would  in  that  case  be  blocked  up.  That 
Ternay  brought  about  5000  land  forces,  and  from  what  he  had  heard  of  the  American  Army 
that  aid  would  do  little. 

General  Parsons  was  so  much  alTected  by  this  conversation,  that  immediately  after  M'  Izard 
was  gone,  he  wrote  to  General  Green  at  the  Camp  in  Jersey,  beseecUng  him  if  possible  to 
check  M'  Izard,  from  the  dangerous  tendency  of  his  Information  upon  the  People  at  large 

General  Parsons'  lives  at  Rending.  &  his  particular  charge  is  to  forward  on  the  Eastern 
Recruits  to  Washington's  Camp. -He  is  greatly  discouraged,  under  the  prevailing 
dis.nchnat.on  ol  the  People  to  thi  prolongation  of  the  War.  Very  lately  he  told  M'  Heron 
that  but  800  men  of  the  2.500  drafted  in  Connecticut  had  gone  on.  They  either  refuse 
absolutely  to  go,  or  set  out  and  leave  the  party,  and  sculk  about  in  other  places,  than  the 
towns  from  which  they  are  levied.  These  draftings  are  made  at  a  rate  excessively  distressing 
to  the  people.  They  are  classed,  some  to  find  a  man  for  G  months,  and  others  for  three 
months.— Thirty  &  forty  pounds  is  raised  by  the  class  for  him  that  goes.  They  give  him 
bonds  for  the  money.  The  6  months  men,  will  be  releasable  on  the  1  of  Jan'  but  the  three 
months  men  the  14'-  of  next  month ;  and  as  there  is  scarcely  any  hard  money  in  the  Country 
but  what  goes  to  Long  Island  for  English  goods,  there  will  be  horrible  dissentions,  when  the 
militia  return  and  put  their  bonds  in  suit. 

He  had  not  heard  what  precise  numbers  have  gone  from  Massachusets  i.id  New  Hampshire 
but  the  compi"  are  as  loud  ag'  them  as  ag«  Connecticut.     The  people  every  where  are  tired  of 
the  war,  are  become  beggarly  and  distressed,  &  suspicious  of  private  views  in  all  who  are  for 
continuing  it. 

Washington's  Army  including  the  Highland  Carson  all  the  3  &  0  months  militia,  was 
between  10  &  1 1  thousand,  when  he  crossed  the  Hudson  last  month  to  Croton's  River  They 
gave  out  that  they  were  lilteen  thousand,  but  M'  Heron  had  his  information  from  Officers  of 
Rank  in  a  con/.dauial  way.  It  is  certainly  an  Army,  on  which  there  can  be  no  dt'pen<huice 
The  Continentals  are  less  than  halt  of  it,  i,- half  of  them  Europeans,  &  notoriously  determined 
to  desert,  under  very  strong  disgusts  as  appears  from  the  impossibility  ol  getting «'-,v  ,„««  .vhose 
time  is  out  to  reinlist.-And  as  to  the  Militia-Part  of  it.  they  will  seek  the  first  opportunity 
to  get  home,  from  a  service  they  detest.     Many  are  loyalists,  drajled  thro'  Pique. 

There  was  a  general  talk  of  raising  men  enough  before  the  French  arrived,  who  with  them 
were  lo  take  New  York.- It  died  away  upon  the  smallness  of  the  French  Force,  and  the 
difficulty  of  bringing  up  the  drafted  militia.— Lately  Washington  conceived  hopes  from  his 
project  for  procuring  MUitiu  Volunteers.  He  recommended  subscriptions  from  house  to  house, 
to  raise  bounties  of  hard  money,  to  be  paid  out  to  such  as  would  take  the  field  for  the  cp.mpaigne' 
in  the  leduction  of  New  York.  General  Parsons  imployed  many  instruments  to  give  it  success, 
but  it  was  abortive,  not  a  single  town  would  come  into  it,  some  went  so  far  as  to  say,  they 

'  Admir.l  Chev.lier  Cmah.m  Loum  ,le  T«nat,  KniKl.t  of  llio  Order  of  St.  John  of  .len„.ilem.  Imd  .Ircly  .erred  in  the 
French  w«r,  *iid  cmm.ndwl  the  «,u«,lr<.ii  lent  ii,;niiiBt  .SI.  John.  Newfouiidl.i.d  in  P. 12.  where  he  UndeJ  on  the  2d  June 
■n.i  reduced  the  pkee  iind  o«,.t>ired  Mveral  v«M.'U.  He  .rr.fed  iu  Anieiica  on  the  loth  Julv,  1780,  in  command  of  the 
rreiioh  ll,.ct,  which  hitd  bron.,ht  out  l"..unt  do  H»ch»ri,l,eau  >nd  hi»  «rmy,  «nd  died  at  Newport,  If.  I.,  18lh  Deoenilwr  follow- 
inK,  grcnlly  reRretlcd.  lU  w».  Interred  ne.t  day  with  all  the  honor,  due  to  hi.  worth  and  .talion.  U,atu>nt  .\aml  and 
MtUary  Mimoirt,  IIL,  416;  VI.,  210;  Alltn't  Amtritan  Jinolylion,  II..  8S8.— Eo. 


I 


806 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


would  serve  provided  they  were  not  to  be  subject  to  Military  Discipline,  but  might  come  away 
as  suited  their  attention  to  their  Families,  or  in  other  words  at  their  own  pleasures.  Of  such 
persons  there  was  ground  (or  suspicion. 

M'  Heron  was  in  the  High  lands  among  the  Officers  very  lately,  and  had  much  conversation 
with  them.  They  have  had  no  pay  for  ten  month  past.  Some  of  them  liave  had  their  pay 
reduced,  and  especially  all  the  Surgeons  and  Hospital  Attendants.  The  Surgeons  have  sent 
in  their  resignations  to  Washington,  who  said  he  could  not  blame  them.  He  forwarded  them 
to  Congress,  and  they  were  waiting  for  the  answer.— There  is  much  discontent  in  the 
Army.— Lately  they  were  6  days  without  meat.  The  whole  Highland  Garison  is  now  at  half 
allowance.  Many  of  the  Officers  especially  of  Massachusetts,  wish  the  acceptance  of  their 
Resignations,  and  yet  said  they  dreaded  it,  as  they  had  not  many  to  carry  them  home.  He 
dined  with  General  Arnold,  who  commands  at  Col"  Beverly  Kobiiison's '  House,  and  parted  from 
him  last  Wednesday. 

On  the  day  before,  certain  Officers  came  from  the  Northward  with  accounts  ihat  the  British 
had  cross'd  the  Lake,  and  were  erecting  works  at  Teononderage.  That  Sir  John  Johnson 
was  still  on  the  Mohawk,  since  the  burning  of  the  barns  and  harvests  at  Cannajohare  and 
Schohare,  and  there  was  n  call  of  the  Militia  to  come  up.  He  does  not  believe  any  Force 
went  up  from  the  Highlands,  but  General  Starke "  was  sent  oft',  to  conduct  such  militia  as  could 
be  raised.  He  believes  no  men  could  be  spared  from  the  Highlands.  —  They  had  but  400  men 
at  West  point,  with  2  Companies  of  Artillery,  and  a  thin  Uegiment  or  two  of  G  months  men 
on  the  Eastern  side. 

He  can't  be  very  positive  concerning  the  Brigades  of  the  Continental  Army.  — Connecticut 
has  two,  I'arsons's  &  Huntington's.  — New  Hampshire  one  Poor's,  which  last  spring  had 
but  300  men  as  he  well  knew.  — New  York  one,  James  Clinton's.^— Massachusets  three. 
Glover's,  Nixon's  &  he  thinks  Learned's.^— Itliode  Island  one.  Green's.— Jersey  one,  Dayton's, 

'  Colonel  Bkvkrlt  Robiiwok  was  born  in  Virginia,  of  which  Colony  hi>  fatlicr  had  been  |>re»iilenL  IIo  oumc  to  New- York 
and  married  Susanna  l'hllli|.^  an  heir-ess,  nn.l  resided  on  his  esUte,  opposite  \Ve»t  Point,  on  the  Imnks  of  Ihe  Hudson  river. 
On  the  lireakinK  out  of  the  Kcvcduti.m  he  n.li.  red  to  the  side  of  the  Crown,  whendiy  lie  lost  all  his  sjilendid  property  ;  wb« 
appoiut<.d  Colonel  of  the  loyal  AincrioKii  regiment,  ami  is  suspeeted  of  having  heen  privy  to  Arnold's  Ireasou.  He  retired 
to  England  at  the  peace  and  resided  at  Thornbury,  near  Ii»tli,  where  he  died.  —  En. 

•  ilajor-General  John  Stahk.  waa  born  at  Londonderry,  .V.  11..  '.iStli  Augu.t,  172t«,  and  in  1762  was  a  eaptiva  among  the 
Indians  of  St.  Francis,  lie  served  as  CapUin  of  rangers  in  the  French  war  (  Kn.,x,  I..  321i ),  and  at  the  opening  of  the  Itevo- 
lulion  received  a  commission  as  Colonel  an.l  fought  al  Hunker  Hill  in  June.  1775;  went,  in  1V7«,  to  Canada,  an<l  at  TrentoT 
commanded  the  van  of  the  right  wing  of  the  Anierienn  iiimy.  He  was  also  in  the  battle  of  l'rinoeU)n,  but  being  omitted  in 
Uie  promotions  threw  up  his  coininiasion  in  Mnich.  1777.  He  raiswl  a  body  of  troops  in  New  Hampshire,  and  in  August, 
following,  defeated  Colonel  Itaum  at  Wallumschack.  After  this  lie  was  reinstated  in  th-  Contineii  al  army  as  liiigiidier- 
General.  He  served  in  Uhodc  Island  in  1778  '«,  and  in  1780  in  New  .lenwy  ;  in  1781  had  the  command  of  the  Noiihern 
depaitment,  and  was  one  of  the  members  of  the  court-martial  on  -Miijor  Andri'.  He  died,  full  of  yean  and  houor^  May  8th 
\iti,  aged  93  years,  and  was  buriod  on  a  small  hill  on  the  banks  of  the  Merrimsck  river.  Attn. 

'  Major  (ieneral  Jamdi  Cu!«Tot«,  fourth  son  of  Charles  Clinton,  was  born  I8ih  August,  17S6,  in  Orange  county.  New- York. 
In  17S6  he  received  a  eoniinission  of  Knsign  in  the  militia,  and  held  the  rank  of  l.ioutenantColmiel  In  1774  of  the  Ulster 
county  militiii.  He  was  appniiiteil,  June,  177S.  Colonel  of  the  3d  .New  York  regiment;  was  made  Itrigadier  (;cnei«I  mh 
August,  1776,  and  distinguished  himself  during  the  war  by  his  gallant  conduct  at  the  stiirming  of  Fort  Clinton,  in  1777.  In 
1779  he  accompanied  Sullivan  against  the  Indians  of  We.UTU  New  York,  and  was  afi.  rwards  present  at  the  siege  of  York- 
town  and  surrender  of  Coirwnllis.  H  s  la«t  appearnnec  in  arms  was  at  the  eviicunti.m  of  New-York,  liy  the  Hritisli  Novem- 
ber, 1783.  Af*er  tint,  he  returned  to  his  native  county,  where  he  dieil,  22d  September,  1812,  aged  70  years.  '  Oeneral 
Clinton  was  the  father  of  Do  Wilt  Clinton,  for  many  years  Governor  of  the  Slate  of  New- York.  Baofr',  /li,l„ry  of  Oravn, 
County,  829. 

•Brigadier-General  EiKKEzn  Urxbd  oommaaded  one  of  the  Massachusetts  regimsoU,  and  was,  iu  1777,  ooinuiissioned  U> 
onmmanJ  a  brigade. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS :    XL VII. 


807 


late  Maxwel'8,  who  resigned  on  account  of  the  mutinous  spirit  of  his  officers—He  does  not 
recollect  the   Pensilvania   Generals. -They  have   no  troops   in  this  quarter,   of  the   more 
,      faoutherly  Colonies. 

Waphington's  difficulties  are  now  coming  on,  many  of  the  American  Officers  as  well  as 
others  m  the  country  at  large  are  jealous  of  his  late  promotion  in  the  French  Army,  as  a 
provision  for  himself  at  all  events,  and  dislike  that  his  Risks  in  the  controversy  arc  become  less 

Z   r'  ^"'rT"  °'""^'''  ^'""'"'^  ''  '°  P°P"''»'-  ^«  ^«-     ''  ^^y  continue  a  little  longer. 

M  Heron  ,s  confident  the  whole  rebellion  must  fall  soon  from  the  internal  weakness  of  the 

Country  m  General,  and  the  still  greater  weakness  of  the  party  that  have  hitherto  fomented 

the  troubles,  who  lose  ground  every  day.  and  divide  from  each  other.-^«  subdivision,  are/or 

peace  with  Great  Britain  on  the  old  Foundations. 

Lately  before  the  Committee  of  Accounts  at  Hartford,  M'  Champion  only  Commissary  for 
the  purchase  of  cattle,  shewed  that  he  owed  three  millions  of  Dollars.-M'  Cottis  the  Deputy 
Commissary  General  <or  all  the  country  East  of  Hudson's  tliver.  shewed  his  Debts  for  general 
purchases  of  bread  &c,  to  be  a  million  aud  a  half,  nnd  the  Deputy  Quarter  Master  General  for 
he  same  District,  7  or  8  hundred  thousand  Dollars-While  these  sums  are  withh  Id  from  the 
leople,  horrible  Taxes  are  levying.  The  Committee  are  astonished  and  distressed.  The 
Creditors  are  it  possible  to  be  paid  out  of  new  emissions.- but  they  insist  upon  the  public 
benrmg  the  loss  by  the  Depreciation  of  the  continental  money  since  the  debts  were  contracted, 
that  IS  to  say,  all  beyond  the  Depreciation  of  177S.  when  it  was  sunk  only  twenty  for  one— 
Here  is  a  copious  source  of  animosity  without  remedy. 

Jemiah  Wadsworth  of  Hartford  is  Commissary  of  purchases  for  the  French.  The  Vendors 
o(  cattle  &c.  looked  to  him  for  bullion,  but  the  French  have  had  the  art  to  borrow  of  the 
I  rovince  new  paper  money,  &  give  him  that  to  lay  out.  Prodigious  disgusts  have  arisen  upon 
this  account.  What  he  gives  away  is  with  a  depreciation  of  3  for  I.  In  short  the  Inhabitants 
in  general,  from  an  infinite  variety  of  causes  are  so  changed,  that  people  of  all  classes  in  & 
out  of  the  Army,  pronounce  the  war  at  or  near  its  end. 

It  is  not  doubted  by  any  man  that  John  Adams  is  authorized  to  make  peace  with  Great 
Britain,  and  that  he  will  be  directed  from  time  to  time  by  Congress,  according  to  the  condition 
&  prospects  he  is  made  acquainted  with  from  hence,  and  his  own  views  of  events  on  that  side 
of  the  water.— M'  Heron  thinks  he  will  receive  orders  to  strike  this  winter,  upon  the  best 
terms  he  can  get  for  the  Continent,  for  it  will  be  impossible,  when  the  3  months  &  G  months 
men  leave  Washington,  for  him  to  figure  with  an  army  thro'  the  winter,  or  to  form  another 
in  the  Spring.  By  that  lime  the  whole  strength  of  the  Continent  must  be  exhausted,  and  all 
public  credit  at  an  end. 

Undoubtedly  the  majority  of  the  Continent  have  long  been  for  a  reunion  with  Great  Britain 
From  his  intimate  knowledge  of  Conmrticut,  he  is  firmly  persuaded  that  not  a  tenth  of  the 
Inhabitanls  are  for  contending  (or  the  Independency,  if  well  assured  by  the  Government,  that 
the  Charter  shall  stand  good.  The  greater  part  of  ,hc  U.yalists  are  for  preserving  the  Charter 
and  many  became  loyalists,  because  they  conceived  the  Independent  Party,  exposed  it  \o 
Dissolution,  by  their  intemperate  measures.  Others  now  listen  to  them  as  men  of  wisdom  and 
patriotism,  and  execrate  the  danger  to  which  an  indiscreet  heat  has  exposed  the  Charter.— It 
would  strengthen  the  hands  and  increase  the  number  of  the  King's  friends,  if  Governm'  would 
issue  a  Proclamation,  promising  safety  to  the  Charter,  on  the  Colon,/,  returning  with  ukdience— 
Ihey  have  conceived  good  hopes  from  Governor  Robertson's  Proclamation  to  the  people  of 


808 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


New  York,  of  the  King's  good  Intentions.  But  the  new  Proclamation  had  better  be  postponed 
till  some  event  favorable  to  the  British  turns  up,  or  till  after  the  3  months  men  quit  the  Army 
14"'  Oct'  He  can't  say  what  proportion  they  are  of  it.  They  were  to  be  two  fifths  of  the 
militia  levies,  and  probably  are  more,  because  the  objection  to  serve  for  3  months  was  not  so 
strong  as  for  six 

He  hears  of  no  Magazines  for  provisions  in  any  part  of  the  Continent.  It  was  impossible 
to  form  any.  No  man  would  sell  upon  trust,  &what  is  got  is  by  force,  &  not  enough  for  daily 
consumption.  All  contracts  are  now  made  in  private  dealings  inbidlion,  whether  the  party  can 
comply  or  not.  All  paper  therefore  is  gone  and  congress  has  no  other  money.  They  are 
insolvent  even  with  that  at  their  command; — All  departments  in  debt. — There  is  short 
sowing  and  short  husbanding  among  all  the  farmers,  that  they  may  have  nosurpltis  to  be  seized — 
Not  more  than  a  third  of  the  usual  harvest  of  Indian  Corn,  will  come  in  this  fall,  owing  to  a 
cold  spring  &  the  summer  drought. 


^  ■■  <  11  fc 


Zord  George  Germain  to  Govei^wr  Robertson. 


(N»6) 


[Kew-Tork,  CUUCI.,  No.  «.] 


Sir, 


Whitehall  Q""  Novem'  17S0. 


I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  King  your  Letter  to  me  of  the  1"  of  September,  and  I 
have  the  pleasure  to  acquaint  you  that  it  gave  His  Majesty  much  satisfaction  to  find  that  the 
restoration  of  the  Civil  Governor's  Authority,  by  placing  the  direction  of  the  Police  of  New 
York  in  your  hands  and  the  judicious  measures  you  have  adopted,  have  been  productive  of 
such  good  eB'ects  as  rendering  the  people  within  the  lines  happy  and  content,  and  exciting  an 
earnest  desire  in  those  under  the  Rebel  jurisdictions  to  partake  with  them  in  the  blessings  of 
His  Majesty's  gracious  protection  and  mild  government:  Nothing  will  more  serve  to  promote 
&  diffuse  these  tavourable  sentiments  than  the  strict  attention  I  have  no  doubt  you  will 
continue  to  pay  to  tiie  characters  and  dispositions  of  such  as  you  appoint  Magistrates,  or  to 
exercise  any  branch  of  Civil  Authority;  and  as  the  exemplary  punishment  Lord  Cornwallis' 
has  so  properly  inflicted  on  such  of  the  Rebel  Prisoners  as  had  broke  their  Parole  and  repeated 
their  violation  of  their  Oaths  of  Allegiance,  will  soon  be  known  in  the  rebel  army,  and 
throughout  the  Country,  the  deserters  from  it  will  certainly  increase  in  numbers,  and  many 
others  will  withdraw  from  the  rebel  cause  when  they  find  we  are  not  afraid  to  punish,  and 
may  justly  dread  the  consequences  of  continuing  to  support  a  rebellion,  which  is  evidently 
declining  to  the  last  —  Such  of  these  as  are  willing  to  enter  on  board  the  King's  ships  or 

'  riiAiii.«»,  2d  Earl  bik]  Ist  Miirqiiis  Cornwau.i9,  wns  born  31st  December,  173S,  und  Imving  entered  the  army  became 
Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  I'ith  foot  Ist  May,  17B1,  and  Colonel  of  the  33d  regiment  2Ut  March,  1766;  Major  General,  Sc(>- 
tembcr  19th,  1776.  lie  came  to  America  in  177«  b»  Liculenant-Genornl  under  General  Howe,  end  participated  in  the 
military  operations  during  the  war  of  the  American  Uevolution,  which  closed  by  his  memorable  lui  r  l.r  at  Yorktown  in 
1781.  After  his  return  to  Knglnnd  ho  was  iippoinled  Constable  of  the  Tower;  was  (Jovernor  of  Itengul  from  I7S6  to  1792, 
when  he  was  created  a  Marquis;  became  a  General  in  the  army  I2th  October,  1793,  and  MnstcrGeneral  of  the  Ordnance  in 
1795,  He  was  appointed  Lord-lJeulenant  of  Ireland  in  17a8,  and  returned  to  India,  a  second  lime,  iu  lilU4,  at  Governor  of 
Bengal,  and  died  at  Gauzepoor,  Slh  October,  180S.  — Eu. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII. 


809 


privateers  should  be  encouraged  to  do  so  in  small  proportions,  and  it  will  be  a  most  acceptable 
service  if  you  can  induce  those  that  are  fit  for  recruits  to  join  the  regiments  in  the  West  Indies, 
or  to  engage  ,n  the  Jamaica  Corps,  or  take  part  in  the  enterprizes  carrying  on  against  the 
enemies  possessions  in  that  quarter. 

I  was  always  of  opinion  that  the  arrival  of  f  rench  Troops  in  America  would  produce  jars 
and  divisions  and  even  if  not.iug  further  should  be  attempted  on  our  part  against  M' 
Rauchambeau  and  de  Ternay  than  the  confining  them  at  Rhode  Island.  I  am  persuaded  the 
cause  of  Great  Britain  will  be  much  benefitted  by  it,  tho'  I  am  not  without  hopes  something 
more  important  and  decisive  will  be  effected  by  our  superior  land  and  sea  force.  I  have  sent 
^e  usual  notice  of  .VPSmyth's  appointment  to  the  Treasury  to  the  end  that  the  same  allowance 
may  be  made  '-•"  ««  was  given  to  his  Predecessor,  but  as  the  fund  for  paying  the  salaries  of 
h    American  Civil  Officers  has  become  deficient  thro'  the  neglect  of  the  Revenue  Officers  to 

be  some  time  before  the  Chief  Justice  will  receive  the  Emoluments  of  his  Office,  unless  proper 
dih^euce  IS  used  in  collecting  th.  duties,  which  I  understand  the  Lor.is  of  the  Treasury  have 
enjomed,  and  which  you  will  countenance  and  support  as  far  as  your  Jurisdiction  extends. 

Your  recommendation  of  M'  Ludlow  to  be  Master  of  the  Rolls  will  be  duly  attended  to 
when  It  IS  judged  proper  to  fill  up  that  office  and  in  the  mean  time  the  employment  you  have 
given  him  upon  Long  Island  appears  to  be  very  necessary,  and  I  doubt  not  the  public  will 
derive  much  utility  from  his  exercise  of  it.  Every  fit  means  should  be  used  to  reduce  the 
great  expence  of  maintaining  the  King's  faithful  subjects  who  have  been  driven  from  their 
property  by  the  rebels,  and  the  parcelling  out  among  them  '.he  rebel  estates  is  a  measure 
equally  just  and  oeconomical. 

„  _,  ,  I  am  &c» 

(jovernor  Robertson.  >-,        „ 

UEO.    UERMAm. 


Governor  RoherUon  to  Lord  George  Germain, 

[Naw-Tork  EntrlM  (8,  P.  O.)  CCCLlV.] 

New  York  23  Jan 


1781. 


My  Lord. 

It  has  been  suggested  to  me  by  an  authority  I  respect  "That  as  the  prohibitory  Act  works 
"  no  incapacity  in  the  Kings  Officers,  but  only  restrains  them  in  the  exercise  of  their  Office  the 
"  instant  that  restraint  is  removed  they  are  fully  Authorized  to  do  every  thing  they  were 
••before  empowered  to  perform;  that  from  not  understanding  this,  the  revenue  Officers  had 
•'  done  a  great  injury  to  the  poor  American  exiles  by  not  collecting  the  duties  from  whence 
"  their  allowance  arose" — 

A  wish  to  relieve  these  Gentlemen  and  to  correct  every  error  that  exists  where  1  am 
supposed  to  have  power,  led  me  into  a  minute  inquiry  on  the  subject— All  {  am  able  to  learn 
IS  collected  in  a  letter  from  M'  Elliot  to  me  tho'  he  supposes  that  Policy  only  n.strains  the 
exercise  of  Civil  power  but  that  the  collection  of  duties  is  restrained  by  law  Yet  imagining  a 
connection  between  the  Subjects  he  has  treated  of  the  first,  as  an  introduction  to  the  secoud. 
Vol.  VIII.  102 


810 


NEW-YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


That  I  may  not  weaken  the  force  of  his  reasoning,  I  will  give  the  whole  of  his  letter,  the'  his 

opinion    about   civil  Government   is   diflerent  from    mine,     i    think   that   n   loyal  American 

Assembly,  might  at  this  time  hold  to  Americans  a  language  useful  to  Britain  and  I  know  that 

from   the   places   within   Our   protection,   we   could   call    more   than    half   the   number   of 

representatives  that  usually  formed  the  Assembly  —  After  making  these  observations  I  am 

induced  to  submit  the  whole  letter  and  references  to  your  Lordships  observation,  because  I 

think  beside  all  the  mutter  relative  to  the  present  question  it  contains  some  information  that 

under  your  Lordship's  direction  may  be  of  Importance  in  future  —  If  it  procures  me  the  honor 

of  any  directions  from  you,  I  will  attend  to  them  with  the  care  and  respect  that  becomes  one 

who  has  the  honor  to  be 

My  Lord  &.' 

James  Roueiitson 


Ooi'erno?'  Hohertson  to  Secretanj  Kvox. 

[  New-Tork  KdUIm  ( 8.  P.  O. )  CCOLIV.  1 

New  York  29  Jan:  1781. 
Dear  Sir, 

By  the  I'acket  which  Sailed  last  Thursday,  I  told  you  I  would  send  to  Lord  George  Germain  a 
full  state  of  all  that  relates  to  duties,  it  goes  with  this,  I  wish  1  could  have  shortened  it,  I  will 
not  add  any  thing  to  the  subject  as  the  task  of  perusing  it  will  fall  to  your  share,  I  will  be  very 
attentive  to  any  directions  1  may  receive  in  consequence.  You  will  see  that  a  circumscribed 
power  like  mine  can  do  nothing.  1  told  you  then  that  the  Jersey  Brigade  had  revolted 
and  that  I  was  just  embarking  for  Staten  Island  to  improve  the  revolt  At  this  season  and  when 
there  is  two  feet  Snow  on  the  Ground,  nothing  but  an  opportunity  of  engaging  the  Enemy  to 
advantage  or  of  wining  over  the  Hevolters  to  join  us,  could  justify  carrying  the  Troops  into  the 
field,  I  therefore  left  the  Troops  in  New  York  ready  to  embark  and  join  me  on  a  signal.  If  I 
could  lind  a  probability  of  accomplishing  either  of  these  views.  I  sent  spies  and  ofl'ers  to  the 
Revolters,  oifered  them  the  money  due  by  the  perfidious  Congress,  to  receive  them  as  friends 
without  desiring  them  to  inlist,  offered  to  receive  aiiy  person  they  might  send  to  treat  and  to 
land  with  n  body  of  Troops  to  cover  and  protect  their  March  to  Klizabeth  Town  till  I  should 
receive  an  Answer  I  was  doubtful  of  the  effect  of  an  invasion  perhaps  tlie  appearance  of  John 
Bull  might  have  led  the  quarrelling  dogs  to  a  reconcilliation  My  intelligence  did  not  tempt  me 
to  make  the  signal  I  am  just  returned  tired  and  hardly  able  to  write,  happily  an  account  of 
this  matter  to  the  Minister  will  come  from  Sir  Henry  Clinton  it  will  not  be  impertinent  in  me 
to  tell  you,  Tlial  Congress  has  made  the  same  agreement  with  the  Jersey  Brigade  as  with  the 
Pensylvauiu  Line,  —  every  man  who  can  prove  or  swear  that  the  time  for  which  he  engaged 
to  serve  is  expired  is  to  have  his  discharge  out  of  900  all  but  150  are  under  this  predicament 
those  discharged  are  to  have  cloathing  and  as  there  is  no  hard  money  for  a  dollar  due  in'  75  in 
paper  is  to  be  paid  the  150  who  remain  are  tochuse  new  Olficers  they  insist  that  all  hut  three 
of  the  old  shall  be  turned  ofl'.     The  Brigade  has  gone  back  from  Springfield  to  the  Barracks  at 

'  Sic.  "iVSO"  aeemt  to  be  oinitteil.  Soo  Penniylvania  Archivft,  VIII.,  702.  —  Ed. 


m» 


LONDON  DOCUMKNTS:    XLVII. 


811 


Pompton  whor.   I.ey  were  quarter..,!  wh.-n  th.  Ilevolt  Iw^.u  to  I.nvo  ,h«  ngn-.-m.-nt  ..x...,.,..,! 
a    th    cau.e  of    he  .v.    remain.,  «.,.l  will  be  .ncrenne.!  with  the  iru-rease.!  e.ni«Hio„  of  P       r 
t  e  d,aor.ier  w.ll  «oo„  break  out  ugain  the  Troopn  of  all  the  other  nta.e,  have  giveu  in  ti  ei 

(       -r  t tw  "f '"^  ''T'  ''  '""  "'""  '■•"""  '""'"  ""•'  ''-'-y-'  '-  '">l»'  o'rai.     g 

he  Bedlord  Cuiioden  America  &  Adamant  were  sent  by  A.in.iral  (Jraves  to  follow  then   ah  of 

l.em  were  .n  „  dreadful  Storn,  on  Monday  night  last,  the  Cuiioden  was  drive    o     I    ng  I  l.^d 

her  meu  Ouns  &  mast,  will  be  saved  the  IJedfords  n.as.s  were  cut  away,  she  is  sad       L       r' 

n.y    Ihe  America  and  Adamant  have  been  seen  with  their  Masts  sUu.ding  since  t.e  Storm 

we  have  the  .nhuman  consolation  to  hope  that  the  French  have  fared  worse'      V        ow  ,V  m 

e  Hebe    Papers  that  Arnold  has  destroyed  the  Rebel  Stores  and  taken  their  Arcl.Tv  s 

double  Mal.ce;  I  have  g.ven  by  Henry  White's  advice  «n  Ollice  in  Chancery  to  your  Deputy. 

I  am  Sic. 

Jamks  Hohehson. 


Oovenior  liohcrtmn.  to  Lord  Geonje   Germain. 

I  Now  Vurk  EnlriM  (8.  I".  O.)  CCCLIV.] 

My  Lord,  New  York  0  May  1781. 

On  the  22"  of  April  I  had  the  honor  of  Your  Lordships  Circular  letter  of  the  20  of  Dec'  1780 
.onl'T  f " ''':''*"\,''';''  ^'^*'/''«  '"'^-ompanying  Manifesto  and  used  every  other  means  f 
could  tiMnk  ol,  to  call  the  people  to  Arm  Ships  against  the  new  Knemy  the  Dutcb-IJut  this 
Measure  is  at  present  obstructed  by  a  still  more  important  object 

The  French  men  of  War  &  Transports  with  Troops  on  board  lye  ready  to  sail  at  Rhode 
Island,  while  that  under  Adm'  Arbuthnot  having  landed  1400  Sick  &  Scorbutic  men,  is  here 
unable  to  go  to  Sen  for  want  of  hands.  On  the  A.l.niral's  requisition,  with  the  Con.mander 
in  Chiefs  consent,  other  applications  having  proved  inertectuul,  all  the  Sailors  here  have  been 
pressed  lor  the  Fleet. 

This  at  present  puts  a  stop  to  Privateering  but  on  my  representation  to  the  Admiral  that  by 
encouraging     r.vateers  and  giving  all  men  an   easy  access  to  them.  We  not  only  hurt  the 

!;rn';r,/r^r  Tu/'^'':^''"'^-  ^'""■"""  ''^  ''^"'"''"^  ^-^  ^-««  ^'^ «""""  to  nyand 

man  the  Rebel  Ships  of  War,  he  has  promissed  that,  as  soon  as  the  important  blow  he  now 
meditates  is  struck  or  as  soon  as  a  sunicient  number  of  hh  Sick  recover,  he  will  discharge  all 
the  '"«" ;;»w  'mpressed  and  will  no.  renew  a  measure  which  nothing  but  the  present  state  of 
his  and  the  Knemy's  Meet  could  justify.  I  hope  soon  to  be  able  ,„  revive  the  Spirit  o 
Pnvateering  the  obstructions  to  this  have  given  the  Itebels  but  too  many  opportunities  lately 
of  carrying. nto  their  Ports  many  of  Our  Ships  and  great  nu.nbers  of  their  own. 

I  am,  &c. 

James  Robertson. 


812 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCRIPTS. 


Governor  liobertmn  to  Ijord  George  Gernuiin. 

I  KtwTork  InlriM  (8.  P.  0- )  OOCLIV.  ] 

New  York  7  Mny  17S1. 
My  Lord, 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  after  receiving  this  morning  Inrormntion,  which  I  presume  he  communicntes 
to  Your  Lordship,  signified  to  me  thnt  he  thought  it  for  his  Mnjesty's  Interest  that  1  should 
immediately  take  upon  myself  the  Command  of  the  Army  in  Virginia  I  embark  to  Morrow 
Morning  in  the  Amphitrite  Frigate. 

Well  knowing  the  talents  &  disposition  of  Lieut'  Gov'  Elliot,  I  am  perfectly  satisfied  he 
will  continue  every  endeavour  we  have  jointly  used  to  make  Government  agreeable  to  the 
people,  and  hope  on  the  whole  that  the  Kings  Service  will  not  suffer  by  my  absence  from 
the   Province,  as  this  is  to  continue  no  longer  than  till  the  Arr,.y  in  Virginia  fulls  under  the 

Command  of  an  elder  Officer 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  &c. 

James  Robertson. 
P.  S. 
New  York  IS'"  June 

Before  the  Amphitrite  could  reach  Chesapenk  I  received  notice  thnt  Lord  Cornwallis  with 
his  Army  had  joined  the  Troops  in  Virginia,  this  came  accompanied  with  an  Order  from  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  to  return  to  my  duty  here. 


<  11  »  11  » 


N"  17. 


Colonel  Guy  Johthson  to  Ijord  George  Germain, 

t  Platutlona  0«nerml  (  S.  P.  0.  )  CCLXTII.  ] 


Niagara.  11.  October  1781. 
My  Lord. 

I  had  the  honor  to  address  your  Lordship  by  letter  of  the  20""  November  last,  and  having 
since  frequent  communications  with  His  Kxcell"  General  Haldimand,  who  would  doubtless 
inform  your  Lord'  of  any  thing  material  respecting  my  Department,  I  deferred  writing  'till 
this  season  when  military  operations  are  nearly  at  an  end  in  this  quarter. 

The  transactions  of  the  present  year  &  the  proceedings  of  my  Indian  Partys,  correspond 
in  many  respects  with  the  last,  and  the  Petite  Guerre  in  these  parts  have  never  appeared  to  me 
of  sufficient  importance  to  lay  a  minute  detail  of  them  before  your  Lord'.  The  six  Nation 
Confederacy  have,  howevet ,  distinguished  themselves  more  than  usual  this  year  in  several  smart 
actions  with  the  Rebels  in  which,  thro'  the  good  conduct  of  the  Indians,  an'i  of  my  Officers 
they  have  been  every  time  successful,  and  in  different  parts  have  killed  and  taken  several  noted 
partizans,  and  laid  waste  n  country  abounding  in  supplies  for  the  Rebels,  which  has  compelled 
the  latter  to  contract  their  frontier,  and  confine  themselves  within  little  Forts.  —  A  large 
detachment  is  lately  gone  with  a  body  of  Troops  ordered  on  service  by  the  Commander  in 
Chief,  and  I  have  just  set  off,  two  large  parties  to  co-operate  with  them. 


LONDON  DOCUMENTS:    XL VII.  ^^^^ 

T„  n  formnr  letter  I  i„form,..l  y„„r  Lor.m  of  my  having  provnile.i  on  many  of  ,l,e  Indian, 
who  (or  thcr  fa.thful  service,  u,..i  sullerings  oxptTltnl  to  .,«  mainlaine.l  here  during  ih.,  War) 
to  go  upon  phmling  groun.lH  at  a  oonvenicnt  .li«(anr.,  from  hence,  an.l  the  great  expence  an. 
d.tUeuity  attending  the  Trannport  of  provinionH  to  thin  I>o,t.  having  nm.ie  it  neccH.ary  lo  get  an 
many  an  po«H,hle  to  withdraw,  I  have  heen  indefatigahU,  in  my  endeavourn  for  that  purpose, 
andean  now  a^Hure  your  [,ord.-,  that  I  have  re  eMuhlinhed  near  four  thouBand  of  them   tho^ 
«t  much  expence.  as  hy  the  destruction  of  their  Country  in   177!..  they  were  in  want  of  every 
th.ng,  &  the.,  .iemaa.is  greatly  encrease.l,  hut  hy  nettling  them.  1  have  not  only  reduce.l  th« 
consumpt.on  o(  proviHious  hut  alno  of  all  other  expencen,  which  will  in  future  he  very  low 
Whilst  supplied  with  goo.18  from  Kurope,  „,  the  Indians  were  continually  asking  favours  whils! 
here,  neither  was  U  prudent  to  refuse  a  people,  who  in.iependent  of  their  sacrilices  for  (iovern- 
art  the  security  .»  u  great  measure  of  all  this  communication  an.l  who  give  the  example  l^ 
liJe  rest.  «  i-     .u 

Some  endeavours  iiavo  been  lately  made  hy  the  llebels  to  draw  them  into  a  neutrality  which 
most  of  them  disdain  ,  I  hope,  shortly  put  an  end  to  such  attempts  as  well  «s  to  re-'oncile  tli« 
Indians  to  the  plan  of  Oeconomy  now  entered  upon  for  reducing  exponces  which  however 
enormous,  was  for  a  time  unavoidable,  the  accomplishing  of  this  will  aHbrd  me  much 
satisfaction,  for  the  expences  which  were  only  ocisional  before  they  were  .Iriven  out  of  their 
country,  and  whilst  they  lived  at  a  consi.ierable  distance,  encrensed  so  much  by  their  residence 
here,  as  to  require  immediate  re.luction.-Some  of  the  principal  (M.iefs  now  here.  re<,uest  that 
I  may  make  favourable  mention  of  their  zeal  and  fidelity  to  His  Maj'^  which  I  constantly  tell 
them.  IS  done,  as  every  such  assurance  is  very  flattering  to  them,  and  indeed  their  conduct 
deserves  It  naving  seldom  less  than  500  on  service  who  are  generally  successful  without 
cruelty.-As  the  Commander  in  Chief  is  fully  acquainted  with  the  .State  and  services  of  my 
Department,  it  is  nee.lless  for  me  to  ad.l  more  than,  that  I  am  with  very  great  respect  Mv 
Lord,  Your  Lor.I'-s  most  obedient  &  most  humble  servant.— 

0.  Johnson.' 
'Colon*!  n.n,  Jo,.«„Hw..  l,or„  in  Ir.l.n.l,  .n,I,  ooming  to  Am.rio^  .nUr.,1  tl,«  I,„ll,,n  .l,.,,arlm„„t  ,„„l.r  Sir  Willi.m 

A.nh.r,t  ,,,  Ih.  Uk,.  n.  .76U  u.  .„,.„„.„,,  of  .  eo .„,  of  r.„Kor..  .„.!  „„„re.l  Monlr-M  .1,.,  follo.inK  '  .r  w  ■ 

,rmy.  r,.n«,„,MK  t h,r«  ,o„.,tin,.  ».  I,.,l.»„  AR.M.t     Af.,r  ll.«  po„o..  h.  .n.rrie,.  „„„  „f  Hir  Willi..,,  .lol.„.„,.','!l'„„|„rr      wm 

.ppo,nt..l  on.  o    1„.  ,U,p«t,«,  an.l  v«  pl„,.„.l  o„  L.lfp.jr  ..  i.i.„,.,„.„t  l„  „„,  „(  ,|,„  N„„.v„,k  .^„  \'  ;*•' 

On  U.e  .Umtl.  of  In,  f«il.«r.>n.!.w.  .«  1774,  <i,iy  Jol ,,  w„  nppoinl.ul  .„p.,rlnl„n,l«„t  of  |„J|,„  ,(,aln,  {  >«.>'„,*  oLm,n 

tary  IU„ory.  I  I.W,;).  L„i  «t  .1..  co.n«,..„ocnK.nt  of  .,!..  public  .,.„it,„„ut  in  177ft.  fonnd  it  n««.,.ry  to  .b„,„|„n  ,,i,  ,J' 
d.nc«  nt  <1»,  I  .rk  .„.  proccl  to  ().*,«„  witl.  hi,  f«n,i|,  ,„.,  „„„.  ,.,.,,„„,.  ,„.,  t,,.n...  to  Montr  J.  wl.„r,  l.„  »rriv..l  U 
July.  Supra  V.  AM.  In  No»,m(,.r.  I„  ,„il..l  for  rnRlnn.I.  wh«r,  li«  rcm.in...|  until  ,l.„  followin„  .ummor  II„  |„„,..  It 
Sut.n  I.l»nd  .n  Augu.t.  177«.  with  .  now  co„uni«i„n  m  .up.rint.n.Un^  .n.l  r..n»ln,.i  in  NowYork  until  loth  H.,p„„,b„r 
778.  During  .,.  ,„journ  m  th.t  city  h,  w«  one  of  th«  m.n.«.,r.  of  the  ohl  The.tr.  in  John-tr,.,.  Ston.'.  Lif.  If  lirar,' 
.152.  not..  H.  next  ..ile.l  for  IUIif»,.  wh.ro  h.  rmn.in.,1  until  Jun«.  I77«;  th„nc„  proc.c.lu,!  to  C.n.,l«  1\  i„  .h,: 
folow,ng««mpH.Kn  w..  pru.ont  at  th.  I,„tl«.  of  Chemung  .n,I  N«wtown.  in  Wct.rn  N.w-York.  fought  l,etwe..„  .;..„..,.^ 
8ulhT«n  .ml  th.  Five  N.tu,n  Indi.n.  S,on„  Bran..  II..  !«.  I,i.  he..I-.,u,rter.  aft.r  ,h,.,  were  .t  Ni.g.r.,  where  h  7^ 
h.n.l.on„  ho„.o  w.thin  the  for.  /*,rf  „..  M.  67.  II.  w.nt  to  Kngl.nd  .fter  the  pe.c.  ,n.l  die.l  .t  hi.  r«id.„ce.  |„  ,h, 
H.ym.rket,  London.  6th  M.rcl^  1788  (»,«(/.»,,„•.  J/.,«,„,),  up  lo  which  time  hi.  ...m.  eontioned  on  the  h.lf.,,.,  li.t  .' 
p.r,«n  I,,  i,  dcorihed  ..  .hort  and  pu«y,  h.ir  powdered,  of  .lern  eountcn.nce  .nd  h.ughty  d.n.e.nor  i  I.I.  voio«  *„.  h.r.h 
•nd  1...  tongue  b  .re  .vid.noe  of  hi.  Iri.U  extr.ctlon.  StoH.;  Brant,  11..  «7.  Hi.  property,  In  th«  ,Si,to  of  N.w-York  w.. 
«ODfiM«U<l  by  tb«  Aot  of  n7».  —  Ed.  ' 


■■■*.■•'    > 


814 


NEW- YORK  COLONIAL  MANUSCMlirTS. 


(>oiYi'nor   /:f(>f>er(.s'oii  to   Lord  Gtorifv  (ftrmdin. 

[  N  w.TOTk  Kiilrli*  (8.  r  0,>  vtTLlV.  ] 

Now  York  S  Nov:  17SI. 
My  Lord, 

\Vh'l«  Ofticers  of  auperior  Hnnk  aiiil  better  infornu'ij,  AcooniU  to  yoisr  Lordships  Cor  the 
disaster  tlmt  has  befallen  the  Kings  Arms.  A  (Jovernor  would  do  injiistii'e  to  tlie  iieoplt  & 
disappoint  their  expectations  if  he  did  not  inform  you  that  they  had  made  every  eft'irt  within 
the;."  power  to  prevent  it. 

With  a  zeal  equal  to  the  import  ince  of  tlie  Service  every  liand  and  every  means  the  p!ae« 
could  artord  waa  otVered  for  (ittinj<out  the  Kleet  ev.iry  Me.ohant  ...id  every  man  of  consequence 
exerted  his  inlluence  and  liberally  contributed  wiih  his  fortune  to  raise  Volunteers  to  Man  it. 
and  all  the  Sailoii  who  were  dead  to  the  calls  of  ^^enerosity  were  with  the  aHsistance  ot  the 
inhaliitnnts  pressed  into  the  ^Service.  Thy  Fleet  was  tine!y  fitted  &  manned,  persuaded  that 
if  mis  had  arrived  in  the  Cheanpeak  before  Lord  OornwalMs  was  conipt  lied  to  surrender,  the 
event  would  have  Jiccn  disasirous  to  the  Knemy.  At  the  same  time  tl:e  people  wisli  it  should 
be  known  that  no  exertion  cf  th.^irs  was  wanting  to  create  dispatch  they  declare  that  sensihlo 
of  Ira  .Majesty's  goodness  in  allottic;;  so  f;.-eat  a  part  of  his  force  for  the  defence  of  America, 
wb.en  he  is  attacked  hy.»o  many  pow«  rful  enemies  far  from  i.eing  dejected  they  will  endeavour 
by  an  increased  Ardor  co  repair  an  uuloriunaie  Kvciit     I  am  &c 

Jamk^  ltonisii'.''»oN. 


Sir  iJohn  t/(>/ui-»-.n   to  S,<-rif<iri/   h'lioiV  * 


I  MtnUUcui  (lentral  ( K. 


Sir. 


.  O.)  C<|.XV1I. ) 

(Jlanville  Street.  H'd.  March  17S3. 


1  was  last  night  linnoret^  wilii  your  letter  of  the  IS'*-  insi :  informing  me  that  the  King  bae 
been  most  Graciously  pleased  to  appoint  me  8uperintendnnt  (ieneriil  mul  Inspector  of  Indian 
AfTa-rs;  this  Mark  of  His  M»]"''  favour  and  coididerce,  does  nii.st  astiredly  impress  me  with 
the  warmest  sentiments  of  duty  and  grati  ude,  and  will  ever  excite  me  to  exert  my  utmost 
endeavours  '.o  r;.'nder  my  present  appointment  beneficiul  to  the  public,  by  establishing  the 
strictesC  economy  through  all  branches  of  my  Department,  by  which  means  I  hope  to 
recommend  myself  to  His  Maj"'  further  favour  and  allention. 

Therefore,  and  in  ohclience  to  Ilis  Maj"'  Cotnmands  1  shall  iii.tnediatcly  prepare  to  reHirn  to 
(Juebec,  to  take  unon  n.e  the  exercise  of  my  Ollice ;  nothing  remains  to  jjrevenl  my  immediato 
deparUire,  hut  the  want  of  a  conveyance  for  tnyself.  Family  and  baggage,  in  which,  I  must  I»e{j, 
you  will  pleatie  to  assist  -iie  l)y  an  Order  or  in  such  other  ni..nnei  as  you  may  judge  (it. 

I  shall  most  punctually  ubsi'rve  all  orders  niid  instructions  thai  I  m.iy  receive  from  the 
Commander  in  Chief,  and  I  iiave  no  doul.t  hut  the  allowance  for  my  lervices,  will  be  iuiei|uatc 
and  proper 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect  —  !*ir, 

Vour  matt  obed'  8c  .nost  humtjle  serv' 

JullN    JullNsiiN. 


.iX 


NOTK  n.  p.  to.i. 

Thv   HoU  vf  Common    I'ra.jn   i.i   M,.h.,u'k,  and  i/,    Transl.ilnn. 


Oiilunel  |).\Ni«i.  ('i.*ii»  or  Clan;,  im  il 


liu  I 


jiiim.l,  in  i-mly   lifn.   «  Liii>wl'<i||{(i  iif  i|i«  ir 


nil  llif  iiitini'  in  inMUi'lliiidii  wiltl.h 


(iKlmrtim.Ml  i.f  (I.mi,'|«1  .li>liuaiiii  (  fii;ir,i,  VI  ,  IHVI  ,  VII 


1    ."       llM|;illlHU,    mill    WD!    ill  I'llllaii) 


I'liiliiil.ly  u  iinlivt-  (if  tliv  Miilmwk  Vulloy,  wli<-r« 


•U-iniil  |ii.'iil(iiu     .Ww-l-.fi  /), 


All 
wl 


iioi-icmi  rrKiiii«iil  Hint  rniitiiHii'il  ni  J,i| 


WuMtHl.ir;/  l/„l,„y,  H\„.,  IV.,  'iKl,     In  IVMl  >,. 


Mo,)  ivIiiMii  li«  ni'i'iiiii|miiiiiil  na  l.iiiiiinnniii  „f  | 


liiimie  nMiii'lifil,   h»  liilM'|iri<lcr,  tii  tlia 


"Ki'ta,  iiilliit<u|<iHli(i<in 


h'.'.i-ti  li,«  «..Mt  wil'i  l!i.i  ni'iiiy  lo  Miiiilri-nl,  wli..r«  I 


iiiiatnwii  111-  llmiridioiiia  ,i„|i|  nft,,   wli«,i  t 


wna  n|>|iiiiiiliiil  l.lKiili.iinni  ill  ilii^  nut  I,  „r  Itnyal 


ii(oiMii|i»iii,..l  llin  ■'«|.i.ilitiuii  III  Ni«((iirii, 


«<rt,  :nH,  4;ift,  ,v,i,.  r-.r*  i ',./„«,„/ /)*« ,„. 


Ii«  wiia  •Iniiiiii.Ml  tt.  «ii|.<Tiiit.iiil.Mil  iif  lli,i  Ciiiiii.l,!  lii.lJuiia.  «iii,iii    VI 


liiit 


iiti.n  iinlf  |my  in  IViia,  mi  tlin  riiilii.'ijiiii  iiflila  r 


V  ,  IIDII,      (III  llKMllh.liily,    |7lM,   I 


wna  |.l<>Mlo(,n|  In  R  ('«|,|«ii„,y  ,11  III,.  iiiHIi. 


liiim'a  |l.i|illlli<a  mill  ill  Hiln,  naaialnl  ill  |li.  ( 


to  ni'l  naoiiiii>rSir  Wi 

lu  17(17  li«  wriii.  liiK.k  to  Cniinilit  (  .V»«.    I',,,*-  /), 

uno  of  IliK  ilitii|(lilara  ol  Sir  Willi.-  ..  Join 

I*  viait..,!  KiiKlniiil  »,!li    II 


I'KiiiiiMil.    Aimji  t.iilK      llnviiiKr.Miini..il  to  Kill.  ,l,iliiii.oii    I 


ll'Kty    I'OMI'lllll.'il    Willi    I'olllilli'  Hi   |,,l|(„( 


'.I 


.MHiKndi.y  llitliny,  II.,  Hllil ),    l.ii:  .Inl 


ralirvil  to  I'liiiailn.      II 
I)«|iiity 


,   llii  rKaiili'.l  ii..|ir    lolillah 


llol  li'liiitiii  Ihc 


)|il 


Ol    II 


'.VII  iiiilil  lliti  liiimkiiix  oiil  i.f  iliM  Iti'voliili 


Hiipiiiiili'ihliiil  of,  mill  Willi   iiiatr 


liii'il,  ill  nVil,  nil. I  iiirivi'.l   ih  (M,.|.,.„  Ul  Jiiii^  IVVV,  Willi 


Kiio    Sufini,  \iti\. 
inviiiK    iiiiirrlnil 
vlixh  lin 


of  thill  y<.«r      ||„ 
llrii/vl 


l.liliKly 


ih'lioiin  lo  loiiiK,  III,.  Iiiiliniia  i,. 


n|,i'iiil,.  Willi  ill,'   llriliali 


oiiiniinniiiii  na 


iKvli.irUnmrnl  ,S|.  I.i«„r,  »)io , ||,|,.,|  [ 


■i.'ioi„|,ni,i,.,|  i|o„„  |,.,I,..,  ill   (||„  ,.»|,..,|j ,^„|,|.j.  |,.„|,,  Hi'liiivl 


nrxi.V  ill  II niiipiii^ii 


rxliiriuiil  III  l.'nnii,lii 

<  Il 


ol.  nll< 


iiniiiK  li*J  I1....11  iii,.|iiil,Ml  III  III.  (iiitUmy  All  of  IVli,;,  nii.l  In 


|i»rlof  I'.hV.   UtHlltm.tt,' '  M, 


iljli'i-,  ill   AiiKual,  liVV,  iiiiil.r 
III-  .•»..rli.iia  on  Hint  oici.ioh.     t)ii  lli»  rniliitn  of  tlila  B«|"'<li"l"l'.<'"l..ii.l  CIni.a 

nili  aoiiia   I'lUllliiii-rnlloii  for  lila  loaaia,  na  hia 

IlllliT 


I'l'ii'''"  w«a  il.'oliir,.,|,  |ii,„.,.o,|„,|  lo  llhKliui.l  to  olit 


iKiii     Sdmt't  trfii,(  llniHl,  II  ,  inl 


,j.,i,>„  for  IVHV,  |i   IDU.      Mra.  Clniiaaurvivml  lior  liii.lmii.l  II 


!""l'"'y  llai'ntiMl.     Ill,  ilimi  nl  rnr.liir.  Wnl,.,  m  lli„  I 


liirloaii  yiiir.  no, I  ilo'.l  in  i  niinilu 


<li<l«il  liini  till 


iiiigiily  , 


i'.loorl  I  l».la'«rl>  niol  loiiK  ..mii>..oti»„  will.  Ilm  |i„li,iii  ,1,  |,„,  hi„.„|  „ ,, 


li«alioii  .if  4  .•orrv.  t  I'rniialnlioii  of  1  li<.  ll,H,k  of  ( 


I'aniil  with  Ilm  |ro.|iioia  loiiKiii.,  Iii>ai.rv 


lu  III.  yenr  I  (.1.1.  Ihi.  Soi.|..|  y  for  Ihn  I' 


Wl.d.iii  I'layrr  illlollin  Mollliwl.  I 


una  Wdi'.!  thoivf highly  ii...hil  111  ao|.i'riiil..ii.|iiiK  "li"  I'"' 


I  liiali 


to  III'.'  Mohnwlta,  I. lit  hia  ainy  w 


o|inKnli<iiii'lllii.  Ii<>a|>«|  III  l'„r,.|^ii  |',||| 


II  \  of  uhl.'ll  lliiiy  1,1.  i,f||i|„|„.|. 


Hoy,  Mr.  r'l 
thaiii  thit  M 
ohi 


iia  loo  l,ii,.r  I,,  |,„  |,r„.lm.|iv.,  of  nny  |„.|„.||(.   .s 


la  arnt  lliu  lli'V.   11 IIKlig,„.,l  M 


■oiMllnll,  MlMiatorof  lh.<  l(,.t..iiii,.,|   lhl|,.|i  ,,h„,.,.h  „lS,.hr 1,1,1 


,  IV.,  low. 


tor  na  iiita>-i, ii.nl  y 
not.'      Atliir  Ilia  ,1.  |,iiiiiir,.  Iha 


|;,.i 


MiiiiiH  mol   KvniiiiK  !  .ny,.,.,  |h„  wlo.l tl„,  IJ„.,„.|  of  s,.  M,„|h.,»   n...  Il 


y.  n.liiiiiiial.rr.l  lo  II Ii„l...i,a,  an, I  li.i,i.lnl,Ml  I,. 


of  Ktoiliia,  H  f.'W  of  III, 


r«nlii 


Aa,','iiti.Mi  of  01, r  1,01,1,  nil. I  a,..r.-  '  nhu|.Uia  ..f  tin  |.|  |'|>i.i|„  ( 


y  |. .oil. ma  of  III,.  M..ri|iliir,.«  ii.laliii^  |„  |>|„   |||,||,    (.|„,i, 


llli'i.  Ural  ,'lin|,l,.ra  of  liilu.aia,  aovulnl 


III,  It, 


■iiin-olioii  am 


Ki.ai.rrKi'tii.ii  .>f  till*  Dun.l      Hut  liia  worli 


I'ol.  S,.||ll^l..|■,  wl 


irli  wna  not  |.riiil.il.      In  ihii   y.nr  IV 


III"  I'oriiilliiniia,  |i,uli.iiliirly  Ih..  I.Mh  .'lin|.li.r,  |,r,ivii,K  iIik 


i.'ii  n|.|il.r.iihoii  wiia  inn. I.'  for  aoin,.  Mn 
yi.ar  ;/l';,  l.y  ih..  M.i..|i.|y,  no. I  .j.,,  |t,.v..ri.|..l  ,Mr   I'l 


in  th. 

fatloii',  thiiy  w.rn  ai.iil    to  Mr   Aii.ln 


Ilm  It.. 


wa,  lor  hit  iiai>,  with  inatriiil 


Ilia  (I1M.I1.      .\.n.,i.!in((ly  Iho  M<i>oini(  «i,.|   Kv k  I'ray.ra,  tlm  l.itnnv 


"" .Mi.l.uwli    In.linna  viailral   Kn^dni..!   w'lli 

1.1  Wiiliiim  ,\ii,|ri.wa  wna  a. .  ..riliii^ly  ani.l  ..iii 

Ilia  trniia 

ll^lll    HIl.lMij^ 


hnviiifi  Mivi'ii  thn   l'rii|.nt(>li..n  Soi'luty  a  .'oiiy  .,f 


i.iiia  III  |iiiiit  n  |in-(  In  In. linn  nii.l   ilialrihiiln  II 


nliiii.t 


|.ti  ra  o(  Iho  (  H.l  an, I  N,w  'IValniiivi.t 


w.r«  |.rinl...l  111  Niw  Vork   "nloml  Ih. 


thn  I 'hill  I'll  ('■•...liiaiii,   I 


nii.lly  l'iii(i.|a   iiioj   anturul 


\f  Ihr  K,<i,li/  /ur  Ikr   /'r.i;i,ii;,i/i«n  »/  i/,,  l,'t>iii»l,   '.Wi,  Hull ,   t'rrf< 


J.'ar  IV 11"   llu,„i,htry,   llfliinriil    .U 


llnvkiHi!  Ilini.trirnt  Nnit; 


lluok  of  I'oiiitnoh   t'rayar  in   Mohawk  .  for  an 


Tim   Ni'W  Vork   lllalori.nl  H...  i..|y  |,..,. 


rira  Inlkf  /,„ii,/,m  „l,i,„n  „f  llir  Mi.luiak  /'i.iy,,   /(„„<_  (7^7 


laa.a  a  r.ipy  of  lliia,  will,  h  ia  III*   li,,l  ,i,|||i, f  i|,, 


(llott.iK   II.   M.ioaa,  |.>.|  ,  ih,i  IihiiiiimI  I  ilirnrinn  ..f  Hint  vnl 


""»' «""»  "'  'I'"  int.r.-.linK   r.'i..,   w..  arn    IM.I..I.I...I   1,,  ih..  |,olii. 


I  Irantlnlion, 


Nn  I  I  lilio(.i.|{.> 


.arly  lilirnl  na  may  I,. 


'»'■'  '  I ' »       Thn  lolluwiiiK  i"  I'l"  lilli',  "f  whiih  »c 


l.i,.ii. 


ViiKni'okhnith  |  Vonil«rannay.i!iila)(likwn,  | 


^■||||.ln•Ml.ri((llWan(lll    |  ilnfntliB,    Hiyn.{iinno«hao.l.i    I 


n-  I  ,.nn    Niyoh    llaii.l.. w.  y.  on,  |  I  In  «h.a.l..y..a«hti^;i 


Knri)(liwn.lnKhkwi<    |  »fh  ,\.{ay 


ii)ron.|..r..n,i»y.  .,.|„^|l    |  kBni/K'   |    \'..lkii.|..     Kni.il 


Ti-h.iniWfiia.|..|iyoiinh    /,.iii'..iii»    CI 
■'"'•"•ixlil ni       lla.l.liyalnii.iroiiKli 


"•  ' "I  Aa,.   r..atii t    II   N!»,i.|..i,nii    I    »n„«r,  .|,.  A'.ln 


laaw,    Kowi'i.H./ai.i.lauk  |   lt'i//i.,m    A,„t,tm,     Id 


<|.ll.'llllo^„.l^ll      1,1, 


*niliiH  i.^'h     fliiiJtfthi, 


■iwiiiilin  Niyol,  Itao.lrw.yi.iia  ,Niy«.|p,{.,^/|,    [  ul 


'""""       '^l '*»•'!    I  M"ii">"alli»m(i.     'lli.i.|.iiKli«nit«i.kh..KL 


na      Wahooni  | 


I'ilhliuraKKWna  iKhli.'.aK'i  na  onKWuliuonwi' 


•  III  lie  I  •iyu.|..gli*hu!iJ.)okl«iiuiglihoiihli  ntho  nlia.lji.«uJoUgli. 


816 


NOTE  — THE  BOOK  OF  COMMON  PRAYER 


[  The  Uorntnj;  uni  Evening  Prayer,  and  Ood  liii  Meiuage,  tlie  Cburch  Catecliism,  I'uiversal  Supplication  ( I.itanv ),  Som« 
Chapters  of  the  ^ll«lm^  of  thi'  OKI  ami  Now  Testament,  Together  with  other  thing*,  in  the  Muh.iwk  Lnuriuag:     Trani- 
lated  by   Lnwrtnee  Claenr,  'iiulor  tlio  Direotinn  of    Witluwn  Aniirew',  niiai-ionary  to  the  ItitliaHii  fiom  tlia  vcueriibl* 
hu'orporiit>><l  Society  for  the  l*r'opa<;iitioii  of  Oml  his  WonI  llirouj^lioul  the  World. 
Giro  a»  an  Inheritance  to  thy  Son  the  Indian,  and  of  the  World  the  utmost  |>nrt>  for  hie  poseesiiion  ] 

Small  4lo.,  without  date  or  imprint,  and  divi.iei.'.  into  3  part* ;  —  I.  Order  for  daily  Morning  and  Kveniiig  Prayer  through- 
out the  year,  and  Litany.  II.  Psalms  and  a  collection  of  Scripture  sentences.  These  two  parts  embrace  Sign.  A  to  I)d,  pp. 
IIS.  Ill,  The  Church  Catechism,  signatures  A  to  {^  pp.  '21,  addilionnl.  Tbe  portiins  of  Scripture  translated  are  Psalms 
L,  XV.,  XXXII. ;  Genesis,  1.,  II.,  HI.;  and  Miitlhew ;  1.,  11 ,  V. 

In  the  summer  of  17i>2,  Sir  William  .lohnson  communicated  to  the  Ilev.  Dr.  liarclny  his  design  of  getting  out  a  new  edition 
of  the  Indian  Prayer  Book,  under  tlie  inspection  of  that  clergyman  who  had  be/n,  in  early  life,  a  resident  Missionary  to  the 
Mohawks.  Sir  William  accordingly  scut  a  trausiution  of  the  Singing  Psalms,  Communion  service,  that  of  llaptism  and  some 
prayers  to  be  added  to  the  old  t'dilion;  "  and  as  the  S<piare  Figure  reinlercd  that  somewhat  ineoiivcnieiit,"  he  rei|uesled  lh« 
new  one  to  b«  "a  handsotno  small  Octavo. "  An  ai^roeiiient  was  entered  into  witli  William  Weyruan  of  NewVork  to  print 
an  edition  of  400  copies,  for  thirty-six  shillings,  New-York  money,  a  sheet,  exclusive  of  paper.  The  work,  however,  wiis  not 
eomnienced  Lntil  the  fall  of  17(U,  and  before  much  progress  had  been  made.  Dr.  Itarelay  fell  sick.  This  circumslanoa  and  his 
death  in  August,  17C4,  put  a  total  stop  to  the  work  for  two  years.  The  Uev.  Mr.  Ogilvie  who,  like  Mr.  liarelay,  hud  been  a 
Missionary  to  the  Mohawki  and  was  conversant  with  their  language,  was  next  entiusled  with  the  superintendeuco  of  the 
printing,  which  was  again  ioterrup'ed  in  1768  by  the  death  of  Mr.  Weyiuan,  after  having  completeil  only  V  sheets,  that  is, 
signatures  A  to  I,  or  as  far  as  the  74th  page.  Hugh  (iaine  thereupon  undertook  to  complete  the  work,  ami  though  obliged  to 
reprint  signatures  .\  ond  II,  the  printing  was  tinishotl  by  Cliiistniiis,  I'iSg,  and  the  first  bound  copy  of  the  Prayer  Hook 
forwarded  to  Sir  William  Johnson  on  the  2d  of  February.  17l'>U.  .V«ir  -  I'ori  IhKuminturi/  lltMlury,  IV.  a21,  iliU,  ;i40,  yi)4,  ab4, 
886,  4LIS.     The  New-York  Historical  Society  has  a  copy  of  this  secoud  edition  also,  the  Title  of  which  is  as  follows : 

Th«  Order  |  for  Morning  and  Kvening  Prayer,  |  and  Administration  of  the  |  Baeraments  |  and  some  other  |  unices  of  the 
Church,  I  Together  with  |  A  Collection  of  Prayers,  and  some  Scntenees  of  |  the  Holy  Scriptures,  necessary  for 
Knowledge  |  Prsctice.  |  Ne  |  Yagawagh  Niyadcwighniseingo  Vondernenayeuilagli-  |  kwaOrghoongeneneoni  Vogaroskha 
yoghse-  |  ragwewough.  Neoni  Yagawngh  Snkra-  |  menthogoon,  neoni  oya  Adilereanai  {  yent  ne  tlnoghsadogenithtige.  | 
Oiii  I  Ne  Watkeanlssaghloiigh  Oihl'yage  .\ddereanaiyent,  |  neoni  Si.iiyoghthare  ne  Kaghyudogliseradogeaghti,  |  n« 
Wahooni  Ayngoderieandaraggo  neoni  Ayon-  |  dadderighhoeuie.  |  Collected  an<l  translated  into  lb*  Moliavk  \  Langungo 
under  the  Direction  of  the  late  Kev.  |  Mr.  WiHiam  Axdrevi,  tbe  late  Uev.  Dr.  Henri/  |  Barclay,  and  the  Uev.  Mr.  John 
Oglitit:  I  Formerly  Missionaries  from  thevenerable  Society  |  for  the  Propagation  of  'he  Gospel  iu  Foreign  |  Parts,  to  th« 
Maliaiek  Indian:  \  Printed  in  the  Year,  M,DCC,I,.\I.\. 

8vo.     Title  If.  ContenU  If.  Siga  A— lib.  pp.  2i)4. 

Very  few  copies  of  this  edition  remained  among  the  Mohawks  when  Ihay  retired  to  Canada  in  1777.  Apprehansiva 
that  the  liook  might  ba  wholly  lost  in  a  little  time,  and  desirous  of  a  new  supply,  these  Indians  petitioned  General 
Ilaldimand,  then  GoTcrnor  nf  that  Province,  for  a  new  edition.  This  reipiest  was  granted,  and  imt  Ihouiand  copies 
were  ordered  to  be  printed  under  the  supervision  of  (.'olonel  t'lans,  "who,"  tbe  Preface  states,  "read  and  understood 
-'the  Mohawk  hanituage  so  as  to  undertake  the  Correction  of  the  lluok  for  the  Press."  Hut  "as  that  gentlenian's  employ 
"  wouhl  not  permit  him  to  remain  at  Ijuelxc  during  the  whole  printing  of  the  Ilouk,  almost  one-half  of  It  was  corrected 
"at  Montreal  and  sent  weekly  by  half  sheets  to  Quebee,"  until  he  returned  to  the  latter  city  and  finished  "the  ro- 
"mainder  of  the  Hook."  Tha  dittliullies  experienced  by  the  tjuebee  printsr  in  the  composition,  were  ipiite  as  great  as  those 
•ocountered  by  Weyman  and  (iaine  with  the  edition  nf  l7t>U.  He  was  "an  entire  stranger  to  the  Language  anil  obliged  to 
"  go  on  with  the  printing  oi'  it  letter  by  letter,  wliirh  made  it  a  very  lediims  piece  of  work  ;"  accents  wire  now  introduced 
for  the  first  time  to  facilitate  the  pronunciation  of  the  long  words,  "  Paulus  Sahonwiidi,  the  .Moiiawk  Cbrk  and  .Schoolmaster, 
being  present  at  the  eorrrotion  of  every  proof  sheet  to  approve  of  their  being  properly  placed  "  Ily  these  preciutlons  many 
mistakes  of  the  first  edition,  which  ware  copied  in  the  second,  were  avoided.  The  'lowing  is  the  Title  of  this  tjuebeo 
•dition,  from  the  volume  in  our  possession : 

The  Order  |  For  Morning  and  l.venlng  Prayer,  |  And  Administration  of  the  |  Sacraments,  |  and  Suine  other  |  (Iflices  of  tha 
Church  I  of  F.ngland,  |  Together  with  |  A  Collection  of  /Vayers,  and  some  Sentences  of  the  l/iili/  |  Heriplurtt,  necesiary 
for  Knowledge  and  I'raetice.  |  Ne  Yakawra.  |  Niyadewighniserage  Yonderesnaycndakhkwa  Orhoenk^'ne,  |  neoni  Yo- 
garask  lin  Oghseragwegnub  ;  |  Ne  oni  Yakawea,  |  Oiigliwadogeaghti  Vondatnekosseragbs,  |  Tekarigbwageahliadont,  | 
Neoni  ova  AilereAiiarent  no  Onoglisa'logetghiige,  {  Oni  |  Ne  Wntkcanissn-sghtoiih  odd'yitke  Adereaniiiyi-iit  neoni  tsi  | 
niyoglit-bar*  ne  Kaghyadoijhsi'radogiiighti  ne  wnliueni  |  Ayako<lerii'iidaraki'  neoni  Ahondatlerilihonnie.  |  The  Tliiid 
Kilition.  I  Formerly  collected  anil  translated  into  ilia  Afithavk  or  trot/uoig  l,an-  |  guage,  under  the  direction  of  (Ita 
UissiunariM  from  tlie  Vauarable  |  Sooiaty  for  tUa  Propagation  of  tha  Uospal  in  foreigu  Parla,  to  ths  |  Mvhawk  Jndiani.  | 


AND  ITS  TRANSLATORS. 


817 


>'iti.  .wi , ,;;.,-!:::  ;^u:::::'C:T''T'r.:';v  "';r'^""'  •: '"" "" *'•• "-  '"■  <  •<- 

(.WA.r.  I  l>n„...,l  in  ,l,o  V..„r.  M.lKV.I.XXX.  ''  "^        '       '  '       ""  '"""""  '"'""""  '"  "'"  '''"vi'-uf 

8vo.  Till,-  If.  A,iv,.rti/.,.m.,iit  niul  t',.nt..iUi.  !l  pp.  IVxt  pp.  ios. 

.oi!::'':::  :;:;;;:::;;;;;:;;;:;ti:,;i;;;i::::;vr  M:r"^ ";  ^""  ':• «""'-  -^  •""  "••"•-'  '■•  • ->  - --^-'^ 

i"..Tl.,l,  will,  „  (,.„„H|„ti„n  .,ri,  i„i„  .M„,,„U  l,v  (■„„„,  u       .    i    ."'"  ''"\"""  '"'•'""■"•  "'■'  ""»l-'  "f  H(.  M,„.|.  i. 

;;•"■—-■'■' ' '."--..s:;;::::,;;:;:;t'i^:;;:-':;^ - '---'^^ 

'I'l.n  li„„k  of  I  G..i.,m„M  IVbv.t.  I  Ami  A,li..lni.t,ati„n  „f  tl„. 


S«o.«n.,Mm  I  nn.l  oll.or  |  l{it..>«  iin.l  f,.,-...ii„ni..,  |  „f  ,i,„  | 
niuroli,  I  n,'o<,r.lin«loilion«.,„flli„  |  ('l„iiol,  „f  Kn^UncI:  | 
toK,.||„.rwitl.  I  A  Coll,.,.! ion  of  0,.,.ii»i„nal  l-,„y,.,»  ,,,,.1  I 
-livors  ,S..nl.,„o..-  of  |  Holy  Soript,,,-,.,  |  .\>r.»...r.v  /or 
A  «,.»/„/,„ „u,l  rnutkf.  I  l'o.ni,..!y  ,.ol|,.,.|,,,l,  „,„!  lr,„",H|„t..,l 
inlo  (1,0  Moliiiwk   l,,ln^.;.m^.,•  |  .,n(l,T   Ih,.    ,lii-,.oli„n  of   tl„. 

Mi«»io,.n,.i,„  of   ll,„   Sooi,.(y  for    ll„.  |  l',.op„,r„ii ■   ,|„. 

(Jo.p..|  in  Kor,.|uM,  l',i,-.^,  (o  ll„.  Mnlmwk  |  In.li.MiK.  |  A  Now 
I'Milion:  I  (o  wl,ii.h  i«,„|,|,.,i  I  Tlo.  (io«p..|  ...M.oi-.linK  I"  ^U 
Murk,  I   I'limNl,.!,.,!  inio  ll„.  Moloiwk  l,,iiiKn«K,.,  |  lly  C.pln. 
■'""'■I'l'     Uninl,  I  .(„    /,„/,„„    „f   ,/„    ,,/„/,„^<.     ,v„„.„„    I 
I-,n(lon:  (  Prin    .1  hy  0,   lluektoii,  (in.f  rultnov  S(r,...t,  | 
Ooldoii  HiiuHro.     nti7. 


N,.  V,ik«w,.n  I  V.,n.l,.r..an,.> ,l,i«|,kw„  |  ()«l„i,.r«K,v,.|;o„l,,  | 

.i.'oni     y«k,av,.„  |  .„,    (»ri,,;l,w.i.lo,;,.,.,;l,lv  |  Nun,|„|„„k„,'.,. 

rn,!l,»  I  nooni  ,  •lVkn>i>;l,w„.;,.|,|„„ ,,  |  „^.„u„i  |  A,|,„„„n 

n.Viil,  I  n«  f,.|in  nikiiiiwnko  |  K,l,lil*illl.l,Hl,l|„y^,„„„  | 
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•"•'  Kii'l  r»»r  —Kb, 


Vol.  VII 1. 


lOiJ 


-»- 


FOR  CENKRAr,  ,m,«  TO  I„,3  WORK,  SEE  LAST  VOLUME. 


